Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Windlost Goes to Vancouver

Ken McAllister Photo:  Tourism Vancouver Photo of the Week

As you know, Windlost loves to travel!  Next week David and I will be visiting Vancouver.  This will be my third visit to Canada's loveliest city, but the first visit of any duration.  We will stay for four days and I can hardly wait to experience Vancouver's glorious oceanside beauty.  It is no exaggeration that Vancouver is Canada's most beautiful city and one of the most expensive in which to live.  But no wonder...Vancouver is nestled between ocean and mountain and has the mildest weather in all of Canada.  It is a utopia for Canadians after a dark snowy winter, especially if you don't mind rain (and to-die-for gardening conditions)!

One delightful treat will be staying at a fine downtown hotel while David attends a conference. I plan to take Wednesday all to myself for some much-needed Alone Time (do you hear me busy people...a whole day to myself?!!!!).  I love to wander in new cities and don't mind spending the day alone - I know that Vancouver's downtown peninsula is chock full of goodness and will not disappoint.  If I have time I will check out some shops (I have a short list) and visit the art gallery.  I still have more research to do, but hope mostly to go where the wind blows me.  I love days like this!

On my second day, my dear friend M. from Victoria arrives to spend the day with me. Later that night, her husband will arrive and the four of us will have a fancy dinner out.  During the day, M. and I plan to explore Stanley Park, walk along the sea wall, and do some antiquing along Main Street.  On the third day, David will take me to some of his favorite places. Since he is a UBC alumnus, he knows this city well.  We will visit his old neighborhood, Kitsilano, and also visit Chinatown.  My favorite stop will be Granville Island, which is full of artist's shops and food markets.  Last time I was here, we spotted David Suzuki buying fresh fish (a typical sight for Vancouverites visiting this area), which was a thrill for me!

I am at your mercy as I do not know Vancouver well, so...do you have any suggestions for me? Is there a favorite decorating shop or antique store you can recommend?  Some great architecture not to miss?  A must-visit restaurant or sight?

Do tell! 

8 comments:

  1. Do visit Horseshoe bay..the scenery there is breathtaking!! Have a great time. I live in Seattle so its a short drive for me.

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  2. have a wonderful time!

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  3. Oooo have lots of fun! smiles

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  4. I love Yaletown - my favourite restaurant is Glowball (that is where Robert Patterson from Eclipse fame held his birthday party). My favourite decor store The Cross is also in Yaletown. Love Granville Island and Chinatown. I just wrote a quick post about Chinatown and my favourite - hope-to-stay-at-soon hotel!

    http://hodgepodge-babselou.blogspot.com/2010/06/keefer-and-chinatown.html

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  5. Yes, you must check out The Cross! There are some interesting shops on South Granville as well. If you love flowers, go to Hilary Miles. I also like to visit Hobbs on 41st Avenue and Southlands Nursery.

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  6. Ever since "knowing" Judy at "My Front Porch," I've wanted to visit Vancouver. It looks like the most amazingly lovely city and she's shared so much about her visits there on her blog. So has Lovella at "What Matters Most."

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  7. So jealous...such a beautiful city! Have a fabulous time! Tracey xx

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  8. ...Oh I so wish I had read this befor now....I live 30 min from vancouver....seems everyone gave you great ideas!...hope you had a great time!

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