When you bring visitors to Spanish Banks, a delicious stretch of beach on English Bay about 10 minutes from downtown, you hear the same thing again and again. They look out over the silver blue water to Vancouver’s skyline backdropped by the evergreen Coast Mountains. They see windsurfers darting between freighters at anchor, sleek cruiseships gliding out to sea and a flotilla of sailboats. Then they sigh ­ or gasp. Then you hear variations on this theme: “It’s so beautiful/stunning/spectacular. I want to live here.”

You can’t blame them. The city is regularly ranked as one of the best places to live in the world. And the North American Travel Journalists picked Vancouver as the best international destination for 1998. In a way, they are confirming what the nearly two million residents and nearly eight million visitors a year to Greater Vancouver already know: there isn’t anywhere else on earth quite like it.

It’s not just the West Coast location and gorgeous setting where mountains meet the sea. And it’s not just the balmy climate that makes the communities of the Metro Vancouver Regional District a year-round paradise for sports and outdoors-minded people. It’s also the sheer range of enjoyment for body, mind and soul. You can ski, golf and go sailing here all on the same day ­ and then catch an opera or Broadway musical by night.

Other Canadians call Vancouver “lotus land.” They do so with good reason, and perhaps a little envy. The pursuit of happiness and cultivation of beauty are taken seriously here. They find expression in many ways. In lush, plentiful parkland and abundant recreational facilities of every description, from ocean beaches to bike paths along the Mighty Fraser River. In more than 150 galleries, museums, theatres and clubs. In a heady mix of cultures: North American, Asian, European and Indian. In more than 25 different cuisines offered in some 4,000 restaurants, bistros and cafes. In bold architecture and exquisite formal gardens. In North America’s third largest film production centre. In shopping that’s to die for. In music of every type, from classical to Celtic, Caribbean to country, big band to blues and folk to funk. And a slew of festivals, including celebrations for children, jazz, writing, dance, film, comedy, bluegrass, fireworks and folk music.

Life here is an exotic mix. Ancient aboriginal settlements and ultra-modern high-rises. One of the world’s most beautiful and busiest harbours and the vast urban wilderness of Pacific Spirit Park. A SeaBus and a SkyTrain. Fertile farms and the fertile minds of high tech entrepreneurs. Old Money and New Age therapies. And fibre optic networks and streets lined with 40,000 cherry trees whose blossoms capture Greater Vancouver’s perennial grace.

Here, getting there to see the sights is half the fun. You can walk or bike pretty much where you please. And there are lots of different tours. Neighbourhood, museum, gallery and garden tours on foot. The downtown on foot, bike or trolley. The harbour, by boat or kayak. All Greater Vancouver, by car or public transit. And bird’s eye views of the mountains and region, by helicopter, hot air balloon or airplane.

Here’s a sampling of what to look for when you visit the many communities of Metro Vancouver.