It also features a generous sampling
of antiques shops, dining destina-
tions, home decor stores and high-end
fashions by both local and international
designers. Browse the aisles at the
enormous Indigo bookstore, sip a
specialty latte, and take in a show at the
landmark Stanley Industrial Alliance
Stage. www.southgranville.org Map 1
SQUAMISH Often referred to as
the outdoor recreation capital of
Canada, this energetic community
offers mountain biking, kayaking, golf,
hiking, snowshoeing and more. Watch
experienced rock climbers scale the
second-largest granite monolith
(a single sheet of stone) in the world
at Stawamus Chief Provincial Park,
then ride the Sea to Sky Gondola for
spectacular views. Nearby Brackendale
is home to North America’s highest
concentration of bald eagles (Dec-Feb).
www.exploresquamish.com Map 2: B8
WEST END A dynamic mix of natural
beauty and nightlife, this neighbour-
hood is home to both Stanley Park—
named one of the best urban parks in
the world by Condé Nast Traveler—and
Davie Village, the hub of Vancouver’s
vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Grab
something delicious from a charming
cafe or restaurant on Denman Street
and watch the sun set over English Bay.
In the summer, enjoy outdoor movie
screenings, the Honda Celebration of
Light fireworks display and Vancouver
Pride Festival, the biggest in Western
Canada. www.westendbia.com Map 1
WEST VANCOUVER This upscale
neighbourhood offers world-class
shopping and an abundance of
stunning parks and beaches. Visit
Ambleside Park for panoramic views
of Vancouver and Stanley Park, gaze
up at enormous first-growth trees
in Lighthouse Park or shop till you
drop at Park Royal shopping centre,
with over 275 brand-name stores,
services and eateries. On the city’s
western edge, picturesque Horseshoe
Bay is a departure point for ferries
to Bowen Island, Vancouver Island
and the Sunshine Coast. www.
vancouversnorthshore.com Map 4
WHISTLER The official mountain venue
of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games is
known as one of the world’s best year-
round destination resorts. Ski or snow-
board at over 200 runs on Whistler and
Blackcomb mountains, or, during the
warmer months, go mountain biking
or take a swing at a world-class golf
course. Ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola—
the highest and longest lift of its kind
in the world—then savour the après
scene in the Village, which ranges from
patio beers to craft cocktails to dancing
the night away. www.whistler.com
Map 2: A8
YALETOWN This former industrial
area has undergone a renaissance to
epitomize urban cool. Keep company
with the city’s upwardly mobile at the
galleries, boutiques, spas and cafes
that thrive along these condo-lined
streets. With countless eateries and
trendy bars—and more patios than
anywhere else in the city—there’s
always something happening. Stop by
the Roundhouse Community Centre
for art, live performances and a taste
of Canadian railway history, or relax
at David Lam Park, one of the sites of
the TD Vancouver International Jazz
Festival. www.yaletowninfo.com Map 1
USEFUL INFORMATION
HOLIDAYS On the following dates,
businesses in BC may be closed or have
reduced hours.
Victoria Day: May 21, 2018
Canada Day: July 1, 2018
BC Day: Aug. 6, 2018
Labour Day: Sep. 3, 2018
Thanksgiving: Oct. 8, 2018
Remembrance Day: Nov. 11, 2018
Christmas Eve: Dec. 24, 2018
Christmas: Dec. 25, 2018
Boxing Day: Dec. 26, 2018
New Year’s Eve: Dec. 31, 2018
New Year’s Day: Jan. 1, 2019
Family Day: Feb. 18, 2019
Good Friday: Apr. 19, 2019
Easter Sunday: Apr. 21, 2019
Easter Monday: Apr. 22, 2019
TIPPING In Canada, tipping for
good service is customary in certain
situations.
Restaurant Server: 15% to 20% of the
total bill, before taxes. If you’re dining
with a group, the restaurant may add a
gratuity of 18% or more.
Bartender: 10% to 20% of the total bill,
before taxes.
Hairdresser/Aesthetician: 10% to 15%
of the total.
Parking Valet: $2 to $5.
Taxi/Limo Driver: 10% to 15% of fare.
Tour Guide: 10% to 15% of the total.
Concierge: At your discretion.
Porter: $1 to $2 per bag.
Housekeeper: $2 or more per day,
paid daily.
Hotel Doorman: $2 to $5.
where.ca
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