I've leaving for Vancouver this afternoon - any suggestions

[Lindsey]

regarding what I MUST see?

[FlashHarry]

1. Stay there!

Canada has health care, civil unions and a surplus! What's not to like?

[pearl]

2. Happy birthday Sis

:toast: :bounce: :bounce: :toast:

[otohara]

3. Stay There

n/t

[Lindsey]

5. Thanks Sis! -

I may engage in a civil union and gain the right to stay!

[Flying_Pig]

4. Here's some good one's...

1. Stanley Park. One of the most beautiful urban parks in the world.

2. The Farmers Market. Held under a bridge, it's one of the best I've seen in North America. Buy some fireweed honey. It's a flavor you'll never forget.

3. Take the hydrofoil accross the bay. Great way to get on the water, and it provides stunning views of Vancouver's skyline.

4. If you've got a car, take the drive north of Vancouver on Hwy99, towards Whistler, or go up to the Sunshine Coast, which requires an easy ferry crossing. Both drives bring chances to see orcas, and some of the most beautiful bays, forests, and mountains anywhere! Either drive can be done in a 1/2 day.

[Lindsey]

6. Thanks flying_pig

I wrote down your suggestions. I'll definitely try the fireweed honey! Geez - I can't wait to get there. The only other place I've ever been in Mexico.

[ugarte]

8. Smoke herb and relax

Don't leave stuff visible in your car. There is some petty crime.

[CanuckAmok]

12. That's right.

leave NOTHING visible in your car--not even pocket change. And, take your ID/Passport with you. I have heard that US vehicles are being broken into because Passports can be sold on the black market. Park in a high-visibility lot--it's worth the extra $$$. There's a good supervised lot near Smythe and Seymour Streets, and it's close to everything.

[CanuckAmok]

10. Some details...

The "Farmer's Market" is called Granville Island. It's across False Creek from the Downtown Core, but there are 5 minute ferry rides leaving from the foot of Howe Street for Granville Island every five minutes (or you can walk or drive). In addition to the Market, there are galleries, restaurants, and other fun things to do

Granville Island link: http://www.granvilleisland.com/en

The "Hydrofoil" is gone, but for two bucks, you can take the "SeaBus" from Downtown to the City of North Vancouver. It's the water-based section of the TransLink commuter system, and crosses the harbour. North Vancouver is a nice place to visit, and the area neat the SeaBus Terminal is a heritage area with lots of antique shops, restaurants, etc. And, the view of Vancouver from North Van and the SeaBus is very impressive.

SeaBus (and TransLink) link: http://www.translink.bc.ca/ (this is a good place to start if you want to use public transit to get around. One word of warning, the bus system sucks!

Restaurants:

Breakfast: The Templeton Diner, Granville Street @ Davie. Nestled inbetween a couple of huge and gaudy sex shops, the Temp is the best greasy spoon around. Veggie meat substitutes if you like.

Lunch: Soobies, Smythe Street at Homer. Cavernous "hip" lunch place, moderately priced, with pierced and indifferent servers and the latest ambient trip hop playing all-day long.

Dinner (high End): Le Crocodile Just off Burrard Street, around the corner from the Sutton Place Hotel. Expensive, but an amazing experience in French Cuisine

Sushi: Tama Sushi, on Broadway, two blocks west of Granville (second floor of some huge internet cafe). Best in town, and a separate lounge with blacklight Karaoke hosted by a Japanese Elvis impersonator--a must see.

[CanuckAmok]

11. I forgot...

if you're looking for museums and stuff, do NOT miss thew Museum of Anthropology at UBC. It's a drive or looong bus ride from downtown, but worth it.

Also, pop into the Vancouver Art Gallery, at Georgia Street, one block east of Burrard.

[dutchdemocrat]

16. If you have time

The Gulf Islands are wonderful. Saltspring is chock full of art, creative types and is stunningly sunny this time of the year with an almost mediterranean climate (way less rain than town) and beautiful. Vancouver Island is also worth it.

If you want quiet and peaceful try Saturna Island, or Mayne.

The ferries are inexpensive if you walk on.

Have a great time!

[JohnyCanuck]

7. Capilano Suspension Bridge

In 1889, a pioneering Scotsman, George Grant Mackay, suspended the original swinging bridge over the rushing waters of Capilano Canyon. The spectacular beauty of this wilderness location attracted many turn-of-the-century adventurers. As transportation improved, visitors flocked to the intriguing footbridge, establishing it as a world-renowned attraction.

Today, Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park invites you to relive those pioneer days. Join friendly costumed staff as they take you back in time....Grasp the cool, steel cable, step onto the gently swaying cedar plants and follow Mackey's footsteps 450 feet across and 230 feet above Capilano River!

The Nature Park provides a tranquil retreat on the west side of the suspension bridge. Follow meandering trails through an old-growth forest. A 200 foot waterfall flows from mountain-fed trout ponds to the Capilano River below.

http://www.britishcolumbia.com/attractions/attractions/capilano.html

And if you want to go for a swim but forgot your bathing suit, Wreck Beach is clothing optional.

[qb]

9. Van Dusen (sp?) Gardens

Huge, beautiful, and they have a cool hedge maze.

[Lindsey]

13. What the heck should I pack?

I'm looking in my closet now and should I pack shorts, jeans, sweatshirts, T-shirts? What's the weather like? Hot during the day and cool at night - similar to L.A.? HELP!!

[CanuckAmok]

15. Think "Seattle" n/t

[qb]

17. We were there last August

It was beautiful, in the 70's (F) during the day. A little cooler at night.

[TrogL]

26. if you're going to Wreck Beach - nothing

no clothing allowed

[CanuckAmok]

14. VanDusen Gardens website:

http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/parks/parks&gardens/vandusen/default.shtml

It's on Oak Street at around 50th Avenue. It's not near Downtown, but it's on the way into/out of the city if you're taking Hwy 99 in from Washington State (Oak Street becomes Hwy 99).

[farmbo]

18. Go up to Whistler Ski area...they do mountain biking on the slopes

You ride the gondolas up the mountain with your bike, then ride down on switchback trails.

They also have a half day 'zip line' tour of the river gorge.

You swing across the gorge on a cable & harness system, 500' in the air. It's breathtaking...but actually very safe.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

19. Large Chinese population

If you like Chinese food, Vancouver is the place for you.

[CanuckAmok]

28. The Bo Kong, on Main St at 16th Avenue--vegetarian dim-sum!

Also, for more 'fast-food' oriented (sorry for the pun) but delicious Chinese food, try Hon's on Robson Street near Haro.

[Interrobang]

20. The Steam Clock in the Gastown district

A definite Van Must-See.

Also, Stanley Park, very nice this time of year.

[DrDan]

21. we vacationed there in June

Stanley Park - a must see - a great place for a nice long walk or bike ride - make sure you see the totems and the aquarium - but try to miss the throngs of school kids on field trips - can get really crowded

Good art museum downtown

try to get out of the city - toward Whistler

try to get to Victoria - we really enjoyed this part of BC

[Superfly]

22. Strip clubs

Canada

- the drinking age is 19, and they serve beer, etc at strip clubs!

BTW, you meant Vancouver, Canada, right?

[Lindsey]

23. You guys are great!

Thanks for all of the suggestions!

[Superfly]

25. If you want the names of a couple

great strip joints, let me know.

B

[CanuckAmok]

27. If you ARE thinking strip clubs,

Brandi's, above the Keg restaurant. Woman-owned, too. More high end than the rest of the joints in the downtown core, and more of a couples destination. No denim, no leather allowed. No cover for women, and the Swedish Touch (legal brothel) is conveniently located one floor down.

[TrogL]

24. Wreck Beach

It's down by the University.

Skip the aquarium - it's really tiny.

Grenville Island is interesting.