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Hit the Road

Sometimes you need to get away from it all. These nearby destinations are the perfect escape from the city

By Kristina Urquhart

It's anchors aweigh on the Sunshine Coast, where a boat tours Sechelt Inlet. Photo by Tom Ryan courtesy Tourism British Columbia

Whistler

Car 2 hours
Train 3.5 hours via Rocky Mountaineer

The scenic Sea to Sky Highway winds from Vancouver to Whistler, a top-rated ski resort with plenty to do in the summer. Settle onto a sun-soaked patio to people-watch in the pedestrian-only village, relax with a massage at a world-class spa, tee up for golf on emerald fairways or navigate the vertiginous cliffs on a mountain bike. Don’t miss a ride on the 4.4-km- (2.7-mi-) long Peak 2 Peak Gondola; you’ll need to pick your jaw up off the glass-bottomed floor as the seemingly endless valley between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains stretches beyond. Halfway between Vancouver and Whistler lies Squamish—the recreation capital of Canada—so suit up for whitewater rafting, wind surfing, diving and rock climbing. A hike up the Stawamus Chief, the world’s second-largest granite monolith, yields panoramic views of Howe Sound. (more…)

Hot Entertainment: Fore!

Golfer Mike Weir

Expect big names such as Mike Weir (pictured), Luke Donald and Anthony Kim when the RBC Canadian Open takes over Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club from Jul. 18 to 24. In its 107-year history, this tournament has hosted many of golf’s greatest talents, from Tiger Woods to Arnold Palmer.—Sheri Radford

15 Things We Love About Whistler

Photo by Chad Chomlack courtesy Tourism Whistler

1 Spectacular scenery, such as the gorgeous Whistler Olympic Park with its welcoming inukshuk. Whichever way you turn, you’ll see a picture postcard come to life.
2 Devouring a juicy Triple O burger at White Spot. This local restaurant chain was founded in 1928.
3 The abundance of festivals and special events, everything from bike races to rock concerts to a children’s art festival.
4 Looking for reminders of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Their spirit lives on in venues such as the Whistler Sliding Centre. (more…)

The Great Outdoors

Wondering what to do on your Whistler vacation? Where has you covered on the hunt for sunny summer fun

By Jennifer Patterson

Ziplining through the trees with WildPlay Element Parks. Photo courtesy WildPlay Element Parks

Channel your inner daredevil with a ride on mountain bike jumps and runs in Skiers’ Plaza. If you’re looking for something a little more easygoing, rent a bike to explore smoother, less vertical terrain, as mountain biking is the summer sport here.
Harness your adventurous spirit and hop on the back of a 4×4 vehicle to join expert Michael Allen on a bear watching tour, including stops at favourite feeding sites and daybeds—don’t forget your camera! Channel John Wayne on your own trusty steed with a horseback ride through the wild countryside. Prefer horsepower to horses? Kick up some dust in the backcountry on a quad or dirt bike.
Feed your adrenaline rush with a free-falling plunge off a bungee jump. Slightly more sane individuals go ziplining through the trees. For the even saner, glass-bottomed cabins on two of the Peak 2 Peak Gondolas offer enough of a thrill—and don’t require harnesses.
Find your inner Zen master with a day of peace and tranquillity on the stunning golf courses and fish-filled rivers. For a quiet getaway, rent a canoe or kayak, don some life jackets and explore the pristine lakes. Nature enthusiasts breathe the crisp mountain air while hiking the meadows and trails surrounding Whistler.
Have your camera at the ready, as aerial sightseeing tours and helicopter rides provide snap-happy shutterbugs and sightseers the perfect opportunity to capture the sweeping panorama.
If you haven’t tired of the snow, strap on your skis and snowboards and head to the Horstman Glacier, open through July for sun-filled summer skiing.
For activities listings, click here.

Stanley Park: Our Top 10

Why do we love this 123-year-old urban woodland? Let us count the ways

By Kristina Urquhart

"Girl in a Wetsuit" overlooks Stanley Park. Photo by KK Law

1 Seawall

If your boots are made for walking, lace up to stroll the 8.8-km (5.5-mi) section of the seawall that winds around the perimeter of Stanley Park—which, at 400 hectares (1,000 acres), is larger than New York’s Central Park. Or rent a two-wheeler from Bayshore Bicycle & Rollerblade Rentals or Spokes Bicycle Rentals & Tours. A lap around the seawall yields several famous landmarks. The Nine O’ Clock Gun, an 1816 cannon, blasts nightly at 9 p.m. The seaworthy “Girl in a Wetsuit,” sculpted by Elek Imredy, makes a frequent perch for seagulls. Shutterbugs pause for gorgeous views at the lighthouses at Brockton Point and Prospect Point. Near the Lions Gate Bridge, a 32-million-year-old sea stack called Siwash Rock rises from the water. A quick detour off the seawall brings you to the Hollow Tree, a 700-year-old trunk of a Western red cedar.

2 Vancouver Aquarium

The “smiling” beluga whales are a hit at this marine conservation and research centre, which houses more than 70,000 creatures from the land and sea. See both local and foreign sea life, including the mesmerizing jellyfish and giant sea turtles that look as if they swam straight from the screen in Finding Nemo. Watch dolphins and otters frolic in daily shows or book an animal encounter to get up close with belugas, sea lions or other critters in an interactive training session. New this summer: the swooping stunts of bald eagles, hawks and falcons in the Birds Up Close aerial show.

3 Totem Poles

Nine towering totem poles and three cedar gateways welcome visitors to Brockton Point, their colourful carvings depicting First Nations stories and culture. The totems, which are British Columbia’s most visited attraction, were carved in the late 1880s and replaced with lookalike versions in the 1980s to keep the originals preserved. In summer, visit Klahowya Village, which celebrates First Nations culture with two daily dance performances, on-site artisans and a storytelling circle.

4 Outdoor Activities

Golfers rent clubs to tee up at the Pitch & Putt, an 18-hole course with lush fairways and a separate putting green. Get your swinging arm into shape with lawn bowling or cricket, or try tennis on one of 21 courts. Stanley Park is chock-full of both wide-open spaces and secret places, ideal for an impromptu game of tag or hide-and-seek.

View of Lions Gate Bridge from the seawall. Photo by KK Law

5 Beaches

Beach bunnies gravitate to the park’s two sun-soaked strips of sand. Bring a towel to stake your claim at Second Beach on the southwestern side of the park. Nearby is a heated infinity-style pool, perfect for warming up after a chilly dip in the ocean. Further north, Third Beach is one of the park’s lesser-visited gems.

6 Kid-Friendly

If wee ones aren’t tuckered out after a few hours at the Vancouver Aquarium, plenty else will keep them busy. A miniature train chugs through the forest, offering a relaxing way to see the park for those with little legs. Hop aboard an old-fashioned carriage with Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tours. Kids love to climb on four colourful playgrounds, cool off with water cannons and fountains in the waterpark at Lumbermen’s Arch or embark on fun, educational nature walks with the Stanley Park Ecology Society.

7 Gardens

Darling buds grace the Shakespeare Garden, which is cultivated partly with plants mentioned in the Bard’s plays. Beyond lie the perennial and rose flowerbeds, a popular spot in the sunny season with more than 3,500 plants. Spring is when most of the 4,500 rhododendrons and azaleas bloom in the Ted & Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden, but several varieties blossom throughout June and into the summer.

8 Lost Lagoon

Before the Stanley Park causeway was built in the 1920s, the tide flowed in and out of the pond, leading local poet Pauline Johnson to write “Ode to the Lost Lagoon”—which likely gave the pond its name. To commemorate Vancouver’s Golden Jubilee in 1936, a fountain was installed in the middle of the lagoon, which now serves as a bird sanctuary and filtration pond for run-off. The Lost Lagoon Nature House mounts interactive exhibits chronicling the park’s flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for peacocks or other wildlife strutting by.

9 Outdoor Events

Pack a blanket on summer nights for concerts at Malkin Bowl, which also hosts open-air musicals at Theatre Under the Stars in July and August. Starting June 20, Dance at Dusk kicks off in Ceperley Meadow. Novice and advanced toe-tappers learn Scottish country moves, international folk dances or ballroom routines.

10 Dining

Casual bites are on the menu at Stanley’s Park Bar & Grill and Prospect Point Cafe. Expect superb Pacific Northwest fare and North Shore views at the historic Teahouse. Seafood seared to perfection can be found at the charming Fish House in Stanley Park. To pack a picnic basket of your own, try Urban Fare or Edible British Columbia for a trove of gourmet goodies.

Hot Shopping: Sporty Style

Quagmire stocks stylish apparel for the young golfer

Head to one of the city’s many golf courses decked out in gear fit for the fairways. Newbie Canadian company Quagmire brings its A game with fresh, young designs that are perfect both on and off the green. Available at Sport Chek.—Jennifer Patterson

15 Things We Love About Vancouver: August

Satisfy your sweet tooth with the treats at Cupcakes. Photo courtesy Cupcakes

1 Zimsculpt, an exhibition of impressive stone sculpture from Zimbabwe, at VanDusen Botanical Garden (Aug. 13 to Sep. 26).
2 Cheering on the BC Lions football team.
3 A “voyage” on False Creek Ferries or Aquabus Ferries to the Public Market on Granville Island for early-morning coffee and fresh baked goods beside the water.
4 Soaking up the sunshine along the seawall.
5 Sweet treats from Cupcakes and other tasty spots along Denman Street.
6 Riding the Canada Line SkyTrain right up front, with an unobstructed view of the tracks all the way to—or from—Vancouver International Airport.
7 Leisurely afternoons strolling through the Vancouver Art Gallery.
8 Douglas Coupland’s Digital Orca art installation, near the new Vancouver Convention Centre. The local author/artist also has an eye-popping clothing line in Roots stores this summer.

Flowers at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Photo by Kristina Urquhart

9 Blasts from the past such as Melissa Etheridge (Aug. 20) and Van Morrison (Aug. 7).
10 Meeting for dim sum at big and bustling Chinese rooms such as Floata, Kirin or Sun Sui Wah.
11 The hundreds of stores (not to mention the air conditioning) in Park Royal.
12 The world’s most spectacular golf. Don’t forget your camera.
13 Walking across Granville or Burrard bridge for the best free city views with an ocean and mountain backdrop.
14 All the restaurants with fantastic patios, ideal for summer dining.
15 Exploring local gardens.

Gorgeous Greens

Stunning scenery sets the stage for a round of golf

By Jeff Angus and Jennifer Patterson

With all the focus West Coasters put on the great outdoors, it’s no surprise Metro Vancouver is a golfing destination. So whether you putt, drive, swing or chip your way to the eighteenth, there’s never a shortage of stellar courses to aim for that elusive hole-in-one or, even better, that perfect game.

A golfer attempts a birdie on the 14th hole at Furry Creek. Photo by KK Law

Furry Creek Golf & Country Club
If you enjoy sprawling mountain ranges and panoramic ocean views, head 40 minutes north of Vancouver to Furry Creek. The first hole prepares you for what’s ahead: a 165-ft (50-m) drop from tee to green on the 352-yd (322-m) par four. But the 14th hole is the most memorable—and most photographed—as it sits almost level with the ocean and the green is surrounded by the pristine Pacific. Don’t let the view throw you off your game; the 211-yd (193-m) hole demands accuracy off the tee.
Fun fact The famous fight scene between Adam Sandler and former The Price is Right host Bob Barker from the comedy Happy Gilmore was filmed at Furry Creek.
Tip If you’re a beginner, stock up on balls before your round, as a few wayward tee shots on this unforgiving course may have you feeling surly.

University Golf Club
In a city celebrated for its private courses such as Marine Drive, Point Grey and Shaughnessy—home of the 2005 and 2011 PGA Tour Canadian Opens—the University Golf Club has taken a different route by celebrating its public status with the slogan “non-members only.” Situated on the grounds of the University of British Columbia, the tree-lined course is a serene escape from downtown’s bustling metropolis.
Tip The wide, forgiving fairways allow for a few flubs during the round, but they narrow as you get closer to the green, so make sure your short game is in order.

Lush greens on the University Golf Club. Photo courtesy University Golf Club

Kings Links by the Sea
Bordering the Strait of Georgia, Kings Links by the Sea has uneven fairways lined with thick rough and fescue, very few trees and lots of wind. All in all, it’s a links course in the truest sense. Using natural terrain to create a playing field, the links-style course originated and was made famous in Scotland.
Tip If too much wind hinders your game, start early as the breeze picks up in the afternoon.

Fraserview Golf Course
City-owned Fraserview is known for numerous elevation changes and tricky greens. It’s one of only three public courses in the city—McCleery and Langara are the other two—certified by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses. Of an estimated 32,000 courses in the world, only 677 are certified. The goal is to help golf courses preserve and protect wildlife and natural resources.
Tip The ball always breaks towards the Fraser River.

McCleery Golf Course
City-owned McCleery offers relatively flat fairways and large, welcoming greens. But don’t get too comfortable: a dozen water hazards keep you on your toes. Local duck and geese enjoy this course thanks to the ample swimming spots.
Tip To score well, keep the ball on the fairway.

Langara Golf Course
The shortest city-owned course is Langara, playing at only 6,261 yd (5,725 m) from the tips. It’s accommodating to players of all skill levels, but keep an eye out for sand traps that line the course.
Tip Precision off the tee makes navigating the rolling green less of a challenge.

Sprawling views at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Course. Photo courtesy Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Whistler
Golf legends Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus recognized Whistler’s idyllic setting as the perfect spot to build their award-winning courses. It’s fitting that they set up championship courses a stone’s throw from one another, as their on-course rivalry is legendary, beginning in the early ’60s. Jack Nicklaus lent his expertise to the crafting of Nicklaus North, which sits nestled in a lush valley and has played host to big names such as Fred Couples, Vijay Singh and John Daly. It was ranked one of the top 10 public golf courses in British Columbia in 2009 by SCOREGolf Magazine. Arnold Palmer left his mark on the West Coast with his design of the Whistler Golf Club. His philosophy was to create a course that is not only fun to play but also respects nature; it incorporates crystal-clear streams and lakes. Opened in the mid-’80s, it continues to be voted one of the top spots to play in the country.
Only two Canadian courses landed a spot on Golf Digest’s prestigious list of the 75 best golf resorts in North America. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler was one of them, snagging position #23 with its winning combination of golf, lodging, food and service. The course is carved into the side of Blackcomb Mountain, with natural features including an exposed rock face, ravines and waterfalls.

Famous Names
We don’t just produce great courses, we also produce some heavyweight talent.
Mike Weir The first Canadian to win the Masters Tournament, back in 2003.
Sandra Post Won eight LPGA titles, and two were back-to-back.
Al Balding The first Canadian to win on the PGA Tour, back in 1955.
Stephen Ames Currently ranked one of the top 25 golfers in the world.
Nick Taylor Young up-and-comer is first on the world amateur golf ranking.

For more info on these and other local golf courses, click here.

Hot Entertainment: Gorgeous Greens

Big Sky Golf and Country Club

Even those who can’t tell a putter from a driver love local golf courses, thanks to the postcard-worthy scenery. Snow-capped mountains, glacier-fed lakes, waterfalls and towering trees make up just some of the backdrop. You can rent clubs, but make sure to bring your own camera.—Sheri Radford

20 Things We Love About Whistler

The gorgeous greens of Whistler Golf Club. Photo by John Henebry courtesy Tourism Whistler

1 Stunningly beautiful golf courses: there’s no better place to try for that elusive hole-in-one.
2 Skiing and snowboarding, even in the summer.
3 A leisurely hike through the mountains followed by a ride on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola.
4 Flightseeing. The scenery is even more spectacular when seen from the sky.
5 The bustling Whistler Farmers’ Market, which carries produce fresh from nearby farms.
6 Hearing accents from around the world, from both visitors and locals.
7 The pedestrian-only village.
8 Enjoying a cold beer on a restaurant patio.
9 Enough events and festivals to keep you busy every day.
10 Wandering through the many art galleries.

Hikers walk by the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Photo by Paul Morrison courtesy Tourism Whistler

11 Friendly locals eager to point a confused visitor in the right direction.
12 Flying through the trees—with the greatest of ease, of course—on a thrilling zipline adventure.
13 A once-in-a-lifetime train trip with Rocky Mountaineer.
14 Dining on award-winning cuisine at Araxi.
15 Guided bear tours with local bear researcher Michael Allen.
16 Discovering the rich heritage of the local First Nations at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.
17 Gorgeous views. Whichever direction you turn, it looks like a postcard.
18 Buying fresh waffle cones overflowing with giant scoops of ice cream from Cows Whistler.
19 Shakin’ your groove thang at local nightclubs.
20 Anything and everything outdoors, from kayaking to fishing to mountain biking.

Go Play Outside

Bring a sense of adventure on these outdoor escapes

By Jennifer Patterson

No matter what type of activity you’re after, Where has you covered.
Daredevil cyclists barrel down the jumps and runs in Skiers’ Plaza. Looking for something not as reckless? Rent a bike to explore smoother, less vertical terrain, as mountain biking is the summer sport here.

Views abound on Whistler's biking and hiking trails. Photo by Toshi Kawano courtesy Tourism BC

Animal lovers feel at home on a dog sled as a team of huskies leads a snowy alpine ride. Hop in the back of a 4×4 vehicle and join expert Michael Allen on a bear watching tour, including stops at favourite feeding sites and daybeds—don’t forget your camera! Channel John Wayne on your own trusty steed with a horseback ride through the wild countryside. Prefer horsepower to horses? Kick up some dust in the backcountry on a quad or dirt bike.
Adrenaline junkies get their fix with a bungee jump, while slightly more sane individuals go ziplining through the trees. For the even saner, glass-bottomed cabins on two of the Peak 2 Peak Gondolas offer enough of a thrill—and don’t require harnesses.
Shutterbugs and sightseers, have your cameras at the ready: aerial sightseeing tours and helicopter rides provide the perfect opportunity to capture the sweeping panorama.
Those seeking peace and tranquillity need look no further than the stunning golf courses and fish-filled rivers. For a quiet getaway, rent a canoe or kayak, don some life jackets and explore the pristine lakes. Nature enthusiasts breath the crisp mountain air while hiking the meadows and trails surrounding Whistler.
Snow bunnies can still strap on skis and snowboards, as Horstman Glacier is open through July for sun-filled summer skiing.
For activities listings, click here.

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