Vancouver: magnificent metropolis

The port of Vancouver offers ample proof that seaports can also possess a striking beauty. Canada Place immediately draws the eye: like a giant white crown lying in the water. This architectural jewel was the pavilion for the Expo ’86 and now serves as a conference center, hotel, cinema, and terminal for luxury passenger vessels preparing for an Alaska cruise. The best view is from the Harbour Centre Tower, soaring 580 feet (177 meters) - on a clear day you can even see Vancouver Island lying off the coast.

If you’re looking for the trendy part of town, the heart of Vancouver is the place to be: Granville Island, where famous studios, restaurants, apartments and houseboats lie cheek by jowl with the chic stores of Versace, DKNY, and Hugo Boss. This fabulously popular island beside Downtown also has a big covered market where traders hawk their wares, selling fish caught fresh from the sea, meat, vegetables, fruit, and bread. Truly insatiable shoppers can walk the two city blocks to the enormous Pacific Mall and the Bay shopping mall.