Located at Canada’s southwestern border, the city of Vancouver boasts majestic mountains, sparkling ocean, rainforests and beautiful foliage in all four seasons. A vast multicultural population, endless activities, and excellent infrastructure ensure Vancouver is welcoming to all. While the city has excellent public transportation, it is a great walking city - easily accessible, clean, green and safe. Vancouver caters to almost any interest throughout the year; visitors can enjoy world-class shopping, gourmet meals, outstanding live entertainment, sporting events, theatre, outdoor adventure, a huge array of watersports, and spectacular sights and attractions. The city is also known for its easy access to Whistler, the Canadian Rockies, Victoria, and Vancouver Island. Don’t miss the opportunity to traverse the thrilling, famous Capilano Suspension Bridge and its new related activities, including palpitation-inducing cliff walks and historical tribal sites.
The Oregon Coast - a nearly 560km stretch of the United States Pacific Coastline - is one of the country's premier tourist regions, offering incredible natural attractions. This favourite among road trippers and backpackers is divided into three distinct tourist areas. The North Oregon Coast offers the scenic city of Astoria overlooking the Columbia River. There's also stunning Cannon Beach and nearby Ecola State Park, and lastly, the premier kayaking and hiking destination of Tillamook. The Central Oregon Coast is known for its dramatic sea cliffs and rocky bays and includes activity-rich areas such as the Sea Lion Caves and the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area (near Yachats). The South Oregon Coast boasts a beautiful year-round climate, many sandy beaches, and the wonderful Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
Hilly San Francisco lies at the northern end of the namesake peninsula, on the West Coast of the United States, and includes several gorgeous islands. Home to some of the most iconic buildings and best restaurants in the world, a variety of incredible art galleries and museums, and several enthralling natural areas close by, the city sits high on many travellers’ bucket lists. Must-sees include the city’s fun cable cars, jaw-dropping Golden Gate Bridge, with its spectacular views of the city on one side and nature on the other; historic (and creepy) Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary; and the unique wonderland of Chinatown. From the popular Fisherman’s Wharf, take a boat tour, explore the weird exhibits at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, or simply soak in the photogenic views over the harbour.
With its year-round Mediterranean-like climate, its extraordinary stretch of rugged coastline and its idyllic setting between the steeply rising Santa Ynez Mountains and the magnificent Pacific Ocean, it’s not hard to understand why Santa Barbara is widely considered to be the ‘The American Riviera’. While the city lies less than 100 miles from the vast metropolis of Los Angeles, it differs greatly from its massive neighbour to the south. Its broad pristine beaches, renowned wineries, and its relaxed atmosphere afford residents and visitors the kind of laidback lifestyle one would expect from a small coastal town combined with the shopping experiences, dining opportunities and all the amenities of a large city. Don’t miss the Spanish Mission Church, El Presidio State Historic Park, Butterfly Beach and Santa Ynez wine tasting.
Situated just off the coast of Southern California, across the Pacific from Los Angeles, Santa Catalina Island feels like a sun-drenched escape with a distinctly Mediterranean soul. The harbour town of Avalon enchants with its crescent bay, pastel buildings, and the iconic Catalina Casino rising above the waterfront. The hum of cars is replaced by the soft whir of golf carts and the gentle lap of waves against kelp-fringed shores. Visitors can snorkel in clear waters, kayak along rugged coves, or hike inland where bison roam sunlit hills. While accommodation is limited and prices can be high, Catalina’s sea air, quiet rhythms, and sweeping ocean views create a tranquil retreat that feels far removed from the mainland.
The city of San Diego is set on the Pacific coast of California, U.S.A. It is best known for its beaches, parks and warm climate. With its pleasant temperatures and endless days of sunshine, the city of San Diego is a summer vacationer’s dream destination. Commonly considered to be one of America’s most family-friendly cities, San Diego is home to LEGOLAND, the New Children’s Museum, and the famed San Diego Zoo. But you don’t have to be a child to enjoy this young-at-heart city. Sunbathers and surfers are sure to find that ideal beach; culture enthusiasts will be thrilled by the hip art galleries, artist studios, and museums; and food lovers will find numerous culinary delights in artisanal breweries and charming local bistros. A vibrant downtown area and beaches ranging from ritzy to raucous make this enchanting portside city a popular spot for travellers of all ages and interests.
Set on the Pacific Coast in a basin of Southern California, Los Angeles is the second-largest city in the United States and the nation’s entertainment capital. The vast metropolis brims with movie stars, musicians, surfers, and plenty of glamorous A-list action, and is known for its cultural diversity and Mediterranean climate. The city comprises a number of wildly disparate neighborhoods including the legendary celebrity hotspot of Hollywood, the inviting beaches of Santa Monica and Malibu, and the hidden gems of Koreatown and Little Tokyo. Top attractions include the Warner Bros Studio, the Hollywood Bowl, and the Petersen Automotive Museum, among many more. Spot a movie star, sip a cocktail on a rooftop bar, slip on a pair of designer shoes in an ultra-luxurious boutique in Beverly Hills, or dance the night away in a starlet-filled club.
