VANCOUVER is one of the world's most beautiful cities. Surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains and the Pacific Ocean, it is no wonder that Vancouverites love outdoor activities so much. Although the city does get a lot of rain in the winter, the summer sunshine makes it all worthwhile. Vancouver's mild climate and relaxed atmosphere has attracted many immigrants. The city's beauty and reputation as a multicultural world-class city has just helped it earn the right to host the 2010 Winter Olympics. There is plenty to see and do in Vancouver, from museums to parks to scenic attractions. In addition, there are many notable sights on Vancouver Island, located just off the coast of Vancouver. Butchart Gardens is a definite must-see, and you will also want to spend time in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia's capital city.

Contact us at worldonwheelz@aol.com to arrange your independent trip to Vancouver and Victoria!

Points of Interest - Vancouver

Grouse Mountain Stanley Park Capilano Suspension Bridge

Stanley Park - This 1,000-acre park operates free wheelchair accessible trolleys (June-Sept.) that circle the park making stops at 14 different points of interest, including the popular Vancouver Aquarium. Other popular attractions in the park include the Children's Farmyard, Miniature Railway, and the Theatre Under the Stars. You could also take an accessible carriage ride through the park.

Vancouver Aquarium - Located in Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium contains over 8,000 marine species. There are numerous exhibits featuring different kinds of marine life, as wells as daily shows featuring sea otters, dolphins, and beluga whales.

Canada Place - Located on the Vancouver waterfront, Canada Place is home to the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel, an IMAX theare, and a cruise ship terminal.

Gastown - Historic Gastown is full of cobblestone streets, gas lamps, shops, and restaurants.

Storyeum - Located in Gastown, Storyeum is a walk through British Columbia's history. In 72 minutes you will see nine different stories told through actors and performers in nine separate, incredible sets. Each story is 7-10 minutes long. You start out learning about how B.C. was formed and end up with a multi-media show on multicultural Canada. In between you learn about the First Nations, the British search for the west coast, New Explorers arriving on the west coast, the building of the Railroad, Confederation, the Gold Rush and the importance of natural resources to British Columbia. Fully accessible.

Granville Island - One of Vancouver's top tourist attractions, Granville Island is popular for its array of restaurants, theatres, galleries, and the public market which is famous for its fresh produce, seafood, beef, and entertainment.

Queen Elizabeth Park - Located in the highest part of Vancouver, Queen Elizabeth Park offers great panoramic views of the city.

Chinatown - The 2nd largest in North America.

The Lookout - Take the glass elevator up 50 stories to the observation deck where you will have one of the best views of Vancouver and the surrounding area. You can also eat at the top in the revolving restaurant.

Grouse Mountain - Take the accessible Skyride gondola to the summit of Grouse Mountain where you will enjoy a spectacular view of Vancouver, the Pacific Ocean, and snow-capped mountains. There is also a restaurant at the top, as well as attactions like the Lumberjack Show, Birds In Motion, and the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife.

Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park - Although the bridge itself and the west side of the park are not accessible, many worthwhile attractions on the east side of the park are, including the Totem Park and the carving centre.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden - The first Ming Dynasty style classical garden created outside of China. Truly a cultural experience. Guided tours are available.

Points of Interest - Vancouver Island

The Empress Hotel Parliament Building Butchart Gardens

Butchart Gardens - A world famous 50-acre garden located 45 minutes from Victoria. In the summer, the gardens are beautifully illuminated at night and evening entertainment is provided.

Butterfly Gardens - A tropical greenhouse where hundreds of exotic butterflies fly freely. Only 5 minutes from Butchart Gardens.

Parliament Buildings - An architectural marvel on Victoria's Innner Harbour. Guided tours are available.

Empress Hotel - Opened in 1908, this premier hotel located on the Inner Harbour is a city landmark.

Royal British Columbia Museum - An excellent museum containing exhibits that explore hundreds of years of British Columbian history.

Royal London Wax Museum - Contains over 300 life-like wax figures of people past and present.

Sample Independent Itinerary

Day One - Arrive in Vancouver
Arrive in Vancouver. Accessible transfer to hotel. After check-in, dinner at a local restaurant. Balance of evening free.

Day Two - City Tour
Following breakfast at the hotel, take a half day sightseeing tour of Vancouver. You will enjoy a fully narrated tour on a wheelchair accessible bus. Sights you will see along the way include Canada Place, the Entertainment District, Robson Street, Queen Elizabeth Park, Chinatown, Gastown, English Bay, Shaughnessy Estates, and Granville Island. You will also visit Stanley Park, with stops at the Totem Poles and Prospect Point. Lastly, there will be a stop at The Lookout to check out the view from the 360 degree panoramic viewing deck. Return to hotel. Balance of afternoon and evening free.

Day Three - Grouse Mountain/ Capilano Suspension Bridge
Breakfast at the hotel. Then on to Grouse Mountain. Take the accessible Skyride where you will enjoy breathtaking views of Vancouver, the Pacific Ocean, and the snow-capped mountainside on the way up Grouse Mountain. At the top, take in the Lumberjack Show, Birds In Motion, and the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife, among others. Next head over to the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park. Although the bridge itself and the west side of the park are not accessible, many worthwhile attractions on the east side of the park are, including the Totem Park and the carving centre. Return to hotel. Balance of afternoon and evening free.

Day Four - Victoria/Butchart Gardens
Day trip to Vancouver Island. Following breakfast at the hotel, get picked up in a wheelchair accessible coach where you will board a BC Ferry for a spectacular 90 minute cruise to Vancouver Island. Upon arrival, the tour will continue on to the beautiful Butchart Gardens where you will enjoy 2 hours on your own. Next, the tour heads to Victoria where you'll see the Oak Bay residential district, the University of Victoria, Beacon Hill Park and Mile "0". There will also be time to explore the beautiful Inner Harbour, Empress Hotel, Royal BC Museum, and the Legislative Buildings on your own.

Day Five - Vancouver On Your Own
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the morning at Queen Elizabeth Park. Next, head over to Granville Island for lunch and some shopping. Then spend the afternoon at Stanley Park. The park operates free wheelchair accessible trolleys (June-Sept.) that circle the park making stops at 14 different points of interest, including the popular Vancouver Aquarium. Get off and on as you like. You could also take an accessible carriage ride through the park. Dinner at the park, then either return to the hotel or stick around for a show at the Theatre Under the Stars.

Day Six - Depart

Contact us at worldonwheelz@aol.com to arrange your independent trip to Vancouver and Victoria!

ACCESSIBLE VANCOUVER/VICTORIA REVIEW

VANCOUVER PICTURES
VICTORIA PICTURES