Hollywood North
Vancouver, British Columbia ranks among North America’s busiest film production sites, hence its ‘Hollywood North’ moniker. Samantha Lim goes starry-eyed from its sights and sounds
PARK THAT THOUGHT
Surrounded by water and sprawled out across 4.049 square kilometres, Stanley Park is enchanting, especially during the change of seasons. Fun fact: the innumerable grey squirrels seen scampering around the park today are the offspring of a few pairs of breeding squirrels gifted by the Mayor of New York in 1909. Another place where you can fill your lungs with fresh air is the Vandusen Botanical Gardens with its immaculately manicured Elizabethan Maze and Korean Pavilion, a present from the Korean government in 1986.
SUN’S OUT, BUMS OUT
Clothing is optional at Wreck Beach, Canada’s one and only public naturist beach, so don’t be alarmed to see people baring it all in their birthday suits. While there is no pressure to drop your pants, please be polite and do not gawk at, or photograph others. The beach itself is a beauty with a fir forest close by and eagles and seagulls circling in the blue sky.
WINING & DINING
Offering much, much more than maple syrup, Canada is a melting pot of cultures, and nowhere else is this as apparent than in Vancouver. Splash across the False Creek Inlet via Aquabus to sample pickings of local fare at the farmer’s market on Granville Island, open seven days a week.
Also make advance reservations for Bauhaus, arguably Vancouver’s best fine dining restaurant. Owned by film director Uwe Boll and housed in the historic Boulder Hotel built in 1890, the contemporary German restaurant has a wine list that would make most oenophiles weep tears of joy.
CULTURE VULTURE
Erected in place of a provincial courthouse, the Vancouver Art Gallery is home to some 11,000 artworks, not including travelling exhibitions. Get familiarised with Canada’s finest artists such as Emily Carr and the Group of Seven.
BARGAINS GALORE
A bonanza for fans of premium brands, Mcarthurglen Designer Outlets sees slashed prices for the likes of Coach, Brooks Brothers Factory, Club Monaco, Hugo Boss, Ted Baker and more. Parked just five minutes away from Vancouver International Airport, the outlet’s prime location makes it easy to haul your spoils back home.
NIGHT OWLS
A deep thirst for craft beer is the only justification you’ll need to visit Alibi Room, which carries a wide breadth of hoppy beverages. Next, stumble over to Guilt & Co to watch some saucy cabaret, a blues band or spontaneous swing dancing. Both venues are parked in historic Gastown.