Perhaps more than any other city in North America, let alone Canada, Vancouver is on a roll: 2010 Winter Olympic host, Hollywood North, most livable city in the world – to name but a few honors and notable nicknames. Hip, multi-ethnic, diverse Vancouver is definitely a world class city for tourists, no matter what time of year or purpose of stay.

The focal point of a picturesque region of British Columbia, the city’s handsome skyline and natural scenery lures millions of visitors every year and in recent decades, waves of immigrants. As a result, Vancouver is a complete destination, with culture, recreation and much more to enjoy. These ten must-see attractions are pretty cool too.

10. Vancouver Art Gallery

The dominant art gallery in Western Canada has close to 10,000 works in a collection that spans Canadian icons like Emily Carr and the Group of Seven, as well as famous artists from around the world. The museum is located in a beautiful former provincial courthouse, built at the turn of the last century.

9. Chinatown

Second in size on the continent to San Francisco’s Chinatown, Vancouver’s traditional and historic home for first-generation Chinese immigrants is a great district of the city to explore.

8. World of Science

Technically known as the TELUS World of Science, Vancouver, the city’s premier science museum features a landmark geodesic dome and a superb waterfront location. Take the Skytrain to this popular Vancouver tourist attraction.

7. Museum of Anthropology

Anyone with even a trace interest in the rich First Nations culture and history of British Columbia should visit the Museum of Anthropology. On the campus of the University of British Columbia, the museum features some incredible Musqueam artifacts, Haida totem poles and First Nations jewelry.

6. Granville Island Public Market

A superb public space and excellent place to mingle with locals, Granville Island has a lot of appeal. The crown jewel of the Vancouver landmark however is the Public Market, with hundreds of food, produce and crafts vendors to entice visitors.

5. Kitsilano

A lovely neighborhood on the west side of Vancouver, Kitsilano has a hip, artsy reputation, with scores of yoga studios, organic food shops and other similar establishments at just about every turn. With many famous residents, “Kits” is perhaps most desirable because of Jericho Beach and Kitsilano Beach. The former hosts the Vancouver Folk Music Festival every July.

4. Grouse Mountain

To ski, trek, hike and take in peerless views of the city, head to the summit of Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver. Home to a wildlife refuge, mountaintop theater, recreation space and 2.9 km trail, Grouse is a popular destination no matter what the season. Four chairlifts ferry ski and snowboard lovers to 26 different runs. All in all, a great option for those who don’t have the time or patience to trek up to Whistler but still want to hit the slopes.

3. Gastown

Vancouver’s reputation as a hippie haven in the 1960s and current status as a city with superb nightlife and live music has a lot to do with Gastown. Though far from the Canadian equivalent of Haight-Ashbury, the historic district still has a lot going on.

2. Stanley Park

With more land than Central Park, Stanley Park welcomes more than 8 million visitors a year. The Vancouver landmark consistently ranks as one of the best city parks in the world and offers a wealth of attractions, from Lost Lagoon to Beaver Lake, Vancouver Aquarium to numerous memorials and monuments.

1. Vancouver Canucks

When in Canada, a hockey game is a must. Preferably a National Hockey League game, in a city where the hometown fans are rowdy, despite the lack of a Stanley Cup championship. If you can score a ticket, head to GM Place to catch the Canucks the next time you visit Vancouver.

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