Pinching Pennies in Vancouver 3 days

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Description:

Located directly in the city centre on Robson Street, Hampton Inn Downtown Vancouver Hotel offers easy access to nearly every city attraction and amenity. High-end shops, theatres and waterfront views make it many travelers favourite stay. It is decorated in a natural motif-style with clean lines and simple modern design.

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Description:

Chinatown's secrets are revealed in this 75-minute stroll around the streets of this old and still growing Asian community. The tour, led by the Chinese Cultural Centre Museum and Archive, lets you discover history, view Taoist temples and browse herbal medicine boutiques and curio shops. More than a century of Chinese culture, customs and traditions, however, cannot be covered in a short promenade. So a slideshow presentation on the history of Chinese Canadians, interactive classes on Chinese humanities and tasty dim sum meals can also be organized. Group rates available

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Our Local Expert Says:

The Irish Heather’s location in Gastown makes it a perfect spot to end a day of site seeing, or grab a bite of lunch during the day. You can always be sure that a good crowd of people will be at The Irish Heather on any given night. The extensive whiskey list, music and charming servers make the experience one to repeat over and over.

Description:

The Irish Heather is known for its extensive whiskey menu, but the food is not to be ignored. It's unlike your typical pub. Its modern design with old world charm creates a lovely atmosphere to enjoy a few pints and dinner. It's not uncommon to hear live music coming from a fiddler a few tables down. The Curry Chips flavorful and perfect for sharing. If you're feeling like something traditional, go for the Heather Pot Pie - you won't regret it. The Irish Heather is huddled in Gastown, so it's great to stop in for a bite to lunch during a day of shopping, or make a night of it!

Our Local Expert Says:

Treat yourself to one of Vancouver’s hidden gems and learn about the city’s dark past.

Description:

Dive into the underbelly of Vancouver's crime history at the Vancouver Police Museum, Canada's only museum of its kind. While at the museum you can learn about previous policing methods and check out the equipment and vehicles they used to use. The Vancouver Police Museum houses around 20,000 items, documents, pictures and other materials that explain the Vancouver Police's past. While in the museum, inspect counterfeit money, browse the Firearms collection and take a peek at the confiscated weapons. If you're feeling adventurous, check out the Coroner's Forensic Exhibit, this used to be the city's morgue. Some say the museum is haunted, that's not surprising considering they have murder evidence hanging around. Whether you're going for an educational experience, or to haunt yourself silly, the Vancouver Police Museum is a great way to spend an afternoon.

Description:

You might be wary of a restaurant and bar whose motto is "piece of crap", but fear not. The twisted humor does not interfere with the delightful Mexican dishes served by enthusiastic staff. Whet your appetite on Madman's Perogies with fried bacon and onions before settling into the mouth-watering Ranchero Steak Fajitas. The liquor pleases as well: choose from an array of martinis, shots, beers and the like. No doubt the best house that crap built.

Description:

In 1888, the view from across the Burrard Inlet enticed wealthy buyers to purchase the undeveloped property, and for a few decades, the area catered to the elite. It has evolved into an eclectic fusion of architecture and residents. It lies along some of Vancouver's favourite beaches, is very close to both Robson's shopping corridor and Stanley Park, has boutiques and restaurants, and includes the largest gay community in Canada. Historical landmarks, including Barclay Heritage Square and the Roedde House Museum, are often used for movie and television filming locations.

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Our Local Expert Says:

Kits Beach is worth a visit for the younger crowd to enjoy beach sports or basketball. During the summer, this beach gets packed with all the good looking people. Great place to unwind, relax and take in the sights.

Description:

This is where the temple of the body is worshipped: in the height of Vancouver's summer, there are hordes of bikini-clad fitness addicts, testosterone-fueled displays and rollerblading madmen. With views of the North Shore mountains and downtown, this beach offers special amenities and activities. A large grassy area behind the beach has playgrounds, tennis courts, and more then enough room for several rounds of Frisbee and volleyball. The largest outdoor pool in the city is here, perfect when the water is too chilly. There are change rooms, showers, and concession stands.

Description:

Sanafir offers exotic tastes from around the world. The tapas menu showcases intense flavours, bright colours and beautifully presented dishes. Try the Ahi tuna Springroll or the Grilled Lamb chop with Honey scented Cream Cheese. The staff is highly trained and offers dining services second to none. Sanafir is the destination spot to try new flavours, meet new people and experience the most unique atmosphere in Vancouver.

Description:

This spot draws a diverse crowd seeking a lively escape. The Hellenic eatery expanded to support its continually growing clientele, but it is still packed at peak times. Richly painted walls, dark wood furniture and light fixtures set the stage for a loud and social meeting place. The environment is welcoming and the servers are outgoing. The portions, meanwhile, are large. The lamb and souvlaki platters overflow with roasted potatoes and rice, while the Greek salad is one of the city's best.

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Description:

Located directly in the city centre on Robson Street, Hampton Inn Downtown Vancouver Hotel offers easy access to nearly every city attraction and amenity. High-end shops, theatres and waterfront views make it many travelers favourite stay. It is decorated in a natural motif-style with clean lines and simple modern design.

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Description:

This hotel is a short 20 minute drive from downtown and close to all North Shore attractions including Grouse Mountain, Capilano Suspension Bridge, and Lynn Canyon Park.The rooms are comfortably furnished and some feature mini-fridges and microwave ovens. Each has a television with a 24-hour movie channel and unlimited free local calls. After a day of sightseeing or business meetings, guests can enjoy the heated outdoor pool.

Our Local Expert Says:

Bring your mom, dog, kids and friends to Ambleside Park. There's something for everyone and enough to keep your crew entertained for at least an afternoon in the sun.

Description:

Located in West Vancouver, Ambleside Park has it all, a view, lots to do and a great beach! Ambleside caters to all by offering a beach, fitness circuit and pitch 'n' putt. If you have your four-legged friend on vacation with you, there's even a dog path for your pooch. The view from Ambleside is pretty stellar; Stanley Park, Downtown Vancouver and The Lion's Gate Bridge are all in sight. It's not uncommon to see a cruise ship sailing its way out to the open waters as it makes its way up to Alaska. Bring a picnic or dine at the Beach House Restaurant, either way your tummy will be satiated.

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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 few blocks from GM Place, The Kettle is famed for seafood specialties ranging from Maine lobsters to Mahi Mahi. The fish is always fresh and the menu changes everyday, according to availability. Dinner is served in an outdoor area, where patrons savor sauteed squid, pan-seared scallops, clam chowder and the likes. Desserts include sticky toffee pudding, gelatos and seasonal fruit.