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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

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.

My Favourite Vancouver Photo

Check out the results of our fourth annual photo contest. John Bello wins the grand prize provided by Harbour Air. Have you taken a great picture? Enter our My Favourite Vancouver Photo Contest and you could win a fabulous prize package from Pacific Sands Beach Resort Tofino. We’re looking for iconic images that evoke Vancouver’s unique spirit and character.

2011 contest winner: The inukshuk in English Bay, with the lights of Vectorial Elevation in the background, during the 2010 Winter Games // John Bello

Waterfront in winter // James Putnam

Vancouver skyline // Carlos Victoria

Summertime fireworks over English Bay // Nathalie Harris

The seawall in Stanley Park and the Lions Gate Bridge // Loni Ingram

Giant crab outside the Museum of Vancouver // Carlos Victoria

Autumn in Stanley Park // Lan Hu

Brockton Point Lighthouse in Stanley Park, with downtown and the “sails” of the Vancouver Convention Centre in the background // George Dujmovic

15 Things We Love About Vancouver: March

Photo courtesy David Suzuki Foundation

1 Taylor Lautner, Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, who are in town to film Twilight: Breaking Dawn.
2 The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, which is nominated for a 2011 Juno Award. Tune in Mar. 27 to see if the VSO wins.
3 Howard Hughes. The eccentric billionaire arrived at Vancouver’s Westin Bayshore Hotel on Mar. 14, 1972, taking over two floors for himself and his employees—though no hotel staff ever glimpsed the recluse during his long stay.
4 Canine ambassadors such as Beau and Mavis.
5 Fresh seafood.
6 The Granville Island Broom Company.
7 David Suzuki. The local author and environmental activist turns 75 on Mar. 24.
8 Luxurious anti-microbial yoga towels made by local company Baktuli (www.bak tuli.com). Each one sports a playful saying such as “Some like it hot.” At Moule and Fine Finds.
9 Red Robinson. The legendary local disc jockey turns 74 on Mar. 30. Named in his honour, the 1,000-seat theatre at the Boulevard Casino features Gino Vannelli (Mar. 5) and Meat Loaf (Mar. 18 and 19) this month.

"Little Emperor" by Todd Couper courtesy Spirit Wrestler Gallery

10 The Vancouver Canucks hockey team, which is celebrating its 40th season.
11 The sense of community: Mar. 24 is Dining Out for Life, when restaurants across the Lower Mainland donate 25 per cent of each food bill to HIV/AIDS charities.
12 Scuba diving. The water is cold—but it doesn’t warm up much in the summer. Scuba fans prefer winter diving here, when visibility is best.
13 The Vancouver Art Gallery.
14 Jogging on the seawall.
15 Tiny art in Spirit Wrestler Gallery’s Mini Masterworks IV (Mar. 26 to Apr. 16).

Hot Dining: Shoreside Haunts

Prime rib burger sliders, at Crime Lab. Photo by KK Law

The city’s seawall affords numerous taste-filled options to help refuel on a long winter’s walk. Coal Harbour’s Crime Lab (pictured) is a popular neighbourhood hangout and bar that features “misdemeanours” such as spicy ahi tuna tartare, garlic sambal prawns and barbecue duck spring rolls. On Granville Island, Dockside features seafood specialties such as marinated sablefish and grilled wild sockeye salmon, plus well-crafted beers, in a glass-wrapped room overlooking the water. Right at English Bay, The Boathouse offers casual pub-style fare downstairs and more formal dining up, with regional dishes such as miso-crusted wild halibut, Alaskan sablefish, and tenderloin filet with merlot demi-glace.—Tim Pawsey

Rising Star

Young, beautiful and acting in a hit TV show—Sara Canning is the kind of girl it would be easy to hate, if only she weren’t so darned sweet and talented

By Sheri Radford

Sara Canning enjoys a picturesque spot on the seawall in Stanley Park, against the backdrop of the Lions Gate Bridge. Photo by KK Law

The undead are certainly lively these days. On television, in movies and in novels, vampires are baring their fangs. Sara Canning, for one, enjoys the trend. The 23-year-old Canadian-born actress has always been a fan of the bloodsuckers, going back to the story of Dracula, which she first read as a teenager, and the film Nosferatu, right up to current hits such as the hauntingly beautiful Swedish film Let the Right One In and the worldwide phenomenon that is Twilight. She feels especially grateful to the enduring popularity of the undead fiends now that her show, The Vampire Diaries, is starting its second season.

Canning portrays a human—the aunt of the main character, not a vampire—but she has contemplated the tantalizing vamps on her show. When asked if she’s Team Stefan or Team Damon, she answers with a laugh that it would be Stefan for eternity but Damon for a weekend. “Any longer than a weekend and you may end up underground.”

The young actress knows how fortunate she is to have landed a hit TV series. She’s worked hard to get where she is, doing theatre since age 12, but in acting, she says, “Luck and good fortune are always part of it.”

Sara Canning pauses on the seawall in Stanley Park. Photo by KK Law

Realizing that luck and good fortune would be more likely to find her in Canada’s largest film centre, Canning packed her bags and left her childhood home of Sherwood Park, Alberta, for the bright lights of Vancouver—and a year studying everything from acting to voice work to screenwriting at Vancouver Film School. Quickly, she became enamoured with her new city. She doesn’t even mind the famous wet weather: “I really love being in Stanley Park when it rains or right after it’s rained.” One of her favourite West Coast activities is to rent a bike and ride it around the seawall in Stanley Park. She raves about all the fabulous places to find great sushi, brunch spots such as Cafe Medina, and Chapters, the giant bookstore chain that doesn’t exist in her new home of Atlanta, Georgia, where she has relocated for the filming of The Vampire Diaries.

Every chance Canning gets, she returns to Vancouver. Filming kept her away during the 2010 Winter Olympics, but friends filled her in about the incredible experience of proud Canadians thronging Granville Street. She spent the summer here during her most recent hiatus. When she’s in Vancouver, she never has to worry about hiding her Canadian accent or the “Canadianisms” that creep into her speech. Born in Newfoundland, Canning worked especially hard to get rid of her “Newfie” accent, though it creeps back in whenever she phones her parents.

A bright future lies ahead for Canning. According to her, a creative person should “never be satisfied” and should “always be curious, wanting to know more.” She constantly pushes herself, studying acting and writing, and she’s currently working on a script with a friend. “I’m excited to see where the next five years take me,” she says.

So are we.

15 Things We Love About Vancouver: July

BC Ferries photo by Andrea Johnson courtesy Tourism BC

1 BC Ferries, now celebrating its 50th birthday.
2 Heading east to visit Fort Langley (where BC had its beginnings) before lunch overlooking the vines at Domaine de Chaberton Winery’s Bacchus Bistro.
3 Joshua Jackson. He was born in Vancouver, he appeared in The Mighty Ducks and Dawson’s Creek, and he’s back in town right now shooting the third season of Fringe.
4 Why I Love Vancouver, by Linda Solomon. Find it at local bookstores.
5 Shopping for everything local at Trout Lake (and other) farmers’ markets.
6 Hanging out all morning in wide-open garage-door cafes, such as JJ Bean Coffee Roasters at Main and 14th and Kitsilano’s Bistrot Bistro.
7 Fireworks during the HSBC Celebration of Light (Jul. 21, 24, 28, 31).

Fireworks photo by Danielle Hayes courtesy Tourism Vancouver

8 Celebrating Canada Day (Jul. 1).

9 The seawall.

10 Listening to the waves lapping while barbecuing hamburgers on Third Beach as the sun sets somewhere behind Howe Sound.
11 Dapper dogs in mini tuxedos. Find clothes for your own posh pooch at Barking Babies.
12 Spending an afternoon strolling through the Vancouver Art Gallery.
13 Unusual cuts of meat on the menus at Salt, Refuel, Campagnolo and The Irish Heather, part of the “waste not, want not” philosophy of the local nose-to-tail dining movement. Your taste buds won’t be disappointed.
14 Totem poles in Stanley Park.
15 Perfect summer days that never seem to end.

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.

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

15 Things We Love About Vancouver: April

Vancouver's gorgeous cherry blossoms paint the sky pink. Photo by Tom Ryan courtesy Tourism BC

1 Cherry blossoms. Nothing says “springtime” quite like the cheerful pink blossoms.
2 Using our noodle…for a quick, cheap meal at the West End’s Kintaro Ramen, Legendary Noodle or Hon’s Wun-Tun House.
3 Rogers’ Chocolates, which celebrates its 125th anniversary this year. Chocolate lovers choose the irresistible Victoria Creams—with fillings ranging from coffee, ginger and orange to vanilla, strawberry and always-patriotic maple.
4 Walking or biking along the seawall on a blustery day.
5 The annual Chutzpah! Festival (to Apr. 8).
6 Sipping a hot cuppa coffee while perusing the designer shops along bustling Robson Street.
7 The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.
8 Tasting the very best of British Columbia at Edible BC, including organic jam, wild pacific salmon and local honey.
9 Grinder and Coola, two orphaned bears who reside on Grouse Mountain. They usually come out of hibernation in April.
10 Lingering over dessert at Lupo.
11 The larger-than-life art installations located throughout the city during the Biennale.
12 South Granville Street—aka Gallery Row—for its never-ending selection of art galleries.

Eye-pleasing confections at Lupo Restaurant & Vinoteca. Photo by KK Law

13 Dim sum, or any quick-to-eat Chinese food, such as take-out barbecue pork, from Chinatown.
14 Cheering for the Vancouver Canucks.
15 The Richmond Olympic Oval, which reopens to the public this month. It was the official speed skating venue for the 2010 Winter Games.

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.

15 Things We Love About Vancouver: November

15 THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT VANCOUVER

You may see mascots Quatchi, Miga, Sumi and Mukmuk out and about in Vancouver before the 2010 Winter Games. Photo courtesy VANOC/Covan

1 Quatchi. The sasquatch is the most huggable of the 2010 Winter Games mascots (pictured left).
2 A big, juicy, messy burger from White Spot or Fatburger.
3 Jogging along the seawall, even in the rain and fog.
4 Countless Christmas celebrations already underway. Ho ho ho!
5 All the breakfast choices at Paul’s Place Omelettery Restaurant.
6 The miniature aboriginal art at Spirit Wrestler Gallery, on display during Mini-Masterworks III.
7 The art deco-style Burrard Street Bridge.
8 The chocolate bar at Urban Fare at Shangri-La, which tempts with 400 different styles and flavours from around the world, including incomparable Thomas Haas.
9 All the great musicals on local stages, such as Evil Dead: The Musical, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, A Chorus Line and Pink Floyd’s The Wall.
10 The sense of anticipation in the air as the city primps and preens for the 2010 Winter Games, coming here in just three months.
11 Cookworks, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.
12 Critical Mass. At 6 p.m. on the last Friday of each month, thousands of cyclists meet in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery for a mass bike ride along an ever-changing route. Find out more at vancouvercm.blogspot.com.
13 Cheering for the Vancouver Canucks.
14 The picturesque mountains and ocean. Vancouver has been described as the supermodel of world cities.
15 BC Place (pictured below), where the opening and closing ceremonies and nightly victory ceremonies will take place during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

BC Place and downtown Vancouver. Photo courtesy Tourism British Columbia

Did you snap a great picture of Vancouver? Enter our My Favourite Vancouver Photo Contest at www.where.ca/vancouver and you could win a gift certificate for dinner for four at Voya Restaurant and Lounge.