Ecotourism in Vancouver

Upon your descent into Vancouver, you will see one of the most beautiful cities in North America. Appreciate the unique architecture of Vancouver’s biggest coastal city, and experience it firsthand once you leave the airport. 

Vancouver is known as the City of Glass for all of the glass-paneled buildings you find in the downtown area, but that’s not the only thing to admire. Over the last 30 years, Vancouver’s demographics have changed significantly, and Chinese immigrants have brought Hong Kong architecture to the city. The dichotomy between these two styles is significant, and you will learn more about these different styles as you explore the city.

You’ll spend today learning more about the First Nations tribes that used to predominate the Pacific Northwest. This museum is located on the University of British Columbia campus, and there are numerous exhibits on the culture of the people that used to live here.

Take a tour of the museum, and learn about other cultures around the world later in the day. The museum is one of the largest of its kind in North America, so you’ll have plenty to discover.

Vancouver is one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the world, so there are plenty of opportunities to help during your stay. You and your group can spend today in a number of ways: help plant fruit trees with a local organization or assist in small-scale sustainable farming efforts that reduce the city’s environmental footprint. The choice is yours!

No trip to Vancouver is complete without experiencing the wonder of Stanley Park, a massive public park with plenty to do while you’re here. Start your experience with a walk along the Seawall, taking in breathtaking views of downtown Vancouver. The Seawall is the longest interrupted waterfront walkway in the world, and you will have the opportunity to learn more about its history if you desire.

Once you’ve had enough walking, head to the aquarium. The Vancouver Aquarium has numerous galleries where you can view sea life, and there will be an educational experience after a tour. You will learn about the Vancouver Aquarium’s efforts to clean up the sea and how to promote sustainable seafood. 

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Vancouver is the Capilano Suspension Bridge. No trip to Vancouver is complete without walking across the bridge and taking in the scenery, so you’ll start your day here. This area is also home to the largest private collection of First Nations totem poles, and you will discover more about the significance of these monuments.

Afterward, head over to Lynn Canyon Park for a hike around the gorge. While you’re here, you will be surrounded by dense forest and flowing rivers. To say the least, Lynn Canyon is a must-visit spot for any avid nature enthusiast. Just make sure you bring a windbreaker as you will be in a temperate rainforest and there is a chance of rain!

You’ll be treated to some of the most beautiful views of the city from False Creek. Begin the day kayaking around the creek and taking pictures of all the high-rise buildings in the downtown area. Remember what you learned about the city’s unique architecture on the first day and spot the differences in the structures.

Once you’re out of the water, take a walk around Granville Island. There is a large public market where your group can grab lunch, and after you finish, you can stroll around the marina. Granville Island has an excellent trolley service where you can come and go as you please, so take advantage of the public transportation available.

You’ll end the day at Science World, which is a great place for hands-on learning. Your group will be able to interact with dozens of exhibits. There is something that will keep everyone’s attention here, and it’s a great way to cap off your last full day.

There are excellent dining options in Vancouver, and you’ll spend your last day enjoying some of the local cuisine one last time. Poutine is a must any time you travel to Canada, but try some of the local options too. Nanaimo bars are great for dessert and bannock is a bread that First Nations tribes in the area have enjoyed for centuries.

After lunch, you’ll head to the airport for the flight home. Gaze at the beautiful city of Vancouver one last time, and then tilt your head back to think about the memories you’ve made.