Whales, Bears and Flying Beavers

Nestled between mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver rivals the most beautiful cities in the world. The largest city of Canada’s British Columbia province is worth exploring by land, sea or air. ;;; ;;; The city centre of Vancouver can easily be explored on foot. A good starting point for this is Gastown that features the famous Steam Clock and borders Chinatown to the east. Enjoy Downtown Vancouver right to Granville Island where you will find excellent opportunities to shop. ;;; ;;; Those who prefer to explore the area from the water can do so by public ferry that departs from Waterfront Station at Canada Place. Vancouverites from East and West Vancouver use this connection to commute into the city. Or how about booking a water-taxi tour? Fun in and by the water can also be had at English Bay Beach or Kitsilano Beach. “Kits” Beach (as the latter is commonly referred to) also features a heated saltwater pool for chillier days. Situated just west of the city on the University Endowment Lands, Wreck Beach is considered an insider tip and best combined with a visit to the Museum of Anthropology. ;;; ;;; Enjoy great views of the city from the viewing deck of the Harbour Center skyscraper that stands 150 metres tall. Or treat yourself to an airborne sightseeing tour in a flying “Beaver and Otter”, which is a typically Canadian propeller-powered floatplane used throughout the country.

Anyone taking to the air in Vancouver will have plenty to see. Besides buses and boats, flying “Beavers and Otters” offer an ideal mode of transport to enjoy the plethora of sights. These propeller-powered floatplanes operate throughout the country and alight on Canada’s myriad lakes.

A city of superlatives

Vancouver consistently figures among the top cities in worldwide rankings for liveability and quality of life. The combination of urban life by the sea and proximity to mountains greatly contributes to this. But it is also the proverbial Canadian friendliness that makes visitors feel instantly welcome, which explains why Vancouver is so popular and highly recommended for language stays.

Vancouver is famous for its parks, with Lynn Canyon Park figuring as the Vancouverite’s preferred choice. Stanley Park is one of the largest urban green spaces in North America. Considered one of the world’s most spectacular footbridges, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is another landmark not to be missed. This excursion is best combined with Grouse Mountain, the “Peak of Vancouver”, which offers great skiing in winter and the chance to see orphaned grizzly bears and wolves in their wildlife refuge in summer. ;;; ;;; British Columbia offers abundant opportunities to discover indigenous culture. The beautiful traditional totem poles are up to fifteen metres tall and can be admired in Stanley Park, among other places. Visitors interested in learning more about the culture of Western Canada’s indigenous peoples are recommended to visit the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia (UBC) or the Royal British Museum in Victoria.

High mountains, warm weather

Big adventures are to be had outside the city. Visit Victoria, the charming capital city of British Columbia, and experience Canada’s wide expanses on the ferry-crossing from Vancouver. Victoria has interesting cultural attractions and is the perfect starting point to explore nature. Whale watching tours are very popular and offer a chance to see orca, humpback and other whales. The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is the place to truly experience the island. Or why not rent a car and take off to wherever you feel inspired to go! ;;; ;;; The enormous ski resort of Whistler, which includes three glaciers, can be reached from Vancouver by car within two hours. With the Coast Mountains serving as a barrier to cold fronts, Vancouver has one of the mildest climates of all major cities in Canada. It is perfect for camping – followed by travelling across the rest of Canada in a campervan.

By the way, a holiday in British Columbia can be wonderfully combined with a trip to Banff or Jasper National Park, with the option of booking a return flight with Edelweiss from Calgary, Alberta.

Information for golf fans

A holiday that includes golf, or a golfing holiday? What a great decision to have to make! Let our special page inspire and inform you:

• Edelweiss golf tips