Vancouver travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises spa and resorts

Vancouver is two cities rolled into one. This Canadian city is absolutely spectacular with its panoramic hiking and bike paths, with pine-tree-lined waterway that connects Vancouver with the Pacific Ocean. The city is one of the world’s most livable place because of expanding restaurants scene, quickly neighborhoods, distinctive shops and lively bars that party all night.

So if you have just two days to see the most amazing parts in this city, first it’s good to visit Gastown. Once the seedy home to drug addicts and prostitutes, the old waterfront neighborhood is now a restored district of cobblestone streets and antique gaslights. The changes have been accompanied by trendy restaurants, art galleries and specialty stores, including Livestock, a sneaker shop that carries limited-edition Nikes and Adidases.

As well as the city has emerged as a major foodie destination, with a constellation of star chefs who are using local ingredients. It’s a fantastic place with serious cooking, especially for seafood like wild salmon with orange fennel.

Amid the glittering skyscrapers and Victorian buildings, it’s easy to forget that this area was originally a rain forest on the Strait of Georgia.The park offers 1,000 gorgeous acres of flower gardens and majestic cedar, hemlock and fir trees. A six-mile bike path rings the park.

Located on the West Coast of Vancouver Island in the heart of one of the most picturesque natural areas of the Pacific Northwest, situated on 70 secluded acres of pristine forest. No roads lead to Eagle Nook Resort. Water taxi transfer departs from Ucluelet, for a 45 minute scenic cruise thought the Broken Groups Islands. The marine wildlife excursion is a truly memorable experience. While coasting by islands with amazing rock outcroppings, gorgeous beaches, tiny inlets and majestic forests, all breathtaking – whether seen on a sunny day, through coastal mists you will be in touch with nature.

The comfortable lodge features 23 spacious rooms each with en-suite bathroom, and sweeping views of the bay. In the evening relax in the Great Room in front of a roaring fire and enjoy superb, fresh West Coast seafood or continental cuisine and a compliment of fine British Columbia wines. Firs Spa & Healing Center offers a range of treatments from various types of massage, body wraps and facials. At the end of the day sooth in the sauna, or hot tub under a star-studded sky.

Enjoy a variety of wilderness adventure including salmon and halibut fishing, sea kayaking, hiking, caving, nature cruises to view bears, sea lions and whales and helicopter tours. Two- to seven-night packages include flights to Tofino from Seattle or Vancouver, transportation to the lodge, a nature cruise, meals, and all non guided activities.

On the Waters You will see loons, grebes, commorants and Herons, migrating whales, Sea lions, otters or Orcas. Clear waters will reveal sea anemones, starfish or giant barnacles. On the Land You’re likely to see Bald Eagles soaring or perched atop tree spars. You’ll sometimes see black bear and deer on the shore as you pass by.