your personalised ebrochure rocky mountaineer offer · national park to form unesco-listed...

njt Iow

Your personalised eBrochure

Rocky Mountaineer OfferRocky Mountaineer OfferRocky Mountaineer OfferRocky Mountaineer OffereBrochure ref: PDF461284PDF461284PDF461284PDF461284created: 17 October 2015

call Not Just Travel Isle of Wight direct on:

01983716727019837167270198371672701983716727

Rocky Mountaineer Special Offer

7 day first Passage to the West Package

INCLUDES• Return flights and transfers• 2 days onboard the Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf Service, 6 nights hotel accommodation, various meals andsightseeing

SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS 2 day all-daylight journey onboard the award-winning Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeafService, breathtaking Canadian Rockies landscapes, the Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse Canyon, Rogers Pass, Hell’s Gate inFraser Canyon and overnights in Calgary, Lake Louise, Kamloops and Vancouver

SilverLeaf Servicefrom £1,619pp

Valid for travel: 15 May - 19 Jun 16 on selected dates other dates are available – ask for details

WHY NOT ADD • Upgrade to Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service from £238pp • 7 nights Alaska Glacier Cruise, fullboard from £589pp

Prices subject to availability and based on two people sharing.

Your personalised e-Brochure

Rocky Mountaineer OfferRocky Mountaineer OfferRocky Mountaineer OfferRocky Mountaineer OffereBrochure ref: PDF461284PDF461284PDF461284PDF461284

call Not Just Travel Isle of Wight direct on 01983716727019837167270198371672701983716727

Canadian Rocky MountainsPlaces to Visit

Sightseeing

Tourism in southwestern Alberta revolves primarily around the national parks which showcase the gloriousRockies. Calgary is the gateway to the Rockies in Alberta, and generally the starting point forholidaymakers heading into the mountainous national parks. In fact, for many visitors, the first view of themountains is earned by climbing to the Observation Deck of the Calgary Tower. The most frequentedwilderness areas are enclosed within Banff National Park, Waterton Lakes National Park and JasperNational Park.

Jasper National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, deep in the Rockies, where the main attraction isthe Columbia Icefields, consisting of eight giant glaciers. Lake Louise, a surreally turquoise lake tricklingout of an ancient glacier in Banff National Park, is one of the must-see sights in the Rockies. There areeven some natural hot springs in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, near Banff, which make a greatexcursion on a freezing winter's day. Waterton Lakes National Park combines with Montana's GlacierNational Park to form UNESCO-listed Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, offering spectacularlandscapes.

Popular activities in the Canadian Rockies include hiking, skiing, cross-country skiing, ice and rockclimbing, dog-sledding, horse riding, paddling and more. Visitors should note that the national parks havestringent rules about sports which damage the environment, and some activities are only allowed outsidepark boundaries.




CalgaryOverview

Calgary is situated 200 miles (322km) north of the US border, on the banks of the Bow River, below theRocky Mountains. Although Alberta's second city, Edmonton, is the state capital, Calgary is the largest,offering all the trappings of urban life as the territory's commercial and cultural centre, along with thepleasure of enjoying the dramatic countryside that surrounds the city. Splendid national parks flourishingon Calgary's doorstep act as a magnet for hikers, fishermen and lovers of the great outdoors. The city,set on the Trans-Canada highway, is also the gateway to the Rocky Mountain resorts, which in winterattract skiers from all over the continent.

The downtown area of Calgary not only serves as a shopping, entertainment, cultural and recreation centrefor locals, but it is also a tourist centre for more than four million visitors a year who come for the touristattractions and annual festivals, wonderful parks and open spaces, and a selection of excellent shops,restaurants, cafes and bistros. The city is probably best known for the Calgary Stampede, a world-classcowboy carnival and rodeo that draws more than a million people every year to watch the action and beentertained by its accompanying festivities.

For over 10,000 years the site on which Calgary sits today was home to the Blackfoot Indians; the firstEuropean settlers did not arrive until 1860. Colonel James Macleod established the small trading post, FortCalgary, named after Calgary Bay on his native Isle of Mull in Scotland. The Pacific Railway reached thetown in 1883, but it was not until the discovery of oil in Turner Valley, 22 miles (35km) southwest of thecity, that the population started to explode. Wander the streets in your Stetson beneath the sparklingskyscrapers built on the back of the oil boom, dine on a juicy steak in a saloon with country music playingin the background, and it will be hard to decide whether you are in Calgary or Texas.

Places to Visit

Sightseeing

Calgary's bustling metropolis and vibrant culture are worth exploring, but sightseeing in Calgary isdominated by the natural wonders that surround the city. Calgary is the gateway to Alberta's manyimpressive landscapes, which include mountain lakes, rolling prairies, and icy glaciers.

If you do find yourself exploring the city there are many museums and cultural sites in Calgary worthvisiting, all located within easy distance of the city centre. The Glenbow Museum is Alberta's largesthistory museum, with nearly 30,000 artefacts from Canada's history, with a cafe, shop, library andarchives also onsite. The Tsuu T'ina Museum looks more specifically at the history of the Sarcee tribe,complete with antique headdresses and a model teepee. Another museum worth noting is the Cantos MusicFoundation, which traces the evolution of the piano, and has over 400 different keyboard instruments ondisplay.

The Heritage Park Historic Village takes a living look at Canada's history, with an antique midway,old-fashioned bakery and candy store, and authentic steam train among the attractions. Fort Calgary isanother place to explore frontier life, with 40 acres of land set up to resemble life in 1875. The DeaneHouse Historic Site and Restaurant is located at Fort Calgary as well.

Calgary was the host for the 1988 Olympics, and you can tour facilities like the Olympic Oval skatingarena; McMahon Stadium, which hosted the opening and closing ceremony; and Olympic Plaza, which wasbuilt at one of Canada's best skiing hills and offers mountain biking, rock climbing, bungee jumping andluge rides in the summer; and skiing (cross-country and downhill), snowboarding, and bobsled rides in thewinter.

Prince's Island Park brings nature into the heart of the city, with fishing sites and a network of hiking andbiking trails. The park also features the Eau Claire Market, with its array of funky boutiques, restaurants,theatres and art galleries.




Glenbow Museum

Region/City:CalgaryLocated in the heart of Calgary, opposite the tower, the Glenbow Museum is Canada's largest museum,with more than 93,000 square feet (8,640 sq metres) of exhibition space, spread over three floors. Ithouses more than a million objects that fill up its 20 galleries and showcase the colourful history ofCanada's West. Explore the exhibits to discover the people, stories and events that shaped the regionfrom its First Nations to the arrival of the European settlers. There is a family-friendly Discovery Room,which is an open studio full of educational activities and crafts that bring the museum to life. A specialfeature is the Blackfoot Gallery, which tells the story of the Nitsitapi people through interactive displays,artefacts, a film and circular narrative path. There are also some 28,000 artworks dating from the 19thcentury to the present on display in the museum. Glenbow's library is a treasure trove of referencematerials on western Canada and the Glenbow Archives are a major research centre for historians, writers,students and the media.

Calgary Zoo

Region/City:CalgaryCanada's second largest zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals from all over the world, as well as avariety of fish and insects in natural habitat enclosures. It also features a prehistoric park with 19 life-sizeanimatronic dinosaurs on display. The botanic gardens include a 20,000 square foot (1,858 sq m)conservatory and butterfly garden and a special Rocky Mountain exhibit featuring many indigenous Albertaanimals, including the endangered Whooping Crane. The zoo is situated close to the downtown area, on StGeorge's Island, and is a wonderful treat for the whole family.

Fort Calgary

Region/City:CalgaryThis historical site chronicles Calgary's history between 1875 and the 1940s and allows visitors to stepback in time and explore the early days of the city through interactive exhibits, costumed interpreters,hands on activities, guided tours and an entertaining audio-visual presentation. Fort Calgary is situated onthe site of an original North West Mounted Police Fort and is designed to preserve the history of thefounding, development and growth of the city. The 40-acre riverside park includes the reconstructed 1875fort, 1888 barracks, the interpretive centre and Deane House Historic Site and Restaurant.

Moraine Lake

Region/City:CalgaryLocated within Banff National Park, close to the popular resort towns of Lake Louise and Banff, Moraine isan utterly spectacular glacially-fed lake. Due to 'rock flour' - tiny particles of suspended sediment - thelake is a vivid turquoise colour, and on a clear day, reflects the surrounding mountains in its mirror-smoothsurface. There is plenty to see and do in the snow-capped, pine-strewn 'Valley of the Ten Peaks', includingan assortment of scenic hiking trails, and kayaks can be rented from The Lodge, an on-site cafe that alsoserves wonderful food and refreshments. If you are without a car, getting to Moraine can be difficult,though not impossible: take a Greyhound bus to Banff station, and from there you can either walk the ninemiles (14km) to the lake; rent a bicycle; take a taxi; or make use of the Park-run Vista shuttle service,which departs every 30 minutes from the Lake Louise campsite.

Heritage Park Historical Village

Region/City:CalgaryHeritage Park is a 'living history village', comprised of more than 180 exhibitions that attempt to show whatlife was like in Alberta in the 19th and 20th centuries. Set on 127 beautiful acres of parkland, and locatedjust 15 minutes from Calgary's central business district, Heritage Park makes for a worthwhile daytrip,especially if you have kids in tow. Highlights include steam train rides, and an impressive collection ofvintage automobiles. Thousands of genuine historical artefacts have been used in the creation of the park,while other buildings and scenes have been faithfully recreated. Costumed interpreters educate andentertain visitors, bringing the history to life.

Canada Olympic Park

Region/City:Calgary




Canada Olympic Park was a major venue during the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, and now hosts skiingand snowboarding programmes every winter; as well as housing the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame andMuseum. COP (as it's known to locals) remains a chief tourist attraction for casual visitors and wintersports enthusiasts alike. The park is operated by WinSport Canada, and is used year-round. In summer itis used for sports like mountain biking, and there are obstacle courses and zip lines to conquer. COP isalso frequently used as a venue for festivals and events in Calgary.

Calgary Tower

Region/City:CalgaryThe city's most recognisable structure, Calgary Tower is a must-visit landmark which looms 626 feet(191m) above the city. The glass-floored observation deck offers spectacular, 360 degree views of thecity below, and there's a revolving restaurant on offer, as well. Tours of the city are offered by guides onthe Observation Deck, allowing visitors to take in many of the city's major attractions from their vantagepoint in the sky. Calgary's Tourist Information Centre is located at the base of the tower, a useful stop forall visitors, and there are also gift shops selling Calgary souvenirs and the like.

Calaway Park

Region/City:CalgaryThe kids won't let you get away with not visiting Calaway Park, western Canada's largest outdooramusement park. Open seven days a week during the warmer months, this outdoor park does close duringthe frosty Alberta winters - check the calendar on the official website listed below for exact opening datesand times. Calaway Park is the ideal destination for a fun-filled family outing, with 32 thrilling rides and lotsof other kinds of entertainment. The park has been in operation for more than three decades and is greatlyenjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

Region/City:CalgaryA 'buffalo jump' is a ledge of rock traditionally used to lure stampeding buffalo to their deaths. This one notonly has an wonderfully descriptive name, but is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, proudly displayingexhibitions detailing the life and history of the Blackfoot people, the original inhabitants of the Great Plainsregion of southern Alberta. It is one of the oldest, largest and best preserved buffalo jumps in the worldand was used by the native people for about 6,000 years. It is now a remarkable archaeological site andwell worth a visit for any traveller interested in Canadian history.




VancouverOverview

Nicknamed Hollywood North for the ever-present film crews, Canada's west coast gem of Vancouver isyoung, thriving and diverse, boasting the perfect combination of wild natural beauty and all the modernconveniences. Named after Royal Navy sea captain George Vancouver, who sailed into the Burrard Inleton the British Columbian coast in 1792, Vancouver was barely even a town 100 years ago. Today, morethan two million people call it home, and the shiny futuristic towers of Yaletown and the downtown corecontrast dramatically with the snow-capped mountain backdrop, providing ample beauty among the bustleof Canada's third biggest city.

Approximately the same size as the downtown area, the city's green heart is Canada's largest city park,Stanley Park, covering hundreds of acres filled with lush forest and crystal clear lakes. Visitors can wanderthe sea wall along the exterior of the park, catch a free trolley bus tour, a horse-drawn carriage ride or visitthe Vancouver Aquarium housed within the park. The city's past is preserved in historic Gastown with itscobblestone streets, steam powered clock and quaint feel, though this is combined with expensive souvenirshops and galleries aimed at tourists. Neighbouring Chinatown, with its weekly market, Dr Sun Yat-Senclassical Chinese gardens and restaurants adds an exotic flair. For some retail therapy or celebrityspotting, there is always the trendy Robson Street.

During the winter months snow sports are the order of the day on nearby Grouse Mountain, perfect forskiing and snowboarding, although the city itself gets more rain than snow. Vancouver's incredible ethnicdiversity and combination of mountains, sea and city, offers visitors an endless supply of things to seeand do, no matter the budget.

Places to Visit

Sightseeing

Brimming in history and culture, Vancouver is one fascinating city and has plenty of sightseeingopportunities for everyone. From museums and historic and trendy neighbourhoods to botanical gardensand Granville Island, visitors will have no problem finding things to see and do in Vancouver.

Explore Chinatown and soak up the culture, colour and eateries, or visit the exciting enclave of Gastownfamous for its cobblestone streets, antique gaslights and pulsing nightlife. Nature lovers should head to theVanDusen Botanical Garden, Stanley Park and Queen Elizabeth Park for an invigorating day out, andculture vultures will love the Museum of Anthropology and the Vancouver Art Gallery.

For a panoramic view of the city, climb 'nature's stairmaster' up to Grouse Mountain, or take the tram for aless strenuous trip. You can also ride to the top of Vancouver lookout for 360 degree views. The CapilanoSuspension Bridge in North Vancouver allows visitors to walk from treetop to treetop on delicate walkwayssuspended dozens of metres above the forest floor.

Visitors should consider purchasing a See Vancouver and Beyond Smartvisit Card, which gives the beareraccess to 50 attractions in and around Vancouver as well as maps and travel tips. Two, three and five-daySmartvisit cards are available for adults and children.

Stanley Park

Region/City:VancouverThe pride of Vancouver's network of parks and gardens, Stanley Park, covering 1,000 acres (405hectares), is one of the largest parks in any urban centre in North America. Situated in the heart ofVancouver's densely populated West End, stretching out on a peninsula and surrounded on three sides bywater, Stanley Park is at once a refuge for visitors seeking a brief escape from the urban jungle, ashowcase for the natural beauty that surrounds the city, and an entertainment centre. The park is criss-crossed through its dense rainforest interior by miles of wide gravel paths surrounding Beaver Lake and




Lost Lagoon. It is home to hundreds of migratory birds such as Canada geese, swans and ducks, and largepopulations of racoons, squirrels, skunks and coyotes. The park has a miniature railroad, putt-putt golfcourse, and an aquarium. It is also possible to walk, jog, cycle or rollerblade around the long seawall thatencircles the perimeter.

Museum of Anthropology

Region/City:VancouverIn the west of Vancouver, at the University of British Columbia on the cliffs of Point Grey, totem polesmark the way to the Museum of Anthropology, world-renowned for its displays of Northwest Coast FirstNations art. One of its main features is the world's largest collection of works by internationally acclaimedHaida artist Bill Reid, including his famous cedar sculpture 'The Raven and the First Men'. In the museum'sunique Visible Storage Galleries more than 15,000 objects and artefacts from around the world are arrangedaccording to culture and use. In the grounds of the museum are two Haida houses to be admired, showingthe dramatic beauty of traditional Northwest Coast architecture.

Chinatown

Region/City:VancouverVancouver's Chinatown is not only a strong, established ethnic community, but also a popular touristattraction and prosperous commercial district. Its bustling streets are full of colour and commerce; eventhe pagoda-topped telephone booths add to the atmosphere. Shop displays spill onto the pavements, andtables groan with the weight of exotic foodstuffs and the strange wares of the Chinese apothecaries.TheSam Kee Building in Pender Street is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as being the narrowestbuilding in the world, at only six-foot (two metres) wide. This was the result of a local property ownerreacting to the expropriation of most of his land in 1912 for the widening of the street: Chang Toy decidedto build what he could on the remaining tiny strip.Another main attraction in Chinatown is the Dr SunYat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, enclosed behind high walls, that was built in 1986 at a cost of C$5.3-million with the craftsmen and materials all imported from China. It is a quiet haven of walkways, pavilions,gnarled trees, water features and natural rock sculptures. Next door to the Garden is the Chinese CulturalCentre with its elaborate gated entrance hand-painted in traditional colours.

Gastown

Region/City:VancouverThe fascinating little historic enclave of Gastown, in the central core area of Vancouver, alongsideChinatown, transports visitors back in time to envision the city in days of old, with its cobbled streets,antique gaslights, Victorian architecture and maze of narrow alleys, courtyards and passages wherein hideboutiques and restaurants. Gastown was named after Vancouver's first settler and saloon owner, Jack"Gassy" Deighton, whose historic hotel was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1886 along with much of thecity. The fire swept through the town in less than an hour, leaving only two of the 400 or so housesstanding."Gassy" Jack has been immortalised with a statue in Maple Tree Square in Gastown. Another pointof interest is the Lamplighter Pub in the Dominion Hotel, which was the first Vancouver inn to serve alcoholto women. The Europe Hotel was the first fireproof building in western Canada, having been built just afterthe fire in 1892. Gastown keeps time with the world's first steam clock, which plays the Westminsterchimes every 15 minutes on five brass steam whistles inside its cast bronze case. These and many otherinteresting corners of Gastown can be explored on a daily walking tour, offered at 2pm each day betweenJune and August, which starts at the Gassy Jack statue and takes 90 minutes.

Grouse Mountain

Region/City:VancouverOn Vancouver's north shore, just a 15-minute drive from the downtown area across the Lions Gate Bridge,is the year-round mountaintop playground of Grouse Mountain. Ascending the mountain is part of theadventure in the Super Skyride, a passenger tram that glides up the steep mountain slopes carryingvisitors up 3,700ft (1,100m) above sea level in just eight minutes. At the top, apart from magical views ofthe city below, is the 'Theatre in the Sky', which offers a high-tech presentation about Vancouver. There isalso a cedar longhouse called the Hiwus Feasthouse that offers the chance to experience native WestCoast culture with displays of dancing, storytelling, chanting and native cuisine. There are hiking trails upthe side of Grouse Mountain and on the east side one of them features the Grouse Grind, which is billed asthe world's biggest stair-climb. Mountain biking is also a popular pursuit on the mountainside, as is, of




course, skiing and snowboarding in the winter months.

Queen Elizabeth Park

Region/City:VancouverTransformed from an ugly stone quarry in the 1950s, the exquisite Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver nowboasts lush gardens bursting with flowers, live theatre, the Bloedel Floral Conservatory, a restaurant, aPitch and Putt course and much more. The park receives about six million visitors annually who come toenjoy a 360 degree view of Vancouver from its highest point, 505 feet (167m) above sea level. TheBloedel Floral Conservatory, with its characteristic geodesic dome, is home to more than 100 species oftropical birds that roam free in the area, as well as hundreds of species of exotic plants and flowers. Otherhighlights of the park include the Quarry Garden, J. Seward Johnson's sculpture 'The Photo Session', theLions Clock and the arboretum, with its fine examples of indigenous trees from across Canada. Spring isan excellent time to visit the park as it becomes a riot of colour, with white and pink cherry blossoms andall sorts of flowers displaying their finest.

Granville Island

Region/City:VancouverWhat was once a run-down industrial area in Vancouver is now a thriving entertainment and shoppingcentre, with a vibrant market central to the island's activities, as well as the Emily Carr Institute of Art andDesign, a theatre and brewery. The island is easily accessible, located in the middle of Vancouver underthe Granville Street Bridge on the south shore of False Creek, and linked by a road to the city, barelyseeming like a separate entity, but a relaxing 'city break' nonetheless.The public market is a riot of colours,smells, tastes and fresh produce, fresh meats and fish, flowers, tasty treats, crafts, clothing andsouvenirs are all on offer. The separate Kids Market is a must for children, with toy stores, games andmore, and the Maritime Market is a showcase for boat-builders, with a museum and tours, as well asappropriate boating clothing and supplies. Visits to the Granville Island Brewing Company and taste-tests oftheir brews are possible, or, for something more cultural, one can catch a show at the Island's theatre orenjoy a student art show at the Emily Carr Institute. The island has the biggest free waterpark in BritishColumbia, open May to September. Perhaps the best way to enjoy the island, however, is to grabsomething to eat from one of the many stalls, choose a table outside and watch the people go by, or takea self-guided tour, being sure not to miss the picturesque houseboats.

Lonsdale Quay

Region/City:VancouverSituated in North Vancouver, Lonsdale Quay offers spectacular views of downtown Vancouver and itsharbour, as well as the north shore mountains, and a variety of shops, restaurants and an excellent publicmarket. The best way to experience the quay is to catch the SeaBus from Waterfront Station on CordovaStreet in downtown Vancouver, a fifteen-minute ride that allows one to relax and enjoy the view, watchseaplanes land and see what cruise ships are in the harbour, before embarking on some retail therapy. Themarket, though slightly smaller than that of Granville Island, boasts mouth-watering fresh goods, fromseafood to fresh fruit and vegetables, pastries and sweets, and there is a wide range of restaurantsavailable, including Mexican, Greek, Japanese, Indian and more. There are also a variety of stalls selling allsorts of arts and crafts, souvenirs and clothing, and the retail level boasts plenty of boutiques, a kids playarea and specialty kids stores, topped by the Lonsdale Quay Hotel. A climb up the quay's signature redtower with its large Q on top is a good way to work off all the delicious food and to enjoy spectacular viewsof the city and mountains.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

Region/City:VancouverBuilt in 1889, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of Vancouver's oldest and most popular touristattractions, with plenty of activities and sights in the park for visitors to enjoy, besides the bridge itself.Stretching 450 feet (137m) across and perched 230 feet (70m) above the Capilano River, the bridge wasoriginally made of cedar planks and hemp rope, but is now a more sturdy construction of reinforced steeland concrete; though still not for the faint-hearted. A recent addition to the park is the Treetops Adventure,where elevated suspension bridges allow visitors a spectacular view of the rainforest, while they walkabove the forest floor between Douglas Fir trees. Other attractions in the park include a story centre, aFirst Nations Cultural Centre where visitors can see carvers, weavers and beaders at work, a large




collection of First Nations Totem Poles, and guided tours of the rainforest. Admission includes all thesesights and activities, and there are also several food options and a shop.

Vancouver Art Gallery

Region/City:VancouverEstablished in 1931, the Vancouver Art Gallery boasts thousands of national and international exhibitionsby a range of artists, sculptors and photographers, housed in a turn-of-the-century heritage building in thecentre of downtown Vancouver. The building also houses a cafe and shop. National and international touringexhibitions take place regularly at the gallery, from Picasso to Rodin, Andy Warhol and others. Whetheryou prefer the Old Masters or more contemporary artists, the Vancouver Art Gallery is well worth paying avisit. Check out the official website listed below for details on current temporary exhibitions.

Vancouver Lookout at the Harbour Centre

Region/City:VancouverPerhaps one of the best ways to begin one's visit to Vancouver is with a trip up the Harbour Centre Towerto the Lookout, where one can enjoy a 360 degree view of the city, Greater Vancouver, the North Shoremountains and on a clear day, even neighbouring Vancouver Island. A 45-second trip in the outdoor glass-fronted Skylift elevator delivers visitors to the Lookout and informative signs point out key attractions inthe city and surrounds. As tickets are valid for the entire day and evening, visitors can also enjoy a cup ofcoffee while watching the sunset from the Lookout or see the lights of the city begin to twinkle below. Thetower is also home to The Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant, and visitors can enjoy the uniqueexperience of dining above the city while the restaurant completes a full revolution every hour. The Skyliftto the restaurant is free. The Harbour Centre itself is home to part of the Simon Fraser University campus,several shops and a food court.

VanDusen Botanical Garden

Region/City:VancouverWith 22 hectares (55 acres) and roughly 11,000 different plant species, VanDusen Botanical Garden is aspectacular showcase of the natural world, right in the heart of Vancouver. Landscaped gardens are laid outexquisitely and specific areas are cultivated to demonstrate botanical relationships or geographical origins,such as the popular Rhododendron Walk or the Sino Himalayan Garden.One of the most popular eventsheld in the garden is the annual Festival of Lights, when the beauty of the flowers is matched by over amillion dazzling lights, set up in order to celebrate the festive season. Choirs and carol singers, visits withSanta, a Dancing Light display on Lake Island in the park, the Golden Chain Walk, magicians and tastytreats are all part of this family favourite, running from 9-31 December each year. Daily walking and carttours are available in the garden from April to October at 2pm and also at 11am on Wednesdays.

Commercial Drive

Region/City:VancouverCommercial Drive is as non-commercial as it gets, one of Vancouver's most eclectic, and increasinglytrendy, neighbourhoods. What started out as a skid road for the lumber industry in the late 1800s, swiftlybecame a neighbourhood of English tradesmen and shopkeepers with the birth of the interurban railway.World War I brought an influx of Chinese, Italian and Eastern European immigrants, and World War II saw avast increase in the Italian population, earning the drive the moniker 'Little Italy' for many years. Diversityand energy are still the hallmarks of this area, and an afternoon is well spent exploring its varioustreasures, from all types of food to chic boutiques, second-hand stores, live music venues and more. Goice-skating at the Britannia Community Centre rink or bowling at the Grandview Lanes, enjoy a deliciousItalian gelato or espresso, or simply grab a table at one of the many bars or restaurants, and people watch.There are always plenty of festivals and events going on, too, such as the Parade of Lost Souls on theSaturday before Halloween, the Stone Soup Festival in May, and the Eastside Culture Crawl in November.

Gulf Islands

Region/City:VancouverTucked in the Strait of Georgia, in between Vancouver Island and the mainland, are the picturesque GulfIslands. More than a dozen of these long, thin islands, and numerous islets, can be found on Canada'sWest Coast and each island has its own character and beauty, making them well worth a visit. Originally




home to the Coast Salish First Nations, the Spanish and English soon followed, laying claim to the islandchain. Nowadays, the islands are home to artists, writers, retirees and those seeking a morecommunity-based lifestyle, and many Vancouverites escape to holiday homes tucked in among therainforest. Large parts of the islands have been designated as Marine Parks, preserving the land for thenumerous birds and animals that also call the islands home.Bowen Island is only a 20-minute ferry ridefrom West Vancouver's Horseshoe Bay and visitors can enjoy a stroll from Snug Harbour, past the historicUnion Steamship Company store, grab a bite to eat or take a walk in the Crippen Regional Park. GalianoIsland is the second biggest of the group, and is about the size of Manhattan Island in New York. Only 50minutes away on the Tsawassen ferry, on the Lower Mainland, Galiano Island draws all sorts of visitors whocome to picnic in Bellhouse Park; take a walk through the lush rainforest up to Bluffs Park to enjoyspectacular views of neighbouring Islands; indulge in a spot of fishing, kayaking or golf; or visit one of thelocal galleries or shops. Many of the islands host events and festivals each year, where the communityspirit and laid-back atmosphere typical of the Gulf Islands is evident.

San Juan Islands

Region/City:VancouverThe San Juan Islands form one of the best boater paradises in the world. The hundreds of islands areseparated by nationality but are part of the same scenic and rugged archipelago, located off the northwestcoast of Washington State. Much of the area is in a rain shadow behind Vancouver Island, making asurprisingly dry and sunny reprieve in the northwest. Little island communities, great wildlife and the openwater provide a real and intuitive disconnect from the mainland.Frequent government ferry servicesconnect the mainland and larger inhabited islands to each other, but scores are only visitable by smallershuttle boats and yachts. Friday Harbour is San Juan's largest town and an enchanting tourist destination,seemingly out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Anchorages are bustling throughout summer, but largelyempty in other seasons. Yacht charters are available out of Bellingham.

Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre

Region/City:VancouverHome to a vast array of aquatic mammals and animals, at the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centreyou'll find sea otters, penguins, dolphins, sharks, whales, sea lions and many more exciting creatures.Exhibits, displays and programmes are geared towards kids, including Clownfish Cove, with small animals,play areas, and costumes aimed at teaching children about the natural world and the importance of marineconservation. The aquarium features a gift shop, cafeteria, and wheelchair access. Visitors of all agesshould enjoy a trip to this well-organised and large aquarium, which consistently receives rave reviewsfrom travellers.

Greater Vancouver Zoo

Region/City:VancouverAnimal lovers of all ages will have a fabulous time exploring the Greater Vancouver Zoo. Boasting morethan 500 animals from about 140 species, including lion, giraffe, black bear, bison, spider monkeys,coyotes, cheetah, hippo, lemurs and caracals, just to name a few. Children will simply love watching all theanimals and naming the ones they know. Kids can enjoy meeting a selection of reptiles, taking the safarimini train, listening to an educational talk or even watching the lions and tigers being fed. Refreshments areavailable from kiosks and restaurants so nobody will go hungry. Allow at least a few hours to explore thezoo properly.

Othello Tunnels

Region/City:VancouverJust outside the town of Hope, about an hour's drive east of Vancouver, lies the Coquihalla ProvincialPark, home to the celebrated Othello Tunnels. This quintet of railway tunnels, which traverse thespectacular, steep-sided Coquihalla Gorge, were built for the Kettle Valley Railway, and today offer visitorsboth a fascinating insight into the history of the area, and a wonderfully scenic and unique hikingexperience. While the Othello Tunnels themselves are dark and dank (flashlights are recommended), thetwo-mile (3.5km) old railway trail also crosses above thundering rapids, and cuts through impressive, nearly1,000-foot (300-metre) granite rock faces. The Othello Tunnels are an accessible and highly rewarding daytrip from Vancouver, offering visitors of all ages a great mix of exercise and adventure.




Kids Attractions Overview

Vancouver is a paradise for kids on holiday. During the summer months, visit Stanley Park, where plentyof kids activities abound, such as the Spray Park near Lumberman's Arch and the Children's Farm, afantastic petting zoo for the younger tots. Families can even enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through thepark and kids will love the gardens, so much so that you may find yourself coming back on more than oneoccasion. There are plenty of other green lungs to enjoy in the city, including the lovely VandusenBotanical Gardens and Queen Elizabeth Park.Animal lovers will have a great time exploring the VancouverAquarium and the Greater Vancouver Zoo, while older kids should visit Granville Island's Water Park andAdventure Playground for a day of fun.On rainy or cold days, when outdoor activities with kids are not anoption, head to the Science World at Telus World of Science or the Space Centre for a fascinating day out.Or, for something really fun, visit the Richmond Go-Kart track for a day of racing. There are also plenty ofindoor playgrounds available, such as the Kerrisdale Play Palace in the Kerrisdale Cyclone Taylor Arena, orKid Zone at the Park Royal Mall South Shopping Center.




your personalised ebrochure rocky mountaineer offer · national park to form unesco-listed...

Documents