Beyond these comfortable suburbs, the Coast Mountains rise in steep, forested slopes to form a dramatic counterpoint to the downtown skyline and the most stunning of the city’s many outdoor playgrounds. Small wonder, given Vancouver’s surroundings, that Greenpeace was founded in the city.

Vancouver’s 1.9 million residents exploit their spectacular natural setting to the hilt, and when they tire of the immediate region can travel a short distance to the unimaginably vast wilderness of the BC interior.

Whether it’s sailing, swimming, fishing, hiking, skiing, golf or tennis, locals barely have to move to indulge in a plethora of recreational whims. Summer and winter the city oozes hedonism and healthy living - it comes as no surprise to find that you can lounge on beaches downtown - typically West Coast obsessions that spill over into its sophisticated arts and culture . Vancouver claims a world-class museum and symphony orchestra, as well as opera, theatre and dance companies at the cutting edge of contemporary arts. Festivals proliferate throughout its mild, if occasionally rain-soaked, summer and numerous music venues provide a hotbed for up-and-coming rock bands and a burgeoning jazz scene.

Hotel accommodations include luxury apartments and deluxe rooms with an absolutely spectacular panoramic view of waterscapes, city and mountain skylines.

Executive Hotel Vintage Park is located in the heart of Vancouver’s business & entertainment district, only 15 minutes from Vancouver International Airport.

If you are looking for accommodations for extended stays or just want to spoil yourself a little while visiting downtown Vancouver, the Executive Hotel Vintage Park is the place to stay.

Make yourself at home in one of the Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver’s luxurious, elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, complete with spacious marble washrooms, separate glass showers and soaker tubs.

Newly built in 2000 and located in the historic Mount Pleasant area of Vancouver, just minutes from downtown and many of the city’s exciting venues and attractions, the Best Western Uptown Hotel has quickly become a favorite among travelers.

Central to everything Vancouver has to offer — from GM Place, to Grouse Mountain you’re only minutes away. Choose from the comfortable regular rooms to the well equipped business suites. Great value, great lodging, great downtown Vancouver boutique hotel.

Rooms: 110. Hotel Chain: Howard Johnson.

Minutes from the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Center and the Cruise Ship Terminals, for a downtown Vancouver Hotel location, you get the best of both worlds, a low level of traffic noise on the streets while still being in the downtown core location.

Rooms: 53.

Indulge in the multicultural flavour at Duso’s Spice Shop, South China Seas Trading, or House of Brussels Chocolates. If you’re hungry, stop at one of the many small eateries.