On arriving at your hotel in downtown Vancouver, there is probably no better way to start your trip or get your bearings than a visit to the Lookout Tower at the Harbour Centre.

A short trip in a glass elevator on the outside of the building provides a sneak of what views are to come. Although if you don’t like heights then it is worth noting that the lift is the worse bit…. Ten seconds later and you will be fine on the observation deck.

From the look out tower you can see for miles in every direction, from Stanley park to the north shore, Grouse mountain, china town, and round to down town Vancouver and over to the airport.  On a clear day it is also possible to see Mount St Helens in Washington State USA.

As well as looking around a 360 degree view of downtown Vancouver, the observation deck provides an excellent place to sip a drink and ponder on the world below.

Keep hold of your ticket as it remains valid for the whole day, which gives you an opportunity to go back and check out Vancouver by night after sunset