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Canada > The West Coast > British Columbia > Vancouver

STAY, DINE, DO: Find a hotel, restaurant or attraction.

Listings to get the most out of the city: where to dine, what to see, where to shop, and more.

Hot Dining: Cactus Club Cafe’s New, Sustainable Location

Cactus Club Cafe's English Bay location

The newest Cactus Club location is more than just a pretty face. Sure, the restaurant is situated right on the beach, offering a stunning view of English Bay, but it’s also eco-friendly, with its living roof, organic herb garden and plentiful bike racks. The green building has been constructed to meet LEED Gold Certification. So, as you take in the spectacular scenery while nibbling on divine dishes created by Iron Chef Rob Feenie, raise a glass to Vancouver-style sustainability.—Sheri Radford

Hot Shopping: Mother’s Day Gifts from Lush

Mother's Day gift set from Lush

Before Mother’s Day (May 13) rolls around, purchase some sweet-smelling goodies for the woman of the hour. This collectible tin from Lush comes packed with fresh bath bombs, a body scrub and the famous Dream Cream—and it’s selling out quickly. Website orders must be placed by May 10 at noon, but you can try your luck in-store, too.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Art: Paintings by Eva Kolacz at Kurbatoff Gallery

"Waterfall V" by Eva Kolacz

Painting is the poetry of sight—at least that’s true for Eva Kolacz, whose love affair with words and music inspired her collection of expressive artworks. Kolacz, originally a puppeteer, uses light and shadow on canvas to create a window to a magical universe, much like the stages of her puppet shows past (“Waterfall V,” pictured). Explore Kolacz’s textured world at Kurbatoff Gallery (May 10 to 24).—Caitlin Dawson

Hot Dining: Italian Opera Buffet at Cafe Pacifica

Italian Opera Buffet at Cafe Pacifica

Bring a healthy appetite for both fresh pasta and opera music to Cafe Pacifica in the Pan Pacific Hotel. Every Saturday evening, singers from the Burnaby Lyric Opera Society serenade diners during the Italian Opera Buffet. Be sure to make a reservation, as this popular event usually sells out. Added bonus: the view from the restaurant is spectacular.—Sheri Radford

Hot Entertainment: Rock of Ages Comes to Vancouver

Rock of Ages photo by C. Scott Suchman

When aspiring rock star Drew meets aspiring actress Sherri, their love is as formidable as a 1980s power ballad. Rock of Ages is sweet, silly and superfluous, but it’s also one heck of a fun Broadway musical, filled with songs by the likes of Journey, Bon Jovi and Styx. Catch all the big hits—and big hair—at The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts (May 8 to 13).—Sheri Radford

Hot Dining: Mother’s Day Brunches in Vancouver

Photo copyright Fotohunter/iStockPhoto

Mom’s the word on May 13, which is Mother’s Day in North America. It also happens to be one of the most popular days of the year to go for brunch, so reserve ahead. Treat your marvellous mama to a delicious spread at Bacchus Restaurant and Lounge, Coast Restaurant, Fleuri, Horizons Restaurant or Raincity Grill. She’ll love it almost as much as she loves you.—Kristina Urquhart

Hot Dining: Where Recognizes Retiring Restaurateur Bud Kanke

Bud Kanke

By Tim Pawsey

The restaurant biz can be precarious at the best of times. But few have enjoyed as much success as Vancouver’s Bud Kanke, who this year retired after conceiving, co-designing and nurturing no less than 11 restaurants over 41 years. A chartered accountant by trade originally, the ever-sanguine Kanke considers that, along the way, eight were successful.

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Hot Dining: Salt Cellar at Black + Blue Steakhouse

Salt cellar at Black + Blue. Photo by KK Law

Glowing in the middle of Black + Blue, inside a glass-encased meat locker, sits a wall of Himalayan rock salt lit up by LED strips. This bold example of salt architecture is used to age all of the meat served in the stylish steakhouse. It’s enough to set a carnivore’s mouth a-watering.—Sheri Radford

Red Bull Divide and Conquer Race

Photo by Christian Pondella courtesy Red Bull Content Pool

Get ready to run, bike and paddle your way to glory in the Red Bull Divide and Conquer, a new multi-disciplinary endurance race taking place Jun. 16 on the North Shore. Teams of three cover 70+ km (43+ mi) by mountain running and mountain biking on Grouse Mountain and whitewater kayaking on the Capilano River. Don’t delay: registration is only open until May 15 (or whenever all 100 team spots are full), and this scenic race is sure to be popular with adrenaline junkies and weekend warriors alike.—Sheri Radford

Hot Dates: BC Contestants on Top Chef Canada

Chef Mark McEwan with his newest crop of Top Chef Canada contestants

Through May

The knives? Sharpened. The pantry? Stocked. The competition? Fierce. Top Chef Canada is back in the kitchen for round two of the hit Food Network Canada show. Head judge Chef Mark McEwan has 16 new hopefuls all vying for the title of Top Chef, not to mention the $100,000 prize. Four contestants from BC are in the running, but—spoiler alert!—they don’t all make the final cut. Tune in Mondays, or watch online at www.foodnetwork.ca.—Jennifer Patterson