False Creek

Canada > Archive by tag 'False Creek'

Science World in the Spotlight

The lights of Science World often change colours for special occasions, so be on the lookout for pink lights come Valentine’s Day. What happens when the lights burn out? A mountain climber must change them. Photo by KK Law

Every savvy media star knows when it’s time for a facelift, and Science World at Telus World of Science is no exception. The iconic geodesic dome has been an integral part of Vancouver’s skyline since 1986, when it housed Expo Centre for the 1986 World Exposition on Transportation and Communication, and over the years it has appeared in TV series such as The X-Files and MacGyver. But the building’s age was starting to show, so two years ago a $35 million renovation project began.

Now the rejuvenated building is ready to enter the limelight again, showing off its 2,790-sq-m (30,000-sq-ft) expansion, new lobby and new green roof with a deck overlooking False Creek. Its improved ecological footprint includes solar-thermal installations to heat the hot-water supply, solar-thermal rejection technology to reduce the need for air conditioning, and solar panels to provide shade and electricity.
Ready for a close-up? Absolutely.—Sheri Radford

75 Things Kids Love About Vancouver

In honour of the Where brand’s 75th anniversary, we present 75 things that tots, tykes and teens love about the city

By Sheri Radford // Photos By KK Law

Ideal sandcastle territory: Second Beach on English Bay

1 Seeing the entire city spread out below from the top of the Vancouver Lookout at Harbour Centre.
2 The blue whale skeleton at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum.
3 Watching larger-than-life movies in the OMNIMAX Theatre.
4 Oh-so-thick milkshakes at Marble Slab Creamery.
5 Exploring the 1950s gallery at the Museum of Vancouver.
6 Douglas Coupland’s 8-m- (25-ft-) tall “Digital Orca” art installation outside the Vancouver Convention Centre, which looks like it was built entirely out of giant Lego blocks.
7 Satisfying a sweet tooth at The Candy Aisle.
8 Splashing around in the Granville Island Waterpark.
9 Watching the CAF Snowbirds roar overhead during the Abbotsford International Airshow (Aug. 12 to 14).
10 Pirate Paks from White Spot. Aarrgghh, matey!
11 Spotting all of the wildlife in Stanley Park—but staying far, far away from skunks.
12 Making sandcastles on the beach.
13 Science World at Telus World of Science. Who knew learning could be so much fun?
14 Watching a Vancouver Canadian hit one right out of the park at Nat Bailey Stadium.
15 The Superdogs at the PNE (Aug. 20 to Sep. 5). And the mini donuts. And the gravity-defying rides. And pretty much everything about the PNE, really. Bonus: this year, kids aged 13 and under get in free.
16 Riding a bike along the seawall.

On a sunny summer's day, kids of all ages can't resist the playground at Stanley Park's Second Beach

17 Sipping a freckled lemonade (sweet strawberries mixed with tangy lemonade) at Red Robin.
18 All of the kites and puppets for sale in the aptly named Kites & Puppets shop.
19 Learning about First Nations culture at the Museum of Anthropology at UBC.
20 The mind-boggling assortment of comic books and action figures at Golden Age Collectables.
21 Running around with Fido or Rover in off-leash dog parks.
22 Jumping when the Nine O’Clock Gun goes off each evening in Stanley Park.
23 Playmobil toys at The Granville Island Toy Company.
24 Zipping along on the SkyTrain.
25 Rain. After all, rain creates mud puddles, and mud puddles create fun.
26 Getting the creeps at the Vancouver Police Museum. Forensics workshops are ideal for kids with an interest in the science of police work.
27 Seeing orcas up close on a whale watching tour.

Granville Island's Kids Market

28 The Disney Store in Metropolis at Metrotown.
29 Riding Aquabus Ferries or False Creek Ferries to Granville Island.
30 Roaring along with the lions and tigers at the Greater Vancouver Zoo.
31 Caramel apples from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.
32 Watching jumbo jets take off from Vancouver International Airport.
33 Kayaking around False Creek.
34 Snuggling into a thick fleece blanket to enjoy musicals under the setting sun at Theatre Under the Stars (to Aug. 20).
35 A big bowl of spaghetti—perfect for slurping up one piece at a time—at The Old Spaghetti Factory. Bonus: every dinner ends with ice cream.
36 Seeing the Vancouver Whitecaps—BC’s first Major League Soccer club—in action on Empire Field.
37 Grinder and Coola. These two orphaned grizzly bears live in the wildlife refuge on Grouse Mountain.
38 Spending a rainy day wandering through the Vancouver Art Gallery.
39 Making a splash in Kitsilano Pool or Second Beach Pool.
40 Cool organic clothing at Hip Baby and Dandelion Kids.
41 Hopping around in the ball room at Ikea.
42 Totem poles.
43 Watching the Celebration of Light (Aug. 3 and 6) fireworks light up the skies over English Bay.
44 Finding the perfect bead for a craft project at Beadworks.
45 Spending an hour—or five—exploring the Kids Market on Granville Island.
46 All of the movies filmed here, such as Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Tron: Legacy, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore, Deck the Halls, Jumanji, Elf, Air Bud, The Lizzie McGuire Movie, Night at the Museum and the Twilight series.
47 Riding the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay.

Bill Reid's "Chief of the Undersea World" welcomes visitors to the Vancouver Aquarium

48 Seeing the BC Lions football team score touchdown after touchdown on Empire Field.
49 Learning about pirates, shipwrecks and sunken treasure at the Vancouver Maritime Museum.
50 Watching Shakespeare’s plays performed in a tent at Bard on the Beach (to Sep. 24).
51 Getting an adrenaline rush on Cliffwalk at the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
52 Exploring the solar system at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre.
53 Handcrafted wooden cars from Knotty Toys.
54 Meeting all of the baby animals at Maplewood Farm.
55 Cory Monteith. The Glee star was raised in Victoria and began his acting career here in Vancouver, appearing in locally filmed TV shows such as Smallville, Stargate SG-1 and Supernatural.
56 Browsing for the perfect summertime read in Kidsbooks.
57 Watching buskers perform on Granville Island.
58 Getting lost (and found again!) in Meadows Maze and in the Elizabethan hedge maze at VanDusen Botanical Garden.
59 Biting into a juicy burger from Nimby Burger while enjoying the sunshine on Kits Beach.
60 Riding the 99-year-old carousel at the Burnaby Village Museum.
61 All of the exotic birds in the Bloedel Conservatory.
62 Walking a pooch in Pacific Spirit Regional Park.
63 Flying a kite in Vanier Park.
64 Seeing the forest from above on the Greenheart Canopy Walkway in UBC Botanical Garden.
65 Racing around Richmond Go-Kart Track.
66 All of the different types of hot dog—and different brands of root beer—at Dougie Dog.
67 Riding the miniature railway at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park.
68 Finding the perfect pair of frog- or flower-adorned gumboots at Gumdrops.
69 All of the exotic sights, sounds and aromas of Chinatown.
70 Seeing The Wiggles perform (Aug. 9).
71 Sleepovers at the Vancouver Aquarium, to find out first-hand what the 70,000 animals do after dark.
72 Panning for gold at the Britannia Mine Museum.
73 Cupcakes of every size and colour at Cupcakes.
74 Watching seaplanes take off from the inner harbour.
75 Sunny days that go on forever.

15 Things We Love About Vancouver: June

Dragon boat photo by Paul Cordick

1 The annual Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival (Jun. 11 to 12).
2 Sitting on the deck of the Galley Patio & Grill at Jericho Beach, enjoying a bison burger and R&B ale, watching the sun set over Howe Sound.
3 The rotating selection of pies, baked fresh daily, at Acme Cafe, Gastown’s old-style diner.
4 Flying a kite, strolling the seawall or admiring the public art in Vanier Park.
5 BC spot prawns, in season from early May through most of June. Enjoy their sweet and gently salty taste at better Vancouver restaurants.
6 Sipping a morning coffee on the beach at English Bay, before the serious tanning crowd commandeers every log in sight.
7 Cambie Street.
8 Visiting the Museum of Anthropology.
9 Enjoying one of the final concerts of the season with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.
10 Exploring Stanley Park.
11 Sweet treats at Candy Aisle.
12 Heading to the The Whip Restaurant Gallery for Real Ale Sundays, where they tap a different keg of local brew every week.
13 The prix fixe, which is alive and well here, especially at Jules Casual French Bistro: lunch $24, dinner $26; Salade de Fruits: $24.99; and Le Bistro de Paris: table d’hote $36, main courses half-price on Wednesdays.
14 Taking in the first of the summer celebrations, such as the TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival (Jun. 24 to Jul. 3).
15 Riding our bikes around Vancouver’s system of dedicated bikeways, which provides safe access between False Creek, Coal Harbour and the original seawall around Stanley Park.

TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival photo by Chris Cameron

Hot Dates: Spot Prawn Festival

The Spot Prawn Festival near Granville Island

There may be plenty of fish in the sea, but spot prawns always make the biggest splash in Vancouver. Shellfish lovers scuttle to False Creek Fisherman’s Wharf for the 5th Annual Spot Prawn Festival (May 7), a free event signalling the start of the six- to eight-week-long harvest. Enjoy family-friendly activities courtesy of the Vancouver Aquarium, purchase autographed cookbooks and meet local chefs, including Andrea Carlson of Bishop’s. For $10, get your fill of the sweet crustaceans and a BC wine tasting.—Kristina Urquhart

2010 Where to Dine Awards

By Tim Pawsey

Widely recognized as one of the continent’s most significant dining destinations, Vancouver is a foodie’s paradise. Blessed by ethnic diversity of global proportions, the city plays host to myriad styles and influences, underpinned by a cornucopia of local produce and a wealth of marine species, while a thriving local wine industry yields perfect pairings. This year, Where celebrates 75 years of serving globetrotting travellers, who dish on their Vancouver favourites in the 15th annual Where to Dine Awards. (more…)

Hot Dining: Everything Nu…

Nu's Harry Kambolis in his restaurant. Photo by KK Law

Long-time restaurateur Harry Kambolis returns to his roots with the introduction of contemporary Greek cuisine into his edgy, vista-kissed room on False Creek. The proprietor-chef of Nu Aegean Cuisina got his start making souvlaki for his uncle on the shores of English Bay (near where his Raincity Grill now sits). On the menu: perfectly charred, tender octopus with parsley purée; slow-braised lamb shank and toasted walnut sauce; spinach-feta phylo triangles; and extraordinarily rich, three-cheese filo soufflé.—Tim Pawsey

Hot Dining: Bright Nights

You can't beat the view at Salmon House. Photo by KK Law

Vancouver’s oldest holiday tradition turns 50 this year when the annual Carol Ships Parade of Lights sets sail Dec. 3 to 23. Book early for a window seat at the restaurant of your choice. Numerous tasteful vantage points include the North Shore’s Salmon House (pictured), Bridges in False Creek, The Teahouse in Stanley Park, and Lift Bar-Grill-View, which overlooks Coal Harbour. Sightings vary according to schedules.—Tim Pawsey

Hot Dining: 4 Dazzling Decks

Umincho bowl and ceviche at Lift-Bar-Grill-View. Photo by KK Law

You’re never far from water or mountains in this town. Some decks come with views of both—as well as great food and drinks.

1 Lift Bar-Grill-View This luxurious roof deck overlooks Coal Harbour and Stanley Park.
2 Bridges Granville Island’s gateway to False Creek is one of the city’s most popular waterside haunts.
3 The Boathouse Restaurant Enjoy a bucket of prawns in the epicentre of beach culture at English Bay.
4 The Beach House Linger over maple-soy-marinated sablefish or bouillabaisse as the sun dips behind Vancouver Island.—Tim Pawsey

Hot Art: What Lies Beneath

Watch marine life while simultaneously admiring the Vancouver skyline aboard an Aquabus. Photo by A. Rios, courtesy Tourism Vancouver

Get up close and personal with False Creek’s underwater residents with artist Fiona Bowie’s public art installation Surface. Bowie has mounted a video camera underneath an Aquabus (pictured), which will track marine activity for up to five years. Watch the live feed on the ferry’s TV monitors, or on two large-scale screens on Granville Island, or online at www.surfacer.ca.—Kristina Urquhart

Hot Entertainment: Feel the Beat

Dragon boat racing is an exciting sport to watch. Photo copyright LethalWeapon Photography

On Jun. 19 and 20, head to False Creek shores to cheer teams in the Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival. What started as a fertility ritual in ancient China is now a popular race with precision paddling to the rhythm of a drum. Don’t miss performances, food and retail vendors.—Kristina Urquhart

15 Things We Love About Vancouver: May

# 1. Photo by Holly Chan

1 Breathtaking cityscapes.
2 The passion for all things local—including goat cheese and heirloom tomatoes—at farmers’ markets around the city. If you forget to bring an eco-friendly shopping bag, most likely you can buy one there.
3 Rick Hansen. The local paraplegic activist makes us proud over and over again.
4 Walking, biking or blading along the 8.8-km (5.5-mi) Stanley Park seawall.
5 The perfect gift or souvenir, such as a bottle of award-winning BC wine.
6 All the Hollywood celebrities in our midst.

#11. Photo by Tony Chen

7 The gradual change from spring to summer. It’s the perfect excuse for a shopping spree.
8 Spotting cute harbour seals and majestic orcas on a whale watching tour.
9 Tasty Japanese tapas and addictive cocktails at Hapa Izakaya.
10 Living in a picture postcard every single day. Vancouver has been called the supermodel of international cities, but we’re more than just a pretty face. We have substance, too.
11 A sunset stroll along the seawall to view the inukshuk in English Bay.
12 First Nations bentwood boxes at Wickaninnish Gallery.

#13. Photo by Lili Vieira de Carvalho

13 Joining the throng of locals at the always-popular Granville Island Public Market.
14 The last few cherry blossoms of spring.
15 Tasting the season’s first sweet and juicy prawns, right out of the ocean and cooked up by a dozen of Vancouver’s best chefs, at the annual Spot Prawn Festival (False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf; May 8, noon to 3 p.m.). Don’t delay: the season for these local, fresh, sustainable prawns runs just eight weeks.

You Are Here: Granville Island Public Market

A trip to the market is a chance to sniff, taste, photograph and purchase some of the freshest items in the city

By Jennifer Patterson

The public market on the waterfront. Photo by Danielle Hayes courtesy Tourism BC

FRESH FOOD
Locals and visitors converge at this bustling waterfront market where battling the weekend crowds is half the fun. Inside, tables of artfully stacked seasonal fruit and veggies sit next to rows of fresh-cut flowers—the sight alone is worth the trip. Sample a piece of candied salmon while perusing the cases of Dungeness crab and in-season sweet BC spot prawns. Wander the aisles as vendors wow with their selection of loose-leaf tea, lime leaves, rainbow-striped ravioli, maple syrup, homemade chicken potpie and doughnuts. Bottles of house-made salad dressing and crème fraîche literally fly off the shelves. Enjoy the view of sailboats from a table in the food lounge; here you’ll find everything from hot samosas to colourful fruit kebabs.

LOCAL SOUVENIRS
Foodies go wild for anything and everything local: jam, honey, chocolate, balsamic vinegar and even pre-made curries from famed Vancouver chef Vikram Vij. An impromptu picnic on the waterfront is a great way to enjoy your recent purchases. If you’re on the hunt for cool collectables to tote home, the abundance of paintings, jewellery and West Coast-inspired photographs should tickle your fancy.

Fresh veggies and fruit at the public market. Photo by Albert Normandin courtesy Tourism BC

FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT
Buskers both young and old impress the crowds with their guitar riffs and vocal range. A more conventional performance venue: the New Revue Stage—former home to TheatreSports—reopened last month with Anosh Irani’s My Granny the Goldfish (to May 15).

SHOPPING LIST
Caramelized apple jam Edible BC
Fresh baguette Terra Breads
Wild boar prosciutto Oyama Sausage Co.
Chocolate éclair Stuart’s Bakery
Tall Americano JJ Bean

Hop aboard Aquabus or False Creek Ferries for a quick ride to Granville Island. Or take the bus: the #50 stops at the island entrance.

My Favourite Vancouver Photo

Check out the results of our third annual photo contest. Jeff Yeo wins the grand prize of a gift certificate for dinner for four at Voya Restaurant.

Have you taken a great picture? Enter our My Favourite Vancouver Photo Contest at www.where.ca/vancouver and you could win an amazing prize. We’re looking for iconic images that evoke Vancouver’s unique spirit and character.

View of downtown Vancouver from the other side of False Creek. Photo by Jeff Yeo

View of downtown Vancouver from Stanley Park. Photo by Julia M. Schulze

Seawall in Stanley Park at midnight on a summer evening. Photo by Mike Pan

Science World from Cambie Street Bridge. Photo by Alan Chan

Granville Street Bridge. Photo by Lili Vieira de Carvalho

Southside Port Coquitlam. Photo by Lisa English

Vancouver Art Gallery. Photo by Dayna Dueck

Raccoons in Stanley Park. Photo by Danielle Rathe

View of English Bay from Beach Avenue. Photo by Cheryl Borgmann

View of downtown Vancouver from Waterfront Park in North Vancouver. Photo by Lisa Lajeunesse

Hot Dining: Panoramic Plates

The gorgeous view at Salmon House on the Hill. Photo by KK Law

Only in Vancouver can the food compete with the vista-kissed setting. At West Vancouver’s lofty Salmon House on the Hill (pictured), savour Coho salmon against a glittering backdrop of English Bay, downtown and beyond, a view shared by nearby regionally focused Fraîche. To sample the city’s highest kitchen, hop the Skyride to The Observatory atop Grouse Mountain. Or, in Burnaby, ascend to Horizons Restaurant for tasteful Northwest fare with views west and far below to Burrard Inlet. In search of less vertiginous fare? Watermark, right on the edge of Kits Beach, obliges, as does The Teahouse, a classic in Stanley Park. Downtown, call ahead for a harbourside table at West Coast devotee Five Sails Restaurant, or check in for casual fare at Coal Harbour’s Cardero’s, preceded by a pint in its waterfront pub. Tucked under the Granville Bridge, on False Creek’s north shore, contemporary Nu deals cutting-edge regional plates, while across the way on Granville Island, landmark Bridges combines waterfront pub with downstairs bistro and upstairs dining room, all with Burrard Bridge glimpses.—Tim Pawsey

Hot Dining: Fresh Flavour

Pickled beet salad at Raincity Grill. Photo by KK Law

Home of the 100-mile diet, this city has a culinary conscience firmly rooted in the “seasonal-regional” mantra. Perched on the shore of English Bay, Raincity Grill, one of the original pioneers, remains true to its locavore calling thanks to a changing menu paired with an array of Pacific Northwest wines. At South Granville’s West, Warren Geraghty focuses on local delicacies such as roasted Sydney Island venison and BC ling cod with clam and brandade fritters. On False Creek’s northern shore, C Restaurant enjoys a well-earned reputation for cutting-edge and often highly artistic but always sustainable seafood.—Tim Pawsey

Top 10 Reasons to Return

If you think Vancouver is beautiful right now, just wait until you see the city in the summer

by Sheri Radford, Jennifer Patterson and Kristina Urquhart

Downtown Vancouver and the North Shore mountains, as seen from the oceanfront between Kitsilano Beach and Vanier Park. Photo copyright Ann Badjura/Dreamstime.com

1 Gorgeous Scenery
Vancouver has no shortage of breathtaking outdoor escapes: the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean, the almost-year-round snow-capped mountains, and greenery as far as the eye can see. Wriggle your toes in the sand at one of the many public beaches, including Kits Beach—rated one of North America’s top 10 sexiest beaches by Forbes Traveler—or Wreck Beach, where clothing is optional. Head up the mountains for scenic 360-degree views, challenging hikes and glimpses of local wildlife. Grab your camera and visit one of the city’s many green spaces, including VanDusen Botanical Garden and Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Bike, walk or run Vancouver’s famous seawall, a 22-km (13.7-mi) shoreline stretch that wraps around Stanley Park, past Science World and Granville Island, finishing up at Kits Beach.—J.P.

2 Major Attractions
Seek refuge in Stanley Park, where you can see summertime displays of roses and rhododendrons, catch outdoor theatre

A team races in the annual Dragon Boat Festival in front of Science World at Telus World of Science. Photo by Tom Ryan courtesy Tourism BC

shows, frolic on beaches and ogle baby beluga whales at Vancouver Aquarium. Views abound at Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain, where observing the antics of Grinder and Coola—two orphaned grizzly bears—is a popular summer activity. False Creek forms the backdrop for Granville Island, a hub for artist studios. Impromptu street performances are common, the Public Market boasts seasonal bounty from local farmers and the public fish sales dock is a local favourite for buying fresh, in-season seafood. Closed through most of March, Science World is spending our Winter Games as the pavilion for the Sochi 2014 Winter Games. This iconic “golf ball” is a fixture in the Vancouver skyline; inside you’ll find hands-on exhibits, science demos and educational films in the OMNIMAX Theatre.—K.U.

3 Festivals & Special Events
July and August brim with outdoor events that take full advantage of the long, sun-soaked days. Bard on the Beach presents Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, Antony and Cleopatra, Falstaff and Henry V against a stunning ocean-and-mountains backdrop. Theatre Under the Stars mounts Joseph and the

The ferris wheel at the PNE. Photo by Sheri Radford

Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Singin’ in the Rain on alternating nights in Stanley Park’s Malkin Bowl. The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) celebrates its 100th anniversary with rides, midway games, outdoor concerts, parades, the PNE prize home, mini-donuts and, of course, the Superdogs. The Vancouver Folk Music Festival brings musicians from around the world to Jericho Beach Park for three days of groovy sounds. Pride Week bursts with a rainbow of gay-pride events, culminating in the Pride Parade and Sunset Beach Festival. The HSBC Celebration of Light marks its 20th anniversary with fireworks over English Bay that light up Metro Vancouver.—S.R.

4 Outdoor Adventures
When the temperature rises, outdoor enthusiasts take to the seas for kayaking, scuba diving and whale watching. From late April through October, the waters surrounding Vancouver and Vancouver Island are abundant with orcas (formerly called killer whales). Whale-watching trips offer glimpses of other wildlife, too, including porpoises, sea lions, harbour seals and eagles. Thrill-seekers in both Vancouver and Whistler ride high above the treetops of rainforests while

A pod of orcas. Photo copyright Lazareva Evgeniya/Istockphoto.com

harnessed to a cable called a zipline. Avid cyclist? Participate in myriad bike races, or head to the Whistler Mountain Bike Park for 1,507 m (4,946 ft) of bike trails and a jump park. Hike the mountains and nearby national parks, or take a low-key stroll around the seawall. After a long day in the sun, relax like a Vancouverite with a yoga session on the beach.—K.U.

5 Golfing, Sailing & Skiing
You might have heard a rumour that it’s possible to golf, sail and ski in Metro Vancouver, all on the same day. Unlike most rumours, this one is true. Highly rated courses such as University Golf Club, Westwood Plateau, Furry Creek Golf and Country Club, and Nicklaus North Golf Course boast views so stunning that it may be difficult to keep your eye on the ball. Local companies such as Sewell’s Marina can take you on a sea safari or—if you’re up to the job of captain—rent you a boat to go exploring on your own. As for catching

Nicklaus North Golf Course in Whistler

some powder in the summertime, Whistler Blackcomb’s Horstman Glacier stays open for intermediate and advanced skiers and riders through July.—S.R.

6 Winter Games Sites
Relive exciting moments from the 2010 Winter Games with a tour of Olympic and Paralympic venues, either by yourself or guided by Enjoy Tour and Travel. Canada Hockey Place, otherwise known as GM Place, is home to our NHL team, the Canucks, and sits alongside BC Place. Up on Cypress Mountain, take in the view of the Vancouver Convention Centre. To the east is the Pacific Coliseum, the showcase for figure skating. Experience your own medal-worthy moment with a lap around the Richmond Olympic Oval, open to all levels of fitness after the Games. In Whistler, follow the path of gold-medal bobsledders with a guided tour of the Sliding Centre and Olympic/Paralympic Park.—J.P.

7 Sports Teams
You’ll hear the hoots and hollers of Vancouver Canucks fans until regular-season games wrap up Apr. 10—but if the team advances to the Stanley Cup playoffs, ’Nucks fever can last into June. September marks the start of the 2011 game season for both the Canucks and the Vancouver Giants, the city’s major junior hockey team. Football fans root for the BC Lions

Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo. Photo by Jeff Vinnick courtesy Vancouver Canucks

(Jun. to Nov.), and the Vancouver Canadians play the ol’ ball game at historic Nat Bailey Stadium (Jun. to Sep.). The Vancouver Whitecaps don their cleats this summer (Apr. to Oct.) before beginning their major-league soccer career in 2011.—K.U.

8 Day Trips
Head to Squamish and Whistler for outdoor activities aplenty, including windsurfing, mountain biking and canoeing. Hop aboard BC Ferries for a trip to Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia and home to our historic parliament buildings. A skip-and-a-jump between Vancouver and Vancouver Island are the Gulf Islands, and there’s no shortage of charming getaways on Salt Spring, Galiano and Mayne islands. The Fraser Valley is the perfect spot to grab farm-fresh cheese and u-pick raspberries. The province’s wine region can be found in the Okanagan, known for its dry, sunny climate. South of the border is Seattle, home to rock legends Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix, as well as the iconic Space Needle.—J.P.

9 Restaurants
Vancouver boasts world-class cuisine, but many of our best restaurants are rented out or booked solid during the 2010 Winter Games. Return in the warmer months, then, for an eating-and-drinking tour of the city featuring summer’s cornucopia of fresh

The seaside neighbourhood of Yaletwon, with Burrard Bridge in the background. Photo copyright KWest/Fotolia.com

local produce and sun-kissed patios with breathtaking views. Your stomach will thank you.—S.R.

10 Sunshine
Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t always rain in Vancouver. But July and August are especially bright for sun worshippers.

It Takes a Village

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

Stroll along the newly finished False Creek seawall, where the Olympic and Paralympic Village Vancouver has finally taken form

By Jennifer Patterson

Thousands of athletes and officials will make this community their home starting in January 2010. Photo by KK Law

Nothing leaves a visitor as breathless as Vancouver’s natural surroundings and panoramic views. Imagine living alongside the waterfront in False Creek, looking across to picturesque downtown, all highlighted by a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. That’s exactly what over 3,000 athletes and officials will see at the start of each day as they make the Olympic and Paralympic Village their home-away-from-home during the 2010 Winter Games.
This billion-dollar project has had its ups and downs—including the recent news of being $130-million over budget—but come game time, all will be forgotten as hockey players, speed skaters and others decorate the suites with their national colours, flags and banners. Built to be sold as condos after the Games, every unit will be temporarily furnished, and each kitchen will be sealed off, since the athletes and officials will use a communal dining hall. And not only are these 18 condo buildings easy on the eyes, they are also easy on the earth, thanks to both partial solar power and an environmentally friendly heating system. What about amenities? A large drugstore, gourmet grocer and private liquor store will soon join the buildings.
The Village is easily accessible via the new Canada Line SkyTrain; hop off at the Olympic Village Station and head east.