Vancouver is readying for its world close-up as the host of the Olympic Winter Games, which begin February 12. 2010 But the dynamic city is worth visiting any time of year, with a vibrant Asian population and a laid-back vibe reminiscent of San Francisco.
In the past, Vancouver has been an afterthought to Toronto and Montreal when it comes to great Canadian cities. No longer. The British Columbia metropolis is preparing to put its Asian-accented charms on display for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
What to Do
Sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and mountains to the north and east, the Vancouver area isan outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Just 15 minutes north of downtown is Grouse Mountain, where you can take
Downtown Vancouver
the mile-long Skyride tram to the summit and skate on an 8,000-square-foot outdoor pond while the city lights twinkle below. Just to the west is Cypress Mountain, the site of snowboarding and freestyle skiing events at the Olympic Winter Games. Grab some big air at the mountain’s lift-served tubing park.
Skyride at Grouse Mountain
Back at sea level, a stop at Stanley Park is a must. One of the premier urban landscapes in the world, the 1,000-acre spread is primarily a wild temperate rain forest surrounded almost completely by water. Nature nuts will relish the chance to explore trails and gardens while water lovers can—if it’s warm enough—take a dip in the ocean-side pool.
Vancouver is chock-full of interesting neighborhoods. Robson Street, the main downtown shopping area, is home to every retailer imaginable, including flagship outposts for Canadian clothiers Club Monaco and Roots. Kitsilano (Kits to the locals) is quirkier, with many specialty boutiques lining West Fourth Avenue. Cross the bridge from downtown to Granville Island’s renowned epicurean Public Market, a Canuck version of Seattle’s Pike Place.
Where to Eat
Sushi is ubiquitous in Vancouver, and two of the best spots offer completely different experiences.
Toshi Sushi
The affordable Toshi Sushi is a bare-bones shoebox of a joint, but locals swear by the tuna and the house roll (shrimp and cucumber with avocado on the outside). The Eatery is sensory overload, a riot of Japanese anime and other pop-culture touchstones. The exhaustive menu matches the decor with funky twists on sushi rolls. (The Miss Piggy is a bacon and scallop delight.) If raw fish makes you squeamish, head to an izakaya. This Japanese version of a pub serves tapas-size dishes meant for sharing. At the raucous Hapa Izakaya, you’ll probably be greeted with a robust “Irasshaimase!” (Welcome!) before you settle in to enjoy an order of Hapa Kamikaze chicken wings (meaning insanely spicy) or “pizzas” topped with beef and egg or renkon (lotus root).
Japan isn’t the only well-represented Asian cuisine. Vij’s is one of the top Indian restaurants in the
Vijs Indian Restaurant
world. Period. Local chef/impresario Vikram Vij fuses traditional Punjabi cuisine with modern touches. Vij’s no-reservations policy can translate to lengthy lines. To handle the overflow, Vij has opened a more casual outpost, Rangoli next door that’s every bit as scrumptious.
The owners of Flying Wedge Pizza are committed to using the freshest ingredients in their pies; with multiple locations around town, it’s easy to pop in for a slice. In the resurgent Yaletown warehouse district is the Yaletown Brewing Company which, along with top-notch craft beers, serves delicious pub fare that ranges from the traditional (burgers) to the gussied up (duck confit).
Where to Stay
Most of Vancouver’s hotels are centered around Robson Street, but the city is compact enough that all areas are within easy reach. The Listel Hotel is a funky, elegant, art-obsessed
The Listel Hotel
boutique hotel that doesn’t substitute comfort for aesthetics. Families or larger groups will love the Sunset Inn & Suites, located on a leafy residential street that’s a short walk to Robson Street, Stanley Park and Yale (source: AT&T Newsletter/IM)
PDF This post was submitted by AT&T Newsletter.
