The city by the Pacific Ocean is framed by snow-capped mountains and shimmering seas. Vancouver's climate (milder than the rest of Canada's), natural wonders, friendly multicultural vibe, gastronomy and shopping mark it out as a must-visit city. Once travellers arrive on their flights to Vancouver, they may just decide to spend the rest of their lives there. Vancouver is a regular in the list of most livable cities.
A multicultural mosaic, there are busy Chinese, East Indian and Italian districts. The heart of the city beats most strongly in the 400-hectare Stanley Park. It contains such world-famous features as Siwash Rock, the Lost Lagoon and the 8.8km seawall walk. Within a 30-minute drive of downtown Vancouver are Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain and Mount Seymour, all with night-skiing facilities.
BC Ferries sails the Georgia Strait connecting Vancouver with Vancouver Island (and, of course, Victoria, the capital of British Columbia), and the gulf islands - Galiano and Saltspring are the best known. Within closer reach is Bowen - just a 20-minute ferry trip from Horseshoe Bay - an enchanting little island where the rain forest meets the ocean.
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