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Tourism Vancouver Interviews Cory Monteith, cast of hit TV show Glee

December 5, 2009 by Tourism Vancouver

Cory Monteith27 year-old actor Cory Monteith plays loveable football-playing songster, Finn Hudson, on the hit TV show Glee. Now a resident of Los Angeles, Monteith called Vancouver home for seven years before his recent catapult to fame. But the proud Canadian admits to loving Vancouver with a passion. “Any chance I get to talk about it, you really can’t shut me up,” says Monteith. “I spend as much time as I can there and [will definitely be] home for the holidays.” We asked Monteith to share his Van-city secrets…

When you think of Vancouver, what is the first thing that comes to mind?A big deep breath of completely clean, damp air.

What Vancouver neighbourhoods have you lived in and which are your favourites? Kitsilano, West End, Yaletown, Granville/Broadway… I love the West End. It’s a lot like Manhattan, actually! But friendlier and cleaner.

Finish the following sentence: Most people don’t know that Vancouver…
…is consistently rated in the top three cities in the world to live in.

What are your favourite Vancouver hangouts?
I love The Naam [restaurant], The Eatery [restaurant], Third Beach (I actually swim there), Caffè Artigiano (of course), and Subeez [restaurant] is a must.

What Vancouver food do you crave when you’re out of town?
Sushi. Great quality and dirt cheap! It leaves something to be desired here in LA.

What is your favourite live music venue in Vancouver? Any memorable experiences from that venue?
I once played a rock show to eight people at “The Columbia”.

What annual Vancouver festival or event do you try not to miss?
VIFF [Vancouver International Film Festival] is always a good time.

How do you like to spend a hot summer day in Vancouver?
Wreck Beach! Skim-boarding, naked.

How do you like to spend a cold winter day in Vancouver?
Snowboarding. I held a season’s pass to Cypress Mountain for several years… I’d go up in the morning, come down to audition or have meetings, and head up with friends again after dinner!

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The perfect gift book for Olympic visitors: John Lee’s Walking Vancouver

December 2, 2009 by Julie Ovenell-Carter

I’ve been enjoying Christina Wallaert’s Olympic Diary on this site and it occurred to me that she–and the gazillion other people who are planning to descend on Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Games–would do well to add local boy John Lee’s new book, Walking Vancouver, to their holiday wishlist.  Walking Vancouver, by Vancouver travel writer John Lee

John’s an internationally published travel writer–a transplanted Brit with a sharp eye, quick wit and good shoes.

His newest guidebook, subtitled “36 strolls to dynamic neighborhoods, hip hangouts, and spectacular waterfronts” covers plenty of ground in Metro Vancouver–all the way from the North Shore to New Westminster (and not forgetting the Downtown Eastside).

The maps and directions are clear and easy-to-follow, and for those who already know where they want to go, the index is comprehensive.

As a long-time Vancouverite with a penchant for pedestrian travel, I was delighted to find surprises in these pages: “back story” pullouts that explain the history of taken-for-granted landmarks and vistas, as well as wining, dining and shopping recommendations for each themed stroll.

(The chapter about pub-crawling through Gastown is alone worth the book’s price–a reasonable $19.95, by the way).

If you’ve got Olympic visitors in February, plan to leave this book on the bedside table in your guest room–after you’ve thumbed through it yourself of course.

Want to win a free copy of Walking Vancouver? I’m running a contest on my personal blog, www.theseboots.travel, until Dec. 13…

Posted in Olympics, Vancouverites, architecture, dining, family, things to do | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

My Olympic Diary: Building An Olympic Worthy Wardrobe

December 1, 2009 by Christina Wallaert

The rental condo is booked, the flights are paid for and I have more tickets to Olympic events than I ever imagined possible.  There is the unfortunate task of having to pay for everything but that is being dealt with.  Now that all those things have been taken care of, I can focus on the really important stuff like what the heck am I going to wear?  It’s the Olympic Games!  Having never been to an Olympics before I’m not really sure what the apparel etiquette is going to be.  It’s like I’m going in completely blind!  It’s an important job, cheering on my country; I want to make sure I do them proud. 

After much research, I decided to start with a red zip hoody from the Roots Canada Collection.   This decision caused massive panic a few months ago when I discovered this item was on sale and in short supply at Roots stores.  This Notashopaholic would not be deterred.  I raced out that day to claim my red hoody, my first acquisition of Canada paraphernalia.  It is now sitting comfortably in my closet just waiting for its debut at the Vancouver 2010 Games.  Since then Roots has debuted their new Canada Collection from which I picked up the Canada toque and a T-shirt. 

Forcing my brother to model his Canada toque.

In September, I made my way to my local Bay store to check out the official Vancouver 2010 gear.  I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by the Vancouver 2010 items the HBC crew came up with.  The collection includes a good variety of t-shirts, hoodys, accessories and outer wear in various colours and prints.  There are separate collections for Men, Women and Children as well as unisex items. 

 

My Mom and I. HBC Red Mittens and Canada Hoody.

I added the HBC Canada zip hoody in White to my growing Olympic wardrobe and seriously debated about getting Black.  Think I’ll hold off on that one for a bit.  Some accessories may be in store for me in the near future.  I had my mom pick up a pair of the red mittens.  At first I said I didn’t want them and then in true Christina fashion, I changed my mind.  I am the proud owner of a pair of these hard to find accessories and I will take them everywhere with me while in Vancouver.  The HBC collection is sold at Bay and Zellers stores across Canada, as well as online.  

Now that my Canada apparel is taken care of, I still need to figure out footwear, do fashionable waterproof shoes/boots exist?  I want to be ready for the Vancouver climate.  Outerwear is a big puzzle as well.  Will it be cold, will it be mild?  Does is actually rain as much as people say?  How warm do I need to dress?  This is a lot of work people.  See the stress an Olympics causes?  Anyone else would cave to the pressure, but not me.  I`ll be there decked out in full Canada red and white.  

Are you ready for me Vancouver? 

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A Perfect Day in Gastown

December 1, 2009 by Tourism Vancouver

The following post was contributed by Carrie Leung, Tourism Vancouver’s Client Manager for the Chicago, Midwest and Western US markets. Read about her perfect day in her favourite neighbourhood, Gastown.

One of the many things that make Vancouver unique are the diverse neighborhoods, perfect for sightseeing and shopping. Gastown, a unique neighborhood in the downtown core and the original city of Vancouver, is by far one of my favourites. I love wandering along the cobble stone streets that reflect a refreshing mix of old and new. To start my afternoon of re-discovering Gastown I drop into the Canadian Maple Delights Gourmet Bistro & Shoppe for a latte and maple sugar cookie. Yummy!

Along Water Street I pass by beautiful heritage buildings that now house galleries, designer furniture and clothing stores, cafes, and restaurants. Local designers who display their clothing at Dream, 212 and One of a Few are stores I always have to visit while in Gastown. At each quarter hour I can hear the faint chimes of the famous Gastown Steam Clock. Tourist – and locals alike – love to stand on the corner of Cambie and Water Street waiting to take a photo of the clock blowing its steam and to hear the magical chimes.

After an exciting day of window shopping and exploring I like to end the day hanging out with my friends at the Irish Heather, a casual local pub. With so many restaurants to choose from in the area it’s always difficult to decide, but two of my favourites are So.Cial At Le Magasin and Cobre Restaurant. So.Cial At Le Magasin features contemporary Canadian cuisine with a casual ambiance. Cobre Restaurant, an intimate restaurant that seats 90 people on two levels, blends flavors from all over South and Central American in their sharing tapas plates. My evening in Gastown wouldn’t be complete with out a stop at Salt Tasting Room, a dynamic wine and charcuterie venue.

Gastown is truly a one of a kind neighborhood that reminds me how much fun it is to spend time in my home town… Vancouver!

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Top 10 Vancouver Christmas & Holiday Events

December 1, 2009 by Dana Lynch

Rogers Santa Claus Parade

December is here!

What can I say? I unabashedly love December in Vancouver because I love the holiday season with the fervor of a five-year-old. I love everything about the winter holidays: the lights, the decorations, the music….I even like the thrill and hum of everyone rushing around, buying gifts and attending holiday parties, hurrying to get home.

Of course, I also adore Vancouver’s famous holiday events. There’s something so special about seeing families and friends together at the Stanley Park’s Bright Nights or the Nutcracker and knowing that this is a memory they’ll always treasure.

Holidays are made for making memories, and these Top 10 Vancouver Christmas & Holiday Events are the perfect way to do it.

Top 10 Vancouver Christmas & Holiday Events

1. Bright Nights in Stanley Park – November 27, 2009 – January 2, 2010
Ride the Stanley Park Miniature Train through a forest made magical with millions of twinkling lights.

Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain

2. The Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain – November 28 – December 24, 2009
Talk about a winter wonderland! Grouse Mountain’s seasonal event has outdoor ice-skating, sleigh rides, real reindeer, live choral music, Santa, and more.

3. Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – December 4, 2009 – January 2, 2010
The Capilano Suspension Bridge is already dramatic without adornment, so just imagine it covered in sparkling lights. Sound awesome? It is.

4. Rogers Santa Claus Parade – December 6, 2009
The holiday parade in Vancouver features Santa, Chinese dragons, dancers, 60 bands, loads of floats, and much more.

5. Christmas at Canada Place – December 6 – 31, 2009
An annual tradition for over 20 years, downtown Vancouver’s iconic Canada Place celebrates the holidays with free light shows on its sails. You can also have Breakfast with Santa on December 6 or December 12.

VanDusen's Festival of Lights

6. Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden – December 11, 2009 through January 3, 2010 (closed December 25)
Picturesque in any season, the lovely VanDusen Garden is transformed into a spectacular holiday tableau by millions of colourful lights.

7. Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker – December 17 – 20, 2009
Come on, how can it be Christmas without The Nutcracker? Even if you don’t like the ballet, you like this ballet. This year’s production features the National Ballet of Canada accompanied by the Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra.

8. Winter Solstice Lantern Festival - December 21, 2009
Celebrate one of the world’s oldest traditions by welcoming back the light after the longest night of the year. This annual festival happens at neighbourhoods around Vancouver; sites include Chinatown’s famed Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden.

9. Holiday Shows, Musicals & Music – Various Dates
Vancouver’s arts community gets in the Christmas spirit with the Arts Club Theatre’s White Christmas and It’s a Wonderful Life, Vancouver Chamber Choir’s A Baroque Christmas, and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s A Traditional Christmas.

10. Boxing Day Sales – December 26, 2009
If there is one holiday event in which almost everyone in Vancouver participates, it’s got to be Boxing Day. The biggest sale day of the year sees hoards of people packed into every mall in Metro Vancouver and all along Robson Street. The crowds are cumbersome, but the bargains are worth it!

What will you be doing this December?

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Discount Tickets to the Vancouver Opera for Under-30s

November 30, 2009 by Dana Lynch

Last week, I wrote about the opening of the Vancouver Opera’s 50th anniversary season and the amazing productions slated for 2009/2010—including Madama Butterfly and The Marriage of Figaro—but I didn’t mention the VO’s new discount program for people aged 18-30: Get O.U.T.

Get O.U.T. stands for Get Opera Under Thirty, and the goal is to get younger audience into VO shows. For each performance this season, the VO will set aside a certain number of $25 discount tickets for under-30s. Tickets are limited to two per customer, and you need to give a promotional code—which you’ll find on the VO Blog, VO’s Facebook and VO’s Twitter—to the VO ticketing centre to make your purchase.

Opera tickets for $25 are a phenomenal deal; take advantage! And keep in mind: Get O.U.T. isn’t just for students, it’s for anyone between 18-30!

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Rogers Santa Claus Parade December 6, 2009

November 29, 2009 by Dana Lynch

Santa Claus is coming to town—and jump-starting the holiday season—in the annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade this Sunday, December 6 at 1pm.

Rogers Santa Claus Parade in downtown Vancouver

The biggest holiday parade in Vancouver is back for its sixth year, bringing not just Santa but Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman, Chinese dragons, dancing Santa’s helpers, marching bagpipers, and more.

Rogers Santa Claus Parade

Rogers Santa Claus Parade

Making its way through the heart of downtown Vancouver, the parade starts at Georgia and Broughton, heads east on Georgia, turns south on Howe, then finishes at Howe and Davie. See the complete Parade Route Map here.

The Rogers Santa Claus Parade is extremely popular, attracting over 300,000 spectators, so be ready for crowds!

Rogers Santa Claus Parade tips:

  • Don’t drive; take the SkyTrain, bus or Canada Line. You will not be able to find parking. Use TransLink to plan your trip.
  • Go early if you have young children and need to be “in front” to see. People will begin to stake out spots as early as 10:30am.
  • Bundle up! It gets cold out there, and the farther along the parade route you are, the longer you’ll have to wait. (The whole parade is about an hour and a half.)

Have some more tips for first-time parade watchers? Know the best vantage points to get a good view? Please share your advice in the comments.

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Gastown Christmas ShopHop December 3

November 29, 2009 by Dana Lynch

It may surprise visitors to Vancouver that Gastown, the city’s oldest neighbourhood, boasts some of downtown’s most fashion-forward shops.

I love exploring Gastown’s boutiques (I love the ultra-modern furniture stores there, too), so I’m truly excited for their annual holiday shopping extravaganza, the Gastown Christmas ShopHop on Thursday, December 3.

During the one-day-only ShopHop, 20+ Gastown boutiques kick off the holiday shopping season with sales and deals on the season’s most stylish fashions, shoes and accessories for women and men.

Use the map on the Gastown blog to find your way around all 20 of this year’s participating retailers, which include local favourites Lloyd’s of Gastown, the Block, and dutil.denim.

The Gastown Christmas ShopHop runs from 5pm – 9pm, December 3, 2009.

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Go Fish Win 2009 Ocean Wise Seafood Chowder Chowdown

November 25, 2009 by Dana Lynch

Whistler Blackcomb's chowder station at the 2009 Ocean Wise Seafood Chowder Chowdown

My friends and I just got back from the sold-out 2009 Ocean Wise Seafood Chowder Chowdown at the Vancouver Aquarium. We’re absolutely swollen with chowder and beer, and we loved every minute.

I posted about the Chowder Chowdown last week: It’s a fabulous foodie event during which ten of Vancouver’s best chefs compete to make the most amazing seafood chowder imaginable. It also pairs beers from local brewerys with each chowder—so it’s a beer tasting, too—all while raising awareness about sustainable seafood.

And if that isn’t cool enough, it takes place at the Vancouver Aquarium at night, which is an evening venue like no other. I’d actually never been to a nighttime event at the Aquarium; it has a completely different feel from a typical visit. The fish and sea life take on an otherworldly quality at night, their beauty amplified into living art. It’s a fantastic backdrop.

Chowder-tasters enjoy a seat at by the Vancouver Aquarium's shark tank

Granville Island Brewery dispenses beer at the best spot: In front of the other-worldly jelly fish.

And the food! Personally, my favourite chowder was C Restaurant’s, which had a halibut base and a bit of sweetness. I also enjoyed the Refinery’s spicy entry (so thick with corn it was like a succotash/chowder hybrid), which came in second place at Judges’ Panel.

C Restaurant's halibut-based chowder at the 2009 Ocean Wise Seafood Chowder Chowdown

The People’s Choice winner for the night was the entry from O’Doul’s Restaurant . The night’s big winners—the 2009 BC Ocean Wise Seafood Chowder Champions—were the chefs from Go Fish, Chef Matt and Chef Andrew Christie. They accepted their award to huge applause and cheering, and their own exuberance and delight at winning made the evening.

Winners Chef Matt and Chef Andrew Christie of Go Fish, the BC Ocean Wise Seafood Chowder Champions 2009

This is just the second year for the Ocean Wise Seafood Chowder Chowdown, but given tonight’s incredible success, it seems sure to return next year. Yum!

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Crab Cakes with a Club Vibe: Lunch at Coast

November 25, 2009 by Remy Scalza

Eating out on a Tuesday afternoon isn’t usually the most dynamic dining experience.  In downtown Vancouver, midweek lunch tends to bring out the business types, texting with one hand and eating with the other.  In the air, there’s none of the anticipation of the evening or the energy of the weekend.  Throw in some dreary November weather, and it’s a recipe for eating at home.  

All of which makes Coast, a new seafood place in the heart of the downtown business district, a little unusual.  When I showed up at 12:30 Tuesday, the restaurant – all two floors – was full, with a line of people waiting inside for a table.  

At the big circular bar that dominates the bottom floor, diners were crowded elbow to elbow.  In the middle of the bar is a kind of seafood tower: a glowing column whose bottom tier is packed with ice and laden with crab, shrimp and lobster.  It’s a dramatic way to showcase the catch of the day, and it says a lot about Coast’s efforts to do seafood differently. 

I made my way past the bar and up to the second-floor balcony for a table overlooking the action downstairs.  The volume and the heat radiating from the crowd below takes a little adjusting to: It feels more Friday night than Tuesday afternoon.  

Coast’s focus is on locally caught seafood.  In fact, the menu spells out not just where your fish comes from but who caught it and aboard which ship.  There are some innovative items – temaki cones with tempura halibut, dungeness crab gnocchi – but the emphasis at Coast seems to be on letting the fish speak for themselves.  Dishes are patently unpretentious: fish and chips, oysters, huge shared platters of lobster, crabs and prawns.  There are few fancy sauces or elaborate confections to hide behind.  It’s a bold move, and one whose success hinges on sourcing super fresh fish.

I started with the octopus salad, big chunks of tender, marinated squid on a bed of greens.  Then, a classic: New England clam chowder, all fresh clams and smoked bacon.  Finally, after a side trip through Coast’s sushi menu, I finished with the dungeness crab cake.  The recipe seems to have cut out all the stuff that goes into the typical crab cake – the bread crumbs, the heavy shortenings, the seasonings – and just left the fresh crab.  It’s maverick.  It’s obvious.  It works.          

Which is true of a lot of what Coast does.  The food is simple and abundantly fresh.  The place is fun and loud and full of life.  It’s not rocket science, but few places get it right.  On a rainy Tuesday afternoon in downtown Vancouver, what more could you ask for?  

Have you had a chance to eat at Coast? Do you like the high-energy seafood vibe?  Please share any comments below.

Remy Scalza

www.remyscalza.com

A travel blog about places you haven’t been

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