Vancouver’s population is a zesty mix of culture and ethnicity with a good dose of pan-Asian, First Nation and Anglo influence. It’s a special place. Located just 24 miles north of the U.S.-Canadian border in Canada’s westernmost province, British Columbia, Vancouver is a tall, grown-up city defined by gleaming office spires nestled between the Coast Mountains to the north and the Fraser River to the south. And with the 2010 Winter Olympics right around the corner, the “city of glass,” as it’s often called, is hotter than ever.

In some respects, Vancouver is the anti-Canada — considerably warmer, wetter and more diverse than the rest of the nation. As in nearby Seattle, it rains — sometimes a lot — but as a bonus, things stay green and fresh. Despite the precipitation, the Vancouver region boasts a thriving outdoor recreation scene. Kayaking is very popular, as are running, biking, rollerblading and hiking. Nearby, Grouse Mountain (6400 Nancy Greene Way, tel 604 984 0661) is the setting for a vast array of winter sports. And Whistler Blackcomb (tel 604 904 8134), the largest ski resort in North America, will host the upcoming Olympic Alpine skiing events.

Any day off in Vancouver is a good day, but you do have to make some choices. Luckily, you can easily walk throughout the city to enjoy many attractions and neighborhoods including historic Gastown, where the city began, and Chinatown, where you’ll find a kaleidoscopic array of silk robes, Chinese medicines and other traditional items. For lunch, step into Floata Seafood (400-180 Keefer St. tel 604 602 0368). The 1,000-seat eatery, open from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, is the largest Chinese restaurant in Canada. After lunch, stroll through the nearby Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden (578 Carrall St., tel 604 662 3207). Based on the balance of four main elements — rock, water, plants and architecture — the garden is an oasis of calm in the middle of the bustling city.

Don’t miss Granville Market (1661 Durlanleau St., tel 604 666 5784) on Granville Island, a great place to shop for fresh seafood, garden-grown vegetables, luscious fruit and melt-in-your mouth breads and pastries. Be sure to check out the galleries and market stalls where local artists create and sell pottery, textiles, furniture, clothing and even sporting equipment.

Other interesting spots around town include Yaletown with its trendy shops and restaurants, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge (3735 Capilano Road, tel 604 985 7474). One of the focal points of a 27-acre park just minutes from downtown Vancouver, the Capilano Suspension Bridge spans 450 feet across the Capilano River. It’s one of seven suspension bridges that together offer visitors an up-close-and-personal stroll through an evergreen canopy up to 100 feet above the forest floor.

The culinary picture in Vancouver is heating up so much that you can’t toss a ramekin without hitting one of the new and trendy restaurants. The white-hot scene runs a huge gamut of styles, methods, ethnicity and price. A short list of excellent spots, in no particular order, includes CinCin (1154 Robson St., tel 604 688 7338), Blue Water (1095 Hamilton St., tel 604 688 8078), Tojo’s (1133 W. Broadway, tel 604 872 8050), and Sanafir (1020 Granville St., tel 604 678 1049).

Full of amazing views, sensational dining and welcoming people, Vancouver is indeed one of the most vibrant places in North America. Try and get here before the Olympics crank up the volume.