University of British Columbia Museum of Anthropology
The modern building of one of the world’s finest collections of Northwest coast native peoples’ art, has been designed by Canadian architect Arthur Erickson.
The architecture of main display gallery Great Hall has been inspired by Haida houses and displays full-size totem poles, canoes, and feast dishes. Many of the items have been created by
Vancouver’s contemporary Haida artist Bill Reid and Namgis artist Doug Cranmer.
Chinatown
The area remembers the first Chinese workers from Canadian Pacific Railroad development, and the emigrants, who came here at the end of 19th century following the gold rush.
Vivid and energetic zone incorporates the present newcomers from China, and features numerous restaurants and bars with almost all possible ingredients cooked in vast number of easter cuisine fashion. Besides the food and tea houses visitors can find a retreat in the nearby Dr. Sun Yat-sen Classical Chinese Garden built using materials from China by the group of landscape makers from Suzhou, China’s Garden City.
Old Hastings Mill Store
One of the few buildings, which survived the Great Fire of 1886 originally housed the post office and the first general store in Vancouver.
After the Second World War turned into the small collection of native culture artifacts, horse cabs and old sewing machines.
BC Place Stadium
Overlooking False Creek waters, the modern architecture stadium witnessed visits of famous guests, including John Paul II and Queen Elisabeth II.
Named after local top football team that uses the stadium premises, BC place can hold over 60 000 spectators, and it was chosen for Opening and Closing ceremonies of Winter Olympics in 2010.
Stanley Park
Originally home to the Squamish and Musqueam native Canadians, in 1886 the area has been changed into the public park ,named after Lord Stanley, Governor General of
Canada. The trails between wild fir and cedars woods are prepared for the bicycles, tha can easily be rented near the entrances. The park features beaches, woods, mountain views and several entertaiment premises, including Vancouver Aquarium and Marine Science Center with orca and beluga whales to see.
Science World
One of the Vancouver’s landmarks, the geodesic dome of Science World has been built for Expo 86 expositions.
As the name promises, visitors can find inside the world, which inspire all the senses.
The Sara Stearn Search Gallery features the animal bones and fur to touch, Illusions Gallery challenges the sight, and the creative minds can develop their own inventions in Eureka Gallery.
The top of the dome holds the large screen Omnimax cinema renovned for the movies presenting the flights over significant landscapes of the world.
Vancouver Art Gallery
The building from 1906, originally designed for local courthouse at present houses Vancouver Art Gallery. On display are the most valuable from over 8 000 works of Canadian and international art, including British Columbian artist Emily Carr.
Vancouver Museum and Pacific Space Centre
The museum documents the everyday’s life of Canadian coast, starting from the first nations culture,through the history of Canadian Pacific Railroad and vintage Ford Thunderbird to the modern times.Kids will enjoy Pacific Space Centre, the whole families can experience Indiana Jones’ passion in the Archaeological Discovery Center.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Another Indiana Jones’ attraction awaits the visitors of Capilano Canyon, who have to cross one of the longests ( 137 m ) suspension bridges in the world.
The first bridge has been constructed in 1889, and since then continuously attracts the nature lovers, who can admire the old trees, waterfalls, trout ponds, and stunning views hanging 70 m ( 230 ft ) above the canyon – just like Indy used to love.
Granville Island
The former industrial district turned into the most popular shopping area in the city. The warehouses and tin sheds are redesigned to host mancraft shops, art galleries and theatre studios.
The chain of sawmills once overlooking the False Creek has been replaced by the picturesque waterside cafes and restaurants.
[Bill Reid's sculpture Raven and the First Men, photo courtesy of EarthOwned]