Vancouver Pictures

The Vancouver waterfront is a busy area, especially during prime cruising season. Dan Breckwoldt Shutterstock

Cable cars travel up and down one of Vancouver's favorite skiing and hiking spots, Grouse Mountain. According to travelers, the view from the summit is not to be missed, even if the hike up is known as "Mother Nature's Stairmaster." Justek16 Shutterstock

The Lion's Gate Bridge, seen here from the Stanley Park Seawall, is a fixture in the Vancouver skyline. CatchaSnap Shutterstock

Granville Island's Public Market is said to be one of the best open-air markets in North America. James Wheeler Shutterstock

The best way to see Stanley Park? Do as the locals and take a stroll or bike ride around the Seawall. karamysh Shutterstock

The 450-foot-long Capilano Suspension Bridge hovers 230 feet above the Capilano River. Paul Mannix Flickr

The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Gardens were the first full-size Chinese garden to be constructed outside of China. Jolyon Suthers Flickr

Among the sites you'll see along the Stanley Park Seawall is this bronze sculpture perched on an intertidal boulder. The sculpture, titled Girl in a Wetsuit, was originally commissioned to look like Copenhagen's Little Mermaid, but the artist decided to create a scuba diver instead.
Bobanny Wikimedia Commons

Vancouver proudly hosted the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. adrian8_8 Flickr

Harry Winston Jerome was a famous Canadian track and field runner from Vancouver. You'll find this statue in Stanley Park. David Paul Ohmer Flickr

You'll see this killer whale sculpture, designed by Canadian artist Bill Reid, outside the entrance to the Vancouver Aquarium. Lissandra Melo Shutterstock

Kitsilano Beach is often referred to as "Kits Beach" by locals. If you're not up for a swim, you'll also find public basketball, volleyball and tennis courts. Ruth Hartnup Flickr

The Steam Clock is a landmark in the historic Gastown district. This neighborhood is known as the birthplace of Vancouver. Dan Breckwoldt Shutterstock

The Museum of Anthropology's Great Hall boasts nearly 50-foot glass walls shedding plenty of natural light on the totem poles, house posts and carved figures (most from the mid-19th century) from several Northwest Coast nations. Raymond Bucko, SJ Flickr

Yaletown is reputably Vancouver's hottest nightlife district. TOTORORO.RORO Flickr

This lily pad-covered oasis sits in the center of Stanley Park. You can get to the lake via the Seawall. Courtesy Ann Rivall for USN&WR

Queen Elizabeth Park sits at the highest point in Vancouver, meaning you'll spot some unparalleled views of the park, city and North Shore mountains when visiting. Pierre Leclerc Shutterstock

Granville Island's indoor market is a foodie's paradise, with rows of fresh produce, artisanal crafts and delicious prepared food vendors. Deymos Photo Shutterstock

Since 1985, the Vancouver Sun Run has been Canada's largest 10K road race. Along the route, participants run across the Burrard Street Bridge (seen here). Matthew Jacques Shutterstock

Among the sunbathers, volleyball players and joggers, you'll spot plenty of people skimboarding on Spanish Banks Beach's low tide sands. Josef Hanus Shutterstock

The Laburnum Walk (pictured here) is the most photographed section of the VanDusen Botanical Garden. DarZel Shutterstock

Rogers Arena is home ice for the Vancouver Canucks. Roland Tanglao Flickr

Powder hounds flock to Grouse Mountain during the winter to tackle the slopes. Lijuan Guo Shutterstock

The heated, saltwater pool at Kitsilano Beach is a great swimming alternative if the ocean water is too chilly for a dip. Ruth Hartnup Flickr

Stretching across 128 acres, Queen Elizabeth Park features a main Quarry Garden, along with an arboretum, a rose garden and the Bloedel Conservatory.  Dan Breckwoldt Shutterstock

Lonsdale Quay Market first opened for Expo '86 Vancouver. Since then, it's emerged as one of the city's best markets. Located in North Vancouver, the market is reachable from downtown Vancouver via SeaBus or car. Stop by at dusk and you'll catch an amazing view of the sun setting over English Bay. Ruth Hartnup Flickr

Though the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre has its fair share of astrology-related shows and demonstrations, the museum also hosts science exhibits.
Kenny Louie Flickr

The Vancouver Lookout sits on the 55th floor of the Harbour Centre in downtown Vancouver. The elevator ride to the top takes a mere 40 seconds. GoToVan Flickr

Head to Granville Island for arts and crafts, delicious food, history and shopping. Nelson Mouellic Tourism Vancouver

Volleyball is just one of the many activities visitors can do at Kitsilano Beach. Nelson Mouellic Tourism Vancouver

The zip line at Grouse Mountain offers another way to sightsee. Coast Mountain Photography Tourism Vancouver

The bridge is even more magical at night. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park Tourism Vancouver

The Museum of Anthropology's collection includes artifacts from South Pacific, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) Tourism Vancouver

In the the Museum of Anthropology's Great Hall, you'll spot ornately decorated canoes, ritual masks, totem poles and other Native American relics. Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) Tourism Vancouver

Exhibits detail the history and the building of the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) Tourism Vancouver

Queen Elizabeth Park is situated just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver. Viv Lynch Flickr

Visitors to Spanish Banks Beach call the shoerline beautiful and say exploring at low tide can be lots of fun, especially for kids. w.d.worden Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth Park sits at the highest point in Vancouver, offering spectacular views of the park, city and North Shore mountains. lawrence's lenses Flickr

Visit VanDusen Botanical Garden in mid-May to see these beautiful flowers in bloom. annhfhung Getty Images

Among the Vancouver Aquarium's collection of animals are nine different species of birds. Tjflex2 Flickr

Look for water lilies in VanDusen Botanical Garden's ponds. All copyrights reserved by Harris Hui Getty Images

Head to Spanish Banks Beach for stunning views of the city. roboberg Getty Images

The Vancouver Aquarium's sea otters are popular among recent visitors. Tjflex2 Flickr