Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Vancouver is Canada’s third-largest city, and became part of the Canadian Confederation in 1871. Along the waterfront, visitors can see everything from the cobblestone streets of late-Victorian Gastown to shiny, post-modern cathedrals. In 1792, Captain George Vancouver explored Burrard Inlet during a coastal survey of what is now known as the Inside Passage. However, it was not until gold was discovered on the Fraser River in the 1860s that Vancouver actually became a town. At that time, the city was known as ‘Gastown’, named for saloonkeeper John ‘Gassy Jack’ Deighton, a talkative storyteller who opened Vancouver's first bar in 1867. A fire destroyed the settlement two months after it was incorporated. Most of Vancouver’s structures date back to the rebuilding of the small town in 1886. With the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1889 and Vancouver as its terminus, the city established itself as Canada's main port for trade with the Orient. Today, the Port of Vancouver is still Canada's largest port and serves as a gateway to the Far East. In the early-1900s, Vancouver boomed with the development of the fishing and timber industries. World War II catapulted the city's economy into modern times, and successful redevelopment in recent years has made Vancouver a very charming and livable city. Several new structures, including Canada Place Pier, were built for the 1986 EXPO that housed the Canadian Pavilion and is currently the home of the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre. It was modeled after old sailing ships, and resembles a Spanish galleon from the rear. The city has once again taken its place in the international spotlight, as the host of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Pier Information

The ship is scheduled to dock at either Canada Place in the downtown area, or at the Ballantyne Cruise Terminal located 1.1 miles (1.8 kilometres) to the east of Canada Place. Taxis are generally available at both piers.

Shopping

Unlike many other cities where suburban malls have taken over, Vancouver's downtown area still has plenty of individual boutiques and specialty shops. Robson Street is the heart of Vancouver's shopping district, especially the three blocks between Hornby and Bute Streets, which are lined with designer boutiques, sidewalk cafés and pastry shops. The local currency is the Canadian Dollar.

Cuisine

Downtown bistros, waterfront seafood places, and upscale Pan-Asian restaurants are just some of Vancouver's diverse epicurean offerings. Several cutting-edge establishments are perfecting and defining Pacific Northwest fare, which incorporates regional seafood (notably salmon) and locally-grown produce, often accompanied by British Columbian wines.

Other Sites

Gastown In the 1970s, this area was completely renovated and many turn-of-the-century buildings were restored. Once the centre of town, Gastown now houses restaurants and cafés, as well as stores specialising in antiques and Native artwork. At the west-end of Water Street is the world's only steam-operated clock. Harbour Centre The observation deck of the Harbour Centre offers one of the best views of Vancouver. A glass elevator runs 500 feet (152 metres) up to the 360-degree viewing platform. Chinatown Vancouver's Chinatown is the second-largest of its kind in North America, and home to more than 30,000 people of Chinese descent. Be sure to visit the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Oriental Garden, the only full-scale Ming Dynasty classical Chinese garden found outside of China. Stanley Park The park was created in 1889 and named after the Governor General of Canada (who was also responsible for the Stanley Cup Hockey Tournament). Stanley Park houses a zoo, aquarium, rose garden, cricket fields, and an open-air theatre. The thousand-acre park is bound by a 3-mile (4.8-kilometre) seawall, which also serves as a bike path. Vancouver Public Aquarium Located in Stanley Park, Canada's largest aquarium houses more than 8,000 freshwater marine species, including beluga and killer whales, seals and penguins. Lost Lagoon Also located in Stanley Park, the Lost Lagoon is a sanctuary for Canadian geese and other waterfowl. Queen Elizabeth Park Located at the top of Little Mountain, the site provides excellent views and photo opportunities of the city and surrounding mountains. The park's attractions include a rose garden, sunken garden, arboretum and the Bloedel Floral Conservatory. The conservatory is home to 300 varieties of tropical flowers and plants, and over 100 free-flying birds of various species. B.C. Place Stadium As the home of British Columbia's Lions, Vancouver's CFA football team, the stadium has an air-supported fabric roof and a 60,000-seat capacity. Grouse Mountain Overlooking the city from 4,100 feet (1,250 metres), Grouse Mountain is among Vancouver's most popular attractions. A Swiss-style tram operates year-round, taking visitors to the top of the mountain for spectacular panoramic views of the city, the coast, part of Vancouver Island and the surrounding mountains. A restaurant is located at the top. Grouse Mountain also serves as a popular ski resort in the winter. Granville Island Once an industrial area, the island is now home to craft studios, artist galleries, theatres, a brewery, and a public market featuring street performers. Many of the buildings have retained their original timber beams and tin roofs. Private arrangements for independent sightseeing for guests in-transit to the next voyage may be requested through the Tour Office on board the ship.