Spend the day on Granville Island.  The weekends are particularly festive, with workshops on making Gingerbread tree ornaments and house lanterns, and various choral performances in the afternoon.  Buy fresh produce and gourmet food from the Granville Island Public Market, and tour the many artisans and craft stores for some unique gifts.  The Kids Market is sure to thrill any child, and features a supervised play area if you need to do some secret shopping.  Activities and Santa appearances will also keep the children pleasantly distracted.  More adult attractions include the Granville Island Brewery: tours and tastings are available at noon, 2pm and 4pm daily.  Eateries abound so the only problem in finding breakfast, lunch, or dinner is deciding where to go; the best way to make this decision is to make note of the various locations as you wander round so you’ll know where to go when you get hungry.  To top off the day, the Arts Club Theatre is playing live stage performances of It’s a Wonderful Life at 8pm each night, and the associated Backstage Lounge makes the perfect stop for a nightcap.

The Eleventh Day of Christmas

Enjoy an evening winter walk along the seawall and watch the carol ships sail by.  These decorated ships parade past various destinations around the Lower Mainland, but are guaranteed to pass by Canada Place and the Lions Gate Bridge each night, either shortly after 7pm or just after 9pm, depending on the direction.  Complete schedules for sailings and shore side events can be accessed at www.carolships.org, and bookings can be made if you wish to gain a spot on one of the ships.

The Twelfth Day of Christmas

Celebrate the solstice at the Winter Solstice Lantern Festival on Monday, December 21^st.  Make lanterns at home or at the lantern workshop at Strathcona Community Centre from 4:30-6:30pm.  If you’re stuck a tea light in a brown paper lunch bag makes a beautiful light, but you don’t need to have a lantern to enjoy the enchanting procession.  Check out the Labyrinth of Light at Yaletown’s Roundhouse Community Centre, or the fire sculpture and performance on Granville Island.  Festivities also take place in Chinatown and on the East Side, most begin at 6:00pm.  The music and lights at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and Park are spellbinding, and the East Side features concerts, storytellers, and lanterns for sale.  Join Vancouver’s Secret Lantern Society in celebrating the rebirth of light on the shortest day of the year.  Happy holidays!

Take a stroll through the Van Dusen Botanical Gardens.  Sure, winter may not seem like the best time to visit this beautiful oasis which prides itself on spring/summer blooms and fall colours, but the Festival of Lights, which runs until January 3^rd, provides all the colour you could wish for.  Other attractions include choir performances, puppet shows, and Santa Claus appearances.  Hot chocolate, apple cider, and fresh made waffles are available as you brave the evening air, and the Dancing Lights show on Livingstone Lake is not to be missed.

The Eighth Day of Christmas

Shop Robson Street.  Nothing puts me in the Christmas spirit like setting out for some Christmas shopping.  Nothing ruins my festive mood, however, like being jammed in a crowded mall under fluorescent lights with people fighting over the last pair of white sport socks.  Robson Street features holiday crowds and decorated storefronts, but somehow walking in the open air along a street lined with Christmas lights relaxes me amid the chaos.  Grab a hot dog or warm chestnuts from a vendor and embrace the madness!  Gift giving has come to define the holiday season, but in the rush to buy for your loved ones, don’t forget about those not so fortunate.  The weather’s getting colder by the day so take a moment to give back – there are many volunteers collecting donations along Robson, try not to pass them by.

The Ninth Day of Christmas

Indulge in a holiday drink at the Wedgewood Hotel.  The swanky boutique hotel’s Bacchus Lounge, on Hornby Street at the corner of Robson, is the perfect spot to relax after a long afternoon of Christmas shopping.  This inviting room is always warm and cozy, so sit back with a Baileys and coffee and try to remember that the holidays are supposed to give us a break from our busy lives.

Hit the slopes!  Vancouver boasts three incredible local mountains (Cypress, Grouse and Seymour) twenty minutes from downtown, and this has been one of the best early seasons in history.  If skiing and snowboarding are too much work, then grab a thermos of hot chocolate or warm apple cider and go tubing or tobogganing – less equipment, and much cheaper too.  Being towed up a hill and then careening down it on your stomach without a care in the world is guaranteed to make you feel like a kid again.  If working off all those Christmas sweets is what you’re after, then strap on some snow shoes or cross-country skis.  If it weren’t for the fantastic views of the city, the snowy, wooded trails of the North Shore mountains would make you forget that there is a city so close at all.

The Fifth Day of Christmas

Stop by the famous Chocoholic Buffet at the Sutton Place Hotel.  Although it is available year-round, a tummy full of sweet treats will ensure a festive feeling.  Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday the luxurious hotels offers two seating, one at 6:00pm and another at 8:30pm, for the price of $26.00 for adults and $13.00 for children.  The sinful all-you-can-eat buffet features every treat you can imagine, from Brittany crepes to ice cream to amazing cakes.  If the littlechocolates that come inside your advent calendar just aren’t cutting it, then this is the place for you.

The Sixth Day of Christmas

If you’re 19 or older, check out the Burlesque Beauties Santa Baby show at Ginger 62.  These lovely ladies hit the stage at 10:45pm the next two Saturdays (December 12^th and 19^th) with their annual Christmas revue.  Both naughty and nice, this sexy yet classy show never disappoints and is a welcome addition to a night out at Ginger 62, one of the most decadent nightclubs in Vancouver.  If you miss it over the Christmas season, you can still catch the renowned Miss Roxy, Miss Victoria, Miss Chi Chi and Miss Kitty Kat – along with special guests – every second Saturday, but the Santa Baby show is sure to put you in a festive mood.

 Starbucks, due to sheer force of presence, admittedly remains the go-to for many caffeine seekers.  If you close your eyes and start walking, odds are good that you’ll run into one.  And sure, if you’re in a bind and don’t mind bitter coffee, this can be convenient.  I’ll also admit that if you favour elaborate beverages this is the place to go.  Ordering a tall, no foam, extra hot, one-pump, 3 shot, hazelnut latte anywhere else will most likely result in a swift kick out the door.  However, if your tastes are less flamboyant, Vancouver is the place to be.

 Not only is there an abundance of venues to choose from, but you can also find some of the best espresso this side of Italy. The following coffee shops stand apart from the crowd in that they approach coffee as an art form deserving of respect.  They understand that a well crafted latte should be smooth, rich, bold, and perfect in its simplicity. It’s no coincidence that they all punctuate their lattes with perfectly formed hearts, leaves, and other visually pleasing milky creations.  Their espresso attacks the senses and leaves a lasting impression.  As if that weren’t enough, the three following companies roast their own beans and are locally owned and operated.  Take THAT Starbucks.   

 Perhaps the busiest and most well-known of these establishments is the famed Caffe Artigiano.  With seven locations throughout Vancouver, this Italian style coffee house is favoured by many.  As testament to its commitment to coffee excellence, many of Caffe Artigiano’s baristas have won awards at various prestigious barista championships.  The staff work tirelessly as there is almost always a lineup, forcing you to remember that good coffee is worth the wait. If you’re lucky you can find a seat, grab a newspaper that is provided, and savour the experience. 

 The first time I tasted Milano Coffee I actually needed a moment to recover.  My Americano was CREAMY and BOLD….and stupidly delicious.  You can actually taste the fact that Milano Coffee’s current owner spent 15 years learning the intricacies of Italian coffee culture from the company’s founder.  He now runs Milano Coffee Roasters on W 8^th, as well as Turk’s Coffee Lounges on Commercial Drive, Carral and W 6^th.  Did I mention that Milano Coffee offers at least nine espresso blends that use eleven different beans?  Seriously, go buy yourself an Americano.

 Last on the must-drink list is the 49^th Parallel.  The café is located on W 4^th in Kitsilano and boasts a sophisticated décor of dark wood and striking blue.  That and the fancy espresso fanfare behind the counter are indication enough that this is a place that respects a good brew.  In fact, you are invited to choose the manner in which your coffee is brewed, whether it be by siphon, Clover, espresso or cold brew.  Even if you don’t know what that means – which I certainly don’t – it is definitely impressive.  The chocolate they use has also received widespread accolades, though I can’t yet comment on that.  Reason enough to make another trek?  I should think so.  

Though there are many MANY coffee options in Vancouver, quality often falls by the wayside.  However, most have something to offer, whether it be a quick caffeine fix, a quiet place to study, or an ambient environment to catch up with a friend.  But if you want to pretend, just for a second, that you’re sipping fine espresso at a café in Florence, I suggest you heed my advice. 

~ by Shannon

Here begins my list of twelve things to do in Vancouver to get in the holiday spirit – with your true love, or with anyone really.

The First Day of Christmas

Go ice skating in Robson Square.  The newly restored outdoor rink reopened last week $1.6 million and five years after it closed due to maintenance problems.  Skating outdoors is synonymous with Christmas cheer, so what better place to do it than amid the hustle and bustle of Robson Street shoppers.  The rink is underground, with a big glass dome, and lights shine over the ice generating shapes of snowflakes and stars.  The rink is open for free public skates from noon to 9pm daily, and skate rentals are available for $3 if you don’t have your own (children rent for free).

The Second Day of Christmas

The best way to kick off the holiday season, in my opinion, is to get together with those friends you’re always too busy to see, and DB Bistro Moderne on  West Broadway is the ideal venue for such a gathering.  Sister restaurant to the Manhattan eatery of the same name, this beautiful room lives up to the reputation its neighbor Lumiere (also run by Chef Daniel Boulud) upholds.  Go there for a weekend brunch and stay all day catching up.  The abundant list of Bloody Marys (with names like “Worst Case Scenario”) and Mimosas are offered at $22 all you can drink – perfect for those brunches that last all afternoon.  Don’t worry – the Smoked Salmon Club Sandwich or Lobster Eggs Florentine will ensure you’ll be able to tolerate all that alcohol!

The Third Day of Christmas

Bright Nights in Stanley Park.  Affectionately known as the Christmas Train, this event continues on a nightly basis from 3pm until 10pm for the entire month of December.  Enjoyable for children and adults alike, the train takes you through the forest illuminated with Christmas lights, while listening to holiday music, drinking hot chocolate, and munching on fresh popcorn and chestnuts.  What could be more festive than that?  The experience costs a mere $8 for adults and $5 for children, granting access to the children’s farmyard as well.  Dress warmly because the train is open, but there is nothing better than being snuggled up with someone you love under the stars.

Often I find that my reasons for seeking alternative arrangements for eating and drinking can be attributed to similar thought patterns and situational realities.  Thoughts such as “Huh, I guess I forgot to go grocery shopping this week”, and “food tastes so much better when somebody else makes it”, and finally, “I’d invite so-and-so over for a drink but that means I’d probably have to clean”, are not uncommon.  When it boils down to it, my goal is frequently simple and straightforward: to go somewhere affordable where I can grab a bite, a drink, and a few laughs with my friends.

When thoughts such as these arise, one name, venue and solution pops to my mind: Café Barney.   Located in South Granville at Granville and 14^th (and more recently at Main and Broadway), Café Barney offers a refreshing respite in an area that boasts primarily higher end dining, coffee shops, and clothing stores. The ambiance is cool, casual and self-assured in its ability to deliver the experience its customers are seeking.  The staff dress as they please (which is generally in a t-shirt and jeans) and treat you in a way that is friendly but to the point.  The work of local artists covers the walls and changes frequently, and the music is tuned to whatever happens to be in a staff member’s ipod.  The customers, generally in their 20’s and 30’s, reflect the vibe perfectly and round out an atmosphere that is laid back with a touch of class. 

One of the great things about Café Barney is that it’s equally adept at playing the roles of restaurant, local pub, and cozy breakfast joint.   I doubt I’m the only one who has experienced all three in a 24hr period.  Due to the mercifully late brunch option, patrons are able to leisurely recover from the previous evening’s shenanigans with nature’s best hangover food: eggs.  The egg options are diverse and plentiful, catering to every whim and craving.  Indeed, on the weekend from about 10am until well into the afternoon there is a lineup out the door.  As evening approaches the menu changes but the options remain widely appealing, affordable, and generous in quantity.   At this point the beer, mostly that of local breweries, begins to flow once again and the cycle continues.  It’s effortless.  As testament to the success of its formula, many of Barney’s patrons are regulars.  Once you start you just can’t stop. See for yourself.

After having looked at some of the most luxurious hotels Vancouver has to offer, it’s time to turn to more affordable options.  These three hotels will not break the budget, yet they are unique and stylish in their own right.

The Century Plaza Hotel and Spa

Where hotel/spa collaborations exist, the spa usually becomes known for the hotel of which it is a part.  In this case, however, the Absolute Spa @ The Century put The Century Plaza on the map.  Now the largest and self-proclaimed “most luxurious spa chain in Canada,” the Absolute Spa boasts impeccable service and incredible products developed by the spa’s creator, Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia, and her team.  Although the spa chain now has various locations around the city, including the Hotel Vancouver, the hotel that houses the original location is worth a visit.  Rooms are relatively inexpensive, and recent renovations have produced elegant results.  The Burrard Street location makes this spot ideal for business or shopping trips, and after a long day pampering is only an elevator ride away.

The Listel Hotel

This boutique hotel is located at the corner of Robson and Jervis.  Perfectly central, one can walk east along Robson for some shopping, north to Coal Harbour, south to English Bay, or west to Stanley Park.  On the Museum Floors, each room exhibits contemporary “Northwest Coast Art,” while the Gallery Floors showcase contemporary Canadian and international artists in the form of miniature galleries.  The rooms are cozy and stylish, as one would expect in a boutique hotel, and if you have something slightly grander in mind, the “artist series suites” each feature a different artist and movement.  Adding to the cultural experience, guests can head downstairs to O’Douls Restaurant and Bar for authentic west coast cuisine and live jazz music every evening.

The Sylvia Hotel

Nestled in English Bay at the entrance to Stanley Park, this charming hotel is almost 100 years old.  The ivy-covered exterior is matched by the interior décor that recalls a British bed-and-breakfast.  Somewhat outside of the action, The Sylvia is ideal for those wishing to experience Vancouver in a relaxing fashion.  Steps from the beach and the park, the views of English Bay are unrivalled.  Although this location is ideal in the summer, the cozy interior makes it a great winter getaway as well.  While I wouldn’t call it stylish, The Sylvia has a certain style to it; and breakfast downstairs overlooking the bay, or a cocktail at sunrise, make it worth checking out.

Luxury

If money is no object, these four hotels showcase the best the city has to offer:

The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

This majestic Vancouver landmark dates back to before the Second World War, and has maintained much of its pre-war grandeur.  Ornate mirrors and stairways, floor to ceiling windows, and beautiful wood armoires and desks decorate this lavish building in the heart of Vancouver’s downtown.  Situated on the corner of Georgia and Burrard Streets, the location could not be more central.  Step across Georgia for a business meeting or walk across Burrard to shop at the city’s high-end boutiques.  Walk down Robson for more casual shopping, or dine at one of the many surrounding restaurants.  If rain deters you from venturing out, the Vancouver Art Gallery is literally right next door, and nearby Pacific Centre has endless shopping under a dry roof, including the dazzling new and improved Holt Renfrew.  Or, if you absolutely must stay in, visit the Absolute Spa in the hotel, or enjoy a civilized traditional afternoon tea that befits the quaint décor.

The Shangri-La

The newest addition to Vancouver’s skyline is anything but quaint.  Now the tallest building in Vancouver, the latest from the deluxe Hong Kong-based chain appeals to the modern, indulgent traveler.  Like the Hotel Vancouver, the Shangri-La is also located right downtown, so guests can enjoy the many amenities in the city centre just as easily.  The Shangri-La also boasts a state-of-the-art health centre, offering pilates and yoga, as well as the CHI Spa and Market restaurant.  Opened only this year, the five star hotel hosted in this 62 story building epitomizes decadence in the most desirable way.

Opus Hotel

This boutique hotel was unique to Vancouver until it expanded to open a location in Montreal two years ago.  Situated in Yaletown, the hotel embodies the style and atmosphere of the trendy area.   Sleek lines and rich colours maintain the appeal of the innovative design.  A lifestyle concierge will cater to your every interest, whether that be nightlife, arts and culture, or the outdoors.  The fashionable bar downstairs has an opaque view from the women’s washroom into the men’s, in keeping with the cheeky tone of a place frequented by celebrities and locals alike.  Indeed, if you want to experience Vancouver from a local’s perspective, staying in Yaletown is a great option.  The seawall is just steps away, and restaurants, bars, and local boutiques line Mainland and Hamilton Streets.  Nearby BC Place and GM Place make this an ideal place to stay for concert-goers or hockey game attendees.  Additionally, the brand new Canada Line can be accessed directly across the street from the Opus, offering transportation to the city centre in under five minutes and to the airport in less than twenty.

Fairmont Waterfront

If the world famous scenery has brought you to Vancouver, then the Fairmont Waterfront is unrivalled.  Its location at Canada Place makes for ideal accommodation if you have a conference there, and from here you can also take a sea plane to downtown Victoria in 35 minutes, catch the Canada Line or the Millennium Line, or even take the Sea Bus to North Vancouver.  If you have a leisurely trip in mind, step outside right onto the seawall and take in the stunning view (make sure to pet the hotel’s dog Holly on the way out).  Unobstructed views can also be enjoyed from the fabulous rooms, and while the nearby Pan Pacific and Westin Bayshore offer similar views and amenities for (slightly) less, the Fairmont stands out as a cut above the rest, in its prime location if nothing else.

Stay tuned for some hotel picks that accommodate a smaller budget without compromising style…

Nita Lake Lodge

Lost Lake

It seems like whoever you are and wherever  you’re from, you’ve heard of Whistler, British Columbia.  It’s a name filled with promise, excitement, adventure, possibility, indulgence, peace and chaos, coziness and recklessness.  It’s a town that captures the imagination of people from all walks of life, and rarely disappoints. The formula is simple, organic, and brilliant.  Two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, provide the centerpiece for this winter resort town, offering outdoor enthusiasts endless and widely varied terrain.  Opportunities to test limits, escape the mundane, and have fun are countless and inescapable.  During the winter, skiers and snowboarders descend upon Whistler in droves, dreaming of powder and often getting it.  After a long day on the slopes, Whistler continues to mesmerize and entertain with plenty of options to either wind down or get the party started, with everything in-between.  The atmosphere is intoxicating and addictive.

Over the years Whistler has expanded its expertise from “Winter Wonderland” to the larger category of “Oasis of the Outdoors”.  Ok, so I made that up, but it’s catchy right?  During the spring and summer the mountains are transformed into the Mecca of mountain biking and attract hundreds of these armored and slightly crazy thrill-seekers.  Others seek to test their luck with bungee jumping or zip-trekking, while less adrenaline seeking visitors are catered to by the abundance of beautiful hiking, biking, and walking in the area.

Recently I decided to see what Whistler had to offer during its only down season, the fall.  Judging simply by the drive up, I knew I was in for a relaxing, rejuvenating escape.  The road from West Vancouver to Whistler, known as the Sea to Sky Highway, has, until recently, been winding, narrow, and crowded.  However, as part of the 2010 Winter Olympics plan, the highway has undergone extensive reconstruction to improve ease and safety of travel.  The reconstruction process itself was painful, due to those pesky construction zone blockages, detours, and bottlenecks.   But all was not in vain! The road is now smooth, fast, and at this time of year, empty.  The view is spectacular, and to be able to enjoy it without worrying about road conditions was a nice change.

The theme of tranquility and relaxation was exemplified by our accommodations at Nita Lake Lodge.  Located near Creekside on Nita Lake, the lodge is built to be luxurious but cozy.  Our room was spacious and modern with a lake view, fireplace, and huge plasma TV.  It inspired daydreams of the master bedroom in my future’s self’s sprawling seaside estate.   Yes, it was really quite nice.  So nice, in fact, that leaving our quarters to explore the greater outdoors proved much more difficult than I’d like to admit.           

However, it was not impossible.  After a glowing and enthusiastic report on the beauty of Lost Lake by the Lodge’s concierge, on our way we went.  It was an amazing, crisp and clear day.  The trees lining the lake were a vibrant mix of greens, yellows, reds, and oranges.  The air felt cleaner.  Basically the lake was stunning and the walk eased any anxiety I still hadn’t shaken.  I rarely go to Whistler with goals deviating from hitting the slopes and finding the party, so it was nice to experience an aspect of the town that had previously escaped my attention.

Overall, Whistler in autumn exudes a rare quiet and serenity that can be explained perfectly by the idiom “the calm before the storm”.  Some may refer to it as “dead” but it really depends on what you’re after.   If your goal is to meet an Aussie bloke in the bar or crash a bachelorette party, you’re timing is definitely off.  However, if you simply need a break from city shenanigans, perhaps fall is the best time to do it.  One thing is for sure; this winter will be one for the history books as the world converges in Vancouver and Whistler for the 2010 Winter Olympics.  The storm is nearing and I can’t wait to see what happens.

- by Shannon

While the wine list may be small, it covers all the bases.  The Caymus Conundrum and Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon I rarely find by the glass, so it’s always a treat when I do.  Regardless, the menu doesn’t call for a largeselection of wine, as the large cocktail list (including sangria!) and tequila selection make up for it, and the wine has been carefully chosen to complement the fare.

The food is authentic and leaves nothing to be desired.  The guacamole will excite your taste buds, , and the Ceviche Habanero has as much colour and flavour as Davie Street itself.  I like to go for the tacos as an entree, my only lament being how to choose two of the six delicious options.  Will it be pan seared halibut with mango salsa, portabello mushroom and Spanish onion, or pulled anchiote chicken with salsa verde?  Pulled slow roasted beef is also available in the form of taquitos.  No wonder this cantina has such a loyal following; it is impossible to narrow down the choices in just one sitting.

The place is so popular they opened a sister restaurant – Me and Julio – on the bohemian Commercial Drive.  The menu differs from the Davie Street location slightly, but all the signature items are there.  Me and Julio is a perfect brunch spot – there is nothing like an order of Huevos Rancheros after a big night out, and people-watching on Commercial Drive is always entertaining.  Moreover, anywhere that takes its name from a Paul Simon song has my vote.  So if you’re looking to spice up your dining experience, hit Davie Street or Commercial Drive for delicious Mexican food in eclectic surroundings.