Vancouver: So far and yet so near

New Zealand and Canada have much in common. Most Canadians, like Kiwis, have a friendly and modest demeanour, compared to the self-assured nature of our respective neighbours. Captain James Cook was also the catalyst for the British colonisation of Canada, sailing into British Colombia in 1778.
The main city of Vancouver is a wildly popular North American gateway for Kiwis. The soaring mountain ranges and sweeping waterways that surround the city create a backdrop of epic proportions. Vancouver has been blessed with natural beauty that leaves a lasting impression.
Whether you're in town for a quick stopover or a longer break, there's endless sights to see.
Canada Place is a waterfront icon, principally built for the World Expo in 1986. Designed to resemble a series of sails, Canada Place serves as the major cruise ship terminal and the city's glittering convention centre. The waterside promenade is a popular vantage point to purvey the imposing landscape and city-wide views. For movie buffs, the Imax Theatre serves up popular films in monster-sized glory.
Gastown was the birthplace of the colonial Vancouver, and the neighbourhood was named in honour of "Gassy" Jack Deighton, an English sailor who jettisoned his day-job to open the first bar in British Colombia. Gastown has been revitalised as a heritage precinct, studded with souvenir shops, bars and restaurants.
Many of the heritage buildings have been converted into studio apartments and offices. The most imposing building is the Canadian Pacific Railway Station, home to one of the world's longest rail links.
Gastown is a fabulous neighbourhood to explore at leisure. If shopping is on your agenda, make a beeline for Robson St, which the locals claim is the longest shopping street in North America at 3km. It's lined with thousands of boutiques, souvenir shops, bars and cafes.
Vancouver is a strikingly cosmopolitan city, best exemplified by the fact that it boasts one of North America's biggest Chinatown districts. This vibrant and colourful neighbourhood is one of the city's oldest, where exotic produce and timeless Chinese remedies are passionately touted to passers-by. The night market is not to be missed during the summer months.
If you need to clear the head after the sensory overload of market hustle, the Classical Chinese Garden offers a haven of tranquillity, resplendent with pine trees, winding pathways, traditional sculptures and some charming resident turtles.
TOP TIPS
The Vancouver Trolley Company offers a fabulous hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of the city, incorporating all of the featured sights in the main article. The award-winning company transports you around the city in traditional trolleys, with an excellent on-board commentary delivered by the charming trolley drivers. www.vancouvertrolley.com
Air New Zealand's roomy Boeing 777 aircraft will whisk you from Auckland to Vancouver with the very best service and comfort. The overnight flight, combined with the 21-hour change, ensures that travellers arrive at the destination refreshed and rearing to go. www.airnewzealand.co.nz