FREE VANCOUVER
FIRST NATIONS CULTURE
Look closely and you'll see aboriginal influences throughout
Vancouver – from artwork at the airport to some of Vancouver's
must-see attractions. First Nations art, in forms such as distinctive
thunderbirds, massive totem poles and intricate masks, can be seen
around the city.
Because art was often worn or used for practical purposes – in
ceremonies and storytelling – First Nations art pieces provide a
great deal of insight into aboriginal life. Visitors will find wonderful
examples of First Nations art at the Bill Reid Gallery of
Northwest Coast Art, Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery
and Inuit Gallery of Vancouver, among others.
The UBC Museum of Anthropology displays a collection of
approximately 6,000 objects from B.C.'s First Nations, and the
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is home to a First Nations'
Cultural Centre, which illuminates the heritage and the historical
connection between First Nations cultures and the natural world.
And even Stanley Park features a collection of beautiful First Nations
totem poles, as well as the Klahowya Village visitor experience.
Green acres
Your clients can indulge in some fresh air at any of the city's many
gardens and parks. Stanley Park, with its 400 hectares (1,000 acres) of
lush forest, city and waterfront views, attractions and more is a mustsee for every visitor. The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
offers serenity and educational opportunities through an extensive
calendar of cultural events. At the UBC Botanical Garden, which
doubles as a plant research centre, eight separate installations are in
bloom year-round, while the Nitobe Memorial Garden, a traditional
Japanese installation, is thought to be one of the top gardens of its
kind outside of Japan. VanDusen Botanical Garden is a spectacular
22-hectare (55-acre) botanical paradise offering beauty in every season.
Your clients can experience some of the best the city
has to offer without ever having to open their wallets
Enjoy an afternoon in Stanley Park
This magnificent 400-hectare (1,000-acre) urban park features
beaches, trails and gardens. Walk, bike or rollerblade the incredible
seawall that borders the park.
Lounge at the beach
Vancouver was named one of National Geographic magazine's "Top
10 Beach Cities" – Jericho Beach, Spanish Banks and Kitsilano are a
few of the most popular spots for oceanside fun.
Stroll Klahowya Village
In summer, visitors to this First Nations village in Stanley Park can
taste aboriginal cuisine and hear storytellers spin ancient yarns.
Take a free tour
Join the Tour Guys for a free walking tour of Granville Street and
Gastown; Chinatown; Granville Island; the Olympic Village and False
Creek; or the West End and English Bay.
Visit Chinatown at dusk
North America's third-largest Chinatown comes alive when the sun
sets. Don't miss the lively open-air night market on weekend evenings
from May through September.
Explore Granville Island
The main attraction on this lively island is the Public Market,
brimming with produce, arts and crafts.
Check out the Old Hastings Mill Store Museum
A historic collection transports you to Vancouver's past; admission is
by donation.
Visit the Capilano Fish Hatchery
Observe one of nature's most amazing life cycles in action as Pacific
salmon return up the river to spawn, generally in fall and early winter.
Picnic at Lighthouse Park
In West Vancouver, old-growth forests and a web of trails make this a
great hiking or picnic spot.
For more ideas and details,
visit tourismvancouver.com/do/activities-attractions/free-almost-free.
For more Vancouver attractions that will entertain
and excite, check out page 31
VanDusen Botanical Garden
tourismvancouver.com
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