[trip style = urban]
In the wake of the 2010 Olympics, Vancouver's in the spotlight, but when the crowds leave this popular city will continue to thrive as an urban and outdoor adventure gateway. If you want to experience a little of the real Vancouver, here are some suggestions from a local:
Do
- Skip the high-priced Capilano Suspension Bridge and drive 10-mins to Lynn Canyon suspension bridge/park
- Hike the Grouse Grind {spring/summer/fall} and have a beer and nachos while overlooking the city atop Grouse Mountain at Altitudes Bistro
- Skate at Robson square (winter only)
- Check out vancouver's lesser known art scene at The Vancouver Art Gallery or stroll along South Granville's Gallery Row
- Even though this is wildly talked-about, biking around Stanley Park is an excellent way to see Vancouver's city-in-nature beauty
Eat Since Vancouver is known worldwide for its culinary creativity and fusion, it's hard to only pick one or two options for each meal, but here's a starting point: - breakfast: waffles with chocolate lavender sauce at Cafe Medina - lunch: check out Iron Chef Rob Feenie's creations at the Cactus Club or have a sandwich at Meat and Bread - dinner: suburb eatery with a view: Fraiche or famous for its drinks and Chinese food with a mod twist: Bao Bei - dessert: chocoholics beware, you'll be heavily tempted at the Sutton Place Hotel's Chocoholic Buffet - drinks: a regular haunt for vancouver's savvy, the Opus Bar is the see-and-be-seen locale for a drink, just avoid weekends
Sleep - vancouver's newest luxe hotel, Fairmont Pacific Rim (from $250) - only a 5-min walk from the Fairmont a chic boutique hotel: Loden Vancouver (from $200) - stay in the heart of Vancouver's entertainment district at Moda Hotel (from $104) * Most Vancouver hotel rates fluctuate between $100 - $250 during low season, yet savvy travellers can often find these prices in high season as well.