Sue54

I'll be visiting Vancouver for the first time in mid July with a friend. We both enjoy gardens, cooking classes (we've done several at the CIA in NY), theater and strolling around the city to experience the culture of the area. We're open to all suggestions. We'll be in Vancouver from Tuesday through Friday.

Any hints on things to do, restaurant recommendations, etc.

Thanks.

Cranachin

If you do a search on the word "Vancouver" from the "Search the Forums" box, you will find many threads that talk about visiting the city.

If you do a similar search from the general search box, you will find Fodors guide info on the city.

Sue54

Yes, I just noticed that on the left side of the Fodor's page there are several responses for and by others about Vancouver. I'll check those out!

If anyone has an info on cooking classes in Vancouver, I'd love to hear about them!

camelbak

Once you've had a chance to narrow down what you would like to do come back over and ask away. I am not entirely sure what cooking classes, if any, Vancouver offers.....but a google search will take care of that. Off the top of my head I don't think there are many.....and definitely not along the CIA calibre.

However, we have tons of fabulous resturants, at all price points, so if you want to put a budget down for dinner out, etc, I can help narrow your dinner searchs.

NWWanderer

Look into a company called Edible Vancouver. I know they do food tours of Granville Island and Chinatown and they might do cooking classes as well. Or check out Barbara Jo's Books to Cooks website--I think they have classes or at least demos in their cookbook focused bookstore (which is near Granville Island and worth a stop).

traveller69

A friend once took a one day course at the Dirty Apron http://www.dirtyapron.com/ I know they have specific items on specific days that you can book. If you check out the classes section they tell you what they have scheduled for that day.

NorthwestMale

For 3 days in Vancouver you don't even need much in the way of an itinerary.

The "strolling around the city" part could happily occupy 3 days worth of time there.

The surrounding natural beauty will be great when you need a break from the strolling.

Sue54

Thanks to everyone for the responses. Traveller69...I took your advice on the Dirty Apron cooking classes and it was great. The class was well organized and the end result was a meal we created in the class. I would highly recommend it. Vancouver is a great to visit even for a long weekend. The running trail along the waterfront was a great incentive to get out and enjoy the sights. The Dr. Sun Yet San garden is worth the trip over to China town.

The only negative to the whole trip was that my travel companion who flew all the way from Texas fell on the sidewalk coming out of our first dinner (no, she wasn't drinking!) and we spent the first night in the emergency room. We got to ride in an ambulance and she ended up in a cast. She flew home the next day to see her own Dr. The upside of this is that if you travel alone, Vancouver is still a fun destination and I made the best of my trip.

I would highly recommend visiting Vancouver.

NorthwestMale

Wow! That is some kind of a report. I thought those sorts of mishaps only impacted other people.

Anyway, good to know that you (happened to be in such a great location so as not to have been hampered too much by suddenly having to go it alone).

I'm glad that you happened to be in Vancouver instead of a lesser 'destination' when you had to adjust to being on your own.