Vancouver offers much to see for Olympic travelers
2010-01-11
Over the next month many people will be heading to the Canadian province of
British Columbia to witness the 2010 winter Olympics. The 21st Winter Olympiad
should draw millions of spectators from around the globe to the city of
Vancouver, and once inside many may find it hard to leave.
Situated on
the Pacific Coast, Vancouver has gained a reputation as a highly cosmopolitan
city, full of art galleries, fine dining and easy access to nature paths and
mountainous escapes.
Nature lovers can enjoy a stroll through Dr. Sun
Yat-Sen's classical Chinese garden. Styled after the famed gardens of the Ming
Dynasty, the garden boasts beautiful foliage, complimentary Chinese tea services
and a vibrant koi pond filled with colorful fish and precocious turtles.
Travelers looking to get a feel for their surroundings might enjoy a
trip to the Vancouver Lookout, a 50-story obelisk that provides a 360-degree
view of the city, the scenic North Shore Mountains and - on clear days -
Vancouver Island.
With several million international visitors each year,
Vancouver has developed a wide palette of international cuisine ranging from
Spanish-style tapas bars to Japanese Izakaya.