In Vancouver, you are never far from nature. You can wake up in a downtown hotel and ,in five minutes ,be in 1000-acre(400-hectare) Stanley Park.. There, lose yourself on a trail among towering trees. listen to the wind whisper and the birds sing. You won't believe you're in a city park!

　　In the mil-1800s,the city government decided to preserve this natural area just blocks from downtown Vancouver. The mayor wanted to set aside a place where city residents could "spend time whit the beauties of nature "

　　While in the park, don't miss the Vancouver Aquarium. Here, more than 8000 marine species live in recreated environments. Visit the steamy Amazon. or Canada's coastal waters. The aquarium's outdoor pools house several large marine animals, including two beluga whales. Go down the stairs near their pool and watch them swim underwater.

　　After "spending time with the beauties of nature," you're ready for a busy day in the city. Plan to explore its interesting museums and neighborhoods, as well as the exciting shopping district of Robson Street.

　　City Sights
　　Vancouver and its suburbs are home to 1.9million people. More than half of the children in Vancouver schools speak a language other than English at home. That makes Vancouver very international. You can find neighborhoods where Greeks, East Indians, Italians and Chinese celebrate their cultures.

　　In Chinatown, you'll find the first full-size classical garden outside China. Workers from Suzhou spent an entire year constructing the Dr. Sun Yat--sen Garden. Everything but the water and plants was shipped in from china. Walk around and enjoy the quiet.

　　For a taste of Vancouver's colorful past, visit Gastown. The city began here in 1867. Sip a latte and walk down the street to the Gastown Steam Clock. It's the only steam-powered clock in the world. You can hear it whistle every 15 minutes.

　　While Vancouver residents love their city, they're crazy about outdoor sports. And with good reason, Where else in the world can you ski, sail, cock climb, mountain bike and fish-all in the same day? That's how close the great outdoors lie to Vancouver.

　　Mountains and Bridges
　　A 15-minute drive from downtown brings you to Grouse Mountain. In winter, skiers flock here.

　　But you'll find something to enjoy every season of the year. Take a short tram ride to the top of the 3700-foot(1128--meter)mountain. Hike around the top and see beautiful views in all directions.

　　For an unforgettable evening, visit the hiwus longhouse. Inside, you'll. Experience the culture of the Pacific Northwest native peoples. Men and women in costumes perform traditional songs and dances while you enjoy a delicious salmon dinner.

　　Close to Grouse Mountain, you'll find Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. It's Vancouver's oldest attraction. This longest and highest suspended footbridge in the world has amazed visitors since 1889. Walk across it and feel it sway!

　　If you're a fan of suspension bridges, visit another one in Lynn Canyon Park. This one isn't as long as Capilano, but you can walk across for free.

　　After enjoying the great outdoors, head back downtown. Isn't it nice to know there's a comfortable hotel room-and a hot shower-just minutes away?