Vancouver is a city on the Pacific coast of Canada, located in the southwest of the province of British Columbia, between the Strait of Georgia and the Coastal Mountains. The city was named in honor of Captain George Vancouver, an English explorer.
It should be noted that Vancouver, in recent years, has always been considered one of the five cities with the best quality of life in the world. In addition, in 2013 it was ranked 21st among the cities in which it is more expensive to live and proved to be the most expensive in North America. Likewise, it is also one of the safest cities in the world, due to its very low crime rates.
Certainly, Vancouver is located near the border of the United States on the west coast of Canada. Therefore, there are many amazing day trips from Vancouver.
Keep reading to learn more about the 10 best places to spend a pleasant day in Vancouver:
Whistler is a municipality-resort located in the coastal mountains of southern British Columbia, approximately two hours by road north of the city of Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. Likewise, it is considered the largest ski resort in North America, and the best alpine station in North America according to Ski Magazine. Without a doubt, it is definitely the most popular day trip from Vancouver, as it is less than two hours away. One of the best aspects of the trip is the journey along the picturesque road.
Vancouver Island is a large coastal island in the Pacific Ocean, belonging to the province of British Columbia, Canada. With 32,134 km², it is the largest island on the western coast of America, the 43rd in the world and the 11th in Canada. Certainly, a large part of the hikers will immediately head to Victoria on Vancouver Island. Even so, it is suggested that if your plans are to see much more of the island and enjoy cycling, Viator makes an excellent tour that includes lunch and wine.
Bowen Island, is an island with the category of a municipality, in the Greater Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia. The island has a population of 2,957 inhabitants, according to the 2001 census. In addition, it is a summer resort having an area of 49.94 km². It is worth mentioning that it is 20 minutes by ferry from the Horseshoe Bay terminal of West Vancouver and popular for its beautiful beaches and bays for swimming and kayaking, as well as for its hiking and mountain biking trails.
Victoria is the capital of the Canadian province of British Columbia as well as being the second most populous city after Vancouver. It is located at the southern point of Vancouver Island, southeast of the province. It should be noted that with a ferry trip to Victoria it is definitely feasible. Without a doubt, an organized tour can be the best way to see the main attractions in Victoria. There are tours that include free time in downtown Victoria, as well as a trip to the award-winning Butchart Gardens before returning to Vancouver.
Bowen Island, is an island with the category of a municipality, in the Greater Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia. The island has a population of 2,957 inhabitants, according to the 2001 census. In addition, it is a summer resort having an area of 49.94 km². It is worth mentioning that it is 20 minutes by ferry from the Horseshoe Bay terminal of West Vancouver and popular for its beautiful beaches and bays for swimming and kayaking, as well as for its hiking and mountain biking trails.
The town of Harrison Hot Springs is a small community at the southern end of Harrison Lake in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia. It is a tourist community known for its hot springs and has a population of just over 1500 people, therefore, it is perfect for romantic getaways as well as family fun. And there you can spend time by the lake, which has a sandy beach and protected waters that are perfect for kayaking and boating.
Squamish is a community and district municipality in the Canadian province of British Columbia, located at the northern end of Howe Sound in the sea to the sky road. It is appropriate to mention that the best asset in the city is the impressive Sea to Sky Gondola, which offers breathtaking views of Howe Sound, therefore, it is a great plan to visit Squamish.
Langley is located south of the Fraser River, east of the city of Surrey and north of the US borderline. It should be noted that there are many award-winning wineries located in the Fraser Valley, around Langley and you can take a self-guided tour of the winery or take a private tour with friends.
North Vancouver is a waterfront town, located on the north coast of Burrard Cove, just across from Vancouver, British Columbia. Although it is technically in the greater Vancouver area, it has many tourist sites that include the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain, Lonsdale Quay Market and Cleveland Dam.
Bellingham is a city located in Whatcom County in the US state of Washington. It should be noted that it is less than 1.5 hours south of Vancouver. There you could explore Whatcom Falls Park and Lake Padden Park, visit the historic Fairhaven district and learn more at Whatcom Museum and Spark Museum of Electrical Invention.
