Q: Hi! In early April, I'm going to Vancouver with someone very special for an extended weekend getaway. It will be our first out of town trip together. My boyfriend has never been to Vancouver. I've visited before but many years ago. So I need a recommendation for a great hotel, restaurants, and night spots. Thank you!
A: There's a lot of nice hotels in Vancouver, but many have very high price-tags. If you don't have to be in the down-town core, there are some lovely hotels that are off the beaten path. One that friends of mine have stayed at and enjoyed is the Inn at the New Westminster Quay ("key"). http://www.innatwestminsterquay.com/ It's a short walk from the skytrain station so you can get to the downtown core easily. However, if you are spending most of your time in the downtown core, then you may not want to extend too far out. As far as romantic things to do. I highly recommend a simple walk around the Stanley Park Seawall. The whole park is beautiful, and the seawall offers amazing views around the city and the water. It can be very wet (rain and ocean), so be prepared. I highly recommend a trip on the seabus to North Vancouver and enjoy the Lonsdale Quay. It's a public market where you can pick up lunch and goodies, and the seabus ride is a delight and a great way to see the harbour. Two nice restaurants that I recommend are outside of Vancouver, but easily reached by car: The Hart House is on Canada Way in Burnaby. It's a historical house that has been converted into a restaurant. http://www.harthouserestaurant.com/ The next is Horizons Restaurant on Burnaby Mountain. this restaurant is amazing - if you go at the right time, you can enjoy the view before the sun sets, and then the twinkling of the lights afterwards. It overlooks the city of Vancouver, as well as Burrard Inlet and the North Shore. Bring your camera! http://www.horizonsrestaurant.com/ Sorry, I can't recommend any night spots... but I hope that you have a wonderful time when you come!