Backpacker BUZZ Issue 73: World, Meet Vancouver

DINING TIPS FROM JOHN

“When someone comes to B.C., they should definitely go to a place like Vancouver’s Raincity Grill and try seasonal, regional ingredients like Salt Spring lamb and Fanny Bay oysters.”

“I’ve always wanted to try geoduck, but I’m a bit scared by its appearance!”

“The most memorable meal I’ve ever had was at the Empress Hotel in Victoria where I enjoyed a five-hour winemakers’ banquet, involving eight courses and around 10 different B.C. wines. I remember it well because it was a rare glimpse of how the other half lives!”

“I get my daily coffee fix from Mario’s on Howe Street…but only after I’ve had my tea fix at home first.”

“A weekend in Whistler would definitely include dining/drinking at the cozy Beet Root Café for hearty housemade soups, bulging toasted sandwiches, oven-hot chocolate cookies and apricot muffins.”

“Visitors should take full advantage of the trend for regional produce here. Tuck into B.C. food and wine at locally focused Vancouver favourites like Bishop’s, Raincity Grill and Fuel Restaurant. There’s also a great new interest in local microbrewed beer. Wherever you sup—try Alibi Room or Six Acres, for example—request a B.C. tipple.”

JOHN LEE’S LATEST BOOKS

British Columbia
& the Yukon

Released October 2009, this is the most up-to-date Lonely Planet book on British Columbia, with extensive coverage of Yukon Territory. Coverage also spills into Alberta with details on travel in Banff and Jasper National Parks. Chapters are organized by region and filled with everything you might possibly need to know—from getting there and around to accommodation, sights, restaurants and activities.

Who should get it: People after the ultimate West Coast trip. Start at the Canada-U.S. border and head north, as populations wane and the wilderness kicks in full force.

Vancouver Encounter

This compact little book packs a punch, with a detailed, pull-out map tucked inside the back cover. The full-colour book goes beyond the typical guide book, and is intended for city lovers who are short on time, but not on energy. Organized by neighbourhood, the book lists the best spots for sightseeing, eating, drinking, shopping and playing—from well-known staples to insider-only highlights.
Who should get it: People who already have a trip and
accommodation planned. This little guy will ensure you hit the ground running.

INSIDER TIPS FROM THE BOOKS

Vancouver Street Art
“Check out the work of Vancouver’s best graffitos on the stretch of Beatty Street between Dunsmuir Street and West Georgia Street. Looking like an
alfresco art gallery, the strip’s western side has been sanctioned and preserved as an eye-popping collection of stunning street art.”

Hometown Heroes
“Along the seawall between Granville and Vanier Park, around the foot of West 1st Avenue, cast your eyes to the sidewalk and you’ll find a small,
unassuming plaque that almost everyone walks past without noticing. It marks the spot where, in 1971, a fledgling local activist group called the Don’t Make a Wave Committee set sail to Alaska on board a chartered boat to protest U.S. nuclear testing. Intercepted by the American navy, the vessel never reached its destination, but the bearded Kitsilano-based activists were inspired to keep pursuing causes and they changed their name to Greenpeace the following year.”

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