Vancouver Vacations

Vancouver vacations are sure to delight you no matter why or when you decide to travel. This diverse, vibrant city along the coast of British Columbia is a favorite of all types of people. Some people consider the city a foodie's paradise, while others call it the best place in Canada for whale watching. Still others rave about the excellent shopping, and some can't stop talking about the beaches in the summer and skiing in the winter. The truth is you can add all of these elements to your getaways, creating Vancouver vacation packages that are just perfect for you.

Starting less than 25 miles from the United States border, the greater Vancouver region covers more than 1,000 square miles. The transportation network is one of the best of the world, so you can get around with ease, no matter how you choose to travel. If you want to leave the car at home, it would not be difficult to explore. In fact, choosing public transportation is smart way to create cheap Vancouver vacations. You won't have to worry about paying for parking or filling the gas tank, leaving you more cash for fun things. A high-speed rail system, taxis, and buses travel all throughout the region, taking you wherever you want to go on your Vancouver vacations.

Whenever you visit this city, you shouldn't miss the chance to see Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America. This gem is filled with enough activities to keep you busy for days. It's a wonderful addition to cheap Vancouver vacations, because it doesn't cost a penny to experience much of the park. A scenic seawall path wraps around the perimeter of the park, and is a popular place for a stroll or a bike ride. Within the park, you'll also find totem poles, a water park, and other free attractions. For a small fee, you can enjoy pitch-and-putt golf with the whole family, visit the aquarium, and take a horse-drawn carriage ride. Vancouver vacations to Stanley Park are a lot of fun for visitors young and old alike.

Many of the tour companies include time at Stanley Park in their Vancouver vacation packages, as well as visits to the many museums and attractions throughout the region. As you step into the amazing Museum of Anthropology, you'll find towering spaces, which provide the totem poles that are artifacts of indigenous cultures plenty of room to stand tall. The Museum of Vancouver also celebrates the region's Native cultures, while the Vancouver Art Gallery is home to some amazing First Nations art. The MOV also explores the other cultures and happenings that made the city what it is today, while the gallery's collection of art spreads far beyond the confines of British Columbia.

Another way to enjoy cheap Vancouver vacations is to visit the historic neighborhoods. Gastown, home to century-old buildings, has transformed into a fun place to see and be seen. Spas, boutiques, and restaurants have been tucked into these buildings, and free walking tours reveal the history of this interesting place. You also can hop aboard the ferry to visit Granville Island, home to outdoor markets and plenty of places to visit that don't charge an entry fee.

Downtown Vancouver, along the coast, is home to many chic hotels, tall buildings, and Canada Place. This cruise ship terminal rises above the horizon with architecture designed to look like an ocean liner at sea. Its light show, which is free, lights up the building after night has fallen. During the day, you can follow an interpretive path that details the glory of all of Canada's provinces and territories.

Many of the Vancouver cruise vacations begin and end here—a wide variety of cruise ships make their way from Vancouver to Alaska during the warmer months of the year. Sightseeing cruises and whale-watching excursions are departing all the time, too.

There's so much to pack into Vancouver vacation packages. Whatever your budget or favorite things to do, you'll have the chance to experience this vibrant city for yourself.