Emerging in Quebec back in the 1950’s, this delicious combination of mouth-watering goodness is now a staple dish served across the entirety of Canada. You won’t need to venture far from your accommodation to stumble upon a tasty bowl of poutine.

This genius concoction is comprised of crispy French fries, juicy cheese curds and thick lashings of hot gravy. Trust me, by the time you leave Canada, you’ll be totally addicted, so make sure you turn up with an eager and ravaging appetite!

Granville Island is a small peninsula jutting into Vancouver’s False Creek, right in the heart of the vibrant city centre. The island itself boasts a huge collection of fantastic restaurants, shops and bars, whilst also housing the city’s famous Granville Public Market. The market has a huge selection of stalls to peruse at your own leisure, offering everything from fresh local produce to quirky bespoke handicrafts. It’s not all shopping and eating at Granville though, why not opt to check out the island’s local workshops and crafting studios, or alternatively just sit back and soak up the elegant views of Vancouver.

Granville Island has changed a lot since the early 1900’s, back then the land was home to a number of industrial factories and working sawmills. Today this modern waterfront area is one of the finest locations in the whole of Vancouver. There’s plenty of ways to treat yourself, indulge in delicious cuisine at one of the island’s stunning restaurants or simply enjoy a tasty glass of bubbles along the water’s edge.

The world renowned Rocky Mountaineer Train is an absolute dream activity for many travellers. This exquisite and luxurious train company takes passengers on an outstanding journey through Canada’s Rocky Mountains. With Vancouver being the train’s main base, it’s one of the best places to start your journey aboard the magnificent Rocky Mountaineer.

Unfortunately, this experience isn’t one that will fit into everyone’s budget, so be sure to do your research on routes and specific dates before you set your heart on the train journey. With that being said, the impeccable level of service and lavish luxury certainly justifies the price. The Rocky Mountaineer is arguably the greatest way to experience everything this stunning region of Canada has to offer.

Situated 70 metres above the Capilano Riverbed is the iconic 140 metre long Capilano Suspension Bridge. The bridge is located just a short drive from Downtown Vancouver but offers a much different perspective to the city, with phenomenal views spanning over the surrounding forest and complex river system. Don’t worry about the height, you’re definitely in safe hands, the bridge has been open to visitors since 1889 and has since assisted millions of visitors in crossing the river, whilst also putting their fear of heights to the test, go on, I know you want to!

The Capilano Suspension Bridge may be the main event of this area, but the Capilano park is also home to a number of other awesome activities. Traverse the narrow ledges and bridges along the park’s famous Cliff Walk or soak up aerial views from the family friendly Treetops Adventure. If you’d prefer to keep your feet planted firmly on the ground, then why not pay a visit to Raptor’s Ridge and get up close and personal with the local wildlife. Alternatively, head to Kia’Palano and learn about the area’s spiritual and cultural connection to the art and use of traditional totem poles

A scenic seaplane flight is one of the best options for taking in sensational aerial views over Vancouver and its surrounding suburbs, whilst also allowing passengers to land slap bang in the heart of the city’s bustling harbour. Not only is the experience amazingly thrilling, but it’s also exceptionally beautiful, giving you the opportunity to tick off a number of Vancouver must do’s in one foul swoop!

Seaplanes aren’t all that common around the world, but that isn’t the case in Vancouver, these awesome aviation marvels can be spotted landing into Vancouver Harbour on a regular basis. A number of seaplane companies operate out of Vancouver Harbour, offering a wide variety of flights, ranging from short sightseeing excursions to longer one-way transport routes. No matter what it is you’re looking for, you’ll certainly find a flight package to meet your specific needs.

A trip to Vancouver wouldn’t be complete without catching an electrifying game of Ice Hockey, Canada’s official National Sport is an absolute spectacle to behold. The atmosphere at an ice hockey game is truly unmatched, not just on the ice, but also around the stadium, the whole experience is one you’ll certainly never forget. Ice Hockey doesn’t quite have the same international platform as a number of other sports around the globe, therefore it’s a fantastic opportunity to experience this incredible sport in its founding country.-

The best place in Vancouver to watch an ice hockey game is at the energetic Rogers Arena, this awesome venue is the home stadium for the Vancouver Canucks. With a capacity of over 18,000 it’s not a hard stretch to envisage the sheer volume and immense atmosphere inside. Don’t forget to grab yourself a team scarf as a great memento, let’s go Nucks!

A short fifteen minute drive north of Downtown Vancouver will lead you to the spectacular Grouse Mountain. This stunning peak towers 4000 feet into the sky, meaning it’s the perfect spot to soak up a ton of epic panoramic views over Vancouver and Vancouver Island. The easiest and most picturesque way of summiting the peak is via the mountain’s cable car. The Skyride dishes up 360 degrees of blissful scenery, without the need to ever break a sweat! Alternatively, if you’re up for more of a strenuous challenge, why not take on the Grouse Grind. This 2.5km trail takes you to the very top of Grouse Mountain through an array of stunning landscapes, be prepared for the burn though, the trail is often referred to as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster”. As downhill hiking isn’t permitted, you’ll need to book a one way ticket back down via the mountain’s Skyride.

There’s plenty to keep you entertained at the mountain’s summit too. Not only are there a wide variety of cafes and restaurants at the top of Grouse Mountain, but there’s also a number of activities to check out. Choose to visit the local Grizzly’s at the Grizzly Bear Habitat, test your nerves on the Mountain Ropes Adventure, join a variety of wildlife talks ran by local rangers or simply lap up the sensational views from the wide range of lookout points dotted around the summit.

Few places in the world can compete with the quality and standard of whale watching tours on offer in Vancouver. The section of Pacific Ocean surrounding the city has one of the highest concentrations of whales on the entire planet. Though the tours can’t guarantee a 100% viewing success, they claim that around 95% of tours manage to catch a glimpse of these phenomenal creatures in their natural habitat. Orcas (Killer Whales) and Humpback Whales are the stars of the show, these exquisite mammals are an absolute delight to witness, especially whilst breaching the water (a common sight around the waters of Vancouver).

Aside from the whales, the scenery on offer in this region is enough to take your breath away by itself, and on top of that, there’s also a huge variety of other wildlife frequenting this wonderful area. From seals and otters to bald eagles and porpoises, you’ll be spoilt for choice on any kind of wildlife tour departing from Vancouver’s harbour.

Stanley Park is one of the most stunning urban parks on the planet, not only does it span a mammoth one thousand acres, but it’s also surrounded by the crystal blue waters of Vancouver Harbour. Opening in 1888, Stanley Park now welcomes over 8 million visitors per year, offering people a relaxing green space to get away from the hustle and bustle of Vancouver’s hectic city centre. With over half a million hemlock, cedar and fir trees, it’s easy to see why Stanley Park is the perfect environment for an abundance of thriving wildlife.

The park itself is packed full to the brim with a number of activities and pass times, as well as a huge variety of elegant wildlife and splendid plant life. Choose to walk along the famous seawall and soak up the glorious ocean and mountain views, dive into a tantalising meal at one of Stanley Park’s delicious restaurants or simply relax on the park’s golden sand beaches. Thanks to the miles and miles of trails on offer, you’ll have plenty of choice when it comes to deciding on which route to take around the park. Head out on foot or hire a bicycle to allow you to lap up even more of the park’s stunning scenery.

Grizzly Bears are truly astonishing animals, these beauties can weigh up to a mammoth 350 kilograms and measure in at a height of over seven feet! Although grizzlies actually live on Canada’s mainland, they can often be seen travelling through Vancouver Island, usually in search of food. This makes the area the perfect location to spot these phenomenal creatures in action.

Vancouver Island, just a 90 minute ferry ride from the city, is home to a number of purpose built bear watching lodges. These incredible lodges are set in the absolute best locations and boast the ideal conditions for experiencing a hefty number of extraordinary Grizzly Bear sightings. Pictures just can’t possibly do the grizzlies justice, honestly, these beauties are absolutely monstrous!

An alternative to staying at a bear lodge, is to join a small bear watching tour ran by experienced rangers and wildlife experts. These tours take place all over the island and offer visitors a solid opportunity to witness a mighty grizzly up close and personal.