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Spotlight on Vancouver
This harbour front Canadian city is reputed for its beauty, offering waterfront and mountain views at every turn. Spread across an inlet, Vancouver is a network of bridges, winding streets, and gorgeous architecture set against a truly west-coast backdrop.
Weather and Seasons
Offering one of the most temperate climates in Canada, Vancouver is a popular winter destination thanks to the rarity of snow. This temperate climate means that gardens bloom almost year round and the foliage grows lush. Helping this paradise city stay so green is the infamous rain that Vancouver receives from late-fall to mid-spring. In fact, 2006 saw 30 straight days of rain during December and January.
As long as you are willing to carry an umbrella, (the rains are usually very light) winter is an excellent time to take a cheap holiday to Vancouver. If you are looking for a dryer time of year, late spring through to early fall provides moderate temperatures.
Flights
Just south of downtown is the city’s major airport, Vancouver International Airport. This mid sized airport offers several daily international flights and is accessible via taxicab, car, and public transit.
Very Cheap Holiday Transportation
Although the Public Transit System in Vancouver is not as developed as in other parts of the country, it does have a very good reputation for regular, timely service. Comprised mostly of buses, Vancouver travellers can purchase single fairs, which allow on-and-off transit for an hour and a half.
On your very cheap holiday to Vancouver, you may also wish to take the Sky Train. Requiring a separate ticket, this above ground train rides on high set tracks, but has limited destinations.
Very Cheap Holiday Activities
Although it is reputed as one of the more expensive of the Canadian cities, Vancouver still offers several very cheap holiday activities – especially if you enjoy the great outdoors.
One highly recommended activity is to take the Sea Bus from central Vancouver to North Vancouver. There you can visit the Lonsdale Quay and take a quick bus ride to see some of the West Coast’s most beautiful rain forests.
Another cheap holiday activity is to visit Granville Island. This small island is one of the best marketplaces in the country with several small artisan shops, fresh food stands, and several excellent restaurants.
If you are visiting in the summer, it is worth the splurge to purchase tickets to Bard on the Beach, an outdoor Shakespearean Festival that is renowned for its creative interpretations, talented actors, and authentic setting.
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