Ports of Call: Vancouver, British Columbia

For this series on iconic ports of call, we’re highlighting nine cities that have leveraged their more industrial past to flourish into world-renowned, waterfront destinations. Several travel professionals share suggestions on where to go, what to see and what to do in order to fully appreciate these maritime metropolises.

First established as Gastown in 1867, Vancouver became a bona fide city in 1886—and was quickly destroyed by fire and rebuilt. Since then, the city has grown into a culturally diverse metropolis with “many different ethnic communities creating one of the world’s largest melting pots,” says Philippe Renaud, director of business development at the Shangri-La Hotel. “And this has resulted in some of the world’s best and most diversified cuisine.” Metro Vancouver is one of the largest film production centers in North America, earning it the film industry nickname “Hollywood North.” Vancouver’s Pacific waterfront and myriad attractions bring in hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, making tourism the city’s second largest industry.

Vancouver Bucket List

• Granville Island: Peruse the city’s best farmer’s market and see what local artisans have to offer.

• Grouse Mountain: Take a tram to the top for the best city views, some skiing and a nice meal.

• Capilano Suspension Bridge: Travelers looking for something both fun and daring will thrill at the opportunity to cross this 450-foot bridge, which hangs 230 feet high above the Capilano River.

• Historic Gastown: Vancouver’s original neighborhood, Gastown’s cobbled streets now lead visitors to some of the city’s best new restaurants, shops and pubs.

• Stanley Park: This 988-acre rainforest is one of North America’s largest urban green spaces and is also home to the Vancouver Aquarium.

This article is an excerpt from the July, August, September edition of the Traveler magazine. Click here to access the full issue.