Lipstick Lifestyle

Renowned for its scenic beauty and endless opportunities for outdoor activities, Vancouver is also a cosmopolitan city boasting fine dining, museums, galleries, music and theatre, and of course, shopping. And despite what you may have heard – it does not always rain in Vancouver.

SLEEP
At the very heart of the city is The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, lovingly referred to as the “Grand Lady.” This four-diamond property offers elegant guestrooms and suites, three restaurants, a full service day spa, state-of-the-art health club and indoor pool.

One of Vancouver’s funkiest areas, Yaletown, is the home of the Opus Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel with a stylish and intimate environment. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself rubbing shoulders with actors and musicians during your stay.

Our budget best bet is the Best Western Downtown Vancouver with its convenient location and friendly service. You’re only steps away from all the action.

EAT
Sophie’s Cosmic Café is a local favourite for weekend brunch. Chic grocery store Urban Fare has their own little spot that is perfect for enjoying a latte or a bite to eat.

Yaletown offers several of the city’s best and liveliest restaurants: Glowbal Grill, Blue Water Café and Cioppino’s. So.Cial at Le Magasin is a full service restaurant featuring delicious seasonal menus that offer locally grown, organic ingredients wherever possible.

After your shopping excursion at Tiffany’s, pop next door for an upscale Italian dining experience at The Italian Kitchen.

Vancouver is known for its top-notch ethnic restaurants – choose from the Red Room (Asian), Tojo’s (Japanese) and Vij’s (Indian). The best martinis in town can be found at Delilah’s or stop by Brix to sip on a glass of wine.

SHOP
and Find clothes and lingerie shopping at these swanky Yaletown boutiques: Basquiat, Vasanji, Lola, Eden and Atomic Model.

For a selective mix of contemporary home décor check out Inform Interiors, Entrenous Interiors, Design House and Koolhaus.

The recently renovated Holt Renfrew store is a must see. Spread over three stunning levels, nearly all of the store’s square footage is devoted to high-end designer gear for men and women, shoes and accessories, an amazing cosmetics area and a full service spa.

What shopping trip would be complete without experiencing the U.K.’s Agent Provocateur store on Alberni Street? The lavish Vancouver store features an antique four-poster bed, charming birdcages and enticing live window displays.

SEE
There are so many places to see in Vancouver. We recommend that you tour some of the neighbourhoods to get a real sense of what Vancouver is all about.

Gastown is Vancouver’s most historic neighbourhood with its cobbled streets, gorgeous heritage buildings, the steam clock and of course the Gassy Jack statue, named after John Deighton, a talkative Yorkshire-born saloon owner nicknamed “Gassy Jack.” Gastown is a refreshing mix of old and new, down-home and upscale, a place for tourists, Vancouver residents and office workers alike.

Vancouver hosts North America’s third-largest Chinatown. More than 60 per cent of its residents list Cantonese or Mandarin as their mother tongue, which explains why all the street signs here are bilingual. For visitors, soaking up the scents and sounds, lunching at one of the many traditional dim sum houses, then seeking tranquility at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is an ideal day out.

Kitsilano, overlooking the classic Vancouver skyline of the sea, Stanley Park, the North Shore Mountains, and home to the much-loved Kits Beach and Vanier Park, is a friendly neighbourhood with a laid-back vibe. West 4th Avenue is a shopping haven with over 300 shops and restaurants to explore. And while you are in the Kits area, make sure you stop at The Public Market at Granville Island, which is Vancouver’s hub of epicurean delight. It is a great source of local produce, homemade products and unusual ingredients for exotic recipes.

SPA
After all the shopping and sightseeing you will have done, you’ll want to relax and be pampered a little. The Absolute Spa at the Century is the winner of 35 awards and where celebs go to indulge when they are in town. After your treatment, feast on a complimentary Absolute Spa signature salad. Our recommendation: a mani/pedi.

Beverly’s Spa on 4th has been providing quality treatments to local residents since 1982 in their three-storey boutique-style day spa. Our recommendation: a facial.

The Vida Wellness Spa at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre has been designed to physically embody the principles of wellness and balance. Our recommendation: a massage.

There is so much to see and do in Vancouver that we aren’t able to cover it all. For more information visit www.tourismvancouver.com.

Photo credits: Tourism Vancouver / Colin Jewall