People who visit Vancouver are always surprised by how compact the city is. The city has numerous public transportation options from the SkyTrain and the SeaBus provide to vital public transportation options. Here is a transit map to make getting around and understanding the system a little better.

Vancouver is an extremely walkable city. It only takes 40 minutes to walk extreme corner of downtown to the other. You definitely shouldn't spend all your time downtown, though, but even then every neighborhood's within biking distance, some are walkable, and they're never more than 40 minutes away by bus.

If you want to go from the city to the mountains within an hour, there's no better place than Vancouver.

Three main mountains are nearby: Cypress Mountain, Mount Seymour and Grouse Mountain. Cypress is a favorite for local snowboarders and skiers as it has the best facilities, and it was part of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Grouse, on the other hand, is a popular option in the summertime when visitors can tackle the Grouse Grind and enjoy the daily lumberjack show on top of the mountain.

Vancouver is home to some of the coolest neighbourhoods in Canada. Main Street and Commercial Drive are known for their independent boutiques and restaurants, while Yaletown has some of the best patios for summertime dining due to its former life as a warehouse district. Meanwhile, Gastown is the city's most historic area. 

With so much to see and do in our beautiful city, you will never want to leave.

You'll see a glimpse of our famous  Gastown Steam Clock in TV shows such as Arrow, Once Upon a Time, and Supernatural and movies including Legends of the Fall, Twilight and The Mountain Between Us.

Under Vancouver, there runs a series of steam pipes, the system provides heat to most of the downtown core, and provides the steam for the whistles of the Gastown steam clock. Every 15 minutes, the two-ton Steam Clock shows off a bit, whistling and shooting steam from its five whistles in its version of the Westminster Chime. On the hour it marks each hour with a toot from each whistle.

Canada Place, most recognizable by its "sails", is the large building situated on the downtown waterfront. It is the home of the Vancouver Convention Centre, the Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel, Vancouver's World Trade Centre, and the virtual flight ride FlyOver Canada.

FlyOver Canada is the Canada Place attraction and shouldn't be missed! During the Ultimate Flying Ride you will see numerous cities and vistas across the country. The production team for FlyOver Canada were able to select 18 scenes from over 100 hours of footage to represent Canada in the ride film. Take a peak at this fun promotional video the FlyOver team put together.

Even for the well-seasoned traveller, Vancouver has the power to astonish: the city is one of those rare places where you can golf, sail and ski - all in one day. Add to this a mild climate, where greens are green year-round, and it's no surprise that Vancouver golf courses are some of the top golf courses in North America.

Vancouver boast a range of excellent golf courses, many within a short distance of downtown. This means that your business trip, conference or getaway weekend can easily accommodate a round of golf, or you can book your own custom Vancouver Golf Package. 

• English Bay is by far downtown's busiest beach because of its easy access. The boundless amenities make it ou top pick. Umbrella and chair rentals, Kayak rentals and storage, Mobi-Mat accessible beach pathway and two water wheelchairs make it accessible to so many.

• "Kitsilano" is a mouthful, so everyone calls it "Kits." And everyone knows Kits Beach. It's large hillside green space makes it a wonderful stop for groups and for the traveller who would like to just sit and read by the water.

• Spanish Banks covers a mile-long stretch at the farthest western edge of the City of Vancouver. For its endless low tides, being the only kite-boarding-approved beach, the most family-friendly beach, and, having the best views of English Bay, downtown, and the local Mountains.

• Third Beach is for those who enjoy a relaxing, natural beach. It's quiet, located far from the sounds and action of the city on the edge of Stanley Park, backed by huge trees and nothing else. But still close to downtown. The views, beautiful sunsets, and nice people will have you coming back time and time again.

Stanley Park is a magnificent green oasis in the midst of the urban landscape of Vancouver. Ride or walk along Stanley Park's famous 10km Seawall with its scenic views of water, mountains, sky, and majestic trees. Discover kilometres of trails, beautiful beaches, local wildlife, great eats, natural, cultural and historical landmarks, along with many other adventures. 

The park offers Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tours March through October. The one-hour tours are relaxing and educational as passengers learn about the park and its surroundings with a route that takes in many of the more popular spots.

This charming cultural & artistic neighborhood with its daily public market with 50+ food vendors is a must stop when in town.

The Granville Island Public Market is a wonder to experience! Vancouver top chefs are often spotted shopping here for ingredients for their menus. The indoor market features an assortment of colorful food and produce stores, showcasing handcrafted products and the very finest in unique gifts. Granville is also one of the city's most important cultural districts with theatres, artisan workshops and craft studios.