A vacation to Vancouver means a lot of things to a lot of people! For some, it means a chance to step out into nature. Vancouver's landscape, which includes everything from shorelines to forests to mountains, offers visitors the chance to swim, ski, snowboard, hike, kayak or simply take a stroll through Stanley Park - the largest inner-city park in Canada! For others, it means a chance to explore a bustling urban center full of cultural events, shopping opportunities and lively nightlife.

Vancouver's people are as diverse as the landscape. A visitor to Vancouver might notice evidence of the city's strong British history, the aboriginal people who first settled the land or the large population of Asian and European inhabitants who are proud to call Vancouver home. The province's two official languages are English and French but 30% of the population cite Mandarin and Cantonese as their "mother tongue.

" A visit to the famous Chinatown Night Market will help you capture the city's ethnic diversity - and the market is full of wonderful art and cultural artifacts that will excite many shoppers!

Vancouver is packed with great attractions and activities to amuse and excite kids of all ages! An afternoon at the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre is brimming with educational exhibits and live shows featuring sea lions, dolphins and beluga whales! The Gastown area of Vancouver is a great place to soak up the city's atmosphere, see a working steam-powered clock, visit unique shops and enjoy a drink at one of the pubs. For the ultimate shopping experience, head to Robson Street where you'll find everything from small boutique shops to larger high-end fashion chains. A trip to Grouse Mountain leads to a fun day of hiking or skiing depending on the season. And a stroll through the Capilano Suspension Bridge & Park provides thrills, great views and a chance to learn about the native people of the region. There is so much to do in Vancouver, you'll want to come back!