Many of places in British Columbia are in the book "1,000 Places to See Before You Die". Vancouver should not be your stayover on the way to or from a cruise ships. You need to stay and explore a culturally diverse region with incredible food, gorgeous scenery and wonderful neighborhoods. Small coffee shops, four-star restaurants, greasy spoons and funky eateries are part of the experience. Just go and take a slow walk around the Stanley Park seawall, breathe deep of the salt air and contemplate life in one of the many gardens.