Celebrate the Season in Vancouver

Santa Drops into town early during the Santa Claus Parade, Sunday, December 6
Santa Claus will make an early stop in Vancouver when the Rogers Santa Claus Parade marches through the centre of downtown (along Georgia and Howe streets).

Bright Nights in Stanley Park, Nov 27 to Jan 2
Nights of magic and illumination await visitors in the middle of Stanley Park. The Stanley Park holiday train has been a Christmas tradition for over 20 years with more than a million sparkling lights transforming the forest, train and children’s farmyard.

Karaoke Christmas Lights Trolley Tour, Dec 11, 12, 18 to 24
Looking for a way to combine karaoke, Christmas tunes and spectacular holiday lights? This unique journey heads through the streets of Vancouver to Stanley Park for “Bright Nights in Stanley Park” as well as Van Dusen Botanical Gardens for the “Festival of Lights”.

Carol Ships Parade of Lights, Dec 4 to 23
This annual Christmas tradition began 49 years ago with one boat decorated with Christmas lights in Coal Harbour. On peak evenings, this holiday tradition has grown to more than 50 decorated boats with over 100,000 twinkling lights and 30,000 singing voices.

Christmas at Canada Place, Dec 4 to 30
Christmas at Canada Place has been a Vancouver tradition for 22 years. Watch Canada Place’s iconic five white sails transform into a spectacular array of light, colour and animation.

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge, Dec 4 to Jan 2
Capilano Suspension Bridge invites guests to experience “Canyon Lights”. See the park lit up with over 250,000 twinkling lights and explore the forest and Treetops Adventure from an entirely new perspective.

Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum, Nov 21 to Jan 3
Experience a traditional Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum. The village (circa 1925) is decorated with lights and traditional ornaments. Visitors can meet Father Christmas, tour the historical buildings, and enjoy crafts, baking, carolers and more.

Holiday Events at the Vancouver Aquarium, Nov 27 to Jan 3
This holiday season, take your family to the Vancouver Aquarium to see Scuba Claus back for his annual dip in the Strait of Georgia exhibit, watch the The Polar Express film in 4-D, or sing along with local music duo Bobs & Lolo.

Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Gardens, Dec 11 to Jan 3
The central acres of VanDusen Botanical Garden are transformed into a holiday wonderland every Christmas. The festival delights young and old alike with seasonal displays and over one million sparkling lights wrapped around trees and trellises.

The Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain, Nov 28 to Dec 24
There is no better place to enjoy a white Christmas than on snow-covered Grouse Mountain, 3,700 feet above the lights of Vancouver. During the holiday season, Grouse Mountain comes alive with a multitude of festivities like sleigh rides, Santa and his live reindeer and skating.

Best of Vancity

EAT
Our Top 5 Restaurants of 2009

CinCin Ristorante + Bar
A winding stone staircase leads the way from bustling Robson Street to this celebrated Vancouver dining room. An ingredient-driven, seasonal focus sets the tone for Executive Chef Francois Gagnon’s menu with distinctive dishes embracing the sensibilities of Italy. Outstanding desserts and baked goods by chef patissier Thierry Busset, whom chef Gordon Ramsay recently called ‘the best in the world.’
Map & directions

Chambar
Awarded ‘Best New Restaurant’ in 2004, Chambar is the perfect balance of fine dining without the formalities; the food is exceptional, with a commitment to fresh seasonal produce, Belgian themed with North African influence. Chambar – an unpretentious fling with fine dining.
Map & directions

Quattro on Fourth
Opened to critical acclaim. It scored two prestigious Vancouver Magazine Critics Choice Awards for Best New Restaurant and the coveted Restaurant of the Year. It offers large round tables for gathering as well as secluded nooks for quiet romantic evenings. During summer months, the lush garden patio is a Vancouver favorite.
Map & directions

db Bistro Moderne
The magnificent cuisine of Vancouver’s most exciting new urban restaurant is in the hands of acclaimed Chef-Proprietor Daniel Boulud and Chef de Cuisine Stephane Istel. Set in a casual and contemporary atmosphere, db Bistro promises dining that is as easy-going and welcoming as it is delicious.

Simply Thai
Superb, authentic Thai food. Open kitchen and excellent service. Simply Thai is one of the best Thai Restaurants in Vancouver. Owner/Chef Siriwan Rerksuttisiridach, Bangkok born and raised, apprenticed under Penpan Sittitrai, teacher of Royal Thai Chefs for the Royal Family of Thailand.
Map & directions

DO

Bike, Walk or Roll Around the Seawall
It doesn’t matter how you get around the Seawall, what matters is that you do it! Whether you bike, walk, run or rollerblade, a day spent under bluebird skies drinking in the amazing mountain and ocean vistas offered by this famed piece of urban infrastructure is a day beyond compare. You can rent bikes and rollerblades from numerous shops on Denman St. near Georgia.

Unfortunately, this is one of the more popular choices for anyone looking to capitalize on a nice, sunny days. The Seawall is long and wide, but it still gets mighty busy. Try it early in the morning or just accept the slower pace and enjoy it all with the crowd.

GRAVILLE ISLAND
Granville island is a magical place and a must see for any visitor to Vancouver. It is considered to be part of downtown Vancouver, along with areas such as Gastown, Chinatown, West End, Stanley Park, Canada Place and Robson Street. All are within a mile of the corners of Georgia and Granville streets the centre of the downtown core of Vancouver.

For more information check out:
www.granvilleisland.com

Granville Island Brewing
Tours of Canada’s first modern microbrewery last about a half hour and include a souvenir glass and a taste of four brews. Kids are welcome; they get a taste of root beer. COST: C$8.75. July and Aug., Sun.-Wed. 10-7, Thurs.-Sat. 10-8; Sept.-June, daily 10-7; call for tour times.
www.gib.ca/

Grouse Mountain
Just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, this rugged mountain attracts locals and tourists alike. During the summer, visitors enjoy hiking and mountain biking. In winter, there’s skiing, snow boarding and sleigh rides. The Mountain also features a refuge for endangered wildlife.
www.grousemountain.com/