What to do in Vancouver
Wednesday, 30, Aug 2006 05:13
Advice on what to do in Vancouver, including culture, relaxation, nightlife, sport and food.
Cultural attractions in Vancouver
The train museum on Granville Island is a great day out for the family, with the world's largest collection of toy trains on show. Like a child's dream, there is an enormous, working display of toy trains, which should appeal to even non-train fans. In the same building, visitors can also enjoy the ship museum and sport fishing museum. For more information visit www.granvilleislandmuseums.com
The University of British Columbia Museum of Anthropology is a compendium of art and artefacts from all over the world, gathering together the cultural influences that contribute to Vancouver's identity. The exhibits include works from Asia, Africa and the Pacific, and the fascinating architecture of the building is worth a visit in itself.
International art as well as a focus on domestic art can be admired at the Vancouver Art Gallery, with exhibitions that explore the art of the First Nations in Canada, their beliefs and their lives. Some of the exhibitions also examine the evolution of architecture, including that of the prefab house.
Relaxation in Vancouver
Canada Place is a one-stop shop for many of Vancouver's attractions. It offers visionary architecture, with five enormous white sails looming over the harbour. From there you have good waterside views, as well as being able to see the mountains. Inside there are cinema screens, shops, restaurants and bars.
The Aquarium Marine Science Centre has a brilliant selection of underwater treats on offer. Visitors can take in beluga whale shows, visit the octopi in the underground tanks and watch the dolphins play in the pools. There is also less playful marine life on display, in the toothsome form of piranhas and sharks.
One place you might want to visit when you arrive in Vancouver is The Lookout, which is a sky-high viewing area. A super-fast lift will whisk you to the 169 metre pinnacle of the tower, where you can look out over the city and gain a bearing of what is around you.
Nightlife in Vancouver
Great for a drink by the waterfront, watching sea planes swooping down into the water while you sip a martini, is Cardero's Marine Pub at Coal Harbour Bay. There are cosy leather couches on the inside and a heated patio by the water for when the weather is fine.
The crème of up-and-coming bands and established acts can be found rocking their socks off at the Commodore, a refurbished ballroom. The insides are ornate and cavernous, and there are also heaving disco nights to keep people swinging.
Sport in Vancouver
Ice hockey is much loved in Vancouver, which is home to the Vancouver Canucks, who play at General Motors Place.
Recommended restaurants in Vancouver
A bohemian dwelling of Cajun delights, DV8 is worth trying for its wide range of dishes, and lively atmosphere, thanks to its live music from bands and DJs. It also holds various art and film exhibitions, making a meal there a night out in itself.
Bowing under a weight of plaudits and accolades, the Raincity Grill offers some of the best West Coast cuisine in the city. The menu changes according to what is in season, and the service is surprisingly accommodating and unstuffy for a place that is at the pricier end of the spectrum.