ForestLeadership is pleased to returning to Vancouver for the 2007 Conference.  This page is intended to help you get to know the city before arriving and give you an idea of just a fraction of what the city has to offer you before and after the conference!

Vancouver is the perfect balance of spectacular natural beauty and vibrant cosmopolitan life.  The city is renowned for both its natural splendor and its bustling downtown core.  Thanks to its fantastic, central location, the conference hotel, the Westin Bayshore, is the starting point of your Vancouver experience!  Located only 30 min away from Vancouver's international airport, the Bayshore is a world-class resort and conference centre, and many of Vancouver's most famous attractions and neighborhoods are within walking distance. (see the map and note the hotel location-the large black star)

No matter what season, there are always plenty of things to do and see in Vancouver!  Early May will be no exception, so don't be surprised if you find yourself considering arriving early or staying longer to enjoy this breathtaking city.  For your convenience, we have compiled a list of ideas to help you plan your Vancouver Social Itinerary.

Here are a few suggestions, starting with what's right outside the hotel door:

- Stanley Park is world-famous, and for good reasons!  North America's third-largest urban park encompasses 1,000 acres and is steps away from the conference hotel.  The park offers a golf course, the famous-in-its-own-right Vancouver Aquarium, numerous gardens, beaches, restaurants, and more!

- Robson Street, an equally short walk from the hotel, boasts an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants... but many go simply to people-watch!

- Granville Island is a unique and ever-popular public market of streets filled with arts, crafts, specialty stores, and street buskers.  Over 70% of Granville Island's visitors are tourists, but that doesn't mean it's not a favourite hang-out for Vancouverites!  The island is in downtown Vancouver, overlooking False Creek.

- Coal Harbour is the part of Vancouver where the conference hotel is located.  This historical community has been a mining town and a military base, among other things, but is now one of Vancouver's most popular and scenic districts.

- Vancouver's Chinatown is not just a tourist attraction; it's the hub of Chinese culture in Vancouver.  You can find specialty stores in areas from ginseng to martial arts, Chinese-language bookstores, and of course, food!

What else is there?

We're going to let Vancouver's many Web sites do most of the work, but here are a few other suggestions for things to do and see...

- Take a Harbour Cruise-perhaps at sunset, with dinner included!

- Get inspired at the International Buddhist Temple.

- Take a daytrip to Whistler, a world-class resort with excellent skiing in the winter and golf in the summer-among many other activities.

Bringing your spouse?

While we are not formally organizing a spouse program, there are plenty of day trips and tours to be enjoyed by whoever you bring to Vancouver!  Try a bus tour of the city, walking tours of various neighbourhoods, or excursions to sites outside the city.

Here are a few suggestions...

- Vancouver Tours offers over 100 different excursions, from a three-hour city tour to a "sea safari" along coastal BC to multi-night excursions such as Sea Kayaking in Desolation Sound!

- West Coast Air offers tours such as Whale Watching, 30-minute Vancouver air tours, and combined "fly & dine" packages.

- Experience the best in BC wine with the Stay and Tour journey through "Wine Country," or relax with their Harrison Hot Springs Tour.

For a near-complete listing of places to see and things to do and the events occurring in Vancouver in May 2007, visit  Tourism Vancouver.  Keep checking back as the calendar is sure to expand!

From nature lovers to sports enthusiasts to serious shoppers, there's a joyful experience to be found for everyone in Vancouver.  We hope you enjoy your stay in this magnificent city.