Christ Church Cathedral
690 Burrard St
Vancouver, BC V6C 2L1
(604) 682-3848
www.cathedral.vancouver.bc.ca

This gothic cathedral, with it’s sharp points and stained glass windows, is the city’s oldest church and was completed in 1895.  It’s fascinating for it’s architecture alone, but terrific acoustics make it a popular place for choral performances, especially during the holidays.  The church also holds several services weekly.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden
578 Carrall St
Vancouver, BC V6B 5K2
(604) 662-3207
www.vancouverchinesegarden.com

The Chinese Garden is a beautiful place to sip some tea and relax.  It’s like stepping into a whole different place and time when you walk through the ornate gate into the garden.

Kuan-Yin Buddhist Temple
9160 Steveston Hwy
Richmond, BC V7A 1M5
(604) 274-2822

This temple is one of the most authentic examples of traditional Chinese architecture on the continent.  The temple has beautiful and relaxing gardens, including one dedicated to cultivating the bonsai tree.

Library Square
350 W Georgia St
Vancouver, BC V6B 6B1
(604) 331-3600

The new library is beautiful, and if you’re tired of perusing the archives, there are also cafes, shops, a waterfall, and more to let you relax.

Sam Kee Building
8 W Pender St
Chinatown
Vancouver, BC V6B 1R5

To widen Pender Street, the City of Vancouver took most off the land Chang Toy had purchased intending to build an office building.  Instead of giving up, he built a 4 foot, 11 inch deep complex on the tiny sliver that now stands as a monument to one man’s refusal to fold in the face of bureaucracy.  Really, an interesting sight.

Vancouver Lookout Harbour Centre Tower
555 West Hastings Rd
Vancouver, BC V6B 4N5
(604) 689-0421
www.vancouverlookout.com

The Lookout Tower soars 581 ft into the air, higher than any other in Vancouver, and it gives great panoramic views of the city.  It’s got glass 360 degrees around for spectacular sights, and a restaurant on top takes advantage of it.  The glass elevator trip to the top is a nice touch.

Greater Vancouver Zoo
5048 – 264th Street,
Aldergrove, BC V4W 1N7
(604) 856-6825
www.gvzoo.com

The Greater Vancouver Zoo has dozens of animals from all corners of the globe for you to see.  Most of the animals are in natural habitat settings and there are tours to learn even more about the creatures.  It’s great for kids and has plenty to keep them busy, including a playground area.

Vancouver Aquarium
845 Avison Way
Vancouver, B.C.
Canada, V6G 3E2
(604) 659-3474
www.vanaqua.org

The Vancouver Aquarium has 60,000 different creatures living there representing 800 different species.  It’s one of the oldest aquariums in North America, and has grown to more than 100,000 square feet of exhibits and research facilities for aquatic animals.  It’s right next to Stanley Park, so it’s great to see both at once.