Vancouver BC Hotels

Vancouver BC Hotels

Located in the majestic Pacific Northwest, with its old British charm, mild climate and impressive wildlife viewing, a thriving metropolis is located: Vancouver BC Hotels range from luxurious waterfront accommodations to casual bed and breakfasts. Prices vary with location, season and hotel, but if you’re paying with American dollars, you're already getting a discount!

One of the great places on the West Coast to visit, Vancouver BC (British Columbia), is surrounded by water, and many tourist activities are water-related. In the waters just off Vancouver, a much-beloved population of Killer Whales (Orcas) reside. These whales cruise through Johnstone Strait during the summer months. Whale watching boats will take you directly into their zone, where you can observe the largest of dolphins in wild waters. If you prefer to stay landlocked, Vancouver Aquarium, located in Stanley Park, offers an up-close and personal look at dolphins, beluga whales and other marine life. The Vancouver Aquarium promotes conservation through education. Take a look at their website, where you can adopt one of their captive creatures, or a wild orca!

Thar she blows! While viewing whales in an oceanarium may be a great way to get that close look, but there is nothing more awe-inspiring than watching wild killer whale pods hunting together for salmon. You’ll see them breaching, spyhopping, porpoising, and lobtailing! In other words: jumping out of the water and slapping their tail on the surface. In Vancouver BC hotels can arrange awesome whale watching trips in the calm waters of the straits.

Prefer green to blue? Lush, temperate, old-growth rainforests bestow the Pacific Northwest with great scenery. Many hiking trails in grand parks just outside downtown Vancouver BC give the opportunity to walk through forests of Douglas fir, western hemlock and western red cedar. As in most nature parks, you can find easy, level hikes or go deeper into the woods for steeper climbs, which will take you into more rugged country, and areas where you may find more “wild” wildlife. If a tough 3 km (2 mile) trail to the top of a 1200 m (4,000 foot) mountain isn’t for you, there is always the Skyride Cable Car to take you to the summit of Grouse Mountain. Or, if you can stomach it, try walking across Capilano Canyon on the Capilano Suspension Bridge. The bridge, built in 1889 (don’t worry, it’s been rebuilt 4 times so far), attracts thousands of visitors each year to transverse the canyon at a height of 70 m (230 feet). These great natural attractions, located just outside of downtown, can be arranged through many of the Vancouver, BC hotels.

Go Alaska! In Vancouver BC hotels provide a stopover point for folks awaiting the departure of an Alaskan Cruise. Most of the major cruise lines offering Alaskan cruises use Vancouver harbor as their point of departure. Shortly after leaving port, you’ll find yourself cruising the inside passage in Alaskan waters. The magnificent glaciers, lush green forests, grizzly bears and whales offer much of the allure of the Alaskan cruise.

A British Columbia vacation isn’t complete without a side trip to Vancouver Island. Take a Ferry ride on the BC Ferry system into Victoria, the capital of British Columbia.

Quaint Victoria. The domed Parliament Building, along the waterfront, and the Empress Hotel are major architectural landmarks not to be missed. This quaint town maintains many British traditions, such as afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel. If you like flowers at all, you must visit Butchart Gardens, about 22.5 km (14 miles) north of Victoria. The Gardens boast thousands of rare and beautiful flowers, sunken gardens, waterfalls and dancing fountains.

Many Vancouver BC hotels are positioned on the waterfront, overlooking Johnstone and Georgia Straits. To experience the heart of Vancouver, get out on the water. Rent a sea kayak, take a harbor cruise, go whale watching, use a Seabus to get around, or spend the afternoon at the beach.

Shari Bookstaff is a biology professor in northern California, where she lives with her two children. Shari is an avid nature lover, sports fan and photographer.