Waterfront Yoga at Canada Place
Even if you don’t know a dosha from a chakra, you’re welcome to practice your poses during Waterfront Yoga at Canada Place (to Sep. 19). Not only can you work on improving your body while gazing at the scenery, but you can work on improving your soul, too: proceeds from the program help feed local children.—Kristina Urquhart
Wildlife in Yukon Territory proves elusive
By Andrew Findlay
Autumn comes early in the Tombstones, painting the tundra in jewel colours. Photo by Robert Postma, courtesy Government of Yukon
Mist rolls across a landscape turned crimson by the chill of approaching autumn. It’s the middle of August; fall arrives early in the north. For most of the morning a friend and I have followed a small but elusive herd of woodland caribou through the alpine tundra of Tombstone Territorial Park, about a 90-minute drive north of Dawson City.
The mountains around us, black and brooding obelisks, live up to their ominous name—the Tombstones. Underfoot, there is a thick spongy carpet of mosses and lichens, delicate sieve-cup lichen and fluorescent reindeer lichen. For caribou, lichen is often breakfast, lunch and dinner.
We pause behind a ridge, lowering our bodies close to the ground, and watch. The swish of air through thickets of willow tricks my eye into perceiving the movement. Are those legs or the spindly stalks of willow shrubs?
I came north to see wildlife beneath the expansive skies and the virtually people-less landscape of the Yukon. At 186,272 square miles (482,443 square kilometers) the territory is almost twice the size of the United Kingdom, yet has a population of just 40,000, most in the capital Whitehorse. A similar number of people would be crammed into a single London borough. That’s why the Yukon has a special magnetism for people fatigued by the frantic trappings of modern life, a place to be humbled by landscape so vast that technology and the other distractions of civilization seem inconsequential in comparison.
Up here in the wild Tombstones, life for now has indeed been reduced to a few simple essentials—staying warm and scanning the horizon for animals. The mist rises, lowers, then rises again and suddenly they appear, a half-dozen caribou, black snouts aimed in our direction, their grazing interrupted by the scent of humans carried on the breeze. That is life as prey, constantly alert to clues and signals in the environment; survival depends upon it. Then just as quickly as they appear, the caribou vanish like the ultimate illusionists into the swirling mists of the temperamental mountain weather.
A week earlier I had gone in search of Fannin’s sheep, a Yukon wildlife anomaly, in the Anvil Range above the town of Faro that sits smack in the centre of Yukon. For thousands of years before lead and zinc put this region on the map, Fannin’s sheep ranged the adjacent mountains.
The story of their origins is infinitely complex. Initially scientists considered them to be a distinct sub-species of wild sheep, along with others found in North America—Stone’s and Dall’s, or thinhorn sheep, and the Rocky Mountain, California and desert bighorn sheep. Research has shown that Fannin’s are genetically Dall’s sheep, but with unique dark-colored flanks and mottled white neck that came about through the effects of interbreeding and isolation, before and during the last ice age that ended some 10,000 years ago.
Today more than 2,000 Fannin’s sheep spend their summers in the Anvil Range north of Faro and winters in the lightly snow-covered forests near the Pelly River.
Though I managed to spot a few Fannin’s sheep high on a windy ridge in the Anvil Range, the glimpse was fleeting. Wild sheep are loath to grant predators the advantage of height and I was no match for these creatures of the mountains.
I have more luck with the woodland caribou. The sky has lifted and for the first time I see the razor-cut tops of the Tombstones. As we descend toward the valley bottom we cross a patch of old snow, dimpled with caribou tracks, and then we see them again briefly gathering on a hillock, wary as always. And that is the last trace we see of those animals, swallowed like us by the vastness of the Yukon sky and landscape.
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…)
Views abound at Horizons Restaurant. Photo by KK Law
Worth the trip up Burnaby Mountain, newly refurbished Horizons (pictured) is aptly named, with stunning views reaching from distant Lions Gate Bridge to the US border. Creative West Coast fare ranges from alder-wood-grilled wild salmon, seared curried Albacore tuna and abundant shellfish cioppino to dry-aged New York steak, rack of lamb with Dijon-hazelnut crust, and roasted-shallot veal reduction. Better BC and California labels figure prominently on the well-chosen wine list. Find more vista-kissed tastes at Salmon House on the Hill, Seasons in the Park and Cloud 9 Revolving Restaurant, atop Robson’s Empire Landmark Hotel.—Tim Pawsey
Your pooch will be in the lap of luxury in a suite at Jet Pet Resort
1 Bangers and mash from Mahony & Sons.
2 Driving the Sea to Sky Highway for a first glimpse of snow on the mountains above the ocean vista.
3 The mild weather.
4 Spotting celebrities at Glowbal, everyone from Chris Rock to Pamela Anderson to Caressa Cameron, the current Miss America.
5 The absence of freeways through the downtown core, thanks to forward-thinking city planners decades ago.
6 Walking the inside seawall on a blustery day before heading for fish tacos at Go Fish.
7 Maple-leaf-adorned red mittens, just $10 at The Bay. Inspired by the most popular souvenir from the 2010 Winter Games, these new mittens support our athletes, with proceeds going to the Canadian Olympic Foundation.
8 Riding the SeaBus to North Vancouver.
9 All the treasures to discover at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum.
10 Checking out the best sake list in town, with sushi to match, at Oru.
11 Jet Pet Resort, which treats every pooch like a prince.
12 Our tap water—it’s some of the best in the world.
13 Lumière, which recently received the coveted AAA/CAA Five Diamond Award—for the sixth time.
14 All the downtown dwellers, who keep the city vibrant long after the workday has ended.
15 Dropping by Steamworks Brewing Co. for a pint of seasonal spiced pumpkin ale.
16 The picture-postcard beauty of the city.
17 Raccoons, skunks, Canada geese and other critters you may encounter downtown.
18 Paintings from Kurbatoff Art Gallery.
Scandinave Spa makes a gorgeous oasis in Whistler
A steam bath, then a dip in the Nordic waterfall. A good sweat in the wood-burning Finnish sauna, then a cold shower. A massage, then a nap in a hammock. Hours can easily slip past at Scandinave Spa. Treat yourself to an afternoon of resting, reenergizing, detoxifying and cleansing, all against the backdrop of Whistler’s stunning scenery. The spa serves light, nutritious fare from Bearfoot Bistro at the health bar.—Sheri Radford
A luxury train ride with Rocky Mountaineer is the most relaxing and scenic way to get to Whistler
Howe Sound, the Cheakamus Canyon, the Tantalus Mountains—scenery just doesn’t get any more spectacular than this. See these sights and more on a luxurious 3.5-hour train ride from Vancouver to Whistler, on the Sea to Sky Climb with Rocky Mountaineer.—Sheri Radford
Pack a picnic lunch and spend a day exploring Vancouver’s magnificent gardens
By Kristina Urquhart
VanDusen Botanical Garden
Please, walk on the grass. So say the signs at this impressive 22-hectare (55-acre) horticultural haven, where you’ll discover 7,500 types of flowers and plants from all four corners of the world. Embark on a guided or self-guided walking tour down gravel pathways, which meander through groves of Japanese maples, magnolias and giant redwoods. Young gardeners-in-training love to get lost in the hedge maze. Another highlight is the collection of ginkgo trees, which are considered to be “living fossils,” meaning they haven’t evolved much from their Jurassic-era ancestors 200 million years ago. Plants that change with the seasons make VanDusen gorgeous any time of the year. This month, take note of vibrant perennials at their peak, including fragrant lilies and South African bulbs. A vivid array of herbs and veggies are also on display in the Heirloom Vegetable Garden, which is styled after the Victorian era this year. On your way out, be sure to visit the Garden Shop, which offers botanical booty such as plants, seeds, tools, books and decorative tchotchkes.
Queen Elizabeth Park's main Quarry Garden is a spectacular spot for weddings. Photo courtesy Vancouver Park Board
Queen Elizabeth Park
If you’re looking for something more than blossoms to take your breath away, don’t miss the panoramic views from Queen Elizabeth Park, which sits atop Little Mountain and is Vancouver’s highest point, at 152 m (501 ft) above sea level. What started as a basalt quarry in the early 20th century is now a 53-hectare (130-acre) refuge popular for its lawn bowling space, tai chi pavilions, picnic areas, tennis courts and pitch-and-putt. The expansive arboretum houses about 1,500 of the park’s 3,000 trees; guided walks are offered several times a year. Get your camera ready at the edge of the former mine pit—below lies the main Quarry Garden, with its manicured lawns, shrubs, waterfall and colourful blooms. Take a break from the sun to admire the exotic plants and free-flying birds in the park’s much-loved Bloedel Floral Conservatory. This month, watch an open-air, evening production of Robin Hood.
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Step back in time to the 15th century at this popular Chinatown destination, which is a near-authentic replica of the social areas in a Ming Dynasty scholar’s residence. Sequestered behind high walls in downtown Vancouver, the peaceful oasis opened in 1986 after 52 Chinese craftsmen laboured for a year using traditional building methods—that means no power tools, screws or glue. The guided tour is a
The Jade Water Pavilion represents yin with its circular Heaven gate and yang with its square Earth gate
must to learn the full scope of the garden’s symbolism. Everything in the space is a masterful blend of yin and yang: the white walls, abundance of plants and smooth, light rocks represent yin; the dark roof, angular windows and sharp, dark rocks invoke yang. A jade-green pond, intentionally murky to better reflect the stunning sanctum, is home to koi fish and turtles. Adjacent, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park is free to the public and provides a pretty view of the garden’s outer walls.
Stanley Park
Vancouver’s biggest horticultural paradise is more than 400 hectares (1,000 acres) and larger than New York’s Central Park. A short walk on Stanley Park’s seawall or trails and you’ll see trees, flowers and plants everywhere. Darling buds grace the Shakespeare Garden—look no further than the massive tulip tree or the cluster of daybreak cherry trees. A monument bearing the Bard’s likeness overlooks this quiet arboretum, which is partly cultivated with plants mentioned in Shakespeare’s body of work. Bard buffs relish the plaques bearing relevant quotations that accompany cedar, red oak and black walnut trees, among others. Beyond lie the perennial and rose flowerbeds, a popular spot in sunny season with more than 3,500 plants. Pose for photos or enjoy the shade under the arbour, draped with old-fashioned rose varieties. At the foot of Alberni Street, local residents maintain the flora in the community garden. Spring is when most of the 4,500 rhododendrons and azaleas in the Ted & Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden are in bloom, but many of the hybrids blossom in late summer, making for a picturesque stroll around the pitch-and-putt course.
In summer at Minter Gardens, enjoy fragrant roses and see many perennials and annuals at their peak. Photo courtesy Minter Gardens
Worth The Drive
Plan day trips to see two of BC’s most spectacular gardens. A 90-minute drive from downtown Vancouver, Minter Gardens is a 13-hectare (32-acre) showstopper popular for weddings. The oasis, awash with colour and dotted with topiaries in summer, is situated at the foot of 2,134-m (7,000-ft) Mount Cheam. Cedar trees, brooks and rock walls are found throughout, and the hedge maze is popular with both tykes and adults. A ferry or short plane ride away, Vancouver Island is home to The Butchart Gardens, also a National Historic Site of Canada. This 22-hectare (55-acre) Eden was created in the early 1900s on an abandoned limestone quarry, which is now the magnificent Sunken Garden. Fifty full-time gardeners tend to the one million-plus plants used every year on the grounds and in the 26 heated greenhouses. Shutterbugs have endless photo ops at their fingertips, from the Japanese gardens to the lookout at Butchart’s Cove. Summertime brings daily performances on the concert stage, light displays every evening and fireworks on Saturday nights.
For more information on these gardens and others in the city, click here.
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.
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
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.
# 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.
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.
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Stay, Dine, Do
