Resting on the westernmost edge of North America, the Canadian city of Vancouver has an abundance of sights, sounds, smells and tastes to offer visitors from all around the world. The city is a large and progressive metropolis that plays host to well over a million tourists every year, and has been steadily growing in population since the middle of the 20th century. The large and expansive city has a bevy of attractions to offer visitors. Here are five experiences that you’ll have the option of partaking in when you travel to Vancouver, British Columbia.

Walking the Gastown District

Vancouver’s Gastown District is located on the southern edge of the Vancouver Harbour and features over a mile-long stretch of shops, galleries and restaurants that feature some of the city’s most popular social hangouts. The better part of a day can easily be spent perusing the eccentric collection of businesses, many of which have a maritime theme. Merchandise may be a bit pricey at some locales, but it is rare that a vacationer is able to gallivant along the edge of the Pacific Ocean while experiencing the literal merging of commerce and nature.

Taking a Boat Ride

The city of Vancouver is surrounded by saltwater, and a number of boat tour businesses have sprang up over the course of the past few decades. Lucky for the consumer, the intense competition for business has kept the cost of local boat excursions surprisingly low and they continue to be one of the single best activities for large families. Boarding a boat and setting out into the nearby waters will afford you breathtaking views of the downtown cityscape, as well as the Coal Harbour.

Fine Dining

Vancouver is home to a wide array of ethnicities and cultural influences, making the fine dining landscape diverse and highly enjoyable. A number of 5-star restaurants in the downtown area serve up a bevy of fresh catches from the nearby seas, but just about any taste and desire can be satisfied somewhere within the large metropolis. French cuisine is a popular theme, and many of the country’s best French-Canadian chefs reside and work in the city of Vancouver.

Visiting an Art Gallery

Being located on the edge of Western civilization has had an incredible impact on Vancouver. The local music and art scenes represent the most talented and progressive artists in all of Canada, and a number of lavish and welcoming galleries proudly display the work of some of the world’s best painters. It will at times be difficult to believe that Vancouver lies only a stone’s throw from the United States of America, as the vibe and culture is distinctly different.

Attending a Sporting Event

The sport of hockey reigns supreme in Canada, and the city of Vancouver is home to one of the most competitive franchises in the entire NHL. The Vancouver Canuks were on the brink of winning a world championship early into he summer of 2011, but the puck didn’t bounce their way and they were forced to settle for 2nd place. The team is hungry and poised for success in the upcoming seasons, and seeing the Canuks live can be a very enjoable experience.