Situated along British Columbia's coastline, Vancouver is a 'Pacific Pearl'. Lying between the Coast Mountain range and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is one of the most scenic cities in the world. Stanley Park—occupying 400 hectares (1000 acres) just north of downtown—is a flourishing example of how Vancouver balances nature with its urban identity. A quintessential west coast city, Vancouver manages to combine such diverse pleasures as loafing on beaches to interesting shopping on its bustling streets. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in areas like the very urban Robson Street—Canada's version of Rodeo Drive—contrasted by trendy Granville Island with its mix of cobblestone streets, artisan studios and an eclectic market.

With quick and easy access to Whistler, with which it shared the 2010 Winter Olympics, the Canadian Rockies, Victoria and Vancouver Island, Vancouver makes a good start or end to your holiday to British Columbia. The city is also the home port for Alaskan cruises which operate between May and October.

Vancouver has a wealth of activities on offer ranging from whale watching trips to sea plane rides. Every summer some 80 Orca whales visit the waters south of Vancouver, with an amazing 85 percent chance of sightings for passengers on the high-speed boat trips (from £102 per person). You could also combine a trip to Victoria on Vancouver Island with a 90 minute whale watching tour (from £116 per person).

You could also consider joining the Whistler Mountaineer on a breathtaking three-hour rail excursion between North Vancouver and Whistler (from £101 per person one way). For something different, why not escape by seaplane from downtown Vancouver's vibrant Coal Harbour to tranquil Horseshoe Bay for a memorable seaside dinner (from £155 per person).

For details of Vancouver accommodation or any of these Vancouver day tour suggestions click on the links on the right. Our experienced consultants can easily build any of these experiences into a tailor-made Canada holiday quote for you