While Seattle is in every way a world-class city, it's certainly not the only gem in the region.

About 140 miles to the north across the U.S./Canada border lies Vancouver, British Columbia, home to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and a must-see destination for those new to the Pacific Northwest.

The great thing about Vancouver is that it's within a day's drive and offers a slice of international flavor not seen in the States.

Where to stay

There are lots of great hotels within the Vancouver city limits, but to save a couple extra bucks, try staying in Richmond, B.C. Richmond's location just south of Vancouver means that it is near all the action and close to the Canada/United States border.

The Vancouver Airport Marriott (7571 Westminster Highway, Richmond, B.C. (604) 276-2112) offers high-class rooms for affordable prices. There are plenty of great restaurants within walking distance, and it's right across the street from the Richmond Centre, the city's largest mall.

Where to eat

With so many different cultural influences converging in Vancouver, there are a ton of great restaurants to choose from. Vancouver's cosmopolitan appeal can be attributed to its international population of citizens: there are Aboriginal populations as well as British descendants, Chinese, Japanese, German, Indo-Pakistani, French, Italian, Dutch, Scandinavian, Ukrainian, Filipino and Greek, among other diverse nationalities. For a great breakfast to start the day - and perhaps some of the finest waffles in the country - visit Café Medina (556 Beatty St., Vancouver, www.medinacafe.com).

For a light lunch to fill you up before pounding the streets of downtown for some more sightseeing, get some more international flavor at Café Crepe (multiple locations in downtown, www.cafecrepe.com), which features an extensive menu of different crepes.

Where to visit, what to do

With so many great neighborhoods to visit and sights to see, it might be impossible to fit everything in. But there are definitely some must-see locations. As the birthplace of Vancouver, the Gastown neighborhood was initially a settlement that sprung up around a tavern founded in 1867 by sailor and gold prospector John "Gassy Jack" Deighton. This historic district's cobblestone streets are lined with Victorian buildings that today house everything from souvenir shops and First Nations galleries to stylish clothing boutiques.  

The South Granville neighborhood, located just south of downtown on the main road to the airport, is a thriving shopping and entertainment district that feature an eclectic mix of coffee shops, antique stores, boutique clothing stores and interior design shops.

For those who want to enjoy the many views of the waterfront, Stanley Park is truly a walker's paradise right in the heart of the city. It's one of the largest urban parks in North America, with 1,000 acres of woodlands, gardens, flowers, trails, lakes, beaches and wildlife. Stanley Park is also home to the Vancouver Aquarium as well as tennis courts and a pitch and putt golf course, which makes it a great family outing.

Tips for a great trip

Be prepared for a wait at the border crossing in Blaine, Wash., and have your current passport (for everyone, including children) ready. Once you enter B.C., make sure to stop at the tourism office, located about a half-mile from the border, to pick up local area maps and brochures about all the things to do. If you bring your cell phone on the trip, read up on your contract before using it because carriers can charge costly roaming fees for international calls and texts.