Vancouver

Vancouver, Canada, is one of the most popular vacation spots in British Columbia. It’s little wonder why: Surrounded by water and mountains, Vancouver stuns from every angle and in every season. Its climate is relatively mild, meaning there’s no bad time to visit.

When you arrive, you can get to know the city on foot. In the spring, tulips and daffodils border its many walkways, and the scent of cherry blossoms drifts in the breeze. In summer, you can picnic on Granville Island or walk along the marina. Come fall, you can check out the Vancouver Fringe Festival, which hosts more than 700 performances in just 11 days. To take advantage of winter in Vancouver, you can snowshoe Grouse Mountain or ride a scenic gondola over Howe Sound.

Vancouver’s natural beauty has no bounds, but neither does its cultural offerings. The world-class shopping, entertainment, dining, and sporting events draw a crowd, but not an overwhelming one. Kids will love Stanley Park and Science World, while couples will gravitate toward the nightlife hub of Granville Street or stroll along the Seawall. Vancouver has a population of just under 700,000, so you can get the city vibes without the packed-in feeling. And with its half-hour proximity to both ski slopes and beaches, Vancouver is an ideal mix of metropolis, ocean, and mountainside.