In Style Traveler - Destination Vancouver
One glimpse of Vancouver is enough to convince anyone that Mother Nature plays favorites. Bordered by the Coastal Mountains to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the west, it's an outdoor paradise where, as locals boast, you can ski, swim, sail and golf all in the same day. Combine the spectacular scenery with a mild climate and a favourable exchange rate and it's easy to see why the city has become North America's third latest film production center, attracting marquee name visitors like Goldie Hawn and Heather Graham and drawing back local boys Michael J. Fox and Jason Priestly. And there is no better time than September to see the city in all its glory. One of the sunniest, driest and warmest months of the year, it also marks the opening of the Vancouver International Film Festival (Sept. 27-Oct. 12; 604-685-0260), one of the largest in North America.
Essentials
- Location:
A three-hour flight from Los Angeles - Population:
At two million, it's Canada's third largest city. - Weather:
Highs in the 70s; lows in the mid-50s - Exchange rate:
$1US to $1.50 Canadian - Tourist giveaway:
Displaying your less than green habits. After all, this is the birthplace of Greenpeace.
Where to stay:
Smack in the centre of town and housed in a 1939 building, the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (900 West Georgia, 604-443-1816, $130 - $1400) is a landmark, making it one of the city's hottest filming locations (Josie and the Pussycats, Dark Angel). Its grandiose lobby gives way to traditional room, all with computer hookups. The crimson-and-gold brocade décor of Sheraton Suite's Le Soleil (567 Hornby Street, 604-632-3000; $132 - $992) is fit for a king - or at least rock and roll royalty like Christina Aguilera and Eminem who both stayed (separately, of course) in the La Lune suite. Or check into the Pan Pacific Hotel (300-999 Canada Place, 604-662-8111 $211 - $2285) for a room with a view of Coal Harbour, Stanley Park and the North Shore Mountains.
Where to Eat:
Lumiere (2551 West Broadway 604-739-4990; dinner for two, $165) is consistently rated the top restaurant in the city, boasts a recently renovated bar area and brand new tasting menu - a great way to sample chef Rob Feenie's French Cuisine. Newcomer Ouest (2281 Granville 604-738-8938; dinner for two $60) with it's leather panelled walls and marble floor, is creating a stir. Stop by for the extensive wine list and sublime fois gras. The fish at Taka Sushi (2059 W. 4th Ave, closed on Mondays 604-734-4990; dinner for two $21) is so fresh you might be tempted to slap it. The spicy-tuna sashimi and reasonable prices have made it a favorite, so be prepared to wait.
Where to Shop:
Along the strip of Robson Street between Granville and Bute, you'll find both well known chains and smaller boutiques, such as that local shoe designer Stephane De Raucourt (1067 Robson 604-681-8814) a must stop for any well-heeled fashionista. Nearby A-Wear (Sinclair Centre, 350 Howe 604-685-9327) another local label, carries hip clothes for men and women. And for what might be the world's cheapest CDs, try Sam the Record Man (528 Seymour 604-684-3722). New releases cost between $9 and $11.
Where to Hang:
The dark-oak interior of Gerard's Lounge at the Sutton Place Hotel (845 Burrard 604-682-5511) is a favourite watering hole for producers, directors and actors. Stop into Zin (1277 Robson 604-408-1700) for a Green Hornet martini (vodka, green apple liqueur and lime juice) and park yourself in front of the floor-to-ceiling green tiled fireplace. The purple walls and psychedelic accents make for one trippy evening. The new lounge Ginger Sixtytwo (1219 Granville St., 604-688-5494; Tues.-Sat.) features a big screen playing a constant loop of classic movies. Or for more serious action, check out Au Bar (647 Seymour 604-648-2227 Open Wed.- Sat.) a favorite among celebs, including Pamela Anderson and Ryan Phillipe.
What to Do:
For a natural high, walk across the not-for-the-faint-of-heart Capilano Suspension Bridge, a wobbly 450-foot crossing perched 230 feet above the Capilano River Canyon (Exit 14 off Capilano Road; $8.50). If you'd prefer something less dizzying, make the rounds of the Stanley Park Seawall (park entrance of Georgia and Chilco Sts.). This beautiful 6-mile walkway, which encircles Canada's largest city park - 1,000 acres - gets crowded on weekends so plan your visit for midweek. Or meander through the colorful public food market on the water, in Granville Island Market between the Burrard Street and Granville Street bridges (open Mon-Sun, 9am to 6pm). When you're done grazing, check out the local artists wares - including pottery, jewelry and paintings in the surrounding shops.
Side Trip:
Whistler, a European style ski resort, between Blackcomb and Whistler mountains, a two-hour drive from the city. (Take Lion's Gate Bridge to Highway 99 heading north. Keep your eyes on the road- this narrow highway can get a little hairy.) Start your day with a stroll through Whistler Village, a pedestrian-only community at the base of the mountains. Stop in at Chef Bernard's Cafe for a relaxing lunch of his famous carrot and Brie soup (#1-4573 Chateau Boulevard. 604-932-7051. Lunch for two, $16) Then hop the gondola up Whistler Mountain, where you'll find unparalleled alpine hiking trails and endless views. (Whistler-Blackcomb Guest Relations 604-932-3434; $16) Or take it easy and treat yourself to a milk bath at the Avello Spa and Health Club (4090 Whistler Way 604-905-5000 Treatments from $30).
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