City Guides / Vancouver
VANCOUVER
FACTS
A seaport city on the west coast of Canada in the region of British Columbia with a population of just over 600,000 people, one of the most ethnically diverse cities in North America with a 2011 census showing 52% of the population having a first language other than English.
Consistently named as one of the top five worldwide cities for livability and quality of life with the Economist Intelligence Unit acknowledging it as the first city ranked among the top ten most well-living cities for five years straight.
Its climate is one of Canada’s warmest in the winter and considered temperate by Canadian standards, the highest temperature ever recorded within the city of Vancouver is 35°C. It rains a lot, so much so it ranks as one of the wettest Canadian cities.
STAYING
OPUS Hotel – An award-winning boutique hotel in central Vancouver. This is a great hotel, family owned and it shows through the level of service and general feeling from everybody working there. The bar is a perfect way to start your evening off and the restaurant, La Pentola, is classic Italian fare at it’s very best. The Opus Bar serves cocktails all day to late night.
EATING
Bao Bei - The ultimate Chinese Brasserie Chinatown experience.
Savio Volpe - Voted best new restaurant in Vancouver by Vancouver Magazine 2017 Awards.
Giardino - Vancouver’s Best Italian.
DRINKING
Yew Bar (Four Season’s Hotel, W Georgia St) – Chic bar, with a seafood menu if required.
The Keefer (Keefer St) – Dark, swanky bar, with a patio. Asian influence, what with being in Chinatown.
Strathcona Beer Company (E Hastings St) - Craft Beer, locally owned.
Hello Goodbye (Hamilton St) – Late-night drinks, possible to turn into a dancing type of night.
SHOPPING
BOBOLI (S Granville St) – Top end fashion for men and women.
Rebecca Bree Boutique (4th Avenue) – Women’s fashion in a beautiful shop with amazingly helpful staff.
Still Life (Main St) – Men and women’s fashion retailer specialising in smaller brands.
Reigning Champ (4th Avenue) – Premium athletic wear. Think 21st century yet classic tracksuits, etc.
Brunette Showroom (Parker St) – Women’s fashion retailer and own brand Brunette.
BIKING
Bicicletta (West Broadway) – Owned by Graham Fox and Jon Bula - get in touch with them as they can sort you out with anything you need and guide you on the best biking. Go and meet them and check out the shop.