Stanley Park is a gem of a park, the third largest in North America, and the proudest possession of Vancouverites. This 405-hectare green space has been a city park since 1886 and is named after Lord Stanley, a British politician that was then appointed Governor General. The park is almost entirely surrounded by water and features lovely beaches, miles of maintained paved and dirt roads and attractions, such as a polar bear exhibit, the Vancouver Aquarium and a miniature train.

The most loved and visited museum in Vancouver is the Museum of Anthropology at the British Columbia University (MOA). The museum is committed to promoting awareness and understanding of culturally diverse ways of knowing the world through innovative programs and partnerships with Indigenous, local and global communities. The museum is renowned for displaying works by world artists, in particular works by First Nation band Governments of the Pacific Northwest. MOA exhibits 50,000 ethnographic and 535,000 archaeological objects. One of the most prised possessions of the museum is Billie Reid’s sculpture The Raven and The First Men, commissioned especially for the museum by the artist-descendant of the Haida ingenious people.

The historic neighbourhood of Gastown is in fact the first, authentic settlement of Vancouver. This is where the history of the city began in 1867. An entrepreneur-seaman, steamboat captain and barkeeper called John “Gassy Jack” Deighton arrived here and opened the area’s first saloon for the ever-thirsty loggers, fishermen, crews and captains of the sailing ships. The town, then called Granville was nicknamed Gastown in his honour. The town grew and prospered and was incorporated as the city of the Vancouver in 1886. That same year a great fire took all but two of the buildings, but the town was quickly rebuilt and continued to thrive. Today, the area is not only known by its historic charm, but also for its independent spirit, thriving fashion scene, unique and quirky galleries and some of the best artisan food in Vancouver.

The aesthetes shouldn’t miss Vancouver Art Gallery – the largest of Western Canada and the fifth largest in Canada. It’s famous with hosting a permanent collection of 11,000 artworks by more than 200 artists, including Emily Carr, the Group of Seven, Jeff Wall, Ansel Adams, Harry Callahan and Marc Chagall. The Vancouver Police Museum will take you behind the scenes of Vancouver’s local law enforcement, while showing you rare and quirky artefacts, document and collections of the city’s original Coroner’s Court building, all in the former city morgue!

There are so many wonderful outdoor attractions to see in and near the city of Vancouver, loved by locals and visitors alike. The Queen Elizabeth Park is the heart of the city, elevated at 152m (500 feet) above sea level and offers beautiful views of the city. Head over to Kitsilano or Spanish Banks Beach for a quintessential Vancouver beach experience. The VanDusen Botanical Gardens are another green oasis in the city of Vancouver, where you can admire the 7,500 plants and varieties, lose yourself in the hedge maze or bring a picnic and relax in the serene settings. Get to Grouse Mountain in minutes by the Skyride, or the complimentary shuttle from downtown Vancouver and see the jaw-dropping majestic nature and wildlife of British Columbia. The privately-owned Capilano suspension bridge is crossing the Capilano River and the District of North Vancouver, BC, offering a bird’s eye view to the 27 acres of nature above the river.

If you prefer the urban adventure rather than the out-of-city one, head over to Granville Island, famous for its public market, open every day and selling some delicious artisan food and drink, arts and crafts by local artists and cultural performances. Check out the Vancouver Lookout for that perfect picture opportunity at 170 metres (450ft) high and enjoy views of historic Gastown and bustling Coal Harbour. For some luxury shopping, go to Robson Street for all high-end international brands.

Vancouver is a great place to start off any wildlife adventure. If your time is limited, you can get a taster by going whale watching for a day - the season starts in April and finishes in October. Most of the boats depart from the Coal Harbour or Granville Island and offer 90% to see whales. The stars of the show are the orcas, but there are also humpback, gray and minke whales, as well as a range of seabirds. Take a tour to the Pam Rocks to see some seals, sunning themselves on the rocks and combine it with a visit to the Christie Islet Bird Sanctuary.