New York City 6 hrs

Miami 8 hrs

Philadelphia 6.5 hrs

Boston 6 hrs

Los Angeles 3 hrs

Chicago 4.5 hrs

Dallas-Fort Worth 4.75 hrs

San Francisco 2 hrs

Vancouver Island: Just a short and strikingly scenic ferry ride west of Downtown Vancouver, this island is rated by Condé Nast Traveler Magazine as one of the top non-tropical destinations in the world. Victoria, the elegant capital of British Columbia, occupies a peninsular tip on the southern district. Miles of sandy beaches, rocky shores, rural villages, sophisticated cities, virgin emerald forests, seaside golf, mountains, caves, fossil quarries, and heaps more await discovery. And you can settle in as you please, in a world-class resort, a wilderness campground, a romantic cabin on a wind-swept cove, or anything in between.

Whistler: A central village street serves as the focal point for all activities, so pedestrians rule the land. Adding to its rural, old-world appeal is the fact that this quaint alpine town is utterly free of ambiance-marring traps such as strip malls and cheap motels. Mountain Sports & Living, Ski,and Snow Country magazines rated it the premier ski resort in North America, with more verticals, lifts, and varied terrain than any other. Across the seasons you can ski, snowboard, snowmobile, sleigh-ride, raft, hike, mountain bike, kayak, golf, and horseback ride. For a bird's eye view, gondolas take you high above the glorious alpine meadows.

Bowen Island: Early in the 20th century, the Lady Alexandra ferry whisked couples away to this island in the Howe Sound for a romantic retreat. Popular big-band orchestras frequented "The Happy Isle," which over the decades has become a permanent home to hundreds of artists and writers. This pretty island is still a popular escape where you can take historic walks, tour a brewery, hike serene trails, and soak in the sun on quiet beaches.

Squamish: Once a down-trodden mill town, Squamish has become an eco-tourism sensation, in large part thanks to the annual bald eagle migration. The bird of prey's population thrives in Canada, and you can hike or raft down the Squamish and Elaho Rivers to view them. The entire area is phenomenal, making even the trip to get there an event. The drive along the stunning Sea-to-Sky Highway from downtown Vancouver takes about an hour, winding along the craggy tree-lined coast of Howe Sound, past Shannon Falls and Stawamus Chief, the continent's tallest monolithic rock face.

British Columbia is Canada's most westerly province, bordered to the south by the USA, to the east by Alberta, to the north by the Canadian territories, and to the west by the Pacific Ocean and the Alaskan panhandle. It is mainly covered by virgin old-growth forests, and encompasses the towering Rocky Mountains, vast expanses of semi-arid sagebrush, lush pastures on Vancouver Island's east coast, farmland in the Fraser River delta, and fruitland in the Okanagan Valley.

Warmed by Pacific Ocean currents and protected by mountains, Vancouver enjoys mild temperatures year-round. From high 70°s in summer to a mild mid-40°s in winter, the climate is always hospitable. Wet winters replenish the rainforest, and it rarely snows except on local ski hills. Only 10% of the annual rainfall comes in summer.

Most downtown visitors arrive in summer, when the sun chases away the winter rains until mid-October. If your main interest is skiing and snowboarding in nearby Whistler, then your season runs from December until June. Hotels and restaurants on and near the mountain are packed in winter but downtown hotels are quiet and the restaurants uncluttered. This is also when Vancouver's cultural scene is at its best. Then around mid-February, the winds begin to temper and the sun shines a bit more. The blossoms on the cherry trees begin to poke their heads out and by March there's a riot of pink on every street!

Skiing & Snowboarding: Together, Whistler, Grouse Mountain, Hemlock Valley, and Manning Provincial Park offer many choices for avid skiers and snowboarders, including challenging downhill runs and more than 60 miles of cross-country trails through some very picturesque backcountry. Mountain Sports & Living, Ski, and Snow Country magazines rate Whistler as the premier ski resort in North America, with more verticals, lifts, and varied terrain than any other.

Outstanding Natural Beauty: The natural splendor of virgin temperate rain forests, soaring snow-capped mountain ranges, and the dramatic Pacific shoreline make the landscape surrounding Vancouver among the most visually stunning in the world. There is ample opportunity to get out and explore, from hiking and kayaking, to bird and wildlife watching.

Active Pursuits: Beyond the sophisticated galleries, museums, performing arts, and world-class dining venues of the city, the British Columbian coastline provides the perfect setting for a vast range of activities, including canoeing, fishing, mountain climbing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking... you name it! The many islands, mountains, and jagged cliffs are simply stunning, and the backdrop could not be more dramatic for enjoying the great outdoors.

Trolley Tour: Enjoy a narrated tour that lets you hop on and off at will along the 16 stops to visit attractions, dine, and shop. Hop back on the next passing trolley and proceed to the next place, like the Vancouver Aquarium, Art Gallery, Rose Garden, and more!

Lookout Tower: Your adventure begins the moment you step aboard the glass skylift elevators and shoot up just 40 scenic seconds to the Lookout Observatory on British Columbia's tallest building for a spectacular 360° view. Don't miss the view at sunset!

Vancouver Aquarium: Experience the richness of the Canadian Arctic and the treasures of Canada's rugged West Coast. Uncover the secrets of the steamy tropical Amazon and immerse yourself in a living rainbow of color amid the coral reefs of the South Pacific!

Harbor Cruise: Take a gorgeous boat ride along Canada's "Gateway to the Pacific," the Burrad Inlet, and see Stanley Park, Lions Gate Bridge, and more. Sunset cruises include dinner and entertainment.

Whale Watching: The resident population of orcas travels in pods and sub-pods, and can be found near Victoria from April through October. A major whale migration occurs mid-winter off the west coast of Vancouver Island, when approximately 20,000 Pacific grey whales leave the Baja Peninsula heading for Alaska, cruising past Vancouver Island en route. Migration is at its peak in March and April, when the whales come very close to shore and can be observed from Pacific Rim National Park. Several pods spend the summer months in Clayoquot Sound and can be seen on daily boat tours.

Daytrip to Whistler Ski Resort: Go skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking at Whistler or the 3 other nearby ski mountains visible from your downtown hotel window. Grouse Mountain offers shuttles from town to the base, where you catch an aerial tram to the top. Hemlock Valley and Manning Provincial Park have many choices including challenging downhill runs and 60 miles of cross-country trails through some very picturesque backcountry. When the snow melts, go back again and hike or bike along the same trails, now transformed into a summer playground!

Museum of Anthropology: A classic long house recreated with modern elements houses the world's finest collection of West Coast Native art. When you walk in, you feel as if you've entered the grand ceremonial hall of the leading tribe in the region with towering totem poles flanking you on either side and artifacts from potlatch ceremonies surrounding you. Creation myths are depicted in huge carvings and more than 15,000 artifacts including beaded jewelry and ceremonial masks are arranged by culture. Truly memorable!

Day Trip to Victoria: The capital of British Columbia is a sophisticated seaside city that combines a little slice of Englandwith the bravado of the New World. Take on airs with a traditional formal afternoon tea, then chart a course for adventure on a whale-watching cruise. Saunter through carefully manicured rose gardens, then hike along the rugged splendor of the Pacific Coast. British, Native American, and Asian heritages show their many faces in the museums, galleries, 19th-century shops, markets, and cafés of Canada's westernmost city.

Stanley Park: It is a rare treasure indeed to find 1,000 acres of wilderness bordering a bustling downtown, but Vancouver has just that in its cherished Stanley Park. Cormorants build their seaweed nests along the cliff ledges of Prospect Point, and a sprawling forest harbors countless other wild creatures. Hiking and biking trails take you on easy but stupendous journeys through the park. If you're not the get-lost-in-the-wilderness sort, you still have plenty to enjoy with visits to the Vancouver Aquarium, Second Beach, the Miniature Railway, and Children's Farmyard.

Kayaking: Few big cities are nestled into the border of a vast wilderness like Vancouver is, and getting to it is easy. One popular way is to kayak on the gorgeous Indian Arm, a finger-shaped fjord which bends northward for 18.8 miles deep into the heart of the Coast Range mountains. On the way, stop to marvel at old-growth forests and lacy waterfalls while gulls, ravens, and bald eagles soar overhead.

Golf: You've honed that swing through the winter, indulged a few fairway fantasies watching Tiger and company on TV, and now you're ready to hit the greens. Thanks to the golf boom and some savvy park boards, you can have fun and frustration at more than 60 beautiful courses in the Lower Mainland.

Vancouver's restaurant scene has exploded in the past few years to offer world-class cuisine from every corner of the globe. Residents eat out more than those of any other Canadian city, and are very demanding of quality and diversity. Fortunately, they also refuse to pay what New Yorkers dish out for the same tastebud-thrilling fare, so prices are surprisingly reasonable. Among the best-kept secrets are hotel dining rooms, which provide excellent values. Tapas and West Coast cuisine are the rage of the moment, with local produce, game, and seafood forming the base of ever-changing recipes. Seasonal and even monthly menus give Vancouver chefs a freedom to experiment and vary their cooking, so repeat visits to the same restaurant can feel like the first time every time!

Gourmet

Bishop's has repeatedly won the vote for Vancouver's Most Popular Restaurant and Best Food. This "oasis of excellence is...all that a classic...restaurant should be," rhapsodizes Zagat restaurant guide. Chef-Owner John Bishop personally escorts you to your table, introducing his extensive collection of fine wines. Loyalists claim his menu reaches "the height...of Pacific Northwest cuisine." Seasonal dishes include roast duck breast with sun-dried Okanagan Valley fruits and candied ginger glacé. Reservations essential. 2183 W Fourth Avenue

Rasputin Russian Cuisine Restaurant: A vibrant, celebratory mood is evident in this palatial dining venue marked by brilliant colors and balloons. A spirited background of Russian and Ukrainian folk songs provide the soundtrack to this fascinating venture into a far flung gastronomic delights. The menu may need to be deciphered at first, but you will soon be tempted by the small-portioned Zakuski (Russian Appetizers), such as Schmaltz herring, Caspian Sea black caviar, and Ukrainian sweet & sour white fish. Among the interesting entrees are Georgian grilled Cornishhen (a whole hen flat-fried under a brick), and traditional cabbage rolls stuffed with savory beef and pork. Throughout the meal, musicians from Russia and Eastern Europe continually serenade guests, and the entertainment may be just as much a draw as the unique cuisine. 457 West Broadway

Highly Recommended

Lumière: Chef Rob Feenie makes the "most exciting meals in Vancouver," say fans of this minimalist, cutting-edge French Fusion restaurant. Preparation and presentation are immaculately French, while ingredients are resolutely local, resulting in surprises such as roast venison medallions with kumquat and pineapple chutney. Lumière's seasonal tasting menu is one of the best in town. Reservations essential. 2551 W Broadway

West Restaurant & Bar: In Vancouver's chic South Granville neighborhood, West Restaurant & Bar offers contemporary regional cuisine in fancy surroundings befitting its reputation as one of Vancouver's most illustrious dining venues. Only the best local and seasonal ingredients are chosen for the innovative menu items, which include such choices as fresh water Canadian steelhead with roasted pumpkin and sunchoke herb crust, wild mushroom and ricotta ravioli with truffle white mushroom broth, and barely seared North Pacific scallops with celeriac puree capers and brown butter jus. The beverage menu is equally impressive, and their signature martinis are made with fresh, pressed-to-order juices. Dinner at West Restaurant & Bar is not just a meal; it's a gastronomic experience. 2881 Granville Street

Local Flair

Liliget Feast House is a highlight of Native BC culture and Pacific Northwest cuisine. The design re-creates a longhouse where diners fawn over excellent food and courteous service. Wooden walkways cross pebble floors, contemporary native art decorates the walls, and sampler potlach platters are served on cedar tables. Recipes include bannock bread, alder-grilled salmon, BBQ venison, and smoked mussels. 1724 Davie Street

Nevermind: This happening restaurant blends funk, soul, great food, and great people, and the result is Vancouver's ultimate get together place. Conveniently located in the heart of Kitsilano, Nevermind is ideal for grabbing a bite at lunch, or having an evening meal and a social gathering. Fine West Coast food matches the West Coast ambiance, and intriguing menu items include house-smoked bacon-wrapped sea scallops with citrus honey-Dijon sauce drizzled on a lemon grass skewer, bamboo-skewered marinated chicken breast grilled and served with house-made sweet Thai peanut dipping sauce and fresh spinach gomae, and fire-grilled 8 oz AAA angus sirloin with Mascarpone scalloped potatoes and seasonal market vegetables with peppercorn au jus. If that doesn't tempt your palate, then you should ask yourself why you are in Vancouver! 3293 West 4th Avenue @ Blenheim

Romantic

Il Giardino di Umberto: According to Zagat restaurant guide, if you can't "move in and marry the chef", then take consolation with a "seductive summertime repast on the patio." Vine-draped and sun- or moon-splashed, romance comes easily here, and even more so on the private Juliet balcony with a table for two. The Tuscan menu features the likes of smoked salmon with orange, fennel, and leeks. Reservations essential. 1382 Hornby Street

C Restaurant: Designed by local designer Dominic Smith, C Restaurant is one of Vancouver's most revered seafood venues, and its hidden upstairs dining room offers one of the city's most romantic evening settings. Known as "The Wine Attick", this enchanting room pays homage to the cellars of old Europe, wallpapered with 350 bottles of wine and illuminated by candles. Forget about the outside world as you gaze into your loved one's eyes, and whisper sweet nothings as you peruse the menu.Succulent seafood entrees include red wine and Gravenstein Apple risotto, seared Skeena River wild salmon, and sesame salt seared Kagan Bay scallops. Reservations are highly recommended to ensure a table on the night you wish to dine. 2-1600 Howe Street

With a varied blend of live music and comedy, Vancouver's clubs are more adventurous than those of most Canadian cities. From fly-by-night alternative dives in the Italian Quarter to renowned opera and symphony, there are countless places and ways to play under the stars. Summer nightlife often takes to the streets in West Coast fashion, with outdoor bars grabbing the spotlight. When the weather is especially fine, the city treats residents and visitors to a wide range of music and theater festivals. The most comprehensive listings guide to all the goings-on is The Georgia Straight, a free weekly issued every Thursday.

The Commodore: This is the proud winner of Vancouver Today's reader's choice award for "Best Place to Dance." Regulars who voted said it is "the best darn dance floor in Vancouver...lots of room, and an elegant atmosphere...love the bouncy dance floor!"

Queen Elizabeth Complex: Both the Queen Elizabeth Theatre and the Vancouver Playhouse are housed in this complex, which also hosts major national and touring musical/theater productions. The Vancouver Opera and Ballet British Columbia add to the impressive roster of resident companies.

Chameleon Urban Lounge: Celebrities like to hang out at this Felliniesque basement lounge, but everyone is welcome so don't be shy. The ceilings are high, the furniture is plush, and live jazz, funk, and salsa set the rhythm most evenings. The full martini menu is fitting for the ultra urban crowd that has included Jason Priestly and Christopher Walken.

Casino: The Great Canadian in Downtown, the Royal Diamond on Pacific Blvd, and the Chinatown Gateway gaming halls feature poker, blackjack and other card games, with a maximum $500 bet limit.

Theatre Under the Stars: Summer nights are the perfect time to delight in old-time favorite musicals, like West Side Story and others, performed outdoors. Bring a picnic and a sweater, and you'll have a great time!

The Roxy: Voted Best Nightclub in the Vancouver Today reader's choice awards, there's always a good party going down and the staff is notably friendly. Dr. Strangelove, the house band, is one of the best in town and though the music pumps out of an excellent sound system, it isn't out of control so you can actually talk to people without screaming at them.

Yuk Yuk Komedy Kabaret: Stand-up Canucks and Yanks stream in and out of the changing line-up of professional and, on open mike Wednesdays, amateur comedians. The house is fairly small, holding just 200 people, so pretty much every seat is a good one.

Polar Bear Swim: English Bay Beach is overrun with thousands of hardy citizens in elaborate costumes who show up to brave swimming the icy waters. January

International Wine Festival: The latest vintages are featured at this major wine event. Each winery hosts a booth offering samples of as many varieties are you'd like to try. Cheese and paté hors d'oeuvres are also served. March

Cloverdale Rodeo: Professional North American cowboys compete in roping, bull and bronco riding, barrel racing, and many other events. A country fair atmosphere prevails with great food and kids activities, including pony rides. May

DuMaurier International Jazz Festival: Nearly a thousand international jazz and blues players perform at 25 venues from the Orpheum Theatre to the Roundhouse, many of which are free. June

Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival: A tent overlooking English Bay may just be the best backdrop, next to the Bard's own Globe Theatre, to see Shakespeare's timeless plays performed. June

Canada Day: The induction of new Canadian citizens begins this all-day celebration at Canada Pier Place. Outdoor music and dance performances are crowned with a 21-gun salute at noon and precision aerobatics teams performing overhead. A fireworks show on the harbor winds up the festivities. July

Fringe Theatre Festival: Innovative and original shows by the hundreds, written and performed by international artists, are showcased at this event. Critics and audiences alike regard the festival as the best place to catch new theater. September

International Film Festival: This highly respected film festival presents 250 new works, revivals, and retrospectives that represent cinematic artists from over 40 countries. Celebrities glitter at every event and even conduct some of the seminars and workshops. October

Dress as you would in any cosmopolitan city, mostly tidy casuals for sightseeing. Bring something dressier, maybe even semi-formal, for upscale restaurants, clubs, and performing arts. Spring comes early, and by February you can wear light to medium layers. Summer is warm, so cool clothing is best with a light jacket for cool nights. Fall is also very mild and turns chillier and wetter by November, when warm, waterproof clothing is necessary. Winter downtown is mildly cold and wet, so wear a coat and raingear. If you go up to the ski mountains, you will need a full ensemble of heavy, waterproof clothing from boots to hat.

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Tax Refund: The GST (Goods & Services Tax) is reimbursable upon departure, but you must keep your receipts. Simply pick up a copy of the Tax Refund Application for Visitors at any Customs Office and most tourism centers, duty-free shops, and some hotels. The form is short and easy to fill out and, along with your receipts, is all you need to be reimbursed on the spot as you exit the country.

English

Outlets and voltage are the same as in the United States, so you won't need an adapter or transformer.

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Entry: A photo ID (such as a passport) is required to enter Canada, as is proof of US citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate). Visas are not required.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: Effective January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including US citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.

The passport requirement does NOT apply to US citizens traveling to or returning directly from a US territory. US citizens returning directly from a US territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to present a passport. US territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Canadian Customs: Visitors may enter Canada with personal effects duty-free provided that they declare them to the customs officials upon arrival and that the goods are not subject to restrictions. Persons aged 16 and over are authorized to take 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, and 2.2 pounds of smoking tobacco. Persons 18 and over may take 40 ounces of duty-free alcoholic beverages.

Cultural Property: Canada has restrictions to ensure that objects of historical, cultural, artistic, or scientific significance remain in Canada. To take objects that are more than 50 years old (or made by a person who is no longer living) out of the country - including artifacts, fossils, fine art, decorative art, rare books, or archival materials - you may require an export permit. You must check with the Movable Cultural Property Program, 15 Eddy Street, 3rd Floor, Room 13, Hull, Quebec, Canada K1A 0M5, phone 819-997-7761, fax 819-997-7757.

US Customs: US residents returning from Canada after a visit of 48 hours or more may return with $800 worth of duty-free articles for personal use. Up to 100 cigars (non-Cuban), 32 ounces of alcoholic beverages (travelers over 21), and 200 cigarettes per person may be included in the duty and not included in the basic exemption. Works of art are exempt, however, a receipt of purchase may be required.

Tourism Vancouver: The Greater Vancouver Convention and Visitors Bureau, 200 Burrard Street, Suite 210, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6C 3L6, phone 604-682-2222, fax 604-682-1717

Vancouver Coast and Mountains Tourism Region: 204-1755 West Broadway, Vancouver, British Columbia V6J 4S5, Canada, phone 604-739-9011

Tourism Association of Vancouver Island: 302-45 Bastion Square, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 1J1, Canada, phone 250-382-3551