When I'm visiting a large city, I always like to do some sort of hop on hop off bus tour if time permits. Vancouver is the type of place where making time for a hop-on hop-off bus tour is worth it.

These tours are great on the first day of a Vancouver vacation. Riding one of these buses is a way to get acquainted with Vancouver quickly. While not every major city has a hop on hop off bus, travelers to Vancouver should take advantage of this convenient way to sight-see.

For Vancouver, a couple of companies run hop on hop off bus tours. >> Read more 

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a bridge for walking across only and is a popular Vancouver tourist attraction. As you can see from the picture, the bridge is very high off the ground. Actually, the bridge is 230 feet (70m) above Capilano River. The bridge spans 450 feet (137m) across the river. This is not the place to go if you are afraid of heights!!

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a good photo opportunity as there are many ways to photograph it. Try below, above, or while on it. >> Read more 

This nicely done high definition (HD) video shows scenes from around Vancouver, BC, from close-ups of nature to driving on the street at night. The color and clarity on this video is impressive and it has a nice pace.

Enjoy.

This video entitled "vancouver: frozen moments" uses special effects to show a new perspective of Vancouver. The video combines still shots with overlays to create a 3-D postcard type of effect.

Shown in the video are panoramic scenes of Vancouver harbour, downtown, skyline (Stanley Park), totem poles, English Bay, Kitsilano pool, Lions Gate Bridge, Grouse Mountain, Britannia Beach and Tantalus Lookout. >> Read more 

With 2008's Chinese New Year celebration coming up (the Year of the Rat) in early February, here's a look at a Vancouver traveler's photos from the 2007 Chinatown Chinese New Year Parade.

(Photo by sillygwailo) >> Read more 

If you are in Vancouver and like to experience nature, the 70 acre UBC Botanical Garden is a good place to visit. Besides the thousands of plants, there are a few interesting signs.

Now, I usually don't pay attention to squirrels, but this sign by the entrance made me think twice. The squirrels at UBC botanical gardens must be in the habit of scaring people. Why else would there be a sign on a trash bin reading "Caution: Please open carefully as there may be a squirrel inside"?

The squirrels must have been jumping out onto unsuspecting tourists. At least that is what this sign implies.

Someone sure went through a lot of trouble to print this sign and have it laminated. It must be for good reason.

>> Read more 

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to ride the Grouse Mountain gondola when the weather is foggy, look no further. Vancouver'd is about answers.

The answer: it sucks.

This video proves it.

Unless you like fog, look for other activities besides Grouse Mountain on foggy days.

This historical archives video is a glimpse at Vancouver from almost 100 years ago.

"In this old home movie from the 1920's you will see a group of ladies on a trip aboard a Canadian Pacific Steamer leaving Vancouver and going through the Puget Sound on their way to Victoria. In Victo ... ria you will see the Empress Hotel and the Parliament Buildings, plus much more." (By: Reelnostagia)

The black and white video runs about 5 minutes. On the boat scene in the beginning, the clothing people are wearing is unique. Then again, that was the roaring twenties.

Vancouver has the answer. Cupcakes of Vancouver is a specialty cupcake shop that makes cupcakes in so many varieties, choosing could take hours. Seriously, look at this photo.

(Photo credit: nep on Flickr)

And if that does not make you drool, this video of one of the Cupcakes of Vancouver shops will. >> Read more 

The Brights Nights festival is a place to see a spectacular arrangement of Christmas lights and even catch a glimpse of Santa.

The Vancouver Park Board describes the annual event as this:

"More than a million twinkling lights transform the forest, train and Children's Farmyard. Explore the woodland paths leading to enchanting, animated displays and holiday sounds. A Christmas family tradition for over 20 years, the train wends its way through the forest past Santa's workshop, an international village and the much loved Moose in the middle of the glistening waterway." (Vancouver Park Board)

This video shows some of what to expect. >> Read more