Vancouver/Whistler/Victoria, Canada

Eating out in Vancouver/Whistler/Victoria, Canada

Vancouver's restaurant scene has exploded in the past few years to offer world-class cuisine from every corner of the globe. Residents eat out more than those of any other Canadian city, and with time have become very demanding of quality and diversity. Fortunately, they also refuse to pay what New Yorkers dish out for the same tastebud-thrilling fare, so prices are quite reasonable. Among the best-kept secrets are hotel dining rooms, which provide excellent values. Tapas and West Coast cuisine are the rage of the moment, with local produce, game, and seafood forming the base of ever-changing recipes. Seasonal and even monthly menus give Vancouver chefs a freedom to experiment and vary their cooking, so repeat visits to the same restaurant can feel like the first time every time!.

Gourmet

Bishop's has repeatedly won the vote for Vancouver's Most Popular Restaurant and Best Food. This "oasis of excellence is..all that a classic..restaurant should be," rhapsodizes Zagat restaurant guide. Chef-Owner John Bishop personally escorts you to your table, introducing his extensive collection of fine wines. Loyalists claim his menu reaches "the height..of Pacific Northwest cuisine." Seasonal dishes include roast duck breast with sun-dried Okanagan Valley fruits and candied ginger glacé. Reservations essential. 2183 W Fourth Avenue.

Highly Recommended

Lumière chef Rob Feenie makes the "most exciting meals in Vancouver," say fans of this minimalist, cutting-edge French Fusion restaurant. Preparation and presentation are immaculately French, while ingredients are resolutely local, resulting in surprises roast venison medallions with kumquat and pineapple chutney. Lumière's seasonal tasting menu is one of the best in town. Reservations essential. 2551 W Broadway.

Local Flair

Liliget Feast House is a highlight of Native BC culture and Pacific Northwest cuisine. The design re-creates a longhouse diners fawn over the excellent food and courteous service. Wooden walkways cross pebble floors, contemporary native art decorates the walls, and sampler potlach platters are served on cedar tables with. Recipes include bannock bread, alder-grilled salmon, BBQ venison, and smoked mussels. 1724 Davie Street.

Romantic

At Il Giardino di Umberto, according to Zagat restaurant guide, if you can't "move in and marry the chef" take consolation with a "seductive summertime repast on the patio." Vine-draped and sun- or moon-splashed, romance comes easily here, and even more so on the private Juliet balcony with a table for two. The Tuscan menu features the likes of smoked salmon with orange, fennel, and leeks. Reservations essential. 1382 Hornby Street.

Going party in Vancouver/Whistler/Victoria, Canada

With a varied blend of live music and comedy, Vancouver clubs are more adventurous than those of most Canadian cities. From fly-by-night alternative dives in the Italian Quarter to renowned opera and symphony, there are countless places and ways to play under the stars. Summer nightlife often takes to the streets in West Coast fashion, with outdoor bars grabbing the spotlight. When the weather is particularly fine, the city treats residents and visitors to a wide range of music and theater festivals. The most comprehensive listings guide to all the goings-on is The Georgia Straight, a free weekly published on Thursday.

The Commodore

The winner of Vancouver Today's reader's choice award for "Best Place to Dance." Regulars who voted said it is "the best darn dance floor in Vancouver..lots of room, and an elegant atmosphere..love the bouncy dance floor!".

Queen Elizabeth Complex

Both the Queen Elizabeth Theatre and the Vancouver Playhouse are housed in this complex, which also hosts major national and touring musical/theater productions. The Vancouver Opera and Ballet British Columbia add to the impressive roster of resident companies.

Chameleon Urban Lounge

Celebrities like to hang out at this Felliniesque basement lounge, but everyone is welcome so don't be shy. The ceilings are high, the furniture is plush, and live jazz, funk, and salsa set the rhythm most evenings. The full martini menu is fitting for the ultra urban crowd that has included Jason Priestly and Christopher Walken.

Casino

The Great Canadian in Downtown, the Royal Diamond on Pacific Blvd, and the Chinatown Gateway gaming halls feature poker, blackjack and other card games, with a maximum $500 bet limit.

Theatre Under the Stars

Summer nights are the perfect time to delight in old-time favorite musicals like West Side Story performed outdoors. Bring a picnic and a sweater, and you'll have a great time!.

The Roxy

Voted Best Nightclub in the Vancouver Today reader's choice awards, there's always a good party going down and the staff is notably friendly. Dr Strangelove, the house band, is one of the best in town and though the music pumps out of an excellent sound system, it isn't out of control so you can actually talk to people without screaming at them.

Yuk Yuk Komedy Kabaret

Stand-up Canucks and Yanks stream in and out of the changing line-up of professional and, on open mike Wednesdays, amateur comedians. The house is fairly small, holding just 200 people, so pretty much every seat is a good one.

Common events in Vancouver/Whistler/Victoria, Canada

Polar Bear Swim

English Bay Beach is overrun with thousands of hardy citizens in elaborate costumes who show up to brave swimming the icy waters. January.

International Wine Festival

The latest vintages are featured at this major wine event. Each winery hosts a booth offering samples of as many varieties are you'd like to try. Cheese and paté hors d'oeuvres are also served. March.

Cloverdale Rodeo

Professional North American cowboys compete in roping, bull and bronco riding, barrel racing, and many other events. A country fair atmosphere prevails with great food and kids activities, including pony rides. May.

DuMaurier International Jazz Festival

Nearly a thousand international jazz and blues players perform at 25 venues from the Orpheum Theatre to the Roundhouse, many of which are free. June.

Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival

A tent overlooking English Bay may just be the best backdrop, next to the Bard's own Globe Theatre, where you will ever see Shakespeare's timeless plays performed. June.

Canada Day

The induction of new Canadian citizens begins this all-day celebration at Canada Pier Place. Outdoor music and dance performances are crowned with a 21-gun salute at noon and precision aerobatics teams performing overhead. A fireworks show on the harbor winds up the festivities. July.

Fringe Theatre Festival

Innovative and original shows by the hundreds, written and performed by international artists, are showcased at this event. Critics and audiences alike regard the festival as the best place to catch new theater. September.

International Film Festival

This highly respected film festival presents 250 new works, revivals, and retrospectives that represent cinematic artists from over 40 countries. Celebrities glitter at every event and even conduct some of the seminars and workshops. October.