Vancouver, Canada HOSTS the Big Event!

Want to experience Canada, but don’t have extra time tacked onto your trip? Only steps away from the convention center is FlyOver Canada, a fun attraction which mirrors

Disneyland’s Soarin’ Over California experience. During the 8-minute journey across Canada, you will hang suspended, feet dangling, before a 20-metre spherical screen for a one-of-a-kind trip. 

After going on a virtual tour of Canada, escape outside and venture down the Seawall path towards Stanley Park. The world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path spans from the venue to Spanish Banks Park with 28 km perfect for a scenic stroll, biking or jogging. Only 20 minutes away by foot, Stanley Park is a 1,000 acre gem filled with trails where families can roam through the "jungle" of giant trees or stop on a beach perfect for tanning or play. With a magnificent aquarium, a park train, dining options, and even a playground, pool, and waterslides there is no end to the fun that can be discovered. Horse-drawn carriage, shuttle trolley and other guided tours offer a great option for those wanting to make most of their visit.

Only 20 minutes across the water from the convention center by SeaBus is Londsdale Quay Market. Packed with intriguing stalls, stores and restaurants, the bustling public market is wonderful to explore. Put together a picnic lunch and have a fun afternoon watching the passing ships or being entertained by the numerous street performers. 

A must-see while visiting Vancouver is the Capilano Suspension Bridge. A 15-minute drive from the Convention Centre, 230 feet above the rushing Capilano River, a walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge is both scary and amazing. Once you’ve conquered the bridge, more exciting escapades await: experience the Treetops Adventure, offering visitors a squirrel's eye view of a thriving coastal forest via a series of elevated suspension bridges, or venture on the Cliffwalk, which juts out from a granite cliff face high above the canyon below. Intriguing exhibits explaining local history and forestry, totem poles standing as tall as the nearby trees, and demonstrations by native carvers add to the many activities that can be found here.

On the other side of the city center lays Granville Island. Redeveloped from what was once an industrial wasteland under the Granville Bridge, into an island of treasures is another must on any family's list. A 10-minute drive from most downtown hotels, and an easy journey by bus, bike or boat from any part of the city, Granville Island is a-buzz with activity. With free live entertainment in the waterfront courtyard and tasty treats in the public market, it also houses the largest free water park in North America.

No matter how you choose to spend your free time, a trip to Vancouver is sure to be memorable. Whether looking for special dining experiences, (try one of Vancouver Foodie Tours (foodietours.ca) or Dark Table Vancouver, both are reported to remarkable) or just happening upon a familiar spot (many fan-favorite TV shows were filmed in Vancouver including Riverdale, Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, Supernatural, Once Upon a Time, Arrow and The Flash, as well as older series including 21 Jump Street to MacGyver), Vancouver is full of surprises. Competitors and their families at this year’s North American Irish Dancing Championships will go home with memories that will last a lifetime.

PHOTO CREDIT: Tourism Vancouver