Attractions

A city perched on the edge of a great wilderness, Vancouver offers unrivaled opportunities for exploring the outdoors. But within the city limits, Vancouver is intensely urban, with buzzy sidewalk cafes and busy shopping streets. The forest of high-rises ringing the central part of the city reminds some visitors of New York or Shanghai, and Chinatown inevitably invites comparisons to San Francisco. But similarities with other places begin to pall as you come to realize that Vancouver is entirely its own creation: a young, self-confident, sparklingly beautiful city like no other place on earth.

360 Degrees of Vancouver -- The most popular (and most touristed) spot from which to view Vancouver's skyline and surrounding topography is high atop the space needle observation deck at the Lookout!, Harbour Centre Tower, 555 W. Hastings St. (tel. 604/689-0421). It's a great place for first-time visitors who want a panorama of the city. The 360-degree view is remarkable (yes, that is Mt. Baker looming above the southeastern horizon), but the signage could be a lot better. Skylift admission is C$13 (£6.50) for adults, C$11 (£5.50) for seniors, C$9 (£4.50) for students and youth 11 to 17, C$6 (£3) children 4 to 10, and free for children under 4. It's open daily in summer from 8:30am to 10:30pm and in winter from 9am to 9pm. Tickets are valid for the entire day.