Shopping & Dining:
Bring an empty suitcase with you! Vancouver is fast becoming a real shopping destination. From designer fashion to arty craft and food markets at Lonsdale Quay on the north shore and Granville Island at False Creek on the south side of downtown. Robson from Burrard to Denman is also a 'must do' for the dedicated shopper.
If you've worked up an appetite by the time you get to Denman Street you're in luck! The street is pretty much lined with restaurants both sides from Beach Avenue to Georgia Street. If Chinese dining strikes your fancy hop in cab for a 10 min ride to Chinatown, one of North Americas largest. For something totally different and completely relaxing the Westin Bayshore Hotel (on the sea wall between us and Stanley Park) run harbour dinner cruises.
Entertainment:
Be sure to pick up a free 'Georgia Straight' the local what's happening rag, available from marked boxes all over town. Attractions that are walking distance or short cab rides include:
BC Place (home of BC Lions, pro football, trade show venue), GM Place (home of Vancouver Canucks, pro hockey and big act venue...Rolling Stones etc), Orpheum Theatre, Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver Art Gallery, historic Gastown, Telus World of Science, HR MacMillan Space Centre and dozens of restaurants of every possible ethnic variety.
Activities:
If you're driving it's just a few minutes to Lions Gate Bridge once on the north shore there are numerous outstanding public golf courses as close as North Vancouver, just up the spectacular sea to sky highway in Squamish and only 2 hours from home you have championship golf courses in world famous Whistler, home of the 2010 winter Olympic alpine venues.
Closer to home Second and Third beaches in Stanley Park are great picnic or sunning spots. They're 20-50 min walks respectively or an easy cycle on a rented bike (several rental locations nearby) or on one you might have brought. The Park has an aquarium, lovely gardens, children's activities and many, many beautiful walking trails.
Sailing and fishing charters are also available within 5 min of your doorstep, as is the downtown seaplane base, making day trips to Victoria, or the Gulf Islands a snap.
Other Activities:
Sailboat & Fishing charters within a 10 min walk
