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10 Pacific Northwest Getaways: Vancouver, BC host city for the 2010 Winter Games
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This is the first of 10 Pacific Northwest Getaways that are fun to explore in the fall and winter -- or any time of year. They're in no particular order or ranking, but range from small island towns to large cities, and from affordable family overnighters to luxe accommodations for two. First stop: Vancouver, BC.
The Olympic Countdown Clock one year to go on Feb. 12, 2009. Photo by Sue Frause.
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OK, there is sort of a reason why I put Vancouver as #1, and that's because I'm so comfortable in this Canadian city. Sure, it's growing and suffering from a few aches and pains along the way. And with the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games opening on Feb. 12, 2010, all the stops are being pulled out to present this west coast jewel of a city in the very best light. If you're like me and watching the Winter Games from home, now would be a good time to enjoy the city before Olympic mania comes to town.
Where to Stay: I've done a lot of sleeping around in Vancouver, and two of my favorite boutique hotels are the Opus Hotel and The Loden Vancouver. The Opus, located in Yaletown, started things off as Vancouver's first boutique hotel when it opened in 2002. Located in Yaletown, and just steps away from the new Canada Line that provides direct and fast service to Vancouver International Airport, it's the perfect place to snuggle in for a night or two. On site is Elixir, a chic yet casual French Bistro, open early morning to late night. And there's the lobby's Opus Bar, a cool place for a cocktail or to enjoy their regular wine tastings. Only open for a year is Loden Vancouver, located at the edge of Coal Harbour, one of Vancouver's premier neighborhoods. It's perfect for both business and/or pleasure, and the on site Voya Restaurant & Bar is popular among both locals and visitors. Both hotels are celebrating their respective anniversaries; check their websites for special packages.
Where to Dine: Both Opus Hotel and The Loden Vancouver have fine on-site dining and imbibing. One of my new finds is Coast, which I wrote about in my Closet Canuck blog. Other favorites include the Glowbal Grill & Satay Bar in Yaletown; Blue Water Cafe & Raw Bar for seafood; Raincity Grill (great wine list and also a dandy brunch); YEW restaurant at the Four Seasons Vancouver, a great spot for lunch while shopping; Chambar for its cozy atmosphere and moulles frites; Kirin for fancy Chinese dinners; and Thomas Haas in Kitsilano for pastries and desserts.
What to Do: No, it doesn't rain all the time in Vancouver! If it's nice, walk around Stanley Park, or better yet rent a bike from Spokes (close to the park). Also visit the Vancouver Aquarium, which is nearby. I love taking the Aquabus to Granville Island; seeing the newest exhibition at the Vancouver Art Gallery; checking out the revitalized Gastown neighborhood; visiting Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Chinatown; getting a massage and/or facial at Breathe Spa; enjoying afternoon tea or cocktails at The Wedgewood Hotel's Bacchus Lounge; taking a chef-guided market tour of Chinatown or Granville Island with Edible British Columbia; and what about a hockey game featuring the Vancouver Canucks?
For more info: Tourism Vancouver has an easy to navigate and fully loaded website where you'll find more information about the city. They're also offering an Uncover Vancouver package, with rooms starting at $75 CAD (including breakfast).
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