Vancouver is blessed with one of the most beautiful settings in the world. Ocean and mountains surround the city and expanses of tree-covered parkland fall within its boundaries. Vancouver is also the jumping-off point for exploring the spectacular scenery of British Columbia, from the islands and fjords of the Pacific Coast to the mountains of the interior. Downtown Vancouver, with its historic Gastown and trendy Yaletown areas, is located on the Burrard Peninsula. It is a compact area full of activity day and night – the focal point is Robson Square, with a series of landscaped terraces, a congress centre and the Vancouver Art Gallery. To the west lie the shops and restaurants of Robson Street, while to the southeast are Yaletown’s renovated warehouses, where trendy shops, galleries and restaurants continue to open up. A view of the mountains to the north of the city can be ha from Canada Place, which houses the city’s convention centres and whose striking sail-like roof echoes its role as a cruise ship terminal. Gastown lies to the east, as does Chinatown (the third largest in North America), where a variety of ethnic eating places and shops can be found. Separating downtown from Stanley Park is the West End, which has green and tranquil streets. Denman Street typifies the lifestyle, with shops and cafes and a fantastic sunset view over English Bay. False Creek and Granville Island separate downtown from the rest of Vancouver to the south.