Nicknamed Hollywood North for the ever-present film crews, Canada's west coast gem of Vancouver is young, thriving and diverse, boasting the perfect combination of wild natural beauty and all the modern conveniences. Named after Royal Navy sea captain George Vancouver, who sailed into the Burrard Inlet on the British Columbian coast in 1792, Vancouver was barely even a town 100 years ago. Today, more than two million people call it home, and the shiny futuristic towers of Yaletown and the downtown core contrast dramatically with the snow-capped mountain backdrop, providing ample beauty among the bustle of Canada's third biggest city.<br /><br /> Approximately the same size as the downtown area, the city's green heart is Canada's largest city park, Stanley Park, covering hundreds of acres filled with lush forest and crystal clear lakes. Visitors can wander the sea wall along the exterior of the park, catch a free trolley bus tour, a horse-drawn carriage ride or visit the Vancouver Aquarium housed within the park. The city's past is preserved in historic Gastown with its cobblestone streets, steam powered clock and quaint feel, though this is combined with expensive souvenir shops and galleries aimed at tourists. Neighbouring Chinatown, with its weekly market, Dr Sun Yat-Sen classical Chinese gardens and restaurants adds an exotic flair. For some retail therapy or celebrity spotting, there is always the trendy Robson Street.<br /><br /> During the winter months snow sports are the order of the day on nearby Grouse Mountain, perfect for skiing and snowboarding, although the city itself gets more rain than snow. Vancouver's incredible ethnic diversity and combination of mountains, sea and city, offers visitors an endless supply of things to see and do, no matter the budget.<br /><br />

Stanley Park

Address: Georgia Street, Vancouver Vancouver

Admission: Free Open daily

The pride of Vancouver's network of parks and gardens, Stanley Park, covering 1,000 acres (405 hectares), is one of the largest parks in any urban centre in North America. Situated in the heart of Vancouver's densely populated West End, stretching out on a peninsula and surrounded on three sides by water, Stanley Park is at once a refuge for visitors seeking a brief escape from the urban jungle, a showcase for the natural beauty that surrounds the city, and an entertainment centre. The park is criss-crossed through its dense rainforest interior by miles of wide gravel paths surrounding Beaver Lake and Lost Lagoon. It is home to hundreds of migratory birds such as Canada geese, swans and ducks, and large populations of racoons, squirrels, skunks and coyotes. The park has a miniature railroad, putt-putt golf course, and an aquarium. It is also possible to walk, jog, cycle or rollerblade around the long seawall that encircles the perimeter.<br /><br />

Museum of Anthropology

Address: University of British Columbia, 6393 Marine Drive Vancouver

Admission: C$18 (adults), C$16 (students). Free for children under 6, and other concessions are available Open daily, from 10am to 5pm (until 9pm on Tuesday)

Telephone: (604) 822 5087

In the west of Vancouver, at the University of British Columbia on the cliffs of Point Grey, totem poles mark the way to the Museum of Anthropology, world-renowned for its displays of Northwest Coast First Nations art. One of its main features is the world's largest collection of works by internationally acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid, including his famous cedar sculpture 'The Raven and the First Men'. In the museum's unique Visible Storage Galleries more than 15,000 objects and artefacts from around the world are arranged according to culture and use. In the grounds of the museum are two Haida houses to be admired, showing the dramatic beauty of traditional Northwest Coast architecture.<br /><br />

Chinatown

Address: Downtown Vancouver Vancouver

Vancouver's Chinatown is not only a strong, established ethnic community, but also a popular tourist attraction and prosperous commercial district. Its bustling streets are full of colour and commerce; even the pagoda-topped telephone booths add to the atmosphere. Shop displays spill onto the pavements, and tables groan with the weight of exotic foodstuffs and the strange wares of the Chinese apothecaries.<br /><br /> The Sam Kee Building in Pender Street is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as being the narrowest building in the world, at only six-foot (two metres) wide. This was the result of a local property owner reacting to the expropriation of most of his land in 1912 for the widening of the street: Chang Toy decided to build what he could on the remaining tiny strip.<br /><br /> Another main attraction in Chinatown is the Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, enclosed behind high walls, that was built in 1986 at a cost of C$5.3-million with the craftsmen and materials all imported from China. It is a quiet haven of walkways, pavilions, gnarled trees, water features and natural rock sculptures. Next door to the Garden is the Chinese Cultural Centre with its elaborate gated entrance hand-painted in traditional colours.<br /><br />

Gastown

Address: Vancouver

The fascinating little historic enclave of Gastown, in the central core area of Vancouver, alongside Chinatown, transports visitors back in time to envision the city in days of old, with its cobbled streets, antique gaslights, Victorian architecture and maze of narrow alleys, courtyards and passages wherein hide boutiques and restaurants.<br /><br /> Gastown was named after Vancouver's first settler and saloon owner, Jack "Gassy" Deighton, whose historic hotel was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1886 along with much of the city. The fire swept through the town in less than an hour, leaving only two of the 400 or so houses standing.<br /><br /> "Gassy" Jack has been immortalised with a statue in Maple Tree Square in Gastown. Another point of interest is the Lamplighter Pub in the Dominion Hotel, which was the first Vancouver inn to serve alcohol to women. The Europe Hotel was the first fireproof building in western Canada, having been built just after the fire in 1892. Gastown keeps time with the world's first steam clock, which plays the Westminster chimes every 15 minutes on five brass steam whistles inside its cast bronze case.<br /><br />

Grouse Mountain

Address: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver Vancouver

On Vancouver's north shore, just a 15-minute drive from the downtown area across the Lions Gate Bridge, is the year-round mountaintop playground of Grouse Mountain. Ascending the mountain is part of the adventure in the Super Skyride, a passenger tram that glides up the steep mountain slopes carrying visitors up 3,700ft (1,100m) above sea level in just eight minutes. At the top, apart from magical views of the city below, is the 'Theatre in the Sky', which offers a high-tech presentation about Vancouver. There is also a cedar longhouse called the Hiwus Feasthouse that offers the chance to experience native West Coast culture with displays of dancing, storytelling, chanting and native cuisine. There are hiking trails up the side of Grouse Mountain and on the east side one of them features the Grouse Grind, which is billed as the world's biggest stair-climb. Mountain biking is also a popular pursuit on the mountainside, as is, of course, skiing and snowboarding in the winter months.<br /><br />

Queen Elizabeth Park

Address: 4600 Cambie St Vancouver

Admission: Admission to the park itself is free, but some attractions within the park have admission fees. Open daily 9am to 5pm. Conservatory open daily, from 10am to 5pm

Transformed from an ugly stone quarry in the 1950s, the exquisite Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver now boasts lush gardens bursting with flowers, live theatre, the Bloedel Floral Conservatory, a restaurant, a Pitch and Putt course and much more. The park receives about six million visitors annually who come to enjoy a 360 degree view of Vancouver from its highest point, 505 feet (167m) above sea level. The Bloedel Floral Conservatory, with its characteristic geodesic dome, is home to more than 100 species of tropical birds that roam free in the area, as well as hundreds of species of exotic plants and flowers. Other highlights of the park include the Quarry Garden, J. Seward Johnson's sculpture 'The Photo Session', the Lions Clock and the arboretum, with its fine examples of indigenous trees from across Canada. Spring is an excellent time to visit the park as it becomes a riot of colour, with white and pink cherry blossoms and all sorts of flowers displaying their finest.<br /><br />

Granville Island

Address: Vancouver

What was once a run-down industrial area in Vancouver is now a thriving entertainment and shopping centre, with a vibrant market central to the island's activities, as well as the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, a theatre and brewery. The island is easily accessible, located in the middle of Vancouver under the Granville Street Bridge on the south shore of False Creek, and linked by a road to the city, barely seeming like a separate entity, but a relaxing 'city break' nonetheless.<br /><br /> The public market is a riot of colours, smells, tastes and fresh produce, fresh meats and fish, flowers, tasty treats, crafts, clothing and souvenirs are all on offer. The separate Kids Market is a must for children, with toy stores, games and more, and the Maritime Market is a showcase for boat-builders, with a museum and tours, as well as appropriate boating clothing and supplies. Visits to the Granville Island Brewing Company and taste-tests of their brews are possible, or, for something more cultural, one can catch a show at the Island's theatre or enjoy a student art show at the Emily Carr Institute. The island has the biggest free waterpark in British Columbia, open May to September. Perhaps the best way to enjoy the island, however, is to grab something to eat from one of the many stalls, choose a table outside and watch the people go by, or take a self-guided tour, being sure not to miss the picturesque houseboats.<br /><br />

Lonsdale Quay

Address: 123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver Vancouver

Admission: Free Market and retail: Open daily, from 9am to 7pm. Restaurants are open later.

Situated in North Vancouver, Lonsdale Quay offers spectacular views of downtown Vancouver and its harbour, as well as the north shore mountains, and a variety of shops, restaurants and an excellent public market.<br /><br /> The best way to experience the quay is to catch the SeaBus from Waterfront Station on Cordova Street in downtown Vancouver, a fifteen-minute ride that allows one to relax and enjoy the view, watch seaplanes land and see what cruise ships are in the harbour, before embarking on some retail therapy. The market, though slightly smaller than that of Granville Island, boasts mouth-watering fresh goods, from seafood to fresh fruit and vegetables, pastries and sweets, and there is a wide range of restaurants available, including Mexican, Greek, Japanese, Indian and more. There are also a variety of stalls selling all sorts of arts and crafts, souvenirs and clothing, and the retail level boasts plenty of boutiques, a kids play area and specialty kids stores, topped by the Lonsdale Quay Hotel. A climb up the quay's signature red tower with its large Q on top is a good way to work off all the delicious food and to enjoy spectacular views of the city and mountains.<br /><br />

Capilano Suspension Bridge

Address: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver Vancouver

Admission: $43 adults, $15 children, other concessions available. Varies according to season.

Telephone: (604) 985 7474

Built in 1889, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of Vancouver's oldest and most popular tourist attractions, with plenty of activities and sights in the park for visitors to enjoy, besides the bridge itself. Stretching 450 feet (137m) across and perched 230 feet (70m) above the Capilano River, the bridge was originally made of cedar planks and hemp rope, but is now a more sturdy construction of reinforced steel and concrete; though still not for the faint-hearted. A recent addition to the park is the Treetops Adventure, where elevated suspension bridges allow visitors a spectacular view of the rainforest, while they walk above the forest floor between Douglas Fir trees. Other attractions in the park include a story centre, a First Nations Cultural Centre where visitors can see carvers, weavers and beaders at work, a large collection of First Nations Totem Poles, and guided tours of the rainforest. Admission includes all these sights and activities, and there are also several food options and a shop.<br /><br />

Vancouver Art Gallery

Address: 750 Hornby Street Vancouver

Admission: C$24 (adults), C$6.50 (children over five), free for children under five. Other concessions are available. Open daily, from 10am to 5pm (until 9pm on Tuesdays).

Telephone: (604) 662 4700

Established in 1931, the Vancouver Art Gallery boasts thousands of national and international exhibitions by a range of artists, sculptors and photographers, housed in a turn-of-the-century heritage building in the centre of downtown Vancouver. The building also houses a cafe and shop. National and international touring exhibitions take place regularly at the gallery, from Picasso to Rodin, Andy Warhol and others. Whether you prefer the Old Masters or more contemporary artists, the Vancouver Art Gallery is well worth paying a visit. Check out the official website listed below for details on current temporary exhibitions.<br /><br />

Vancouver Lookout at the Harbour Centre

Address: 555 West Hastings Street Vancouver

Admission: C$16.25 (adults), C$8.25 (children aged 6 - 12). Concessions available. Open daily, from 8:30am to 10:30pm (May to September); 9am to 9pm Monday to Thursday, and 9am to 9:30pm Friday to Sunday (October to April).

Telephone: (604) 689 0421

Perhaps one of the best ways to begin one's visit to Vancouver is with a trip up the Harbour Centre Tower to the Lookout, where one can enjoy a 360 degree view of the city, Greater Vancouver, the North Shore mountains and on a clear day, even neighbouring Vancouver Island.<br /><br /> A 45-second trip in the outdoor glass-fronted Skylift elevator delivers visitors to the Lookout and informative signs point out key attractions in the city and surrounds. As tickets are valid for the entire day and evening, visitors can also enjoy a cup of coffee while watching the sunset from the Lookout or see the lights of the city begin to twinkle below. The tower is also home to The Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant, and visitors can enjoy the unique experience of dining above the city while the restaurant completes a full revolution every hour. The Skylift to the restaurant is free. The Harbour Centre itself is home to part of the Simon Fraser University campus, several shops and a food court.<br /><br />

VanDusen Botanical Garden

Address: 5251 Oak Street (37th Avenue and Oak) Vancouver

Admission: October to March C$8.25 (adults), C$4.25 (children aged 3 - 12); April to September C$11.25 (adults), C$5.75 (children aged 3 - 12). Concessions available. Opening times vary according to season, with slightly different hours every month - check the official website for details.

Telephone: (604) 257 8335

With 22 hectares (55 acres) and roughly 11,000 different plant species, VanDusen Botanical Garden is a spectacular showcase of the natural world, right in the heart of Vancouver. Landscaped gardens are laid out exquisitely and specific areas are cultivated to demonstrate botanical relationships or geographical origins, such as the popular Rhododendron Walk or the Sino Himalayan Garden.<br /><br /> One of the most popular events held in the garden is the annual Festival of Lights, when the beauty of the flowers is matched by over a million dazzling lights, set up in order to celebrate the festive season. Choirs and carol singers, visits with Santa, a Dancing Light display on Lake Island in the park, the Golden Chain Walk, magicians and tasty treats are all part of this family favourite, running from 9-31 December each year. Daily walking and cart tours are available in the garden from April to October at 2pm and also at 11am on Wednesdays.<br /><br />

Commercial Drive

Address: Commercial Drive (from Venables to Grandview) Vancouver

Commercial Drive is as non-commercial as it gets, one of Vancouver's most eclectic, and increasingly trendy, neighbourhoods. What started out as a skid road for the lumber industry in the late 1800s, swiftly became a neighbourhood of English tradesmen and shopkeepers with the birth of the interurban railway. World War I brought an influx of Chinese, Italian and Eastern European immigrants, and World War II saw a vast increase in the Italian population, earning the drive the moniker 'Little Italy' for many years.<br /><br /> Diversity and energy are still the hallmarks of this area, and an afternoon is well spent exploring its various treasures, from all types of food to chic boutiques, second-hand stores, live music venues and more. Go ice-skating at the Britannia Community Centre rink or bowling at the Grandview Lanes, enjoy a delicious Italian gelato or espresso, or simply grab a table at one of the many bars or restaurants, and people watch. There are always plenty of festivals and events going on, too, such as the Parade of Lost Souls on the Saturday before Halloween, the Stone Soup Festival in May, and the Eastside Culture Crawl in November.<br /><br />

Gulf Islands

Address: Vancouver

Tucked in the Strait of Georgia, in between Vancouver Island and the mainland, are the picturesque Gulf Islands. More than a dozen of these long, thin islands, and numerous islets, can be found on Canada's West Coast and each island has its own character and beauty, making them well worth a visit. Originally home to the Coast Salish First Nations, the Spanish and English soon followed, laying claim to the island chain. Nowadays, the islands are home to artists, writers, retirees and those seeking a more community-based lifestyle, and many Vancouverites escape to holiday homes tucked in among the rainforest. Large parts of the islands have been designated as Marine Parks, preserving the land for the numerous birds and animals that also call the islands home.<br /><br /> Bowen Island is only a 20-minute ferry ride from West Vancouver's Horseshoe Bay and visitors can enjoy a stroll from Snug Harbour, past the historic Union Steamship Company store, grab a bite to eat or take a walk in the Crippen Regional Park. Galiano Island is the second biggest of the group, and is about the size of Manhattan Island in New York. Only 50 minutes away on the Tsawassen ferry, on the Lower Mainland, Galiano Island draws all sorts of visitors who come to picnic in Bellhouse Park; take a walk through the lush rainforest up to Bluffs Park to enjoy spectacular views of neighbouring Islands; indulge in a spot of fishing, kayaking or golf; or visit one of the local galleries or shops. Many of the islands host events and festivals each year, where the community spirit and laid-back atmosphere typical of the Gulf Islands is evident.<br /><br />

San Juan Islands

Address: Vancouver

The San Juan Islands form one of the best boater paradises in the world. The hundreds of islands are separated by nationality but are part of the same scenic and rugged archipelago, located off the northwest coast of Washington State. Much of the area is in a rain shadow behind Vancouver Island, making a surprisingly dry and sunny reprieve in the northwest. Little island communities, great wildlife and the open water provide a real and intuitive disconnect from the mainland.<br /><br /> Frequent government ferry services connect the mainland and larger inhabited islands to each other, but scores are only visitable by smaller shuttle boats and yachts. Friday Harbour is San Juan's largest town and an enchanting tourist destination, seemingly out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Anchorages are bustling throughout summer, but largely empty in other seasons. Yacht charters are available out of Bellingham.<br /><br />

Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre

Address: 845 Avison Way, Vancouver Vancouver

Admission: Summer: C$36 (adults), C$21 (children). Other concessions are available Summer (21 June to 1 September): Open daily, from 9.30am to 6pm; Winter (6 September to 24 June): Open daily, from 10am to 5pm

Telephone: 604 659 3474

Home to a vast array of aquatic mammals and animals, at the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre you'll find sea otters, penguins, dolphins, sharks, whales, sea lions and many more exciting creatures.<br /><br /> Exhibits, displays and programmes are geared towards kids, including Clownfish Cove, with small animals, play areas, and costumes aimed at teaching children about the natural world and the importance of marine conservation. The aquarium features a gift shop, cafeteria, and wheelchair access. Visitors of all ages should enjoy a trip to this well-organised and large aquarium, which consistently receives rave reviews from travellers.<br /><br />

Greater Vancouver Zoo

Address: 5048 - 264th Street, Aldergrove Vancouver

Admission: C$25 (adults); C$19 (children). Concessions are available. Summer Season (April to September): Open daily, from 9am to 7pm. Winter Season (October to March): Open daily, from 9am to 4pm.

Telephone: (604) 856 6825

Animal lovers of all ages will have a fabulous time exploring the Greater Vancouver Zoo. Boasting more than 500 animals from about 140 species, including lion, giraffe, black bear, bison, spider monkeys, coyotes, cheetah, hippo, lemurs and caracals, just to name a few. Children will simply love watching all the animals and naming the ones they know. Kids can enjoy meeting a selection of reptiles, taking the safari mini train, listening to an educational talk or even watching the lions and tigers being fed. Refreshments are available from kiosks and restaurants so nobody will go hungry. Allow at least a few hours to explore the zoo properly.<br /><br />

Othello Tunnels

Address: Just outside Hope, BC – about 95 miles (150km) east of Vancouver Vancouver

Just outside the town of Hope, about an hour's drive east of Vancouver, lies the Coquihalla Provincial Park, home to the celebrated Othello Tunnels.<br /><br /> This quintet of railway tunnels, which traverse the spectacular, steep-sided Coquihalla Gorge, were built for the Kettle Valley Railway, and today offer visitors both a fascinating insight into the history of the area, and a wonderfully scenic and unique hiking experience. While the Othello Tunnels themselves are dark and dank (flashlights are recommended), the two-mile (3.5km) old railway trail also crosses above thundering rapids, and cuts through impressive, nearly 1,000-foot (300-metre) granite rock faces. The Othello Tunnels are an accessible and highly rewarding day trip from Vancouver, offering visitors of all ages a great mix of exercise and adventure.<br /><br />

Vancouver International Jazz Festival

Where: Various,Vancouver

When: 22 June to 1 July 2018

As one of the biggest musical celebrations in the world, the International Jazz Festival is the most popular cultural event in Vancouver, with performances by more than 400 talented blues and jazz artists from around the world. The 10-day programme is full of famous names that play at various venues throughout the city, from formal concert theatres to open-air stages and public squares. The festival now attracts about 460,000 spectators every year and features some world-class musicians. Lovers of jazz and blues will be spoiled for choice during this summer festival in Vancouver.<br /><br />

Bard on the Beach

Where: Vanier Park,Vancouver

When: 6 June to 22 September 2018

One of Vancouver's most loved summer events is a picnic in Vanier Park followed by an evening performance of Shakespeare. Plays are performed in huge open-ended tents overlooking the picturesque English Bay with a mountain backdrop. Plays of past seasons have included Twelfth Night, King Lear, The Tempest and Titus Andronicus. The plays are consistently well-performed and conceived, with good actors. The picnic setting makes it a laid-back and fun way to get to grips with Shakespeare, providing a good introduction for children.<br /><br />

Vancouver Folk Music Festival

Where: Jericho Beach Park,Vancouver

When: 13 - 15 July 2018

For nearly thirty years, one of Vancouver's favourite events drawing old and young alike is the annual Folk Music Festival; with a host of performers spread across seven stages, set in the heart of the Jericho Beach Park. Day, evening and weekend tickets are available at varying prices, with 'early bird' tickets on sale from April. Food stalls, a bustling market and a fantastic atmosphere add up to a wonderful weekend's entertainment, and for those who can't afford a ticket, the beach and the park on the perimeters of the fenced concert area are perfect places to still catch some of the music, picnic, or browse the many stalls lining the beach, selling anything from corn on the cob to First Nations crafts, tie-dyed t-shirts and jewellery.<br /><br />

Polar Bear Swim

Where: English Bay beach,Vancouver

When: 1 January annually

Leaping into icy water in the middle of winter may not be everyone's idea of fun, but the annual Polar Bear race has been running for nearly 90 years in Vancouver. Every New Year's Day, thousands flock to English Bay to take the plunge and celebrate the beginning of the year, led by the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim Club (one of the oldest and biggest of its kind in the world). Outrageous costumes are the order of the day and many come to participate in the Peter Pantages 100 yard (90m) race, named in honour of the founder of the club in 1920. Participants must register before the event at the English Bay bathhouse on New Year's Day and receive a commemorative badge after the swim. Registration and participation in the event is free, and for those not brave enough, a good spot on the beach with a mug of hot chocolate is the perfect (and warmest) way to view the goings-on.<br /><br />

Vancouver Pride

Where: Pride Parade starts at Denman and Robson Streets,Vancouver

When: 5 August 2018

The Vancouver Pride Week is a colourful, vibrant affair, celebrating the city's Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual and Transgender (LGBT) community and its many supporters in a variety of shows, festivals, parties and the ever-popular Pride Parade. Each year, a special team comes up with a theme and specific image for the Pride Week, and in recent years, the focus has been on issues and battles faced by the LGBT community, but in a more celebratory than political manner. In 2005 the theme was 'No Turning Back', a celebration of the passing of gay marriage federally in Canada and the fight it took to have the bill passed countrywide (gay marriage was recognised in several Canadian provinces prior to this). It may seem all very serious, but that is hardly the case. For a week, beautiful Vancouver is transformed into a rainbow-coloured riot, fun is the order of the day, and the more outrageous the costume, event or party, the better.<br /><br />

Brix &amp; Mortar

Address: 1138 Homer Street Vancouver

Food Type: International

Offering a warm ambiance and a diverse menu to complement its urban environment, patrons at Brix can sample anything from a Four Cheese Cannelloni to Quebec Wentzel Duck. Accommodating night owls, Brix also offers a gratifying late night menu comprising of spring rolls, Seven Spice Seared Ahi Tuna and oven baked pizza with Chorizo sausage, black tiger shrimp, fresh pineapple and the like. Brix is ideal for dinner with friends or a romantic date. Open daily for lunch and dinner.<br /><br />

Glowbal Grill and Satay Bar

Address: 1079 Mainland St. Vancouver

Food Type: International

Situated in the trendy Yaletown, the Glowbal Grill and Satay Bar serves inventive and delicious cuisine in a stylish yet sophisticated setting. With the option of formal fine dining on white linen tablecloths or funky dining, this restaurant caters to a variety of people. Try the Kobe meatballs with truffled spaghetti or the Seven-spiced rare Ahi tuna, and round off with the warm Brazilian chocolate coffee cake or the Maple Macadamia nut flan. Reservations are recommended.<br /><br />

Blue Water Café

Address: 1095 Hamilton St Vancouver

Food Type: Seafood

Serving the largest selection of oysters, lobsters and prawns as well as delicious steak, the Blue Water Café is frequented by many celebrities, both local and international. With elegant décor and flawless service it's no wonder this restaurant is perfect when trying to impress a date or business associate. Try the White Sturgeon with red beet agro dolce, pumpernickel crust, chioggia beets and cauliflower puree, or the Beef Tenderloin served with porcini mushrooms, green chard and macaroni gratin with blue cheese. Reservations are recommended. The restaurant is open from 5pm till 11pm, with the Late Menu available till midnight.<br /><br />

Lupo

Address: 869 Hamilton St Vancouver

Food Type: International

Nestled away in an old mansion located in downtown Vancouver's Yaletown district, this stylish Italian eatery evokes a 1930s charm and sophistication while serving delicious, inventive and expertly presented dishes. Try the Osso Buco, Filetto di samone or the Filetto di manzo Con porcini. You won't be disappointed. Lupo is open daily for dinner. Reservations are recommended.<br /><br />

Seasons in the Park

Address: Queen Elizabeth Park. West 33rd Ave and Main Street Vancouver

Food Type: Modern Eclectic

Wraparound windows afford stunning views of downtown Vancouver and the surrounding mountains at this sophisticated Canadian restaurant in Queen Elizabeth Park. Serving up tasty food at reasonable prices, Seasons in the Park is a Vancouver gem for both locals and foreigners. Try the Miso Soy Marinated Black Cod drizzled with pineapple chive vinaigrette and served with jasmine rice, and for dessert the much-loved Sunburnt Lemon Tart is a must. Dinner reservations offer views of the twinkling city lights and at lunch you can admire the leafy park and snow-capped mountains from the circular patio.<br /><br />

Bistro Pastis

Address: 2153 W 4th Avenue Vancouver

Food Type: Café

A friendly bistro donning classic white tableclothes and offering one of Vancouver's largest wine selections by the glass, Bistro Pastis is a great venue for a business lunch, after work drink or dinner with friends. A crackling fireplace creates a cosy atmosphere complimented by classic bistro fare with a contemporary twist, such as Moules et Frites, Traditional Coq au vin and Steak Tartare. As in any bistro in France there is a Plats du jour option and menus change regularly. Bistro Pastis is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Sunday, and brunch on weekends.<br /><br />

Pasparos Taverna

Address: 132 West 3rd Street Vancouver

Food Type: Mediterranean

A charming Greek restaurant serving good no-fuss Greek food, Pasparos Taverna is a great place to meet with family and friends. A family business operating since 1974, Pasparos offers a warm atmosphere and mouth-watering homemade Greek cuisine, just as you'd find in Greece. With warm fresh breads, dolmades, roast lamb, superb Tzatziki, Avgolemono soup and a selection of souvlakia (kebabs), patrons are spoilt for choice. Combine that with top-notch service and a good Greek winelist (wine by the glass included) and you have all the ingredients for a successful restaurant. Open Monday to Friday for lunch, and daily for dinner.<br /><br />

Guu with Garlic

Address: 1698 Robson Street Vancouver

Food Type: Japanese

One of Vancouver's best dining experiences, Guu with Garlic is part of a unique Japanese Tapas chain that is taking the city by storm. With a perfect ration of small portioned dishes at affordable prices, patrons can sample a handful of different dishes before getting full or feeling the weight on their wallet. The open kitchen and cheerful waiters add to the electric mood, as do the exotic cocktails and experimental drinks. Recommended dishes include the duck salad, assorted carpaccio, baked oysters, prawns and calamari. Don't miss the daily specials sheet on loose-leaf paper with even more delectable dishes. Open daily for dinner, reservations are recommended.<br /><br />

With the stunning mountain backdrop and pristine wilderness on the city's doorstep, visitors may think the locals are too preoccupied with outdoor entertainment to cultivate much of a night-time entertainment scene, but the nightlife in Vancouver is actually second to none. With plenty of pubs, clubs, lounges, and everything else in between, there is no shortage of entertainment when the sun sets on this vibrant city. Until fairly recently, city regulations forced bars and pubs to masquerade as restaurants, so you'll find many watering holes with token menus.<br /><br /> Vancouver's British heritage plays a part in it being a pub paradise, the heart of which is downtown, with countless pubs and bars tucked away and nestled in between shops, businesses and bistros. Chambar and Chill Winston are names to remember in Gastown's cobblestone streets, which are reminiscent of Amsterdam and bring tourists flocking here to imbibe and socialise.<br /><br /> Most of Vancouver's clubs and discos can be found downtown around Granville Street and Water and Pender streets in Gastown. The Roxy in Granville is a must and is one of Vancouver's top nightlife spots. Another busy entertainment district is Kitsilano, while a third is the up-and-coming nightlife district of Yaletown, which is a more upscale bar and lounge zone.<br /><br /> Vancouver also hosts several large festivals, including the Vancouver Fringe Festival, centred on Granville Island every September; the Vancouver International Film Festival, the Vancouver Jazz Festival and the Vancouver Folk Festival.<br /><br />

Shopping in Vancouver ensures a diverse range of products and quality, with everything from haute couture to laid-back flannels, as well as jewellery and home accessories available in malls and shopping areas throughout the city.<br /><br /> Commercial Drive is known as 'Little Italy' and has very trendy, quirky boutiques, while Davie Village in the West End is home to great bookshops. Chinatown, encompassing Main Street and Keefer, trades in ginseng, green tea, silks and exotic fresh produce; there are weekend night markets here in summer. Another Main Street also offers a wide selection of antique and home accessory shops. Granville Island Market sells fresh produce, meats, fish and baked goods, and there are a diverse range of shops, stalls and galleries in the area.<br /><br /> Downtown Vancouver and Gastown have shops offering high fashion, jewellery, shoes and home wares. The Sinclair Centre has upmarket fashion and art shops. Royal Centre is made up of a variety of underground shops, and the Pacific Centre is home to the famous Holt Renfrew shop. Nearby Water Street is home to art galleries, antique shops and native art stores, as well as souvenirs in the many speciality shops.<br /><br /> Note that a Goods and Services Tax is levied on most things, but Canada no longer offers a refund scheme.<br /><br />