| Vancouver is a city that has long been a great | | | | For the backpacker, there can seldom be a dull |
| attraction for backpackers and budget travelers. The | | | | moment in Vancouver. The city is home to a myriad of |
| third largest metropolis in Canada, it's home to | | | | places of interest that will keep the eager traveler |
| numerous attractions and a certain joie de vivre which | | | | busy during his or her vacation. For the traveler who |
| make it an endearing favorite among those who visit. | | | | wants to check out the important buildings and |
| Perhaps as a result of this outgoing attitude to life (and, | | | | historical places of interest in the city, downtown |
| naturally, it's impressive organizational ability), | | | | Vancouver is the place to be. This is a charming and |
| Vancouver was recently chosen to host the 2010 | | | | enigmatic part of town, and happy hours can be spent |
| Winter Olympics. Which means that now is a great | | | | exploring its alluring architecture. |
| time to visit: a lot of money has been pumped into | | | | Another popular thing to do in Vancouver is to head |
| Vancouver's infrastructure in preparation for the | | | | over to the central business district (CBD) and catch a |
| games, and there's a wonderful feel-good atmosphere | | | | glimpse of the famous Marine Building in Vancouver. |
| that graces the city's streets as a result. | | | | Other popular haunts in the city for budget travelers |
| When to Visit | | | | are the Vancouver Aquarium and the Stanley Park, |
| Before you head over to the city, you need to be | | | | both of which are located in Gastown. Shopping is also |
| aware of the fact that the weather in Vancouver is | | | | an integral aspect of traveling here as Vancouver has |
| quite quirky - it's best to travel to Vancouver prepared | | | | much to offer. A good tip is to head for Granville Island, |
| for both sun and rain. For visitors looking to visit | | | | located in downtown South Granville, which is the |
| Vancouver on a sightseeing trip, the best months are | | | | hippest, most happening shopping space in the city. |
| probably August, September and October. For those | | | | For the artlover, meanwhile, visits to the Vancouver |
| whose primary interest is in exploring the destination's | | | | Art Gallery and the Contemporary Art Gallery are a |
| skiing opportunities, meanwhile, February, when | | | | must. These galleries boast a great collection of art |
| snowfall is plentiful yet the sun continues to shine, is | | | | that are a treat for the connoisseurs' and amateurs' |
| probably the ideal time of the year. | | | | eyes alike. |
| Getting Around | | | | Accommodation |
| Once in Vancouver, getting around the city is pretty | | | | The options for accommodation in Vancouver are |
| easy. Buses and cabs are ever-present, while bicycle | | | | abundant, with Vancouver hostels in particular proving |
| is also a great way to see the sights here. Readily | | | | impressive. The SameSun Backpacker Lodge, for |
| available, cheap and environmentally friendly, numerous | | | | example, is a hostel that is safe, clean, and wonderfully |
| budget travelers who come to visit Vancouver deem | | | | cheap. Apart from these reasons, it is also a popular |
| it their favorite choice of transportation. Another great | | | | haunt due to its convenient location. Hostelling |
| way to travel in Vancouver is the water taxi. If you | | | | International Vancouver Central is another Vancouver |
| want to visit all the important landmarks of the city, a | | | | hostel that is a great bet if you're looking to spend time |
| ride in the water taxi can prove to be incredibly | | | | in friendly surroundings where backpacking fun is never |
| enjoyable and also convenient. | | | | far away. |
| Sights to See and Things to Do | | | | |