Vancouver holidays

Some of the city's best beaches are located within Stanley Park, a 404 hectare green oasis just northwest of downtown. Aside sandy stretches, the park boasts miles of tracks weaving through dense forest, best explored on foot or by mountain bike. The final jewel in Vancouver's nature crown is the snowy peaks which can be reached in just 30 minutes making it possible for travellers to ski in the morning and hit the beach in the afternoon.

But enough about the great outdoors. Urban Vancouver is a buzzing city with a booming foodie scene. Given the (relative) ease of travelling from Vancouver to the hub cities of Eastern Asia, it may come as no surprise that the Asian food scene in Vancouver is regarded as the best in North America, be it devouring Cantonese dim sum at Dynasty, savouring tuna belly sushi at Kyuzo's or sampling the now infamous Japadog – Vancouver's prized hot dog, complete with seaweed flakes and 'secret' sauce. There's plenty of local specialities on offer too, from the freshest seafood platters to sumptuous farm-to-table offerings, but whatever you choose be sure to wash it down with a cool pint from one of the city's many craft breweries.

Beyond the city, the world famous ski slopes of Whistler are less than 80 miles away, and are equally as delightful to explore in summer for outdoorsy types, while both Vancouver Island and the BC coast are wilderness playgrounds, home to world class lodges and incredible nature experiences.