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There are countless travel guides for visitors to our beautiful city. Books, brochures, web sites, leaflets and pamphlets give hundreds of options for a variety of things to do and see. Confused? We’ve put together a concise EasyPlanner that offers some personal suggestions from the eyes and ears of the locals. Enjoy.
Sea Bus to Granville Island
Take a sea bus in the morning to get around some of your chosen cultural centres in a flash. They run from either side of False Creek, stopping at the Vancouver Aquatic Centre, Maritime Museum, Stamps Landing in False Creek, Science World and Granville Island. Make Granville Island your last stop and have lunch on the patio at The Bridges or the Sandbar. Both on the water’s edge, you can sit outside and admire the view while you’re sipping an iced tea (or a martini). Leave time to explore the famous Granville Market, full of mouth-watering, fresh produce.
Caught on a rainy day? Take a Trolley Tour instead. Park up, hop on the bus and let them do the hard work. Many EasyPark locations are near to Trolley Tour stops.
Kitsilano & Vanier Park
Kitsilano was an archetypal hippie district in the 60’s, and traces of it can still be found in the form of vegetarian restaurants, health food stores and cafes. The highlight is the beach, with a wonderful walk around Vanier Park from Granville Island. Make sure you treat yourself to a coffee and something delicious from Viva on Yew Street before heading back downtown. Time to shop? Walk up to 4th Avenue and browse away (note: Gravity Pope is the place for any shoe lovers out there)
Empire Landmark Hotel
Have a drink at sundown at the top of the Empire Landmark Hotel on Robson Street. The tallest hotel in Vancouver has a revolving lounge and restaurant on its top floor, with spectacular views of the city and surrounding waters. And entry is free (unlike the Harbour Centre Tower).
Denman and Beach Avenue
Experience yet another distinct Vancouver neighbourhood. The bustling Denman Street near Beach Ave. has many excellent cafes and restaurants. Try dinner on the patio (or inside if it’s chilly) at The Raincity Grill, with its classic ‘Pacific NorthWest’ menu – or take in the view from the Boathouse or Milestones. Round off a perfect day with a little something from Cupcakes or an ice-cream from one of the many popular local Gelatos.
Gastown & the Storyeum
An eclectic mix of the old town, with hip clothing and furniture stores. See the world's first steam-powered clock at the corner of Water Street and Cambie (it actually uses electricity, but don't tell the other tourists). Opposite the Steam Clock is the infamous Water St. Café for those who need watering. A new addition to the district is the Storyeum: a multimedia trip back through the history of B.C. using a mixture of live actors and special effects.
Have drinks or dinner at Alibi Room on Alexander Street, an award-winning and sophisticated space owned by a diverse group of film-makers, including Gillian Anderson & Jason Priestley. Or try Incendio, an authentic Italian restaurant serving Italian Soul food, featuring brick oven pizza and fabulous fresh pasta. Try the large Californian!
Stanley Park
Drive into Stanley Park from W.Georgia Street, park up then walk around the sea wall for some fantastic views of the city and beyond. Check out marine life at the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, located in the middle of the Park. Get close to Beluga Whales, dolphins and sharks - and take a trainer tour with sea lions, seals or otters. Or play pitch and putt on a pristine course alongside English Bay, overlooking an amazing view and a horticultural display. Open from dawn till dusk.
Try the famous flaming prawns at The Fish House on Stanley Park Drive - torched at your table. Or further afield on the seawall, towards towards Coal Harbour, sits Cardero's Restaurant, with a breathtaking view of the water and the North Shore. Choose from an extensive drinks menu and great fresh seafood in a cosy atmosphere.
Jericho Beach & Spanish Banks
A relaxing spot on the West Side, Jericho Beach has a spectacular view over to the North Shore and the mountains. Walk west along the beach to Spanish Banks, where there are excellent fish and chips to be had, served in a box from an innocuous looking beach café. Trust us; they taste good. Kayakers, kite-surfers, skim boarders and even the occasional whale have been spotted around these waters. This is an excellent spot in all weathers.
Empire Landmark Hotel
Have a drink at sundown at the top of the Empire Landmark Hotel on Robson Street. The tallest hotel in Vancouver has a revolving lounge and restaurant on its top floor, with spectacular views of the city and surrounding waters. And entry is free (unlike the Harbour Centre Tower).
Denman and Beach Avenue
Experience yet another distinct Vancouver neighbourhood. The bustling Denman Street near Beach Ave. has many excellent cafes and restaurants. Try dinner on the patio (or inside if it's chilly) at The Raincity Grill, with its classic 'Pacific NorthWest' menu - or take in the view from the Boathouse or Milestones. Round off a perfect day with a little something from Cupcakes - or an ice-cream from one of the many popular local Gelatos.
Bowen Island
Bowen Island offers a great day retreat, only 20 minutes by ferry from West Vancouver's Horseshoe Bay. It offers some of the best hiking trails in BC, with upspoiled lakes, beaches and forests. In the beautiful waters of Howe Sound, Bowen is a gem not to be missed, with 23 miles of coastline dotted with beaches, dive sites and kayaking destinations.
Grouse Mountain
Just 20 minutes from Downtown, Grouse Mountain is an outdoor adventure playground all year round. Get to the top via the gondola or the 'Grouse Grind', depending on how energetic you 're feeling. In winter, you can ski, snowboard, go ice-skating, snow-shoeing or cross country ski-ing. Even Santa and his sleigh spend time there in December. In summer, there are challenging hikes and leisurely mountain walks. Explore trails around Grouse Mountain Lake; see wild deer and serene alpine scenery. Not forgetting the amazing view of the city from the lodge, where you can have a panoramic lunch, or even dinner in the night sky.
Museum of Anthropology 6393 NW Marine Drive.
Designed by Arthur Erickson, this building is just as spectacular on the outside as it is on the inside. Featuring art, history and culture of the area 's First Nations, the museum contains enough material to pass an afternoon or even a day if the mood takes you.
Commercial Drive
This is Vancouver's expressive side, a diverse neighbourhood with a variety of shopping, eating and entertainment experiences. Wander 'The Drive ' and breathe in the atmosphere. With its Italian roots, there are some classic cafes and wood-fired pizzas to be found. Feeling fiery? Try Havana for a Cuban cocktail and Latino cuisine or The Latin Quarter for sangria and tapas.
Lighthouse Park
Walk amongst the last of the old growth forest in this area of West Vancouver on the North Shore. Easily accessible off Marine Drive, there are some great picnic spots scattered amongst the trees, or simply find a rock and soak in the view of Vancouver and Vancouver Island.
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