Not only is the city of Vancouver one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in North America, but it is also located in close proximity to fascinating areas that deserve to be explored. We recommend that no matter what your reason for coming to Vancouver – whether business, a cruise to Alaska, a stopping off point on a longer journey, a visit to family or friends – that you rent a car for at least one day to explore all the activities available in and near Vancouver.
For example, across the Lions Gate Bridge from downtown Vancouver, is the North Shore, not only one of Canada’s most affluent areas, but also home to three ski destinations, excellent beaches, hundreds of mountain bike and hiking trails and Ambleside Park, one of the most beautiful people and dog friendly parks in North America.
From Horseshoe Bay, at the western tip of West Vancouver, you can take a ferry not only to Vancouver Island, but to Bowen Island, only 20 minutes from the mainland. Bowen Island is a picturesque village with parks, excellent restaurants, kayaking and hiking. You can take your car and explore the island or leave your car in Horseshoe Bay and poke around Snug Cove, where the ferry lands, on foot.
If you want to visit one of the North Shore’s ski hills, you can either drive to Cypress Bowl, the most westerly mountain or to Mt. Seymour, the most easterly mountain. Between the two is Grouse Mountain that is accessible by SkyRide, a gondola you catch at the top of Capilano Road in North Vancouver or on foot via the grueling Grouse Grind, one of the most strenuous and popular hikes in Canada.
I hope by now you get the picture. Vancouver is an exciting adventure and we hope you explore your options listed to the right and we also hope you’ll save some time to explore Vancouver and its environs no matter why you’re coming to Vancouver.
