Vancouver Editor Picks

Formerly the Mandarin Oriental (in ’88 the property changed hands), the Metropolitan has been thoroughly Feng Shui’d, creating an ambience of complete calm and relaxation – a welcome respite from the traffic outside on Howe. The 197-room hotel is also home to Diva, one of Vancouver’s top restaurants, and first-rate, on-premise squash courts. The rooms exude understated elegance and feature contemporary décor with marble washrooms, glass showers and deep soaker tubs. Many have Juliet balconies from which to observe the bustling city.

Vancouver’s grande dame has been holding court from the heart of downtown since 1939. Covering the bulk of a city block, this august address offers old school elegance and luxury in its 556 rooms, as well as the opulent Griffins Restaurant, the sleek 900 West Lounge, the decadent Absolute Spa and Gucci and Louis Vuitton stores. Strut about its generous 400-square-foot rooms and enjoy views out over the city. While old world elegance may reign, the hotel is no slouch when it comes to high tech amenities – all rooms come equipped with high-speed internet and HD flatscreen TVs.

Adored by locals, Stanley Park covers 1,000 acres of Vancouver’s downtown peninsula. Trails, totem poles, pebbly beaches, an open-air pool, teahouses, and snack shacks account for its draw.

One of the city’s top wine and martini bars. Jazz accompanies complimentary hors d’oeuvres on weekday evenings.

AKA Granville Rise, this has been a prime shopping strip since the ’20s. The motto “ten blocks beyond ordinary” summarizes contemporary art galleries, French ceramics, designer linens, Kiehl’s skin-care products, must-have footwear and more.

Host slopes for 2010’s Winter Olympics, Whistler boasts some of North America’s top powder. Hop on skis, snowshoes, a snowboard or Skidoo in winter. Run, bike, or Ziptrek through the trees in summer.

Thrillingly unpredictable combinations blend into perfection on West’s innovative menu, and...more

Lolita’s was a hit, right out of the box, when it opened on the edge of the city’s Gay...more

This beautiful Chinese garden offers a restorative escape from Vancouver’s historic, if somewhat down-at-heel, Chinatown. Constructed without the use of power tools, the authentic gem is divided in two; one half offers free admission, while the other, quieter half, charges $10 and offers more opportunities for solo reflection. Both sides provide a pleasant spot to while away a sunny afternoon.

Winter sports enthusiasts can ski, snowboard, toboggan, or hurtle down the slopes in a snow tube at Enquist Snow Tube Park at this mountain on the city’s fringe. Ideal for beginners, visitors to Seymour can also go on dogsled and snowshoe tours that run from December till May each year.