Renowned as one of the world’s ‘most liveable’ cities based on its diverse culture and environment, world-class education, infrastructure and healthcare, and economic and political stability, this dynamic west coast seaport is also one of the most ethnically diverse of Canadian cities – something visible not only in its wealth of art, theatre and music venues but also in its fantastic dining scene.

Set between ocean and mountains, Vancouver has been described as one of the rare places in the world where you might ski, windsurf and play golf all on the same day. Must-sees here include the Capilano Suspension Bridge – a walkway over a canyon into a temperate rainforest park, Stanley Park with its First Nations totem poles and swimming beaches, and the former shipyard of Coal Harbour with its inviting seawall cafés, craft breweries, restaurants and harbour-seal sightings. You could also hop over to Vancouver Island to explore British Columbia’s picture-postcard capital, Victoria, and to enjoy more beaches, along with walking trails, cedar forests, and whale-watching or kayaking excursions.

Other things to do include hopping aboard a rainbow-hued Aquabus – a sort of mini-ferry – to cross False Creek to Granville Island, an artisanal culinary hub including a distillery, a brewery and a sake-maker. You can even give yourself a fitness challenge while you’re in Vancouver too by taking on the Grouse Grind 2.4km steep trek straight up Grouse Mountain, also known as ‘Mother Nature’s Stairmaster’ (there’s a gondola for those who can’t tackle it on foot).

The passage was one of the sea routes carrying American prospectors to the north during the Klondike Gold Rush. The British Columbian portion includes the narrow, protected Strait of Georgia and Discovery Passage between Vancouver Island and the mainland. From Fitz Hugh Sound northwards, the Passage is sheltered from Pacific winds and waves by several large islands and includes an array of stunning channels and straits.