An outdoorsy city ranking among the world’s most livable, Vancouver is sheltered by Vancouver Island and the Pacific Range mountains. The most famous peak, Grouse Mountain is a favourite spot for hiking and skiing. Take the cable car up for magnificent views of the city's skyscrapers and huge Stanley Park.

Skirting this park is the Seawall, a popular biking trail with paths passing the Vancouver Aquarium, picnic spots and a pitch ‘n’ putt course. There are also a couple of beaches, but the best ones are along English Bay in Kitsilano.

Granville Island is just across False Creek from Yaletown and houses some quirky shops and markets. Ferries depart from here to near BC Place Stadium and home ground of the city’s football and American football teams. The legendary Vancouver Canucks ice hockey team play next door at Rogers Arena.

With the largest Chinatown in North America, Gastown is the oldest part of Vancouver and is near the Canada Place cruise ship terminal.

We could go on and on about British Columbia’s largest city and never do it justice, so why not try it for yourself? Booking.com has a fabulous range of accommodation, from hotels near Vancouver Airport in Richmond to downtown B&Bs and motels near each of its ferry ports.