Visiting Vancouver

Vancouver, Canada's host for a spectacular 2010 Winter Olympics, is primed for travelers and summer is an ideal time to visit. Located on the coast, Vancouver is the largest metropolitan area in Western Canada. Dry summer weather with moderate temperatures makes perfect weather for sightseeing and enjoying Vancouver's events and attractions. Canada's trans-continental highway and railway's western terminus is in Vancouver. The Port of Vancouver is Canada's biggest and most diverse in trading partners. Vancouver is not just beautiful to visit, it is a major Canadian economic force. Summer is the season to enjoy Vancouver's parks and garden including: Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park and VanDusen Botanical Gardens. These gardens alone are worth a visit to Vancouver.

Many of Vancouver's diverse ethnic communities celebrate their culture and heritage during the summer. Greek Day, near the end of June, showcases the legacy of Greek culture in the world. You won't forget it's Canada Day is you are in town (or anywhere in the country) on July 1st. Japan town hosts the Powell Street Festival at the end of July and August brings several more celebrations. The Latin Summer Fest is a favorite with nearly continuous music and dancing – This is held mid- August at Trout Lake Park. The Philippine Summer Festival is the end of August at the Richmond Olympic Oval and TaiwanFest with rockin' Taiwanese indie band and fashion shows is early September.

Best Western Hotels feature eight properties in downtown Vancouver, convenient for downtown sites and events. The Best Western Chateau Granville is located on Granville Street with a selection of one bedroom suites. The Best Western Capilano Inn & Suites in North Vancouver offers suites with kitchenettes. The Best Western Abercorn Inn is convenient for air travelers to Vancouver.

One of Vancouver's most popular summer events is the Vancouver Pride Parade and Festival. Celebrating the city's diversity and LGBT community, the 2010 parade will be August 1st. One of the biggest and liveliest parades in Vancouver, with over 150 entries. Following the parade, the Pride Festival at Sunset Beach begins. Join the crowds for live entertainment, over 125 vendors and exhibitions and a lot of fun. Vancouver's best DJ's will be spinning and you can catch the best local and regional entertainers.

The First Vancouver Theatrespace Society hosts the 2010 Fringe Festival September 9th through the 19th, This is British Columbia's largest theatre event featuring over 600 performances over 11 days. Audiences rate the performances and the best four shows of the festival will be showcased again the week of September 23rd through the 26th. Arts enthusiasts enjoy an eclectic miss of live performances held at venues throughout Vancouver in both formal and informal settings. The Fringe Festival is an exciting way to see the cutting edge of Canada's theatre and arts.