Q: A couple of friends and I are going on a road trip to Vancouver BC Canada for a few days, what are some tourist attractions or very interesting things we can see/do? We are planning on going to the Canucks game Jan. 3rd, but other than that we aren't sure. Any sights we absolutely must see?
A: That's just after New Years, so there may still be seasonal events going on - the Stanley Park train that goes through a lovely Christmas display will be running until the 3rd ( http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/parks/events/brightnights/index.htm ). If you like Hockey and would like to see Vancouver's Western Hockey League team, the Vancouver Giants, they play on the 4th vs Seattle ( http://www.vancouvergiants.com/ ). there's also the standard touristy things to do - like taking the gondola up Grouse Mountain to see a lovely view of the Greater Vancover area and Vancouver Island, etc. ( http://www.grousemountain.com/ ) there will be skiing up at Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain and Seymour Mountain during that time. Also, at that time the two universities will still be out for the holiday break, so the UBC and the SFU campuses will be nice places to walk around. There will probably be some leftover Boxing Week sales on, so if you're into shopping, check out Metrotown Centre. that's in Burnaby, and it's a huge shopping mall. It gets VERY busy. Taking the skytrain from one end to another is a great way to see the city. Most of the route is elevated, so you can look around and see the various cities and communities whiz on by. Make sure to take the Sea Bus across the inlet to Lonsdale Quay ("key") in North Vancouver. It's a a great view of the harbour and Lonsdale Quay has some wonderful shops and places to eat on the other side. Have a great trip!