Across the Water: The North Shore

North Vancouver

by - Wendy Brennan

North Vancouver is a peaceful suburb nestled against the stunning North Shore mountains, a 15 minute seabus ride away from downtown Vancouver. Take the Seabus from downtown old CN Station which is located next to Canada Place.

The Seabus docks at Lonsdale Quay, a market containing food kiosks, fresh fish & produce, plus souvenirs and clothing. There is a small seawall from Lonsdale Quay that provides opportunities for a picnic on a sunny day.

If you fall in love with Lonsdale Quay, book into the Lonsdale Quay Hotel. Its a friendly alternative to the large downtown hotels.

There are many great restaurants within a few blocks of Lonsdale Quay. Here are three of my favorites:

 The Coral Court (Chinese) is located at Lonsdale, between 2nd & 3rd Street, on the North side of the stret. Ask the proprietor, Lilly, for recommendations on house specialties, such as ginger beef & sautéed green beans. Prices are reasonable.

For spicier Indian cuisine, head for the Flavour of India, on 3rd Avenue at St Georges. Specialties of the house include lamb vindaloo and vegetarian koftas. The North Shore News local newspaper usually carries a 2-for-1 coupon that is valid Monday to Thursday.

If you are in the mood for Greek food, there is nothing better than Anatoli's at Lonsdale & Carrie Cates. Specialties of the house include some of the best calamari that I've ever had, or an excellent salmon kabob. Service is very efficient & friendly and the food never fails to please.

After eating at one of these favourite haunts, you could take in a play at Presentation House, up the hill a few blocks at Chesterfield, or head for the Rusty Gull pub, on St George & 1st Street.

During the day, Presentation House, located in a unique heritage building, has a Gallery showcasing local photography & art. Call for installation details (986-1351)..

 If you want to venture further, the charming Village of Deep Cove is located at the mouth of Indian Arm. To get there by bus, take the 212 Deep Cove from Lonsdale Quay. Deep Cove is the home of many local artists, filmmakers, & move industry folk. Stroll down Gallant Avenue, & have a coffee at an outside cafe. Visit the newly opened Deep Cove Art Gallery & Theatre, on Gallant. The art displays change frequently & are usually local. There is a small gift shop with some lovely items. The theatre runs productions fairly constantly, so phone for ticket details.

Adjacent Panorama Park is beautiful. If you have the time, rent a canoe or kayak at the rental shop in the park, and paddle a bit up Indian Arm. The scenery is magnificent.

If walking is an activity you enjoy, stroll from Panorama Park up Panorama Drive, to the Marina at the end. Its an example of westcoast living at its most charming.

 If you have a car, travel from Deep Cove along Dollar Road to Cates Park. This was once the hub of the marine industry of the North Shore, although little commerical evidence remains today.

Its a great place for a walk & a picnic. In the summer months you can purchase beach food at the park.

Also on the North Shore, one of my favorite destinations is the Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge & Ecology Centre. Unlike the Capilano Suspension Bridge, there is no charge for entry, and the setting is more natural. It's a favorite hangout for young people in the summer wanting to swim & sun on the rocks below.

Another very popular tourist destination is the Grouse Mountain Skyride. Take the Grouse Mountain bus from Lonsdale Quay. There is a restaurant at the top, plus native craft and souvenir shops. The views are fantastic!

West Vancouver

by - Grace Makarewicz

Sites of Interest

West Vancouver Seawall: Marvel at the view as you stroll along this popular seawall from Ambleside, at the foot of 13th Street, to Dundarave Pier, at the foot of 25th Street.

Art Gallery: The old Ferry Building, at the foot of 14th Street, is a heritage landmark gallery displaying the works of local artists.

Library: West Vancouver Public Library, 1950 Marine Drive - Curl up in a cosy wing-backed chair in front of a crackling fire with a cappucino and the book of your choice. This library deserves a visit!

Museum: West Vancouver Museum & Archives, 680 17th Street - The former home of one of West Vancouver's founding families, this museum traces the roots of West Vancouver from a vacation place for Vancouverites to the bustling city of today.

Accomodations:

Park Royal Hotel, 540 Clyde Avenue, West Vancouver, (604) 926-5511 - This is a small hotel with reasonable rates beautiful gardens located close to all of West Vancouver's treasures.

Dundarave Bed & Breakfast, 2635 Rosebery Avenue, (604) 925-3531.

Restaurants:

Savary Island Pie Company: Popular with the locals, this licensed bistro/bakery serves delicious sandwiches and baked goods.

Beach House at Dundarave Pier: This excellent restaurant serves delightful westcoast style entrees and boasts a wonderful view across the inlet to Vancouver's West Side

The Salmon House: The panoramic view is second to none at this restaurant overlooking Vancouver and the mountains. The house specialty is alder-grilled salmon. Tempting appetizers and desserts and an extensive wine list complement the menu.

Shopping:

Dundarave: Marine Drive, from 24th to 25th Street: Specialty shops abound in this picturesque neighbourhood of delightful cafés, galleries and antique stores. It is a great place to spend a morning or afternoon. Hanging baskets line the boulevard. The popular West Vancouver seawall can be strolled from Dundarave Pier towards the city centre.

Park Royal: Fine shopping is only moments away at Park Royal Shopping Centre, which spans Marine Drive at Taylor Way, the entry point to West Vancouver. The North Side of the mall contains The Bay, The Gap, Roots, Talbots, The Disney Store and London Drugs, while the South Side of the mall boasts a selection of boutiques upstairs, with Eatons, Buffalo, Purdy's Chocolates and Marks and Spencer downstairs.

Caulfied Village: Located at the Caulfied Exit (#5) of the Upper Levels Highway, this outdoor mall features a Safeway grocery store, an esthetics salon, a men's shop, a Pharmasave drug store with post office and extensive gift area, a furniture store, a pet supply store and dental and medical clinics.

Groceries:

* Safeway (1650 Marine Drive)
* Safeway (5385 Headland Drive, at Caulfield Village)
* Capers (2496 Marine Drive, at Dundarave)

Health:

Walk-in medical clinics are located at Park Royal North and Caulfied Village

East Meets West : Richmond

by - Norma Miller

Treat yourself to an exotic adventure in the Far East. Discover the cuisines, cultures and languages of countless Asian countries while indulging in their material splendor. Richmond, B.C., directly south of Vancouver, offers an eastern escape to travelers in Western Canada.

Markets ( 77 k. map )

The large number of Asian residents in Richmond means that shopping has been geared to this group. Near No. 3 Road and Cambie Road in Richmond, you'll find these shopping centres that'll take you to new and exciting places. If you're driving, you'd better arrive early - these are very popular destinations!

Yaohan Centre (3700 No. 3 Road). This mall has a great food court where you can experience savory dishes, delicious desserts and fresh-brewed coffee. Look for gifts for family and friends, ranging from knick knacks to traditional art. Wander the aisles of the grocery store for interesting foods, including a sushi section!

Aberdeen Centre (4151 Hazelbridge Way). Aberdeen Centre is more than a shopping mall. The clothing, tea and gift shops are complemented by a cinema, bowling alley, herbalist and Chinese and Japanese restaurants.

Parker Place (4380 No. 3 Road). A must-see for tourists! Parker Place is one of the largest Asian markets in British Columbia, with over 140 stores. It's the perfect place to find souvenirs of your visit to Richmond. Be sure to get your picture taken with the gold-plated Four-Faced Buddha!

Accommodation

Like all cities in the Greater Vancouver area, Richmond offers accommodations for people looking for luxury, or for those on a budget.

Radisson President Hotel & Suites (8181 Cambie Road - 604-276-8181). Choose this hotel, and you'll find yourself in the middle of the action. The Radisson is just a short walk from all of the markets mentioned above, and even connects to a smaller Asian market, the President Plaza. Spacious rooms and friendly service will make your stay pleasant. For the luxury-minded.

Richmond Inn Best Western (7551 Westminster Highway - 604-273-7878). Close to Richmond's city centre (though further from the Asian markets), Richmond Inn is a great choice and somewhat luxurious.

Howard Johnson Hotel (9020 Bridgeport - 604-270-6030). A no-frills hotel, with a nice restaurant and kitchenettes in some rooms. Within walking distance of major shopping centres, though you should bring good shoes. Moderately-priced.

Stay'n'Save Motor Inn (10551 St. Edwards - 604-273-3311). The least expensive of the bunch, but still moderately-priced. The Stay'n'Save is somewhat removed from the hustle and bustle of the shopping district.

Restaurants

It's easy to continue the Asian theme when recommending restaurants in Richmond. There are far too many to list, but when you visit you'll find the choices are endless, including Vietnamese, Thai, Taiwanese, Chinese, Japanese, Singaporean, Malaysian, Korean … you get the idea. Here are a few to get you started:

Kamei Sushi (8300 Granville Avenue - 604-273-7874).

Maple Garden Hot Pot Restaurant (4200 No. 3 Road - 604-273-3202).

Mongolie Grill (100-8400 Alexandra - 604-276-0303).

Suehiro Japanese Restaurant note: this establishment no longer operates, per our 2008 Sept. update by netpac.com web admin.