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Vancouver, British Columbia is the largest city in Western Canada, and third largest in Canada. The Vancouver area is located at the southwestern corner of the coastal province of British Columbia. It is well known for its majestic natural beauty, as it is nestled between the coastal mountains and the Pacific Ocean. It is frequently ranked as one of the "best cities to live in" and is certainly a beautiful destination to visit. Vancouver features sights and activities that the whole family can enjoy, from long walks in Stanley Park, to touring the world-famous Vancouver Aquarium and the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Vancouver is a city for the senses.
Stanley Park is Vancouver's first park and is located in an evergreen oasis of over a thousand acres. It's situated close to the heart downtown Vancouver. The park features a beautiful backdrop of forestry including gorgeous fir and cedar trees. The park is a haven for birds such as ducks, swans, and Canadian geese. In addition to the beautiful surroundings, the park is also home to a golf course, Rose Garden, miniature railway, and a children's water park. One of the most talked about attractions in the city, the Vancouver Aquarium, also calls Stanley Park home.
 The Vancouver Aquarium features more than 20,000 different animals including Beluga whales, dolphins, air breathing fish and giant snakes. The aquarium specializes in frogs and animals of the Pacific Northwest. The most popular exhibits are: Tropical Pacific, Amazon Frogs, Native Marine Life, and Marine Mammals. Other notable exhibits include: The Amazon Rainforest which features Anacondas, Caimans, tree frogs, sloths and the Strait of Georgia Tank which houses Wolf Eels, octopi, and rock fish. A day at the Aquarium might be a bit hectic with the crowds so what better way to unwind than to relax and meditate at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden?
In the heart of bustling downtown Vancouver, The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden offers a cultural experience like no other. It is a feast for the senses and the mind, acclaimed for providing peace, tranquility, and a delight for the nature lover, cultural tourist, philosopher, and sightseeing visitor. Originally designed by Taoist poets, classical gardens were meant to create an atmosphere of tranquility for contemplation and inspiration. The Chinese calligraphic inscription above the entrance to the Garden means "Garden of Ease." There are four major elements in the Garden: water, rock, plants and architecture. The relationship of these four elements reflects the Taoist belief in Yin and Yang--opposites that must be in balance to create harmony.
 Now that you've visited several of the more popular Vancouver attractions, its now time to eat. There is food of all types in this great city, most notably the vast amounts of Asian food that is available. If you fancy sushi (or have not tried it yet) many places offer "all you can eat" lunches for $9.99. In Vancouver you are likely to dine better and for cheaper than most other places in North America. Most meals, not including beverage, will cost around $10.00, and at one of the more expensive restaurants in the city, $70.00 will get you a four course meal with exquisite service. The highest density of restaurants is in Kitsilano or the West End. The City Center has many of the high end restaurants either along Robson Street or associated with the many hotels in the downtown area. East Van tends to have many authentic ethnic restaurants. Vancouver is also famous for its dim sum restaurants. Because of the large Chinese population, the price and quality of dim sum here is among the best in the world.
For Vancouver hotel rates begin your search here, or you can read more about the Vancouver area and look for hotel rates in other British Columbia cities at the Best Western Hotels of British Columbia website www.bestwesternbc.com. To receive more Vancouver information, read more about Vancouver attractions or look for visitor guides visit the Vancouver Tourism site at www.tourismvancouver.com.
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