Oh Canada!
Dec 31, 2008 04:00PM
● By
Super Admin
In 1986, my parents took us on the first of what would be frequent big
travel adventures. By “big” I mean a motor home, a word that still
sends chills up my mother’s spine. While us kids could hardly contain
our excitement at three weeks of traveling across states in a house on
wheels, my mom was less than thrilled with the bruises she endured
trying to cook meals on the road. What was unique about that first
motor home trip was the ultimate destination – Canada. Having never
left the continental United States before, the idea of going to an
entirely new country seemed totally exotic. That year, Vancouver was
hosting the World’s Fair, an event that, sadly, has lost popularity on
the global stage. But in 1986, it was the do-not-miss family trip of
the year. And, while I have fond memories of the Expo, I also have
lingering fondness for the city too. Green, welcoming and laid back, it
was a pretty amazing place in my young, impressionable eyes (oh, and
did I mention they have a monorail?). Today, Vancouver continues to
thrive as a modern metropolis, and, fortunately, without losing any of
its charms in the process. If you’re planning to head north, with or
without motor home, here are a few must-sees in western Canada’s
coolest town.Despite a perpetually rainy climate, Vancouver’s a
city for getting out in the fresh air. Why? The parks. One of the most
lush, nature-loving urban areas in the West, Vancouver offers a wide
variety of outdoor spaces that should not be missed. Starting
downtown, you’ll find one of the city’s most popular attractions:
Stanley Park. This enormous natural refuge, one of the largest on the
continent, is often referred to as a “rainforest within a metropolis.”
Some of the activities and adventures you’ll find here include beaches,
a water park, Children’s Farmyard, Miniature Railway and the Seawall, a
10.5 kilometer stretch popular with rollerbladers, joggers and the
like. Plus, the area is home to the Vancouver Aquarium, also one of the
biggest in North America. Hosting more than 8,000 marine animals, this
entertaining and educational venue is a perfect afternoon stop for both
kids and “kids at heart.”At the top of many “best of” lists is
Granville Island, only five minutes from downtown. Like Stanley Park,
the island offers plenty of outdoor activities, plus water sports like
kayaking and canoeing. Grownups will love the shopping, great
restaurants, galleries and theatre found here. Be sure to stop by the
Granville Island Brewery for a tasty cold one.Also called
“Little Mountain” because of its high geographical location, Queen
Elizabeth Park will treat you with some of the best views in Vancouver,
from downtown to the North Shore Mountains. If you can find some quiet
time, it’s also one of the most romantic spots in the city, brimming
with beautiful gardens and perfect for gorgeous sunsets.Once
you’ve had more than a few breaths of fresh air, head back to
downtown’s West End and English Bay, a trendy and colorful destination
for fashion, beauty, culture, dining and more. Whenever I go
to a big city, I love to find the tallest building and check out the
view. Vancouver’s answer to this is the Lookout, a 551-foot climb in
glass elevators to the top of Harbour Centre Tower. Once there, you’ll
enjoy a 360-degree view of the city and surrounding areas.Accommodations
in Vancouver are plentiful and varied. One of the best is the
Pan-Pacific, a 504-room hotel at Canada Place on the waterfront. Its
desirable location, adjacent to shopping and Vancouver Art Gallery on
Robson Street, historic Gastown and the Pacific Centre mall, makes this
one a top contender for your Vancouver stay. The Five Sails restaurant
sits right on the water and provides fine dining, a superb wine list
and great harbor views.If you’re more into the “boutique” hotel
scene, then look no further than the Opus Hotel. In the downtown Yale
district, the Opus similarly offers convenient access to Vancouver
attractions, including Stanley Park, Granville Island and Chinatown.
Freshly modern with fabulous amenities, like a fitness center and
world-class spa, this hip hotel attracts a cutting-edge crowd.Vancouver
is also host to a number of bed and breakfast-style accommodations. One
of my favorites is Barclay House, also located in downtown. Comfortable
and beautifully furnished with both local and international designs,
it’s hard to resist the Barclay’s charms. They even offer two room
suites, so bring the kids along!Dining out in Vancouver can be
a fun and flavor-filled experience. I suggest you start your day at
Sophie’s Cosmic Café. This Vancouver institution typically has a line
down the block, so get there early. It’s worth the wait if you like egg
dishes served with their signature house hot sauce. The environment is
cool and kitschy, with photos and vintage items scattered all over its
bright yellow walls. For something a little more upscale, make a
reservation at Bishop’s Restaurant. Though small and simply appointed,
it also serves some of the highest rated cuisine in town, having served
Presidents, celebrities and countless visitors with a gourmet palate. Even
if you can’t make it up to Vancouver right away, there’s plenty to look
forward to down the road. In just two years they will host the 2010
Olympics and Paralympic Winter Games. There are plenty of great things
in store for this amazing city…be sure to get in on the action!
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