Green Travel in Vancouver

Description:

Walk into this over 100-year-old church and feel as though you've stepped back in time to a serene place. The historic cathedral, located across the street from the equally impressive Hotel Vancouver , features 29 striking gothic stained glass windows, each reflecting a story from the New Testament. The public art displayed in the lobby is also mesmerizing.The downtown landmark plays host to many choir recitals and concerts that are worthwhile for the acoustics alone.

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This fabulous art deco building amid downtown's square steel uniformity is an ornate sight to behold. Designer J W Hobbs wanted to transpose the architectural grandeur of New York City to then-modest Vancouver, and he did so with terracotta, steel, brass, marble, intricate nautical details, gargoyles, murals and an impressive 40-foot (12-meter) archway entrance. The 25-story Marine Building was built in the late 1920s and serves today as an office building.

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The Guinness Book of World Records lists this landmark as the world's narrowest building. The edifice is a mere a meter and half wide, while its upper floor has less than two meters in available space with bay windows. The structure is named after a group of Chinese traders. The city decided to widen the street to allow for increasing traffic, thus reducing the size of their land. Undaunted, the men pushed through with their plans and erected a building.

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When bookworms and businesspeople from surrounding office towers want to enjoy a sunny day, they can often be found lounging outside in this busy downtown square. The area is rich with people-watching opportunities, so it's no surprise that many gather to read and snack. The square is located outside of the grand Vancouver Public Library. Pick up a brochure at the library's information desk if you want a self-guided tour of the building.

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Cactus Club Cafe is a chain restaurant in Western Canada and if you're someone that likes to know what they're getting when they go to a restaurant, you can count on Cactus Club for consistency at all of their locations. Iron Chef, Rob Feenie, has created a menu that will appeal to all palates. From juicy burgers and steaks, to fresh and flavorful salads and tasty fish tacos, Cactus Club has a wide variety. Some may be weary of chain restaurants, but Cactus Club leads the way in how a chain can be run, by offering fresh food and great service. They also have an extensive wine and beer list and offer daily drink specials that are easy to take advantage of. This Robson Street location is right in the mix of Vancouver's shopping district, so take a load off and grab a snack, lunch or dinner here.

Our Local Expert Says:

No trip to Chinatown is complete without a visit to the garden. Its breathtaking beauty astounds visitors year-round.

Description:

Located in Vancouver's Chinatown, the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Gardens welcomes visitors to relax and experience the perfect balance of yin and yang. The Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden Society started in 1981 as a way to bridge the gap and bring understanding between Chinese and Western cultures. The Canadian government, businesses and individuals shared this vision and helped with funding the initiative. The architecture and detail in the building are astounding, it took 52 experienced craftsmen from China to build and complete the work of art, over the span of just a year. The Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden sticks to the classical Chinese garden, where the design is based on the harmony of four key elements: rock, water, plants and architecture. Learn about the meaning behind the mystical plants, the jade green water, weathered rocks and the unique architecture.

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If you want to look at intriguing modern art, stop by this cutting edge gallery. The connection between visual art and language is explored through contemporary art at this 15-year-old downtown space. Owned and run by a group of diverse artists, it exhibits many up-and-comers and encourages unknown artists to show their work. Along with exhibits, it also hosts discussions, creates publications and puts on other events. Donations are gratefully accepted.

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This is the best place in the city to fly a kite or watch talented people fly them with grace and finesse. Visitors can marvel at the skyward fancy loops, swirls and dips by the seashore. This large park located five minutes from downtown, is home to the Vancouver Museum, Vancouver Maritime Museum, Pacific Space Centre and Gordon Southam Observatory. Views of downtown and the water make this a place to sit and quietly observe. It's also home to the summer's Bard on the Beach and Children's Festival.

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Elegant, intimate and one of the city's top restaurants, Bishop's Fine Dining is perfect for a quiet evening out with friends or a romantic dinner. This quiet, spare decor may at first seem unimpressive, but the gourmet West Coast cuisine and famously personalized service make it glitter. It was good enough for Clinton and Gorbachev when they were in town. The menu changes weekly, but past selections have included Saltspring Island Mussels steamed in Sake, and Roasted Duck Breast with Navy Bean Cassoulet.

Description:

Vancouver's premier all-suite hotel was built in 1969 and renovated into a modern and eclectic destination in 1996. The hotel's unique style and special features has made it popular with the many movie production crews that visit the city, and its Robson Street location puts you right where the action is. Rooms are spacious, with most sporting fantastic views from windows that open to let in the mountain air. The bright yellow and apple-green walls and light wood furnishings offer a relaxing contemporary respite. Double-line dataports, work space and coffee makers with Starbucks coffee are included.

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This park is considered one of the most ideal places to hold hands and have a picnic. Built in 1912, Point Atkinson Lighthouse is a wilderness area close to the West Vancouver city centre. Easily accessible by car and public transit, it is a favourite day hiking spot. The park trails take you through huge Douglas firs, rocky cliffs and a granite shoreline. Be on the lookout for the bald eagles that nest in the Douglas firs. Unfortunately, the lighthouse itself is a working one and is closed to the public.

Our Local Expert Says:

Raincity Grill is a restaurant with many years under their belt and it just goes to show that they must be doing something right. With an ever-changing menu and a strong interest in eating locally, RCG will educate and elate your senses.

Description:

Raincity Grill has been around since 1992 and continually has locals and visitors coming back on a regular basis because of the consistently impeccable service and delicious delights. RCG, as locals refer to it, prides itself with serving seasonal ingredients from a 100-mile radius, as much as possible. The menu is constantly changing with the new ingredients that are seasonally coming in. They offer a variety of prix fixe menus to suit varying tastes and budgets. The early prix fixe is a great bargain and is perfect for those seeing shows later in the evening. The in-house sommelier will help guide your taste buds in the right direction to pair your meal with the perfect vintage. Raincity Grill is perched right in front of English Bay and if you're lucky enough to sit out on the patio or by the windows, you will be in for a treat at sunset.

Description:

Vancouver's premier all-suite hotel was built in 1969 and renovated into a modern and eclectic destination in 1996. The hotel's unique style and special features has made it popular with the many movie production crews that visit the city, and its Robson Street location puts you right where the action is. Rooms are spacious, with most sporting fantastic views from windows that open to let in the mountain air. The bright yellow and apple-green walls and light wood furnishings offer a relaxing contemporary respite. Double-line dataports, work space and coffee makers with Starbucks coffee are included.

Description:

Vancouver's premier all-suite hotel was built in 1969 and renovated into a modern and eclectic destination in 1996. The hotel's unique style and special features has made it popular with the many movie production crews that visit the city, and its Robson Street location puts you right where the action is. Rooms are spacious, with most sporting fantastic views from windows that open to let in the mountain air. The bright yellow and apple-green walls and light wood furnishings offer a relaxing contemporary respite. Double-line dataports, work space and coffee makers with Starbucks coffee are included.

Description:

There's nothing quite as satisfying as settling down for a barbecue in the great outdoors after a day of kayaking. Paddle up Indian Arm to a fjord carved out in the last ice age and see seals, eagles, blue herons and geese on your way up. Once there, watch fresh local salmon being barbecued and served with roasted corn and crisp green salad. No experience or fitness level is required and pick-up from home and hotel can be arranged. Call or visit the website for trip details and schedules.

Description:

The experience starts the moment you're greeted at the door by the gracious owner, Vikram Vij, and when the knowledgeable and amiable staff welcomes you with a complimentary cup of Chai tea. Since the critically acclaimed menu changes seasonally, you'll have to rely on your taste buds to guide you through. The vegetarian dishes (such as roasted mashed eggplant, local squash and tomato curry with daal) are always flavourful and beautifully presented. No reservations.

Our Local Expert Says:

Ride in the gondola or use “Nature’s Stairmaster”, either way the view from the top is breathtaking.

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Grouse Mountain is the closest mountain to the city and is open year round. After a 15 minute ride from downtown, make your way up the mountain in the gondola. Once you reach the top, the scene of the city and ocean in front of you will captivate you, leaving you speechless and in awe. If you're feeling energetic, skip the gondola and do the Grouse Grind. "The Grind", as locals call it, is not for the unfit and is a 2.9-kilometer trek up the mountain. Catering to all fitness levels, there are more relaxing walks on the mountain. If you're visiting Vancouver in the winter, you've come at the perfect time to take advantage of the mountain's skiing conditions. Grouse Mountain offers breathtaking views and unparalleled physical activities for various fitness levels.

Description:

Finish a day on sightseeing with a sunset visit to Grouse Mountain. Travel by aerial tramway high above the alpine forest for breathtaking views over Vancouver as the sun goes down.

Begin your tour traveling through world famous, Stanley Park and over the spectacular Lions Gate Bridge. You will be taken to the base of Grouse Mountain where North America's largest aerial tramway system will take you on a one mile journey high above the second growth forest and between the mountain peaks. The views are breathtaking - the city skyline, ships in the harbor, the glittering Strait of Georgia, and far-off Vancouver Island.

When you reach the top of the mountain plateau, 3,700 feet (1,100 meters) above sea level, you will have two hours to explore, dine or just enjoy the fantastic view. Choose from a fabulous array of restaurants where Grouse Mountain chefs will delight you with the finest selections of west coast and specialty seafood dishes. From fine dining in the Observatory to the casual fare at Altitudes Bistro, there is a menu to please any palate.

Enter Grouse Mountain's mile high Theatre in the Sky to see Canada's first high definition video presentation "Born to Fly". Experience British...

Our Local Expert Says:

Have tea in the park, watch the fish breeze through their tanks at the Aquarium, and smell the salty air as you walk around the Seawall.

Description:

Located in Downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park offers a green oasis to city dwellers, stretching over 1,000 acres of land. Lord Stanley of Preston opened the park in 1888; at the time it was a haven for gathering various material and food. Today, Stanley Park is home to half a million trees, the Vancouver Aquarium, the Malkin Bowl, carved totem poles, monuments, beaches, a lighthouse, and plenty of trails to take in the fresh air. If hiking through forests isn't your thing, take advantage of the Seawall where you can run, walk, cycle or rollerblade the 5.5 miles around Stanley Park. Once you have worked up an appetite, stop and grab a cold drink and delicious bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in Stanley Park.

Description:

A walk through Stanley Park guarantees getting acquainted with nature in just three hours. Rough it out on trails, drink in the pure forest atmosphere, study the diverse flora and fauna, and learn about the various trees in the park. The park guide is informative, so save all your nature queries for him.

Our Local Expert Says:

The quintessential Vancouver experience.

Description:

Stretching 5.5-miles (8.8km) around Stanley Park, this lovely jaunt is perfect on a sunny day to bike, walk, run and blade around. There are ideal spots to stop for a rest, or enjoy a packed picnic and you can choose your view of the North Shore or the vast Pacific Ocean and choose weather you would like to sit on grass, a picnic table or a sandy beach. There's also a few beaches and a water park along the way, so pack your bathing suit and enjoy the cool waters on a hot summer day. There are set paths for specific directions and different lanes for those walking or biking, so make sure to be in the correct lane and avoid getting in the way of oncoming traffic.

Description:

This large concrete building in the downtown core is a prime and popular watering hole for young locals. The food at Subeez is creative West Coast cuisine with international flavors and fusions thrown into the mix. The spicy fries are notable. There is an extensive wine and beer menu, with several prime local brews on tap. Special musical nights and DJ events will rock your world. Along with the young staff's carefree attitude, art installments line the high gray walls, and massive, dripping candles establish the industrial-tinged eatery as a hip and funky place to be. Check website for more details.

Description:

This restaurant's award-winning, Pacific Ocean-inspired creations impress critics, gourmands and newbie visitors alike. It also has one of the most spectacular views in the city. Its hip, spare, neutral decor features a two-storey glass window that gives every diner magnificent views. Among the delicacies offered are a variety of caviars, and fresh oysters at the raw bar with wasabi-infused salmon caviar or Caspian caviar, crème fraiche and gold leaf. Roasted Dungeness Crab Stuffed Turbot is among the entree selections.

Description:

Vancouver's premier all-suite hotel was built in 1969 and renovated into a modern and eclectic destination in 1996. The hotel's unique style and special features has made it popular with the many movie production crews that visit the city, and its Robson Street location puts you right where the action is. Rooms are spacious, with most sporting fantastic views from windows that open to let in the mountain air. The bright yellow and apple-green walls and light wood furnishings offer a relaxing contemporary respite. Double-line dataports, work space and coffee makers with Starbucks coffee are included.

Description:

Serious plant lovers will love the University of British Columbia. The prime attraction on campus, besides the must-see Museum of Anthropology, is the 28-hectare (69-acre) UBC Botanical Garden, home to more than 10,000 species of trees, shrubs, and flowers grouped into a B.C. native garden, a physic (or medicinal) garden, a food garden, and several others. You can also peruse the excellent plant and seed store ( Note: You can't bring plants in soil across the U.S. border, or back into most countries, including the U.K.). Give yourself at least an hour if you want to explore this garden; an audio guide is available for C$2 (£1). The garden is free from mid-October to mid-March.

Description:

This lush park covers over 763 hectare (1885 acre) across the expanse of Point Grey, and is adjoining the University of British Columbia. It is popular with hikers and bikers. There are approximately 35 kilometers (22 mile) of trails used by bikers and horseback riders, and a further 18 kilometers (11 mile) for hiking only. Walkers and joggers enjoy the Sword Fern Trail that runs the length of the park. The best spot to enter is on 16th Avenue, west of Blanca Street. Admission is free and parking is available.

Description:

Professor Kannosuke Mori created this place in memory of Dr. Inazo Nitobe (1861-1933), an esteemed educator in Canada. The UBC garden opened in 1960, and was designed using the principles of Zen and Shintoism. Visitors leisurely stroll its curving paths counter-clockwise, as the garden progresses from beginning to growth and change to an ending. Japanese maples, flowering cherry, azaleas, irises and a reflective pond filled with Japanese koi provide color all year-round. Admissions by donation. Opening hours vary seasonally.

Description:

One of the most popular eateries in Vancouver, the décor of Salt Tasting Room welcomes you with local European furniture. However, the restaurant does not have a conventional kitchen. Instead the place serves a wide variety of cheese, cured meats and condiments. Unlike traditional restaurants, patrons here assemble their plates with goodies listed on a chalk board. The menu changes daily; you can choose from a wide array of meat, exclusive cheese sandwiches, home-made soups, salads, wines and dessert.

Description:

Founded in 2003 by local Chris Winter, Big Mountain caters to soul inspiring mountain bike tours. For those coming to British Columbia and wanting the the most talented guides and in-roads to some of the best mountain biking in the world, give these folks a call. Sometimes its best to hear it straight from the source. So here is what Big Mountain has to say about themselves: "At Big Mountain, our goal is to provide an experience of a lifetime for our participants. We're talking about one of those experiences that borders on life altering, or a least an experience that makes you feel so alive that you howl out loud with happiness. How do we aim to achieve this lofty target? Good question. Our trips are a carefully organized symphony of details with that goal in mind; some details are small and barely noticeable while others are in plain sight, right under your tires. Our mountain bike trips are unparalleled; melding the very best singletrack, unique cultural experiences, professional leaders in a flawlessly organized small-group adventure. We aim to take your riding to another level, have fun and experience the local culture. Our mountain biking roots run deep and our passion to innovate... read more

Description:

Located in the main lobby of the upscale Listel Vancouver, this restaurant and bar reflects the refined atmosphere set by the hotel. For more than three decades, the award-winning eatery has been a favourite among Vancouverites and visitors. It attracts executive travellers, young professionals and hungry suburbanites. The room is detailed with elaborate sculptures and intricate hanging light fixtures. There is a fully stocked 68-foot mahogany bar. The cuisine is a fusion of modern West Coast and traditional European. The oven-roasted duck breast with wild rice mushroom sauté and wild berry cassis jus is a typical entrée.

Description:

Vancouver's premier all-suite hotel was built in 1969 and renovated into a modern and eclectic destination in 1996. The hotel's unique style and special features has made it popular with the many movie production crews that visit the city, and its Robson Street location puts you right where the action is. Rooms are spacious, with most sporting fantastic views from windows that open to let in the mountain air. The bright yellow and apple-green walls and light wood furnishings offer a relaxing contemporary respite. Double-line dataports, work space and coffee makers with Starbucks coffee are included.