Should you be taking a cruise along the Pacific coast of the USA, then you might want to head further north into Canada – in which case there’s a good chance that Vancouver will feature on your trip.
One of the largest cities on Canadian soil, Vancouver is a popular destination for foreign travellers and is a key port for the cruise industry – with a number of trips north to Alaska starting from the city.
However, Vancouver is very much worth exploring in its own right as opposed to simply being the starting point to journey elsewhere.
Originally founded in the Gold Rush when people were flocking to the area to head for the Yukon, Vancouver has since developed into a truly cosmopolitan city that blends old and new with stunning natural scenery.
Should you spend your time ashore within the city itself, you might like to head for the area around Gastown, which is where the original city developed.
Here, you can explore a range of shops and boutiques in search of souvenirs, or listen to the sounds of the famous steam clock that whistles every 15 minutes.
Further shopping opportunities can be found in the area around Robson Street, whilst one of the largest Chinatowns in North America is a vibrant and buzzing part of the city that provides a real flavour of Asia.
You can also find various shopping and dining opportunities if you take the short trip across a causeway to Granville Island; which houses one of the largest markets in the area.
Elsewhere, you might enjoy a trip the Vancouver Lookout to take in views across the city from a 430ft high observation deck, whilst the views are even more spectacular if you ride the Skyride to the summit of nearby Grouse Mountain – where various leisure activities are also available.
Vancouver is home to many impressive parks but arguably the best of the lot is Stanley Park, which covers 1,000 acres and is found right in the heart of the city.
Rated amongst the best parks in the world, Stanley Park is home to a small narrow gauge railway as well as various walking trails and the largest aquarium on Canadian soil – with more than 70,000 animals on site.