Romantic Vancouver and Victoria

Vancouver is the largest city in Western Canada and third largest in the country overall. Located at the southwestern corner of the coastal province of British Columbia, it is well known for its majestic natural beauty, as it is nestled between the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. It is frequently ranked as one of the “best cities to live in” and is certainly a beautiful destination to visit. Vancouver will be the host of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Must see attractions include the world-class Vancouver Aquarium and the 136-meter long Capilano Suspension Bridge across the Capilano River. In addition to the bridge, the river also boasts a large park, rainforest eco-tours and North America’s largest private collection of First Nations story poles. Grouse Mountain is also worth exploring. Hike 2.9 kilometers to the peak on the Grouse Grind trail. If you’re not up for the hike you can also catch the Skyride tram to the top to enjoy breathtaking views.

Take a full day to explore this shopping and entertainment favourite, a destination on everyone's "best of" list. The island is five minutes from Downtown and has the famous Emily Carr College of Art, shops, restaurants, theatres, galleries, sculpture, performance art, history and the Kids' Market. There is also a water park and sea kayak rental, canoes and other water sports. Sample excellent microbrews at the Granville Island Brewery. At the quiet end of the island, the large Granville Island Hotel awaits guests.

This was where the original German community in Vancouver shopped. Robsonstrasse, as it was formerly known, was lined with delis, bakeries and restaurants. Today, it's one of the city's most fashionable shopping streets: Alfred Sung, Salvatore Ferragamo, Chanel, Rodier Paris and Stephane de Raucourt are just some of the big names in this urban shopping destination. Options for grabbing a bite abound. Find everything from Schnitzel to Sushi along this bustling thoroughfare. It is also cruising central in the summertime, with cars and sidewalks filled with people enjoying the warm summer air.

Looking for impeccable service, an atmosphere of quiet minimalism and a reputation as one of the nation's favorite restaurant? This is it. The quiet spot offers sophisticated French cuisine, made with fresh ingredients by young and inspired chef/owner Rob Feenie. The tables d'hôte are the way to go. The Seafood Menu includes the chef's signature dish: Sake and Maple Syrup Marinated Sablefish, served with potatoes and leeks, Shimiji mushrooms and a soy and Hijiki broth. The Chef's Tasting Menu includes an imaginative Pear and Rosemary Sorbet, with an accompanying flight of six wines.

The Sutton Place Hotel is a luxury property located a block from Robson Street and approximately eight miles from Vancouver International Airport.Guests may enjoy the onsite Le Spa Fitness Center featuring an indoor pool, outdoor sundeck, a Jacuzzi, women's sauna, men's steam room, an exercise room, full aesthetic services, and massage, reflexology, and skin and body treatments. The spa also features dressing facilities with complimentary bathrobes, towels, and amenities; a boutique; and a spa menu of health-conscious drinks, snacks, and entrees. Dining is available at the Fleuri Restaurant, led by Chef Michael Deutsch, serving a French continental menu. The Gerard Lounge is available onsite for drinks and light fare in a cozy setting.Guest rooms feature minibars, dual-line telephones, voicemail, dataports, bathrobes, umbrellas, climate control, cable TV, alarm clock radios, hairdryers, safes, high-speed Internet access, and Web TV.

Known as the second largest in North America, Vancouver's Chinatown is a colourful area filled with exotic wonders. The profusion of markets and stores sells everything from star fruit, gai lan, ginseng, herbal medicine and tea sets to hand carved chopsticks, rice paper pads and Buddha figurines. It's a very inexpensive place to shop for gifts and groceries. Pender Street, between Carral and Main, has shops selling curios, clothing, herbs and house wares. There's also an open-air market that runs till late night during the summer weekends.

This is the only full-sized classical Chinese garden outside of China. It employs the ancient techniques of the Ming Dynasty, condensing the serenity of the mountain, streams, valleys and hills into an urban sanctuary. Every niche and arch of the garden is meticulously laid out. Each plant, rock and piece of architecture is selected for its symbolic meaning and mood. The Chinese lettering at the entrance reads 'Garden of Ease'.

Although it's safe, you will want to grip the rope as you step out on to the creaky wooden planks of this bridge, which provides a look down at the glorious Capilano River raging 230 feet below. This popular attraction, the city's oldest, isn't recommended for those who fear heights. Ten minutes from downtown, the attraction includes a restaurant, Trading Post gift shop, a Native Carving Centre and guided tours.

This part of downtown got its name from saloon owner 'Gassy Jack' Deighton, who was a rather chatty fellow. In case anyone doubts the true root of the area's title, there is a large statue of this historical figure on Water Street. Cobblestone streets and original architecture, shops, restaurants and bars fill the area. Popular Historic Walking Tours are given free every day from mid-June to the end of August. Highlights include The Landing, Hill's Native Art, Deluxe Junk Co., Salmagundi West, Sonar, and the Irish Heather Bistro.

The most remarkable thing about this Japanese restaurant is that people have been known to make pilgrimages from far corners of the globe to savor its offerings. Vancouver is known for its sushi obsession, and this particular purveyor is internationally renowned. Make reservations for the bar and watch the artist Tojo at work. The Omakase, or Chef's Arrangement, is a popular option. The restaurant's original creations include the Great Canadian Roll (Atlantic lobster and asparagus with smoked Pacific salmon).

The Sutton Place Hotel is a luxury property located a block from Robson Street and approximately eight miles from Vancouver International Airport.Guests may enjoy the onsite Le Spa Fitness Center featuring an indoor pool, outdoor sundeck, a Jacuzzi, women's sauna, men's steam room, an exercise room, full aesthetic services, and massage, reflexology, and skin and body treatments. The spa also features dressing facilities with complimentary bathrobes, towels, and amenities; a boutique; and a spa menu of health-conscious drinks, snacks, and entrees. Dining is available at the Fleuri Restaurant, led by Chef Michael Deutsch, serving a French continental menu. The Gerard Lounge is available onsite for drinks and light fare in a cozy setting.Guest rooms feature minibars, dual-line telephones, voicemail, dataports, bathrobes, umbrellas, climate control, cable TV, alarm clock radios, hairdryers, safes, high-speed Internet access, and Web TV.

One of the top tourist destinations in the country, this quaint historical city is the most popular weekend and day trip from Vancouver. This picturesque capital city is 90 minutes by ferry from Vancouver. Visitors tread cobblestone streets, watch hanging baskets sway, and listen to the clip-clop of horse drawn carriages. Among the most popular attractions in and around Victoria are the Royal London Wax Museum, Empress Hotel, Miniature World, Crystal and Butchart Gardens, a replica of Anne Hathaway's thatch roof cottage and Craigdarroch Castle. See B.C. Ferries for more travel information.

Rising regally on the banks of Victoria's Inner Harbour and representing the center of the local community, The Fairmont Empress has been completely restored to her turn-of-the-century beauty. The Resort is located in the heart of Victoria only blocks away from Old Town, the Royal British Museum, and seaside restaurants and shops. Each of the 460 guest rooms are unique in design and elegantly-appointed. Different rooms offer magnificent views of the city, courtyard or gardens, or a spectacular view of Victoria's Inner Harbour. With its traditional decor, the hotel has a variety of suite and guest room sizes and categories. Guests can take advantage of the indoor swimming pool and spa facilities. Guests are encouraged to enjoy afternoon tea, brunch, or dinner in the Bengal Lounge or Empress Room restaurants.