Anthony Daws & Veronica Solimano

Vancouver

Must-See Attractions in Vancouver:

• Stanely Park: Vancouver's first park and one of the city's main tourist attractions, 1000acres of park/forest overlooking ocean, mountains, and city depending on where you are. Landmarks include the Totem Poles at Brockton point, views of the North Shore and Lions Gate Bridge from Prospect Point and Lost Lagoon which offers many chances of spotting wildlife including blue herons, racoons, squirrels, turtles, skunk, canadian geese...etc.  Rent a bike, rollerblades or walk around the sea wall (8.8km) which surrounds this beautiful park.
  
• Granville Island: Originally industrial it is now one of the most successful urban redevelopments in North America. Walking around you can still see traces of its origins. Now it is filled with fine waterfront restaurants, theatres, free sidewalk shows, music, galleries, studios, unique shopes, cafes, and a big fresh food market. You can take a small trip around English bay on the Aquabus or hire some kayaks.
  
• Seawall: 22km path that lines Vancouver's waterfront from the convention centre in Coal Harbour (2.2km), around Stanley Park (8.8km), and around False Creek, past Granville Island and ending at Kits Beach (11km)
• Queen Elizabeth Park (free): The second most visited park in Vancouver. Beautiful seasonally planted quarry public gardens
  
• Van Dusen Botanical Garden ($9.75): Beautiful 55acre garden in the heart of Vancouver. Picturesque landscape settings, specific gardens set amidst rolling lawns, tranquil lakes, and rockwork.
  

• Beaches: Almost 18km of beaches surround Vancouver that can be used for walking, swimming, windsurfing, sailing, volleyball, kayaking, or sitting/picnicing

- Kitsilano Beach: easily accessible, located at Arbutus and Cornwall. Large outdoor pool overlooks the ocean/mountains. Enjoy the sunset from the beach.Pay parking
- Spanish Banks: Home to three of Vancouver's beaches (one of which we are having our ceremony), a little more removed from the city. Can view open waterfront to the west or turn back and glance back to a beautiful city skyline. Enjoy the sunset from Spanish Banks West. Free parking
- Wreck Beach: Vancouver's clothing optional beach. Accessed via very long staircases at the west end of UBC (one entrance is behind the museum of anthropology). Vancouver's best location to watch sunsets and see wildlife (seals, blue herons...)
- English Bay: located downtown, beautiful views & sunsets


Indoor attractions:
Vancouver is not known for its indoor museums/activities - out of those listed below I would say the aquarium or science world would be the most worth it

• Vancouver Aquarium (Stanley Park, $22)
• Science World ($18.75)
• Museum of Anthropology (UBC, $14)
  
• Vancouver Art Gallery (Downtown, $19.50 or by donation on Tuesdays 5-9pm)
• Maritime Museum (Kits Beach, $10)
  

Attractions just outside Vancouver:

• Grouse Mountain (North Vancouver, $39.95, highly recommended): Take the tram ride up (or hike the Grouse Grind up ~1.5hrs for free, $5 to take the tram down) for beautiful views of Vancouver. Included in your tram ride up ticket: Theatre in the Sky, eco walks, scenic chairlift rides, wildlife refuge (orphaned grizzly bears, grey wolves etc - a research, education and conservation centre), world famous lumberjack show. Or pay extra for a zipline adventure ($105 for 2hr tour), helicopter tours (8-25minutes), tandem paragliding ($210-240, or a meal at the mountain top restaurant with gorgeous views.
  
• Cypress Mountain (West Vancouver): hikes, If you don't want to pay the Grouse Mountain fee, you can see Vancouver views as you drive up Cypress Mountain
  
• Capilano Suspension Bridge (North Vancouver, $30): This swaying footbridge was built in 1889 it is now one of Vancouver's tourist attractions and is 450feet long and 230feet high. Also included are rainforest trails, treetop adventure which is the first of its kind in North America with some suspension bridges reaching 100ft off above the forest floor, Totem Pole Park, First Nations Cultural Centre, entertainment, and a 20-30minute interactive tour
  
• Lynn Canyon Park (North Vancouver, free): a beautiful place for a walk/hike through thick forest and past raging rivers. There is also a suspension bridge here (free, smaller than capilano's)
  
• Lighthouse Park (West Vancouver, free): Beautiful hikes along trails, rugged terrain, seaside cliffs
  
• Deep Cove (North Vancouver): Stunning, picturesque cove. Can rent Kayaks here and paddle up Indian Arm - you feel like you are miles away from the city. Lots of wildlife including birds and seals.
  

Festivals/Events

• Bard on the Beach (Vanier Park, Kits Beach, tickets range from $19 - 40): Shakespeare plays performed in an open air tent. Much Ado About Nothing, Antony & Cleopatra, and Falstaff (Henry IV, I & II) are showing from end of June - early July  www.bardonthebeach.org
• Theatre under the stars (Stanley Park): theatre performance in a park on a summer evening under the stars, July 13 - Aug 21 (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat & Singing in the Rain)
  
• Celebration of Light (10pm, free): international pyro-musical fireworks competition. This year event is on July 22 (Canada), July 25 (South Africa), July 29 (UK), August 1 (China) - if you happen to still be in town
• Playland / PNE: fair, games, rollercoasters, rides etc....
  

Restaurants (Vancouver is known for it's affordable delicious diverse cultural restaurants):

• Indian Food: Akbars Own (~$12-20) - the best indian food we've ever had
  
• Japanese: Tamaki (great sushi for affordable price, ~$10-15), Shota (delicious but more expensive, ~$15 - 25), The Eatery (very unique sushi, ~$10-15)
  
• Thai: Thai House (~$15-25), Khai Thai To Go (get take out here and have a picnic on Kits Beach)
  
• Malaysian: Banana Leaf (~$12-18)
• Vegetarian: The Naam (~$8 - 15), Bo Kong (all veggie chinese food)
• Mexican: Andales (~$10-15), Las Margaritas (~$12-18)
• Greek: Kerkis Greek Taverna (~$12-18), Stepho's Souvlaki Greek Taverna (local favorite, affordable, often a line for tables)
• Italian: Romano's Macaroni Grill (setting makes this a great place to eat - restaurant in a 100 year old heritage mansion downtown), Incendio (wood over pizzas & pastas ~$12-20)
  
• Restaurants with a view:

- Watermark (Kits Beach): located right on the beach provides panoramic views of English Bay and an excellent view point for sunsets. Enjoy tapas and cocktails in the lounge, full meals in the restaurant. Includes patio.
- Seasons in the Park (Queen Elizabeth Park, ~15-30): combines a beautiful view of the gardens, city, mountains with a stylish ambience and great food. Sitdown restaurant.
- Bridges (Granville Island, ~$15-30): offers maginficent views of Vancouver's waterfront, mountains, & city centre. Restaurant, bar, bistro and outdoor dining
- Beachhouse (West Vancouver, ~$15-25): North Shore's oldest and most celebrated landmarks - restored 1912 beachside teahouse with patio option. Views of sunset over burrard inlet and stanley park.
- The Gallery Patio and Grill at Jericho Sailing Centre (near Spanish Banks, ~$10-15): casual dining oasis, beautiful waterfront view of downtown skyline, stanley park, northshore mountains...

Whistler

Located 1.5 hours north of Vancouver. An absolute must see! Not only does the drive along the sea to sky highway have amazing views of Howe Sound, but there are stop off points of interest along the way and once in Whistler there is tons to do and the scenery is beautiful. Often we see deer and black bears along the highway chomping at the grass.

Along the way

• Stawamus Chief Park (Squamish): This park protects the 700metre massive granite cliffs that stand at the southern entrance to Squamish. This park is 506 hectares and provides rockclimbing and hiking. If you have time, take a hike to the chief's three summits for beautiful views of Squamish and Howe Sound (~2-3 hours up)
  
• Shannon Falls (Squamish): Composed of a series of cliffs, rising 335 meters making it the 3rd highest falls in the province. 350m walk through a forest along shannon creek to the falls. Popular day use park (87hectares) for picnics and hiking. The park holds spiritual value to the Squamish Indians, the first people to live in this area. They told of a two headed sea serpent, Say-noth-ka who lived in and around Howe Sound. According to legend this beast travelled both on land and in water. Some versions say it was Say-noth-ka who formed Shannon Falls by slithering and twisting his powerful body up the mountainside on repeated expeditions, Say-noth-ka gradually wore down a spillway for those cascading waters.
• Brandywine Falls (between Squamish and Whistler): 10-20minute walk to the spectacular 70m waterfall. There are two viewpoints, the second you can see the falls, surrounding area of daisy lake and Black Tusk. The park which is 150hectars provides hiking, picnics, mountain biking.
  
• Garibaldi Lake (between Squamish and Whistler): 9km uphill (~3-4hours one way) from parking lot leads to a gorgeous turqoise lake surrounded by glacial mountains. Makes a beautiful picnic point.
  

Once in Whistler  www.whistlerblackcomb.com

• Stroll through the village, have lunch, take a look at shops
• Take a sight seeing gondola ride to the mountaintop ($42.95): enjoy a meal, alpine hike, breathtaking 360 degree views of mountain ranges. You can take the peak 2 peak gondola from Whistler to Blackcomb mountain (holds 3 world records: longest unsupported span of 3km, highest lift at 436m above valley floor, longest continuous lift system).
• Rent a bike and bike the valley's trails, or walk along the trails
  
• Lounge by one of the lakes (i.e. lost lake, rainbow park)
  
• Golf
• Kayak the river of Golden Dreams
• Go on a bear viewing and ecology tour: travel through deep old growth coastal hemlock-cedar forests, visit active bear dens, daybeds, and feeding sites
  
• Summer glaciar skiing and snowboarding (until July 25)
  
• Adventure zone: zipline, trapeze, luge (summer), ATV tours, river rafting, horseback trail riding, jeep tour, mountain bike
• Hike to Cheakamus Lake: drive up the logging road just east of Fuction Junction to the parking lot. Flattish hike about 1.5-2 hours to the lake through old growth forests and along a river. The lake is a gorgeous turqoise color with glacial mountains as a backdrop. Highly recommended. Pack a lunch with you.
  

Victoria

Located on Vancouver Island, a 1.5 hour ferry ride from Vancouver.  Victoria, the capital of BC, is one of the  most beautiful cities we've ever visited and is a popular tourist destination. If you're lucky you might even see killer whales from the ferry!

Attractions

• Stroll along the seawall in Victoria's Inner Harbour: native art, free shows
• Drive along Dallas Road (waterfront road) and take in the view, picnic at any of the beaches along here
• Explore the beaches and neighbourhood in Oak Bay (Victoria's prettist neighbourhood)
  
• Legislative Buildings: overlooking the inner harbour, you can take a tour
  
• Beacon Hill Park: beautiful park, with a petting zoo, formal rose gardens, ponds, and a band shell for outdoor summer concerts. Located just outside of downtown.
  
• Empress Hotel: One of the world's truly grand hotels, overlooking the inner harbour, nice architecture. Surrounded by quaint shops, double decker buses, manicured gardens and houses miniature world.
• China Town: Gate of Harmonious Interest welcomes you to the oldest Chinatown in Canada (downtown victoria)
  
• Royal British Columbia Museum ($15) & Helmcken House / St Ann's Schoolhouse (2 of BC's most historic buildings): Located near inner harbour, check website to see what exhibits are on
  
• Royal London Wax Museum ($15, at inner harbour): wax figures
  
• Whale watching tours: depart from inner harbour
• Heritage Walking tours (self-guided): http://www.victoria.ca/visitors/wlkngt.shtml
  
• Butchart Gardens ($29.50): A national historic site of Canada which began as a limestone quarry and is contains 55acres of wonderful floral display located just outside of Victoria. Flora/plants from around the world, flower beds framed in by sweeping lawns, fountains, totem poles... Enjoy afternoon tea, picnic, have a gelato in the italian garden... Night illumination every night (starts at dusk) & nightly entertainment. Fireworks ever saturday night in the summer (~9:45-10pm). Ecofriendly electric boat tours (45min, $16.75, departs hourly 11am-5pm) explores the wildlife of Tod Inlet and local waters of Brentwood Bay - you may see seals, herons, eagles, otters in their natural habitat
  

Okanagan Valley

About a 5 hour drive from Vancouver to the interior you arrive to Canada's only desert (the northernmost tip of the Senora Desert) and wine country, comprised by the small cities of Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon and Osoyoos. Often nicer weather than the coast. A great trip if you have a few more days, want to go swimming, do a wine tour....  If you don't have a lot of time we would recommend Kelowna (~3days). If you have a few more days you can do a loop (vancouver - osoyoos - naramata - kelowna - vancouver). The drive to the Okanagan is lovely as you pass through the Coast and Cascade Mountain Ranges.


Winneries
There are many good wineries but ones we would recommend are:

• Nk'Mip (Osoyoos): North America's first Aboriginal owned and operated winery. Spectacular vews overlooking Osoyoos Lake. 40acres. The Patio is a seasonal restaurant located in the winery - beautiful for an evening meal.
  
• Burrowing Owl (Oliver): beautiful views over the vineyards, delicious wine. Lies within one of Canada's most unique ecosystems
  

• Jackson Triggs (Oliver): not a scenic vineyard but has good wine at very reasonable prices
  
• Hillside (Naramata): oldest winery in this area, views are decent, wines are great
  
• Red Rooster (Naramata): Beautiful views and patio, decent wines
  
• Summerhill Pyramid Winery (Kelowna): Beautiful views over okanagan lake, ages barrels and finished wines in a geometrically precise pyramid aligned to true north. Gorgeous wines and a delicious restaurant overlooking the vineyards and the lake (highly recommend the mushroom risotto!)
  
• Mission Hill (Westbank, Kelowna): Does not have the best wine, but the architecture of the winery is amazing. Worth a look for the architecture and the views over okanagan lake
  
• Quails Gate (Kelowna): decent wine, beautiful views, can walk through their vineyards.
  

Places of Interest

• Osoyoos: sits in the northernmost tip of the Senora Desert, Canada's driest climate and the only desert in Canada, and therefore has the warmest lakes for swimming. Make sure to check out the Spotted Lake (just west of Osoyoos on Highway 3, view from highway) - in the summer the water evaporates and crystalizes, making white-ringed spots visible due to the high levels of minerals). Also take a walk around Mt Kobau - will give you great views of Osoyoos
• Naramata (just east of Penticton): even if you don't visit any wineries along Naramata Rd, it's worth it to just take the time and drive along the road, will take you about 30min... there are beautiful views over Okanagan Lake, just gorgeous!
  
• Kelowna: the largest and fastest growing city in the Okanagan at 115,000 people. Set against a spectacular backdrop of mountains and lakes. Great place for water sports and wine tasting. Take a walk along the downtown waterfront walkway and take a drive along Lakeshore Road
  
• Bike along the Kettle Valley Railway - KVR (Kelowna): An abandoned railway bed with numerous trestles and tunnels and great scenery and views. It is included in the Trans Canada Trail. The part near Kelowna makes for a great day of cycling along Myra Canyon (18 trestles, 2 tunnels, 12km each way)... or you can walk a portion of it. Unfortunately there was a disastrous forst fire that swept through this area in the summer of 2003 that left this part of the Kettle Valley destroyed along with the trestles. Restoration work has been done and we were there last summer and it was great. The trees charred but beautiful views nevertheless and we very much enjoyed our day!

Gulf Islands

Off the coast of Vancouver Island are over 200 islandsislands known as the Gulf Islands and are one of BC's most popular visitor destinations. They are interspersed with a multitude of islets too numerous to count. This special west coast Gulf Island paradise of Canada is a small taste of the Mediterranean, blended with a unique Canadian flavour. This necklace of islands is surrounded by sheltered waters, strong tides and are known for their dramatic coastlines, natural beauty, tranquility. Days can be spent exploring the sealife along rocky shores, kayaking, swimming, hiking, biking, or browsing through the local craft markets. Whales can often be spotted on the ferries to islands.

Some of the 5 main islands in the Southern Gulf Islands (SaltSpring, Galiano, Mayne, Saturna, Pender) are doable as a day trip from Vancouver. Please check the BC Ferries page for sailing times and prices.

The Northern Islands of Denman and Hornby are gorgeous! Tony's family has a cabin on Hornby and Tony spent almost all his childhood summers here. This is where we are going after the wedding if anyone wants to join us. See the "surrounding events" page for more details about Hornby or this post-wedding trip.


Other Islands near Vancouver

Bowen Island: A 15minute ferry ride from Vancouver, this island is easily visited in a day. Can take bikes over or walk around the island (a car is not necessary). Enjoy lunch in Snug Cove, walk around Crippen Park (600acres, around snug cove), Bridal Veil Falls (~10min walk), or onto Killarney lake (~45min walk from snug cove) - Take the trail from behind the union steamship store. There is also a trail to a viewpoint past the boardwalk/picnic area of snug cove.