Out of the goodness of her heart Jade, one of my recent contacts, stepped up to the plate and offered her 10 Do's and Don'ts on Vancouver…
Currently Jade is working on a site dedicated to sustainable food production and the promotion of local community gardens in an around town. You can keep up with her trials and tribulations via her Twitter page…
Do's and Don’ts in Vancouver:
1. Do embrace our weather and come equipped with an umbrella and wellies. On a rainy day, my favorite thing to do is walk along the seawall and take in the fresh salty air. Starting from English Bay, make your way into Stanley Park and be sure to stop by legendary Siwash Rock and the Pauline Johnson Memorial (hidden amongst the old growth trees) and finally make a splash at the Vancouver Aquarium.
2. Don’t go to Granville or Robson Street and expect a cultural experience. Instead, checkout historical Gastown & Chinatown, colourful Commercial Drive, eclectic Main Street or beautiful Kits Beach (below).
3. Do eat your heart out. Vancouver has exceptional cuisine. My Personal favourites include: Dinestry, Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie, Thai Son, Kintaro, Kadoya, Sushi Hiyori, Guu, Ma Dang Goul, Vij’s, Rangoli, Indian Oven, Sawasdee, La Buca, Phnom Penh, Ukrainian Village, Meat & Bread, Bin 941, Go Fish, Japa Dog, Red Onion, Rodney’s Oyster House, Alibi Room…to name a few.
4. Don't go to Yaletown. Ok well, do go, but only if you’re the type of person who enjoys paying $18 dollars for 2 teaspoons of crab while petting your purse dog. (see photo).
5. Don’t be stingy on the tips. For standard service, it’s customary to leave at least a 12% tip. For great service, anywhere from 15-20%+ is good.
6. Can’t decide on where to eat? Do take it from a local and read up on Miss Your Plane and Wandering Dumpling
7. If you are here for more than three days, do drive to Whistler. The sea-to-sky highway is pretty epic.
8. Do visit Granville Island Market Place but leave your car downtown. There is never any parking on Granville Island and the Aquabus ferry is a much more enjoyable way to get there.
9. Don’t forget to visit the Look Out for a view of the whole city. This 360 degree tour, from 553 feet high is pretty spectacular.
10. Do "ask a local" – Vancouverites love sharing their 2 cents, so don't be afraid to ask for directions or suggestions on places to go. Or, you’re too shy check out the Georgia Straight for local events. And despite what you hear at the airport, don’t expect any Vancouverite to speak fluent French. You’re more likely to run into someone who speaks mandarin than French here.
Bon Voyage!
Thanks Jade for turning on a dime and coming up with a great 10 Do's and Don'ts of Vancouver.
(* Photo of Granville Public Market courtesy of Inside Vancouver , all others courtesy of Jane…Check her Flickr photostream for more facets of Vancouver)