Kayaking

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The Great Outdoors

Grab a paddle, lace those hiking boots and ready that fishing pole: Where‘s headed to the North Shore

By Jennifer Patterson

Meghan and Mat glide through the water in brightly coloured rentals from Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak. Photo by KK Law

Get Wet

Water babies feel right at home in picturesque Deep Cove, a short drive from downtown Vancouver and a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Rent a kayak at Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak and glide through the water, up picturesque Indian Arm, to Granite Falls. This photogenic park offers camping spots for multi-day trips. A growing trend with both celebs and weekend warriors: paddle boarding. Stand upright on a long, flat, surf-style board and use a long paddle to manoeuvre through the calm waterways.

Grab a fishing pole and head into the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve for some peaceful trout fishing around Rice Lake. The main dock is usually busy but the three-km- (1.8-mi-) long path around the lake is filled with hidden benches and quiet corners.

Learn about the culture and history of the Coast Salish First Nations on a guided canoe trip through Indian Arm with Takaya Tours. The traditional wood canoes are 7.6 m (25 ft) in length and tours can be customized to include drumming, songs and stories. End your day on the water with a grilled salmon feast, available by request.

Stay Dry

Landlubbers seeking an outdoor escape head north of downtown to kick up dirt on the tree-covered mountains. The 48-km- (30-mi-) long Baden-Powell Trail, a winding stretch through the North Shore Mountains, starts in Horseshoe Bay and ends in Deep Cove. Don’t feel pressured to complete the entire route in one go—an ambitious venture, indeed—as the trail has multiple entry points and smaller trails branching off along the way. A couple of route highlights: the famous Grouse Grind, also known as Mother Nature’s StairMaster; the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge; and Quarry Rock lookout in Deep Cove.

Those with a need for speed grab a mountain bike and burn rubber on backwoods trails. Mt. Seymour, Mt. Fromme and

Meghan and Mat make their way back from Quarry Rock viewpoint on a well-established trail. Photo by KK Law

Cypress Mountain offer paved, gravel and plank-covered paths ranging from relaxed cross-country to extreme downhill. If you’re a first timer looking for a little guidance, companies such as Endless Biking (page 64) can set you up with an instructor and guide.

If a city bike is more your style, 10 km (6 mi) of paved trails await on the car-free Seymour Valley Trailway. Do you have some energy to spare? Peddle the paved roads all the way to the top of both Cypress and Seymour.

Head a little further north, to the Stawamus Chief Park, for hard-core rock-climbing on the second largest granite monolith in the world (think sheer rock face with nowhere to go but up). If you prefer pounding the dirt to dangling from ropes, make your way up and through the mountains via trails, ladders and stairs to either the first, second or third peak. The climb is a bit challenging but the 360-degree views from the top make it well worth the sweat. Before heading back into Vancouver, visit neighbouring Shannon Falls, the third-highest waterfall in British Columbia.

Up in the Air

Challenge your fear of heights on the 137-m- (450-ft-) long Capilano Suspension Bridge, hanging 70 m (230 ft) above the rushing river. This popular attraction with both visitors and locals added a jaw-dropping new feature this year: the Cliffwalk, a cantilevered and suspended walkway that juts out of a granite cliff face. The faint of heart may balk at the glass-bottomed sections, which offer crystal-clear views of the canyon far below.

Feel the wind beneath your wings as you set flight from the top of Grouse Mountain on a tandem paragliding ride with an elevation drop of 1,000 m (3,300 ft). No experience is required but a sense of adventure is a must.

Gear for Here
Stock up on clothing and equipment, for outdoor adventures both big and small, at Mountain Equipment Co-op and the Arc’teryx Factory Store.

Hot Dates: Gourmet Kayaking Weekends

Dine and paddle on gourmet kayaking tours with Edible Canada

August 12 to 14 or 26 to 28

If undercooked burgers, burnt marshmallows and stale potato chips are your idea of perfect camping food, then this weekend getaway is not for you. If, on the other hand, you like the thought of fine BC wines paired with locally sourced meals prepared by a chef, then read on. Edible Canada welcomes paddlers of all abilities on gourmet kayaking weekends throughout the summer. Participants paddle through the beautiful Gulf Islands, seeing bald eagles, blue herons and harbour seals along the way. Choose your preferred level of roughing it—either beach camping or B&B accommodations—but be sure to book early, as these popular trips sell out every year with eager gastronomes and oenophiles.—Sheri Radford

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…)

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.

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.

You Are Here: Denman Street

This popular hub of activity along English Bay offers tasty food, sweet treats and great summer activities

By Kendra Wong

Beetroot salad at Raincity Grill

DOWN BY THE BAY
Satisfy seafood cravings at some of the city’s favourite bayside eateries. Enjoy gourmet Alaskan king crab, sablefish and lobster ravioli at seafood destination 1 The Boathouse. During the hot summer days, chill out on the patio at 2 Milestones Grill and Bar with one of the famous bellinis. 3 Raincity Grill (pictured, right) offers a great view of English Bay and serves classic seafood dishes including seared BC albacore tuna and goat cheese cannelloni.

SWEET TASTE OF SUMMER
After a walk along the beach, cool down with some delicious treats. Indulge in customized ice cream orders at 4 Marble Slab Creamery. Step into 5 Cupcakes for an assortment of flavours ranging from chocolate to coconut. Head to 6 Qoola Frozen Yogurt and try the refreshing green tea
flavour.

GET YOUR SPORT ON
Enjoy kayaks or paddle boats—complete with rentals and lessons—or take a guided tour of Vancouver’s shoreline with 7 Ecomarine Ocean Kayak Centre.

Inukshuk at English Bay. Photo by Andy Mons courtesy Tourism Vancouver

SOMETHING FOR NOTHING
Seeking an activity that doesn’t cost a penny? Take a dip in the Pacific Ocean, go suntanning with friends—don’t forget your sunscreen—or enjoy a breathtaking sunset. A short walk along the beach takes you to the 6-m- (20-ft-) tall Inukshuk stone monument (pictured, left).

The south end of Denman Street is just a short walk from downtown. Or hop on the #5 bus heading west on Robson Street.

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.

Door to Dock

Do it all from the water this boating season—dine, shop, sightsee and more. Landlubbers need not apply. By Meaghan Lamb

The Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts

PARRY SOUND
The summer population quadruples in this town on the eastern shore of Georgian Bay. Culture-seeking boaters can cruise into the world’s deepest natural freshwater port and hop ashore to the Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts, while the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame celebrates the region’s favourite hockey legend.

HUNTSVILLE
See outdoor murals inspired by Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven in the town that plays host to the 2010 G8 Summit. Scout out The Finds, Wooden Penny and Nutty Chocolatier. Style the whole family at Big Bear Outfitters (64 Main St. E., 705-788-1351), The Village Shop or Muskoka Jewellery Design.

BOATING FOR BEGINNERS
Take a few paddling lessons and you’ll be skimming the lakes in no time.
>> White Squall is the place for kayak touring. Take both beginner- and advanced-level classes starting at $60 for two and a half hours, or request a private session.
>> Algonquin Outfitters boasts daily canoe and kayak programs at its Huntsville location situated on the water’s edge.

Try a White Squall paddling adventure

BRACEBRIDGE
Water has been an integral part of the area’s history with the North Falls acting as a source of hydraulic power. Tie up at Bracebridge Bay Park in the heart of downtown and get fashionable at Tiggs Clothiers, have Christmas in July at The Gingerbread House and be spoiled for choice selecting cupcakes at Sweet Aroma. For leisurely pursuits, visit Applause! Toy Store, Readers World and the Norwood Theatre (106 Manitoba St., 705-645-2333).

ROSSEAU
Sing your heart out while coming into the Rosseau wharf as holidaymakers did when arriving on the steamships a century ago. Peruse The Craft Room Rosseau or the Farmers’ Market (at Short Street) on Fridays.

FULL SERVICE
>> Port Sandfield Marina offers watercraft rentals, fuel, repairs, servicing and detailing on-site, as well as storage. Shop the Boathouse for clothing, footwear and boating accessories or grab a coffee or ice cream.
>> Pride Marine Group has four marinas under their umbrella here—Pride of Muskoka, Pride of Muskoka West, Pride of Lake of Bays and Pride of Rosseau—each of which provide service seven days a week, gas, as well as new and used boat sales.
>> Skeleton Lake Marina sells new and used boats as well as servicing and repairing many styles of boats. No boat? Rent one and have it delivered to your lake.

Steamships glide through Port Carling

PORT CARLING
Cruise through the locks from lakes Muskoka to Rosseau where you’ll find pleasant respite at the “Hub of the Lakes.” Dock at Turtle Jack’s Muskoka Grill (123 Medora St., 705-765-1753) for a lunch of burgers, salads, beer-battered fish and chips and more. Grab the necessities from Tommy Bahama before rejoining the water world.

MUSKOKA WHARF
The $170 million rebirth of this wharf in Gravenhurst meanders the length of the waterfront. Find docks, marinas, dining, boutiques, lodging, heritage facilities and the homeport of the Muskoka steamships. Berth your own vessel and promenade along the boardwalk.

Hot Shopping: Gear Up

High-performing, high-quality gear is available at Mountain Equipment Co-Op

With Canada’s rugged landscape, it’s little wonder one of our largest sporting equipment stores started in Vancouver. Find apparel and gear for every conceivable adventure, including watersports, cycling, skiing, climbing and hiking, at Mountain Equipment Co-Op, a local institution since 1971. The store stocks kayaks, luggage and backpacks (pictured), too.—Kristina Urquhart

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