A Twilight Weekend

Description:

The tallest -- and with 736 rooms the largest -- hotel in the city, the Wall Centre is hard to miss. The hotel occupies a curved spire of black glass and a second, earlier tower with a fountain-filled urban garden in between. It may remind you of a futuristic office park, a feeling that's unfortunately reinforced in the rooms, which have floor-to-ceiling polarized glass windows that look out onto great views but can't be opened, so it feels like you're always wearing sunglasses. This is upscale Sheraton at its best (or worst, if you hate huge hotels), and because of its size it caters to tour groups. Rooms have a clean, contemporary look with blond-wood furnishings and nice bathrooms. Guests have the use of a huge health club with an indoor pool and an ayurvedic wellness spa.

Description:

Yaletown Brewing Co. is nestled in Yaletown, one of Vancouver's most sought after neighborhoods. There are many high end restaurants in the area, but Yaletown Brewing Co. appeals to all wallet sizes. The restaurant on one side provides diners with an optimal place to have a family dinner. The children in your party will certainly find something that will meet their satisfaction. The pub on the other side is always a bustling place on any given night. They serve everything from pizza, pasta, salads and burgers, so no palate will be left out. They also brew their own beer on the premises. The Red Truck Ale is quite delicious and pairs well with the BBQ Chicken Pizza. Start with dinner and spend the rest of the evening playing pool or sitting by the large fireplace in the pub.

Description:

This bustling new dining place is acclaimed to be one of the best in town with Chef Sean Riley creating wonders at his workplace. The decor and cuisine are trendy and innovative, the ambience is lively and the service impeccable. Good menu options include the Tequila Rubbed Lamb, Tiger Prawns and the all-time favorite Ginger Chicken. This grill also has an ongoing global food fiesta, which presents delicacies from different corners of the world. A good time to trot down is October, Swiss dishes will be up on the menu.

Our Local Expert Says:

Capilano Suspension Bridge may not be for everyone, but there are some gentle hikes within this beautiful location that those afraid of heights can still enjoy. Otherwise, walk across the bridge and test your wits!

Description:

Test your bravery as you cling to the rope that holds the wobbly bridge, made from wooden planks, together. Once you get over the initial fear, you will be blown away by the view of the Capilano River that is 70 meters below you. The bridge is about 136 meters long and is a basic suspension bridge that draws many visitors on a daily basis to its North Vancouver location. The original bridge was built by a Scottish civil engineer named George Grant Mackay in 1888 and was replaced after his death by a wire cable bridge in 1903. The bridge has since gone through many changes, upgrades and reinforcements since that time and is very sturdy.

Description:

This was where the original German community in Vancouver shopped. Robsonstrasse, as it was formerly known, was lined with delis, bakeries and restaurants. Today, it's one of the city's most fashionable shopping streets: Alfred Sung, Salvatore Ferragamo, Chanel, Rodier Paris and Stephane de Raucourt are just some of the big names in this urban shopping destination. Options for grabbing a bite abound. Find everything from Schnitzel to Sushi along this bustling thoroughfare. It is also cruising central in the summertime, with cars and sidewalks filled with people enjoying the warm summer air.

Our Local Expert Says:

Shop, sip and savor the finer things in life! This is where to go if you're looking for upscale shopping and refined dining.

Description:

Yaletown has transformed itself drastically since the World's Fair in 1986. Once an industrial warehouse area, Yaletown is now a favorite haunt to those who like the finer things in life. Vancouver is called "Hollywood North" and it is not uncommon to see a movie being filmed on various streets around town. When celebrities are in town, Yaletown is where they like to hang out. Sit on one of the many patios and keep your eyes peeled for movie stars. Or, step into one of the charming boutiques where you will find the latest fashions in clothing, shoes and accessories. Some of the city's finest boutique hotels have made their way into Yaletown where guests are pampered, spoiled and treated like kings and queens. Boutique hotel not in your budget? Don't worry; join the locals that go into the hotel lounges for a drink and to be a part of the action.

Our Local Expert Says:

One of Vancouver's elegant and stylish hotels, often frequented by Hollywood celebrities. They serve Vancouver's only chocolate buffet in the evening right next to a wonderful lounge with deep mahogany finishings and comfy leather chairs. It's typical to spot actors and members of the Vancouver Canucks in the lounge. The hotel also has an excellent fitness centre and spa.

Description:

Don't let the bland, corporate-looking exterior fool you: This hotel has won many awards, and is one of only two AAA five-diamond hotels in Canada. Once you enter the lobby, elegantly decorated with marble, fresh flowers, chandeliers, and French-leaning European furnishings, it's pure luxury, comparable to the Four Seasons. The rooms here don't skimp on size or comfort, and are tastefully decorated in a traditional European style. The one- or two-bedroom junior suites have a small parlor; in larger suites, French doors separate the bedroom from the large sitting area. The European-style health club and spa has a big heated pool and sun deck.

Facilities: Restaurant; lounge (w/bistro fare); bakery-cafe; indoor pool; health club; full-service spa; Jacuzzi; sauna; complimentary bikes; children's program; concierge; business center; 24-hr. room service; laundry service; same-day dry-cleaning service; nonsmoking rooms

Description:

Situated in Gastown, Boneta oozes hip sophistication with its stylish décor and allures savvy palates with their food and drink menu. Many restaurants overwhelm diners with an extensive menu that makes it hard to focus, not Boneta. Their menu provides patrons with just enough options so that everyone will be pleased, but won't leave hungry mouths at a loss when it comes time to order. Their menu items are projected onto the wall and listed by Cold, Hot, Sweets and Cheeses. Though the menu may not always have vegetarian and vegan options, they are more than happy to cater to those needs. Boneta prides itself with using fresh and seasonal ingredients, which means that the menu is constantly changing and diners will never be bored. Not only is the food at Boneta something to write home about, but they have one of the best cocktail lists in Vancouver. Boneta has a stellar atmosphere that creates a perfect platter to serve you something delicious and satiate your thirst.

Description:

The Water Street Café is a charming restaurant in Gastown, across the cobbled streets from the Steam Clock. With two levels, a small bar and crisp white table linens, the Water Street Café sets the perfect mood for a date night or dinner with friends and family. Whether you're looking for a cool and crisp salad, a roasted vegetable panini or a hearty bowl of pasta, you're bound to find something that will tickle your tastebuds on the menu. The Water Street Café has an extensive wine, beer and drink list, which makes pairing with your food a breeze. They have been in business since 1988, which speaks volumes for any restaurant in a thriving city where new restaurants pop up on a daily basis. If you are looking for superb service, a classic atmosphere and a dependable menu, the Water Street Café is the perfect spot for you at lunch or dinner.