Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 places to live in the world. For those of us who reside elsewhere, at least we can visit.

Situated on Canada’s Pacific Coast against snowcapped mountains, it’s hard to imagine a more picturesque setting for a major metropolis. With its temperate climate, diverse blend of cultures and unique sights, the city continues to pique my interest. It is hard to narrow it down, but based on conversations with the local cognoscenti and my own visits, here is a rundown of Vancouver’s top 10 attractions:

1. Stanley Park: If urban park sounds like an oxymoron, a visit to this 1,000-acre wooded oasis will dispel that notion. Besides numerous recreational facilities ranging from lush picnic areas to a children’s water park, the area features a miniature railway, totem poles and the 9 O’Clock Gun (a cannon that fires every evening, albeit electronically). Among the designated botanical areas is Shakespeare’s Garden, which contains roughly 45 of the trees mentioned in the Bard’s plays. Stroll, bike or roller-blade along the sea wall to the beaches, or to take in the panoramic views of the expansive Lions Gate Bridge and the bustling harbor. After exploring the park, the charming Teahouse is a lovely place to stop and have a bite to eat.

2. Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Center: Judging by the crowds waiting to enter, the aquarium is one of Vancouver’s most popular attractions, and with good reason. Technically a part of Stanley Park, this impressive center houses 70,000 animals and a 4-D Experience theater (3-D film plus sensory effects like scents). To my surprise, many species besides marine life (e.g., sloths, birds and butterflies) call this place home. The "Strait of Georgia" and "Treasures of the BC Coast" exhibits cover British Columbia; "Tropic Zone" and "Amazon Rainforest" host exotic animals; outdoor tanks house frolicking belugas and cuddly sea otters.

3. Granville Island: This quaint neighborhood, with its cobblestone streets, cafes and art galleries, is reminiscent of Europe. The not-to-be-missed Granville Island Public Market is filled with tempting gourmet sauces, organic breads and locally grown produce as well as carefully crafted stained glass, fine jewelry and handmade soaps. Find a parking space before the shops open, or for unique and easier modes of transport, take the False Creek Ferry or a water taxi.

4. Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia (UBC): The museum’s collection of artifacts, including totem poles, carved figures and house posts, highlights the cultures of the First Nations. Over in the Rotunda, artist Bill Reid’s most famous sculpture, "The Raven and the First Men," is on display; its Raven is featured on Canada’s $20 bill.

The dramatic glass-ensconced Great Hall hosts performances and lectures, and the Koerner Gallery is home to 600 European ceramic pieces. Tours of UBC are offered daily, and other sights to see on campus include the Pacific Museum of the Earth, which houses fossils and minerals, and the UBC Botanical Garden.

5. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: Yes, the park is set in a verdant temperate rain forest, hosts birds of prey such as owls and hawks, and displays the largest private collection of totem poles on Earth. But its main attraction is one of its oldest, a 450-foot-long and 230-foot-high creaking suspension bridge built in 1889.

The adrenaline rush continues with Treetops Adventure, a series of seven suspension bridges strung between towering Doug­las firs. It ends with the newly built Cliffwalk, whose 20-inch-wide glass viewing platforms provide an al-most too-clear view of the canyon’s rushing river 300 feet below. Vertigo, anyone?

6. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden: After setting foot in this peaceful haven in the heart of Chinatown, it feels like you’ve been transported to the Middle Kingdom. Limestone "tai hu" rocks, koi-filled ponds and blossoming plants all contribute to the garden’s harmonious atmosphere.

According to the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden Society, "no glue, screws, or power tools were used" by the Suzhou craftsmen who helped construct the Ming Dynasty-style pavilions.

7. VanDusen Botanical Garden: Almost hidden off one of Vancouver’s busiest roads is this gem featuring more than 7,500 different types of plants. Self-guided walking tours varying from 20 minutes to two hours lead guests past serene lakes, rustling groves and flowers galore.

Beehives, a medicinal garden, a sculpture collection and a hedge maze are among the surprises to be found here. The garden’s 55 acres of foliage change with the seasons, so there is constantly something new in bloom.

8. Science World at Telus World of Science: After $35 million in renovations, Science World’s shiny geodesic dome may look similar, but its exhibit space has been expanded and improved. "Kid­space" intrigues the youngest tots, while "Bodyworks" is perfect for aspiring doctors. "Our World" emphasizes sustainability, and "Eureka!" brings out the physicist in all of us. Besides the Science and Omnimax Theaters, Center Stage hosts live science demonstrations involving audience participation. After experiencing Science World’s myriad hands-on activities, young and old alike will find their curiosity piqued and their brain stretched. Beginning to feel like Albert Einstein yet?

It’s an unrelated venue, but astronomy buffs should also stop by the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre. Although compact and somewhat dated, the exhibits are illustrative and the shows are intriguing.

9. Ethnic communities: The largest Chinatown in Canada contains distinctive architecture and various historical buildings (including Sam Kee, which at 6 feet wide is considered the world’s shallowest commercial building by Guinness World Records).

However, most Chinese now prefer to frequent the "Golden Village" area along suburb Richmond’s No. 3 Road. Seven miles south of Vancouver near the airport, Richmond is arguably the place to go for some of the best Chinese food in the world.

The history and culture of First Nations are emphasized at many of the local museums and galleries, while South Asian food and wares are represented in Sunset Neighborhood’s Punjabi Market area.

10. Canada Place: First constructed for the World’s Fair, Expo ’86, Canada Place is considered a national icon. Although the facility is mixed-use and not wholly oriented toward tourists, its waterfront views are worth seeing, and the building’s lofty sails light up each night in a colorful show. Atop the adjacent Convention Center in Jack Poole Plaza, the 2010 Olympic Cauldron is on permanent display. Canada Place exudes pride in the Great White North.

Perhaps it’s that mix of Canadian spirit, cosmopolitan vibe and balance between outdoor and indoor activities that has drawn me back to Vancouver nearly half a dozen times. Although I prefer going to new places when I travel, I am sure I will be returning there before long.

Monica Quock Chan is a Honolulu-based freelance writer. She has lived in Europe and Asia, and traveled to 75 countries.