10 things to do on a Sunny Day in Vancouver

If you’ve ever spent any amount of time in Vancouver, you know why the rest of the country fondly refers to the area as the “Wet Coast.” Yes, it’s true, Vancouver does get more than its fair share of liquid sunshine, it is a rain forest after all, but we also have warm, sunny summers that seem to go on forever. That’s when you’ll see tourists and locals alike breaking out the flip-flops and getting outdoors to explore the city. But if you’ve spent any time in Vancouver, you’ll also know that the locals don’t need an excuse to get out and enjoy the city, but a little sunshine sure helps!

Walk/Bike the Seawall
With over 22km to walk, bike or rollerblade, the ever-expanding seawall is the perfect way to spend a sunny day. With the main attraction being Stanley Park, the seawall also brings users through Coal Harbor, Yaletown, Kits Beach, and now the Olympic Village, to name a few. There are 2 outdoor pools along the way, 16 parks, and countless beaches, cafes, concession stands, pubs and tourist attractions, such as the Totem Poles in Stanley Park, or the nearby Vancouver Aquarium. Visitors to the city that make use of the seawall get an almost complete tour of Vancouver. Two things to remember though; bicycle traffic is one-way only through Stanley Park, and the walking and bike path are entirely separate. Woe to the seawall user that confuses the two, or cycles the wrong way on the bike path. Locals are not shy about pointing out these two simple rules to out-of-towners. And with good reason; before these rules came into effect, collisions between pedestrians, cyclists, and rollerbladers were an everyday occurrence.

Grouse Grind
Feeling energetic? Make your way to Grouse Mountain and hike the Grouse Grind. The unofficial record time for climbing the Grouse Grind is 24:22, but you don’t have to try for the record. For most users in reasonable physical health, it’s about an hour and a half hike, give or take. A beautifully maintained, but very steep trail through the woods brings you to Grouse Mountain, a local ski hill popular for both summer and winter sports. The view from the top makes the climb all worth it. Take in panoramic views of the city while enjoying fine dining in the Observatory Restaurant. There are also casual dining choices and coffee bars in the lodge. If you’re not feeling up to a brisk climb (and those who are making the ascent for some fine-dining probably won’t, in their formal attire) there is an aerial tram called the Skyride which makes for a pleasant ascent up the mountain, and is included in the cost of your dinner at the Observatory if you make reservations in advance.

Granville Island
Talented street performers, a diverse selection of freshly prepared local and ethnic foods, plenty of local artisan shops, and inexpensive water taxis to and from Granville Island make this a highly enjoyable way to soak up the sun. With plenty of outdoor seating, order up a spicy curry, homemade perogies, or fresh baked artisan bread with a selection of cheeses and deli meats from the market to make your own little picnic on a bench overlooking False Creek and just spend the day watching the boats go by, listening to local musicians, or wandering through the markets. There are also several pubs and restaurants if you’re looking for a less self-serve experience. You can find just about anything you’re looking for on Granville Island. Loaded with bakeries, fresh produce markets, delis, wine merchants, art supply shops, glassblowing studios, a mall just for children (even equipped with their own pint-sized door for entry), it’s easy to lose track of time here. You can even book whale watching trips or boat tours from Granville Island.

Salmon Fishing
Head down to the marina at Coal Harbor and take a stroll along the seawall. You’ll have no trouble finding a charter boat for day fishing trips, weekend trips, harbor dinner cruises, and the like. Even if you don’t catch a thing, spending a day on the water in the sunshine is still a pretty enjoyable way to spend the day. Catching some salmon certainly improves it though! From personal experience; I would recommend Preston and his crew on the SeaStar. I’ve included a link to the SeaStar’s website at the end of this article. Preston’s crew made sure that all twelve of us on board had a fantastic day on the water, providing BBQ’d salmon and sandwiches, salads, and chips for lunch, as well as soft drinks and bottled water. If half a day on the water is sufficient for you, you can opt for the morning or the afternoon departure. Preston does his very best to take you where the fish are biting. Of course no sport fishing company can guarantee a catch, but we were happy to haul out a 28 pound salmon to take home with us. He even gutted and filleted it for us when we reached the docks, feeding the scraps to waiting sea lions, who put on their own little show for us with all their barking and diving, attracting quite a crowd.

Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tours
If walking tours are not your thing, and you want to get a decent tour of the city, the Hop-on, Hop-off bus tours are the way to go. A two day pass comes at a reasonable price and takes you through much of the downtown core, including Stanley Park, Chinatown, Granville Island, English Bay and Gastown. Grab a seat on the open air top deck and relax in the sunshine. With stops all over the city and another bus coming along every fifteen minutes or so, you can disembark and explore the sights that interest you at your leisure. With a narrated tour along the whole route, you can also learn a little of the history of Vancouver. Having taken the tour myself when entertaining visitors from overseas, I was pleasantly surprised to learn a little about Vancouver that I hadn’t known before, and it was all around just an enjoyable sightseeing tour.

Shopping
Skip the malls on a sunny day and hit the streets for some shopping. But where do I start? Vancouver has so many shopping districts, and where you go depends on what you’re looking for.
Robson Street has all your typical shops like Gap, Club Monacco, American Eagle and the like. There are plenty of dining options as well on Robson if you work up an appetite with all that shopping.
I’ve already touched on Granville Island, but basically, if you’re in an artistic frame of mind, Granville Island is the place to be. If you’re looking for funky and unusual, look no further than the island.
Commercial Drive is a vibrant blend of Italian, Cuban, Middle-Eastern and Greek shops, delis and restaurants. With an interesting mix of hippie, gay and lesbian shops thrown in for good measure. Home of the Dyke March and the Parade of Lost Souls, Commercial Drive is one of the more interesting neighborhoods in the city and the sunny patios along the drive are always in high demand.
If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, the intersection of Alberni and Burrard Streets and the surrounding area provide high-end boutiques such as Tiffany’s, Betsey Johnson, Agent Provocatuer, Louis Vuitton and the like. There are also several fine dining options in the area to show off your new haute couture.
Both Davie and Denman Street in the West End used to be home to many interesting local businesses. Sadly, with lease prices in the West End rising astronomically, you tend to see a lot more Starbucks, Tim Hortons, McDonalds and other franchises these days. However, this is Vancouver’s major gay and lesbian district, and there are still plenty of unique shops along Davie Street that are definitely worth a look.
Locals will notice that I’ve skipped a few choice shopping areas. There are just too many to name, and half the fun is discovering them for yourself.

Capilano Suspension Bridge/Treetop Adventure
Just the way to conquer your fear of heights! Or possibly make it worse. The swaying bridge has thrilled visitors to the area for years, and the recently added Treetop Adventure completes the experience. Built in a unique rainforest setting high above the Capilano River, visitors can continue on from the bridge along seven more suspension bridges set up to 100ft above ground in the treetops. Guided tours are available, or you can simply explore at your own pace, stopping for First Nations wood carving demonstrations, musical entertainment, or just the amazing views. I’m told by visitors from the UK that the Capilano Suspension Bridge is occasionally highlighted on BC travel shows, along with the voice over the loudspeaker chastising tourists for “shaking the bridge.” My visitors were happy to report back home that they got to hear the voice from the loudspeaker. I apologize to the staff at Capilano, in hindsight; it probably wasn’t the wisest thing to do.

Hit the Deck!
What better way to enjoy the day than sitting on one of Vancouver’s many sun-drenched patios, enjoying a chilly pint of local microbrew beer. With several to choose from, English Bay, Coal Harbor, and Yaletown offer some of the best waterfront views. Some great patios on the water include; Bridges on Granville Island, The Boathouse in English Bay, Nu Restaurant overlooking False Creek, Carderos and The Lift Restaurant; both in Coal Harbor, and Provence Marinaside in Yaletown. Don’t limit your options to these restaurants though, there are so many along the water to try out, and it’s almost impossible to make the wrong choice.
There are also some spectacular patios a little more inland in the downtown core. Try Joe Fortes on Robson, The Keg in Yaletown, Brix Restaurant, also in Yaletown, or L’Altro Buca at The Buchan Hotel in the West End.
Whatever your choice, waterfront or no, fresh seafood, tasty beer, and extensive wine lists make for an unforgettable experience at any of these fantastic patio restaurants.


Pitch and Putt in Stanley Park
There are oodles of pitch-and-putts in Vancouver and the surrounding area. The Stanley Park pitch and putt just happens to have the best location. And what I consider to be the most beautifully landscaped course. Set amidst lush gardens of rhododendrons and mature trees, even if you’re not much of a golfer, you’ll enjoy a day putting around this course. Novices can enjoy the walk around this 18 hole course, practicing their swing with occasional sightings of squirrels, raccoons, ducks and geese. Within walking distance of tennis courts, a lawn bowling club, English Bay, Lost Lagoon, and the Fish House Restaurant, you and your family can make a day of it.

Horseshoe Bay
One of my favorite things to do on a clear day in Vancouver is to load up the dogs, hop in the car and take the scenic drive out to Horseshoe Bay. Grab some take out fish and chips and clam chowder from one of the restaurants in the bay and find a patch of grass to sit and watch the ferries come in from the islands. The dogs love chasing a ball along the rocky shoreline. If you’ve got no plans for the day, hop on a ferry to the Sunshine Coast, Nanaimo, or nearby Bowen Island. Or take your fish and chips and head up to Whytecliff Park, about a 10 minute drive from Horseshoe Bay. Spend the day on the beach watching the seals in their protected habitat. This is also a popular spot for divers if you’re into some underwater exploration. With plenty of picnic areas, tennis courts, a playground and walking trails winding through the cliffs overlooking the Howe Sound, you’ll find the perfect spot to sit down and enjoy your lunch in the sunshine.

These are just a few of the many sunny-day activities to be found in the city of Vancouver, and I didn’t even mention sun-bathing on Kits Beach, cheering on your horse at Hastings Race Course, or BBQ’ing in Stanley Park! Come visit and discover the city for yourself, just bring your raincoats! Having said that, I’ll leave you with a quote from Canadian band favorite, Trooper; “So have a good time, the sun can’t shine every day. And the sun is shining, in this rainy city.” I’m pretty sure they were singing about Vancouver.

Link for salmon fishing charter tours:
http://www.oceanadventurecenter.com/

10 Great Places to Dine in Vancouver

10 Great Places to Dine Out in Vancouver

Vancouver is a city that satisfies the senses. From the sight of the snow-capped mountains providing a resplendent backdrop to the city, to the sounds of the diverse live music scene, to the cedar, fir and hemlock trees that scent the breeze as you make your way around the seawall encircling Stanley Park, to the feel of the sand between your toes as you dip your feet in the ocean on Sunset Beach. Nowhere are the senses more satisfied, however, than when it comes to pleasing the palate. Vancouver is a Foodie’s delight. Largely owing to its multicultural population, one can find just about any fare to satisfy their craving. Here are just 10 of the endless list of great restaurants to try out in Vancouver, in no particular order, of course.

10. Salmon House on The Hill

This is a favorite of mine when I have visitors from overseas. Located on the hillside in the high priced real estate area of West Vancouver, it’s the perfect place to take them and show off my beautiful city; particularly on a clear, sunny day. With tiered seating, it just isn’t possible to get a bad table in this restaurant, providing every guest with stunning West End sunset views. The food isn’t something you’ll soon forget either. Specializing in our unique brand of West Coast Cuisine, the menu leans heavily on, you guessed it, salmon. If salmon, or even seafood, isn’t your thing however, there are plenty of other choices to keep you happy; such as the Roasted 7 Bone Rack of Lamb, with pomme puree and raspberry mint jus. Or the Grilled 'Kettle Ridge' Beef Tenderloin. If you’re lucky enough to see the Salmon Wellington turn up on the ever-changing menu, take advantage! Salmon House on The Hill also boasts an extensive wine list, and your server will be happy to provide pairing suggestions for you.

9. Le Gavroche

An intimate, elegant atmosphere in a refurbished two-story Victorian home in the West End, this French restaurant is the perfect setting for romantic dates, anniversary dinners, or even as a choice locale to pop the question. Rich, heady menu offerings will win over even the most jaded gourmet. With an award winning wine selection, you’ll find any pairing to suit your budget, from the less expensive Okanagan vintages to Vieux Château Certan 1928, which will run you about $5500.00 a bottle (yikes!). Seated by the dining room fireplace, sampling one of the sumptuous items from their seasonal menus, you’ll be hard pressed to find a reason to leave Le Gavroche.

8. Granville Island Market

From very very fine dining to very very casual, that doesn’t mean that Granville Island Market won’t satisfy your desire for sensational dining experiences. GI Market, has, quite literally, everything you need to create the perfect meal. Whether it be a plate of fresh, made from scratch perogies topped with a dollop of sour cream and fried onions, a delicious Indian curry with basmati rice, fresh caught seafood, or a hodge podge of items from the market to put together the perfect picnic, GI Market can definitely accommodate. One of my favorite things to do here is to wander through the market, picking out import cheeses, fresh baked artisan breads, sliced deli meats, pickled olives, and various local fruits or veggies and setting up my own little picnic on one of the benches overhanging the waterfront. Granville Island provides the atmosphere and entertainment, very talented street performers and buskers, I just sit and soak it up, along with the sun and the ocean breeze.

7. L’Altro Buca at The Buchan Hotel

Formerly The Parkside Restaurant, the owners decided to tone down the formal a notch at this West End gem, much to the delight of neighborhood regulars, who found they could only afford a night out at The Parkside once in a great while (although it was worth the price!). Now priced much more affordably, L’Altro Buca provides the same attention to detail and impeccable service as before, with a much more Italian slant on menu items. The food isn’t the only draw to this restaurant however; it’s the location and the ambience. And the Italian piazza style patio in the summer. Hidden away in a residential area of the West End; Haro Street near Stanley Park, tucked underneath The Buchan Hotel (an historic boutique hotel that’s worth taking a wander through while you’re there), the walk here is as pleasing to the eye as the food here is to the palate. They do provide valet parking if you’re coming from out of the area, as parking is at a premium in the West End.

6. Afghan Horseman

Back to more casual dining, Afghan Horseman is located on Granville Island, and has been a favorite among locals since their previous location on Broadway Street. Even if the food or service was mediocre, or even sub-standard, which it most certainly isn’t, I would still love this restaurant for the authentic Afghani atmosphere. Request one of the low tables, where you can dine cross-legged on the floor amongst a scattering of patterned silk pillows, casbah style. Similar to Persian, Mediterranean, or Middle Eastern fare, Afghan Horseman has plenty of options for those of you who are a little leery of sampling new ethnic fare. Try the horseman platter for two, and get ready to pack a whole lot of that up to go, it’s just too much to eat all in one go. They also have many excellent vegetarian choices on their menu.

5. Café de Paris

Another West End favorite, this French bistro provides an excellent location for people watching on busy Denman Street. Open for lunch and dinner, the menu here is constantly changing and is worth going back to, often. Try the house made pate de campagne or pommes frites (the best in the city) and enjoy the rich wood décor with brass furnishings while you decide on one of their carefully selected wines. Their desserts alone are worth the journey there. A friend of mine used to go there once a month for lunch and then bring one of their house made desserts, boxed up, to me at my place of work down the street. I looked forward to his lunches there with great anticipation!

4. Lupo

Departing from the West End, Yaletown’s Lupo (formerly Villa del Lupo) is housed in another refurbished 1800’s era heritage house. Fireside dining, Italian favorites, and a comfortable atmosphere keep Yaletown locals coming back here again and again. Take a wander through the house while you’re here to look at some of the classic architecture, although some walls have been knocked out to provide a more spacious dining experience since dropping the “Villa del” from their name. Lupo is in the perfect location for an intimate dinner with friends, dates, or significant others before the theatre, a concert, or even a hockey game.

3. The Teahouse in Stanley Park

There are not many restaurants in the city that can compete with The Teahouse’s location, or its view, for that matter. Located Cliffside in Vancouver’s picturesque Stanley Park, The Teahouse offers sweeping sunset views of Vancouver’s English Bay. That being said, staff here has a lot to live up to in this location, which they more than do. Consisting of impeccably prepared West Coast Cuisine, a stop here for brunch, lunch or dinner will not disappoint. Their outdoor garden patio is one of the best in the city, and staff here makes fine-diners and coffee drinkers alike feel equally welcome. Try some samplings from their small plates menu. The AAA Burger is one of the best I’ve had in a long time.

2. Joe Fortes Seafood and Chop House

A longtime Vancouver fixture, Joe Fortes has probably the best roof-top garden patio to be found in the city. Located on Thurlow Street just off Vancouver’s shopping Mecca, Robson Street, it’s not unusual to spot a celebrity or two dining on Joe Fortes famous freshly shucked oysters. Reservations are certainly recommended here as this place never seems to have a “down time”; bustling waiters, lively conversations amongst satisfied diners, and men in suits downing a quick martini or two over business lunches all add to the atmosphere here. A must try here is one of Joe Fortes signature dishes; the 3-tiered Seafood Tower.

1. La Bodega Restaurante & Tapa Bar

Spanish cuisine and hospitality at its best in downtown Vancouver. Located on Howe Street, the décor, staff, and cuisine here are so authentic you’ll feel like you’re in Spain. Featuring a varied menu of extremely reasonably priced Spanish tapas, it’s the perfect place to host a birthday, staff, or family gathering. With intimate candle-lit corner tables for two, it’s also a great date restaurant, with perfect share plates for you and your sweetheart to enjoy. Family friendly as well, kids will love trying just a little sample from each plate, ordering more plates of what they like if they wish. This charming little bodega soon becomes a favorite for everyone that stops in for a bite; repeat customers are common here.

Well, that’s just a taste, if you’ll pardon the pun, of what visitors to Vancouver have in store for them, gastronomically. It would take years to sample all that Vancouver has on offer for the hungry traveler, and our selection is ever-changing and grows more diverse by the day. I hope you find this list helpful in your search for the perfect dining experience, I know I certainly enjoyed sampling all that these delightful restaurants had to offer!