Vancouver, British Columbia: The Top 5 Sites to See.

The Vancouver 2010 Olympics are over, the visiting dignitaries have gone home, and the streets of the city have returned to normal. However, “normal” for Vancouver is still extraordinary by any standards. While the remarkable athletes were clearly the stars of the show, Vancouver as the host city, also emerged as a modern fun- loving metropolis that delighted visitors with its friendly people and fascinating urban features. If you decide to visit the city that served as the backdrop of Olympic broadcasts for two weeks, here are the top five things you should see.

Robson Street

Robson is the heart of Vancouver. If you are staying downtown, you will be within walking distance to this bustling street of commerce, dining, and people-watching opportunities. Robson is a shopper’s paradise lined with a dynamic variety of shops that are open late every day of the week. Take a break from shopping by relaxing in a coffee house, or sit down and enjoy a meal at one of the numerous restaurants. Better yet, get a delicious hot dog from a street vendor and snack while you window shop.

Granville Island

Another shopping destination but of a different nature, Granville Island is a source of fresh and unique local produce. Even if you aren’t looking to cook anything during your stay, the selection of fruits and vegetables and in particular, the seafood, is something to be seen. Surrounded by restaurants and artistic venues, the main Granville Island market is in itself a community centre filled with shoppers and merchants brought together by the common goal of finding the best deal.

Richmond Night Market

More shopping! The night market is held every spring and summer season in the adjacent city of Richmond. Don’t worry, getting there shouldn’t be a problem as Richmond is where the airport is located so you will be passing through anyways. This Asian-inspired market has a multitude of bargain-filled shopping stands illuminated in the night with bright overhead halogens. Perhaps the best feature is the food. Nearly a hundred vendors offer bite sized and portable dishes to satisfy anyone’s craving for dumplings, noodles, or barbeque skewers.

Stanley Park

So by now, your luggage should be full of the clothing, souvenirs, and knick-knacks obtained from the three previous locations. It’s time to put your wallet aside and enjoy the natural beauty of Vancouver. Stanley Park is a huge green-space with a welcoming layout despite its large and sprawling size. The park is punctuated with picnic areas, playgrounds, and tourist amenities such as a petting zoo and a mini- train. The world class Vancouver aquarium is housed within the park and would make the perfect destination for a family looking to share a memorable and educational experience.

Playland

Playland is the home of one of North America’s few remaining operational wooden roller coasters. Test your nerve on this historic contraption that provides chills with each squeak of its wooden frame. Other rides available are more modern yet stand up equally to the thrill-seeking scrutiny of avid roller coaster fans. However, ask any Vancouverite and they will tell you that the main attraction of Playland is the mini-doughnuts. These bite sized sugar-covered morsels are worth the trip alone to an amusement park that already offers ample reasons to visit.

There you have it: the top 5 sites to see in Vancouver, British Columbia. The wonderful thing about Vancouver is that even if a visitor is not able to go to any of these sites, there are enough things to do and places to see in this Pacific-rim city to keep any tourist entertained. The Olympics have introduced the world to Vancouver, and the city stands ready and able to welcome anyone interested in a first-hand visit.