Captain John ‘Gassy Jack’ Deighton was the founder of Gastown, (today a part of Greater Vancouver, BC). Gassy Jack immigrated to Canada from England and worked himself westward as a steamship captain in the 1850’s. Eventually ill health forced him to dry land, but he had the noble dream of making it wetter. Gassy’s first start onshore was to open a bar in New Westminster, BC. There he made a brisk business peddling libations to the adventurers of Canada’s Caribou Gold Rush of 1862.

Grouse moutain offers some spectacualr views and by taking the Skyride to the top you can wonder at the scenery of the city skyline, the glittering Georgia Strait and far off Vancouver Island.

Take a detour to Capilano suspension bridge. Breathtakingly suspended 230 feet above and 450 feet across Capilano River. A guided nature walk reveals the mysteries of the forest and stunning views of the canyon. Check out the Big House Cultural Center and colorful totem poles.

The Empress hotel on Victoria, Vancouver island is a hotel was built in the Edwardian style and recently restored to its original grandeur, with antique furniture and luxurious décor.