Departures: Vancouver
Denver Life Magazine
July/August 2009
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DON’TMISS…

Take some time to stroll Granville Island. At first glimpse, visitors may see warehouses and wonder what the attraction is that draws more than 10 million visitors annually. Step further onto the island and discover art galleries tucked in beside craftsmen and their apprentices, small cafés beckoning with their freshly made temptations and unique boutiques offering just the right memento.

The main attraction on Granville Island, however, has to be the Public Market. Wander among the aisles and take your pick from the freshest local produce, fish, meats and even flowers to set the table. Don’t be surprised if you see local chefs decked out in their garb choosing from among the same items you’re looking over-they may just be preparing that evening’s menu. If you’d rather not cook for yourself, there are plenty of food booths offering foods from a variety of ethnicities- something for everyone’s palate, to be sure.

Vancouver also has a number of museums with both permanent and touring collections that appeal to many different tastes. Active types will want to lace up their walking shoes  and head out for a brisk two-hour walk through Stanley Park, just outside of downtown Vancouver. One of the largest urban parks in North America at 1,000 acres, you’ll wind your way along trails through woodlands and gardens, near lakes and beaches with plenty of opportunities to view local wildlife. In the middle of the summer, the park is in glorious bloom, and the colors are seemingly in Technicolor.

For those looking for a bit more adventure, this city that hugs the coastline has much to offer. Try sea kayaking, whale watching, canoeing, skydiving, bungee jumping, or any one of a number of various other eco-tours.

RELAX

After a full day of exploring this beautiful city, take a few hours and indulge yourself at Miraj Hammam-a world-renowned spa that boasts global clientele from reaches as far as the Middle East, Europe and the Americas, who come to indulge in the spa’s Hammam (or Turkish-style steam bath).

At Miraj, you’ll be treated on an individual, private basis, and escorted throughout the experience by a Gommage attendant. She will show you the shower, and then to the Hammam for 15 minutes in the intense chamber, where the heat releases the body’s toxins. Next is the low-mist chamber for Gommage, or exfoliation, with black Moroccan soap infused with eucalyptus oil. Choose to follow the treatment with a facial or massage, or nothing at all. You’ll leave Miraj feeling extremely relaxed and seemingly weightless, and readily planning your next visit.

TEMPT YOUR TASTE BUDS

Make reservations for an outside table, sip a martini and sink your teeth into some of the finest cuisine Vancouver has to offer at Glowbal Grill & Satay Bar in the hip Yaletown historic warehouse district. Start with an appetizer platter for two and go from there…the divine Kobe Meatballs will simply melt in your mouth.

For a unique dining experience, savor a flight of wine tastings while the chef prepares a tasting menu just for you at the Chef’s Community Table at COAST Restaurant, also in Yaletown. As can be determined from its name, the menu at COAST is filled with just-from- the-sea fresh seafood entrees prepared in innovative ways.

Additionally, flavors of North Africa, Asia and the Middle East meld together to create sumptuous entrees at Sanafir. Make your reservations for one of the Moroccan-style beds and spend the evening sampling Trio Plates-three different variations of items such as ahi tuna, salmon or lamb, to name a few. The energy and exotic feel of Sanafir will have you coming back for more.

‘NIGHTY-NIGHT

Even the most intrepid explorer needs to rest, and what better place to re-energize than the new Loden Vancouver in Coal Harbour, one of Vancouver’s most luxurious neighborhoods. The Loden’s design was influenced by the breathtaking scenery that surrounds the city, incorporating elements of the mountains, forests and sea. The rooms in this contemporary hotel are lavishly appointed in earthly tones, inviting you to rest your weary bones and take a soak in the tub, or a seat by the window whilst enjoying the breathtaking view of the pulsing city below.

This is but a sampling of what Vancouver has to offer. In the winter of 2010, the world will be introduced to this magnificent city-get a jump on everyone else and discover Vancouver for yourself this year!