Vancouver: Canada's coastal gem

The 137m-long suspension bridge over the Capilano River is Canada's oldest and grandest. Photo / Supplied

Vancouver is a gem, especially if you're pushed for time, writes Jim Morton.

It's a trap we should avoid - assuming nationality when we hear a North American twang.

Too often Canadians are mistaken for their more outspoken southern neighbours. It's a faux pas best left to others. And one that Kiwis - often mistaken for Australians - should be aware of.

At the same time, travellers ignore Canada at their own cost. Most make the big trip to the United States with little thought for the wide wonders to the north. The land of hulking, snow-capped mountains, the maple leaf and friendly natives has an immense appeal that shouldn't go begging on flying halfway around the world.

Sure, there's only so much that can get crammed in with most trips, especially those to the glitter-laden States. But Canada is a box crying out to be ticked. And there's one city that lends itself to being done on a tight schedule.

Vancouver, on the west coast close to the US border, has the sights, scenes and cross-season appeal that does the country justice. Even on a short visit there, you can pack in plenty of Canada.

The nation's third biggest city, Vancouver boasts a natural beauty that can be admired from smack-bang in the CBD. Snow-dusted peaks just on the other side of Vancouver Harbour are easily sighted from downtown high-rises.

From there it's only a 30-minute drive up to Grouse Mountain, a giant all-year-round fun park that can entertain ski enthusiasts as much as dry-land fitness freaks. Renowned as British Columbia's No1 four-season attraction, Grouse doesn't lose anything in the summer and spring when the ski runs turn into great zip-cording and hiking routes.

It's also home to grizzly bears Grinder and Coola, and a 65m-tall wind turbine with 37m-long blades named The Eye of the Wind, featuring an observation deck for 360-degree viewing.

Just 10 minutes back towards town is Capilano Park, home to Canada's grandest suspension bridge - 137m long and hanging 70m above the Capilano River - and, at 125 years, its oldest.

The park also has seven other bridges providing a breath-taking treetops walk through rainforest and old-growth Douglas firs.

You need not look far to see why Vancouver is consistently listed as one of the top five worldwide cities for livability and quality of life.

Stanley Park, beloved as Vancouver's urban green-space jewel, is right on the fringe of the CBD and calls out to all ages for hiking, running and bike riding.

Also steeped in First Nations history, it boasts dense forest, trails, beaches, lakes and a century-old seawall.

Those with no time to venture further afield can also get more than a taste of what else there is to offer by visiting FlyOver Canada, an enthralling virtual 4D flight experience over the most captivating sights in the diverse and picturesque country.

CHECKLIST

Getting there: Air New Zealand flies from Auckland to Vancouver.

- AAP