Adventure in Greater Vancouver
• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide for Greater Vancouver, British Columbia.
Situated on the southernmost tip of British Columbia's west coast, Greater Vancouver is a popular vacation destination with a vast variety of tours, activities and adventures. This assortment of activities can be found on land, on the water, on the road, on the snow and on the town. This area is also teeming with vacation package providers, which offer clients a choice of location, activity, transportation and lodging in one convenient bundle.
ON LAND
A land of adventure and excitement, Greater Vancouver has something to offer all who visit this bustling area. Activities can range from leisurely to adrenaline-filled to educational experiences. Some of the most popular are golfing, sightseeing, hiking, cycling and farm tours, though specialized endeavours such as culinary tours, guided walking tours, garden tours, and photography and painting tours are also abundant.
The Greater Vancouver area is home to over 45 golf courses, many of which are open to the public. Of the most noteworthy are the two 18-hole championship courses designed by Arnold Palmer at the Northview Golf and Country Club. Golf courses can be found in abundance in such centres as Richmond, Surrey, Langley, Delta and Vancouver.
Visitors unfamiliar with Vancouver and its surrounding suburbs may wish to employ the services of one of the local sightseeing companies. These companies provide visitors the opportunity to experience many of the sights and delights of the area that they might otherwise miss. In an effort to ensure an optimal experience for each client, many operators have multilingual guides available. Visitors looking for a more vigorous adventure can join tours that incorporate hiking and biking. Tours can include cycling through the city, invigorating hikes in local parks or challenging mountain-bike trails.
Take a farm tour at one of the local farms located in many of the communities of Greater Vancouver and see animals such as llamas, alpacas and goats, walk through orchards and berry patches, take a hayride or sample fresh farm fare such as homemade preserves, pies and smoothies. Visitors can also choose a more hands-on encounter and go horseback riding.
ON THE WATER
With easy access to the Pacific Ocean and several local rivers, including the Fraser River, there are numerous opportunities for fun both on and in the water.
View marine and coastal wildlife such as orca (killer whales), seals, sea birds and bald eagles while taking a whale- or seal-watching tour. Tours may be given on inflatable or solid hull boats with open air or enclosed seating. Additionally, visitors will find both freshwater and saltwater fishing trips, available for species such as sturgeon, salmon, steelhead, halibut and trout. Many tour companies will supply all the equipment and gear and some offer packages that range from day trips to multiple-week excursions. Other guided boat tours include narrated ecological and historical sightseeing tours and sunset dinner cruises.
Those wishing to traverse the water in and around Greater Vancouver by the power of their own bodies will enjoy kayaking. Guided trips range from several hours to multi-day expeditions and can be arranged along the Fraser River or through the Georgia Strait, offering paddlers the chance to view all manner of wildlife. Companies frequently provide lessons and rentals as well.
Travellers who enjoy getting wet can try an adventure in the water such as scuba diving, snorkelling, kite boarding, windsurfing or skim boarding. Local companies organise outings that last for several hours or for multiple days, and many also offer lessons and rentals.
ON THE MOVE
Visitors looking to see different sights from day to day or who prefer all-inclusive vacation packages may wish to explore the many holiday options available by road or rail. By road, visitors can choose from transportation such as limousines, motorcoaches and motorcycles. Businesses offering these services may arrange anything from hourly outings to multi-day voyages. Rail tours offer a change of pace and a unique way to see the countryside. These tours can vary from short trips between cities to cross-country treks.
ON THE SNOW
Even with the West Coast’s mild climate, there are snow-based activities to be enjoyed in the winter months. Snow-sport lovers can visit one of the local ski hills such as Cypress Mountain, Mount Seymour or Grouse Mountain to enjoy skiing and snowboarding. Ski tours and packages are also available from several vacation providers. Those looking to trek through the snow at a slower pace can go snowshoeing at one of the several areas designated for snowshoers.
ON THE TOWN
Vacationers looking for activities to fill their down time will find numerous opportunities for fun and exercise. Individuals who enjoy the thrill of the chase can visit one of the local laser tag or paintball facilities. Families can try their hand at five- or ten-pin bowling or have fun in an indoor playground. And yoga practitioners can find classes for various styles located throughout the city.
ON LAND
A land of adventure and excitement, Greater Vancouver has something to offer all who visit this bustling area. Activities can range from leisurely to adrenaline-filled to educational experiences. Some of the most popular are golfing, sightseeing, hiking, cycling and farm tours, though specialized endeavours such as culinary tours, guided walking tours, garden tours, and photography and painting tours are also abundant.
The Greater Vancouver area is home to over 45 golf courses, many of which are open to the public. Of the most noteworthy are the two 18-hole championship courses designed by Arnold Palmer at the Northview Golf and Country Club. Golf courses can be found in abundance in such centres as Richmond, Surrey, Langley, Delta and Vancouver.
Visitors unfamiliar with Vancouver and its surrounding suburbs may wish to employ the services of one of the local sightseeing companies. These companies provide visitors the opportunity to experience many of the sights and delights of the area that they might otherwise miss. In an effort to ensure an optimal experience for each client, many operators have multilingual guides available. Visitors looking for a more vigorous adventure can join tours that incorporate hiking and biking. Tours can include cycling through the city, invigorating hikes in local parks or challenging mountain-bike trails.
Take a farm tour at one of the local farms located in many of the communities of Greater Vancouver and see animals such as llamas, alpacas and goats, walk through orchards and berry patches, take a hayride or sample fresh farm fare such as homemade preserves, pies and smoothies. Visitors can also choose a more hands-on encounter and go horseback riding.
ON THE WATER
With easy access to the Pacific Ocean and several local rivers, including the Fraser River, there are numerous opportunities for fun both on and in the water.
View marine and coastal wildlife such as orca (killer whales), seals, sea birds and bald eagles while taking a whale- or seal-watching tour. Tours may be given on inflatable or solid hull boats with open air or enclosed seating. Additionally, visitors will find both freshwater and saltwater fishing trips, available for species such as sturgeon, salmon, steelhead, halibut and trout. Many tour companies will supply all the equipment and gear and some offer packages that range from day trips to multiple-week excursions. Other guided boat tours include narrated ecological and historical sightseeing tours and sunset dinner cruises.
Those wishing to traverse the water in and around Greater Vancouver by the power of their own bodies will enjoy kayaking. Guided trips range from several hours to multi-day expeditions and can be arranged along the Fraser River or through the Georgia Strait, offering paddlers the chance to view all manner of wildlife. Companies frequently provide lessons and rentals as well.
Travellers who enjoy getting wet can try an adventure in the water such as scuba diving, snorkelling, kite boarding, windsurfing or skim boarding. Local companies organise outings that last for several hours or for multiple days, and many also offer lessons and rentals.
ON THE MOVE
Visitors looking to see different sights from day to day or who prefer all-inclusive vacation packages may wish to explore the many holiday options available by road or rail. By road, visitors can choose from transportation such as limousines, motorcoaches and motorcycles. Businesses offering these services may arrange anything from hourly outings to multi-day voyages. Rail tours offer a change of pace and a unique way to see the countryside. These tours can vary from short trips between cities to cross-country treks.
ON THE SNOW
Even with the West Coast’s mild climate, there are snow-based activities to be enjoyed in the winter months. Snow-sport lovers can visit one of the local ski hills such as Cypress Mountain, Mount Seymour or Grouse Mountain to enjoy skiing and snowboarding. Ski tours and packages are also available from several vacation providers. Those looking to trek through the snow at a slower pace can go snowshoeing at one of the several areas designated for snowshoers.
ON THE TOWN
Vacationers looking for activities to fill their down time will find numerous opportunities for fun and exercise. Individuals who enjoy the thrill of the chase can visit one of the local laser tag or paintball facilities. Families can try their hand at five- or ten-pin bowling or have fun in an indoor playground. And yoga practitioners can find classes for various styles located throughout the city.
Limo Transport
Vacation Packages
Mountain Tour Company
All-inclusive Tours
Downtown Location
