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Vancouver, British Columbia, is one of the grooviest cities I’ve ever visited. It has a bohemian, creative, chic-vibe similar to San Francisco with a dash more international flavor. Granted, I’m basing this on only visiting twice plus a visit to nearby Victoria, but it’s a destination I hope to visit again.
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My visit to Victoria was somewhat spontaneous because the Icelandic volcano in 2010 changed my 40th birthday plans. Rather than jet-setting off to Europe with BFF ZeldaMae, we ended up in the Pacific Northwest including a stop in Victoria. If you ever find yourself there, be sure to have breakfast at the Blue Fox Cafe. Yum! Yum!
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Where to Eat in Vancouver
As for Vancouver, in addition to amazing sushi restaurants find a Japadog cart and eat one with a sprinkling of seaweed. The city also has a flourishing food cart scene and I had the opportunity to taste Feastro last summer. I tapped my inner-vegetarian with a fabulously delicious lunch at Brixton Cafe. (212 E Georgia Street)
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Where to Play in Vancouver
What to do? A must is a visit to Granville Island, a public market and foodie’s paradise with fresh seafood, baked goods and everything else delicious to the eyes and stomach. Gastown is touristy but a must, it’s the city’s first downtown area named after “Gassy” Jack Deighton, a steamboat captain and barkeeper. If you’re feeling adventurous, walk over to Chinatown. Since you’re there, see the Olympic Caldron. (And that’s the short list of things to do.)
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I explored a little historical gem, the Vancouver Police Museum. Having no personal connection to the city, I found the collection fascinating including the old morgue! I also paddled in a very large canoe with Takaya Tours to learn about the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation.
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Watch Your Cellphone Data Usage!
Of course, if you’re not on a Canadian cellphone plan, talk to your carrier before visiting. During my weekend trip last year, I racked up a $700+ phone bill. Thankfully AT&T worked with me and changed my plan so I didn’t have to pay that.
Have you been to Vancouver and/or Victoria? Did you love it?
This post is part of the 2012 Blogging from A to Z Challenge. Check back daily for a different letter!
Lived in Victoria for nearly a year in the late 1990’s – a very pretty place for newly wed and nearly dead, what the Victorians called it. Vancouver is my number 2 city in the world. Stunningly beautiful and so much to do. Going back in July to both. Thanks for giving me something to check out.
Ooh, I always wanted to see Vancouver. Nice post!