Savvy shopping
A colorful parade of well-heeled patrons descends on
Robson Street to browse the upscale chains and designer boutiques. Over on
Granville Island, arts and crafts lovers come to the Public Market to watch potters work their magic or marvel at local artwork. Funky retro shops and local designers show their wares between the souvenir shops in
Gastown. Getting outside
Stanley Park is a must-see on a Vancouver vacation. Placid lagoons, fragrant flower gardens and shaded paths meander through the towering cedar and Douglas fir trees. The seawall rings the park, providing a stunning view of sea, sky and forest. Head east of downtown to take a stroll through the tranquil ponds and stone walkways of
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Join sun-worshippers on
Second Beach, or rent a bike for a scenic ride on nearby
Grouse Mountain. Innovative local flavors
Due to Vancouver’s proximity to the Pacific, seafood is a menu highlight, but Asian influences enhance the local cuisine as well. Splurge on a British Columbian six-course seafood dinner in a hip
Yaletown dining room, or snack on beef satay in a
Thai restaurant. After a day of sightseeing, stop for a frothy mug of beer and fried clams on a brewpub patio before heading back to your Vancouver hotel.
Museums and culture
Giant, colorfully-carved totem poles tower above an impressive collection of First Nations masks and sculptures at the
Museum of Anthropology. At the
Vancouver Aquarium in
Stanley Park, beluga whales whistle and blow among thousands of sea creatures.
Vancouver Art Gallery exhibits canvases of West Coast art, while
Monte Clark Gallery presents rising stars.
