Vancouver, British Columbia
For the second year in a row, Vancouver has been voted “Best City in the Americas” by North American magazine, Conde Nast Traveler and with the city’s stunning natural beauty and bustling urban centre, it’s easy to see why. Nestled against the Coast Mountains and blessed with green spaces galore, Vancouver is an outdoor playground waiting to be discovered and is considered one of the most desirable places to live in the world. With glorious summers and reasonably mild winters the locals like to say that in Vancouver “you can golf in the morning and ski in the afternoon.”
This cosmopolitan city also offers a diverse selection of attractions including Stanley Park, which is located right in the heart of Vancouver. The park boasts 400 hectares (1000 acres) of woodlands, gardens, flowers, trails, lakes, beaches and wildlife. Other sights include the Vancouver Art Gallery, which houses the most significant collection of paintings by British Columbia artist, Emily Carr and Grouse Mountain, a local ski hill only 30 minutes from the downtown core.
What makes a trip to Vancouver particularly memorable is the diverse selection of world-class cuisine. The city’s restaurant scene has exploded in the last couple of years and features everything from fine dining to casual local fare. Vancouver also offers some of the best shopping around. Dozens of high fashion boutiques line Robson Street while local malls, located in all areas of the city offer something for everyone.
Vancouver along with Whistler, B.C. is gearing up to host the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. For more information visit http://www.tourismvancouver.com or www.vancouver2010.com.
Whistler, British Columbia
Amidst the spectacular Coast Mountains of British Columbia, just 120km/75 miles north of Vancouver, lies Whistler, a charming alpine village, world renowned for its award-winning ski hills, golf courses and mountain biking trails. With its cool crisp mountain air, untouched beauty, luxurious accommodations and limitless outdoor activities, Whistler is a premiere “getaway” destination, attracting thousands of visitors every year from all over the world.
Home to pristine lakes, glacier fed streams, majestic mountains and a unique array of wildlife, this four-season resort town is a nature lover’s paradise. Whistler also offers paragliding, bungee jumping, skiing, snowboarding, hiking, rock climbing, golfing, water sports and some of the best mountain biking trails around.
With its award-winning accommodations, spas, high end shops and top notch restaurants, Whistler is not only for the outdoor enthusiast and has become well known for its sophisticated surroundings. In and around the village, there are 5400 hotel rooms, many of which offer comfort, every modern convenience and first class service. Local spas feature massage and aesthetic treatments, which provide the perfect refuge after a day spent tearing up the slopes or teeing off on the golf green. The dozens of unique boutiques, European style cafes, top-notch restaurants and bustling nightlife add to the experience setting this mountain town far apart from the rest.
For more information on Whistler visit http://www.tourismwhistler.com
