Hi there, <BR> <BR>I just found out we (my hisband and I) are going to Vancouver for 4 days in July. What will the weather be like? What should we not miss? Good bars and clubs to go to? What would you compare it to in the US? Is it like any other major city with a mix of everything? We're so excited!! I have never seen the Pacific Ocean before! <BR> <BR>Thanks in advance.

Well, sorry to disappoint you, but unless you take a ferry and drive about three hours to the far side of Vancouver Island, you won't be seeing the Pacific Ocean on this trip either. Vancouver (like Seattle) is on an inland bay or inlet. <BR> <BR>I know there have been some good posts on bars and clubs (esp. by Robyn), so if you do a search on Vancouver, that should turn up some good info. <BR> <BR>Vancouver is similar to Seattle in many respects, but to me (as a Seattle resident--and a Boston transplant) it seems more international and cosmopolitan. I have also read that it's supposed to be the Los Angeles of Canada...but will leave it up to our resident Vancouverites to comment on the truth of that!

Hi Gina, <BR>Vancouver is great and NO, we are not the Los Angeles on Canada. <BR> <BR>Because of the mild temperatures, outdoor recreational activities are really popular. Vancouverites love Stanley Park, one of the biggest parks within a city in North America. Grouse Mountain is worth a visit and some of the etnic comunities are worth exploring. Vancouver has the second largest China town outside of Asia!!! <BR> <BR>Check out www.vancouver.com, you'll get some great ideas on what to visit while you are here and you can even pre-book activites and shows. Vancouver can get very busy during the summer time. <BR> <BR>If you can, you should also take a drive up to Whistler, our great ski resort that offers many summer activities and has GREAT bars and restaurants. <BR> <BR>Have fun in Vancouver! <BR>

As a Vancouverite, not sure whether Vancouver's more cosmopolitan than Seattle - guess the grass is always greener on the other side. To answer your question, July should be good weather for your visit. I don't go to bars but most people will agree Richards on Richards is the hot one in town. As for the waters, I suggest you take a day trip to Victoria (Vancouver Island). Also, a day trip to Whistler shouldn't be missed. Feel free to email me if you need more info.

Hi gina, we loved the ferry to Victoria and a spent a day there. Butchart Gardens wa beautiful even in winter. We got a kick out of going to the Empress Hotel for high tea, but make reservations ASAP. <BR> <BR>We did some touring around Vancouver and my kids enjoyed crossing the Capilano suspension bridge, (supposedly the longest suspension bridge in the world) <BR> <BR>Whistler is definitely worth a trip too.Take the gondola up to the top for great views.

Clubs and bars are NOT what this City is about, quite the opposite as mentioned. <BR>Try to get outta town into the mountains and have a look around if at all possible. <BR>A Day trip to Victoria will show you some of the Gulf Islands, it's a lovely trip and well worth the all-day grind. <BR>www.clubvibes.com if you're still interested. <BR>As to Stanley Park many of us never visit the place, there are so many nicer less crowded and litter-free places to go, it's nice for Tourists but hardly unique. <BR>Reading the old posts here is the best way to learn about the things to do about the City. <BR>www.vancouver.hm is the premier site for City info. <BR>Vancouver is much more vibrant multi-ethnic City than Boston, a nice enough place but rather bland in comparison. <BR>I hope you're not taken aback by that comment, Vancouver represents a new paradigm in urban living on the Pacific Rim, you'll see what I mean with a quick stroll around the compact and thriving downtown.

Hi Gina, <BR> <BR>You're lucky - July is one of the best months to visit Vancouver. Think of Vancouver's weather like Seattle's - both cities are known for their rain. Of course, both cities are a 2-3 hour drive apart, so there's a reason why they share similar climates! But saying all of that, July is one of the warmest and driest months. Expect temperatures to be around 15 - 30 degrees Celsius (70 - 90 Fahrenheit?) <BR> <BR>What should you not miss? Do *not* miss Stanley Park. This is a local and tourist's favourite. And it's great in the summertime! It's a huge mass of forests and parks located at the north-west tip of downtown Vancouver. Go for a walk around the seawall, enjoy the views of the mountains and the city skyline. http://www.seestanleypark.com does a great representation of the park. <BR>http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/park...s/stanley1.htm is another great site introducing Stanley Park. <BR> <BR>While you're at Stanley Park, go to the Vancouver Aquarium. http://www.vanaqua.org is their website. <BR> <BR>Another "must see" in Vancouver is Granville Island. It's located underneath the Granville Bridge. Take an aquabus from downtown there - http://www.aquabus.com will give you the information. Granville Island has a large Public Market, many art galleries, unique shops, cute restaurants and cafes, street entertainment and more. <BR> <BR>Robson Street is the main shopping street downtown. This is where you'll find all your main stores and restaurants. Denman Street has tons of ethnic restaurants. Gastown is the historical part of downtown (complete with brick buildings and cobble stone roads). Yaletown, located inthe south-east part of downtown has all the trendy designer boutiques and cafes. English Bay/Davie Street is a fun area. It's the city's gay neighbourhood, and has this amazing vibe - great for sunbathing, rollerblading, watching sunsets, or chowing down at little restaurants and sushi bars. <BR> <BR>Kitsilano, south of downtown has a great little beach/cafe scene. Commercial Drive is the little Italy/hippy haven. <BR> <BR>Clubs and bars isn't Vancouver's strength, but you'll probably find what you're looking for if you know where to go. http://www.clubvibes.com lists all the clubs in town, as well, when you arrive here, pick up the free weekly arts & entertainment newspaper, the Georgia Straight. That's the city's bible to nightlife. Ask around once you get here - everyone has their own favourite club. <BR> <BR>If you were to compare Vancouver to any city in the US, it's like Seattle in a way in terms of geography and climate (because Vancouver's in the Pacific Northwest), but it has more of a San Francisco/multicultural/environmentally-conscious vibe to it. It's quite unlike any American city I've been to. <BR> <BR>Also, you'll find a large Asian scene going on - be sure to have sushi downtown! Even if you're not fond of raw fish, there's so many different kinds of alternative sushi created in Vancouver, you'll be addictd before you leave. It's also been said that Vancouver is one of the best places to be in North America for restaurants. http://www.vanmag.com/diningout/westcoast.html will give you an idea of what kind of restaurants you'll find here. If you can, try to get to Cardero's for the scenery. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps! Oh! Be sure to check out www.vancouver.hm - that is the most informative Vancouver website out there. And if you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me. I live here

All: <BR> <BR>Thanks for all the advice. Especially Robyn: you are the reason why these posts can be so helpful. Thank you!! If you ever come to Boston and have any questions, let me know!