Vancouver in late August
 

Hi, I am planning a weeks trip to Vancouver in late August and wondered if there was anything specific I need/should do at that time of the year?

I have already planned to do a day trip to Vancouver Island and possibly one up to Whistler also. Is it easy getting around Vancouver itself? Places to avoid? Places to definitely go?

Any tips & tricks would be greatly appreciated :)

Thanks

The fair at the PNE is on from August 17 through to the end of the month.

The major summer exhibition at the VAG, Grand Hotel, looks potentially interesting.

<I>"Places to definitely go?</I>"

The main attractions here are excellent food with an Asian bent <I>(too many to mention see Chowhound for details)</i> and the outdoors.

In August Whale watching should be outstanding there are a number of companies leaving from downtown and some from the village of Steveston-a shuttle ride away but a shorter ride to the Orcas.

http://www.vancouverwhalewatch.com/

<i>"Is it easy getting around Vancouver itself?"</I>

Yes it's a snap-transit is cheap & pretty much ubiquitous-downtown is very walkable and safe as houses.

http://www.translink.ca/

<I>"Places to avoid?"</I>

No worries there although I do think that spending time in any museum but the Anthropology Museum @ UBC is a tragic waste of time in such a beautiful place.

http://moa.ubc.ca/

Pretty easy to get around Vancouver.
Places to check out:
Gastown
Vancouver Art Gallery
Grouse Mountain

I recommend the following in Vancouver:

- Stanley Park (world's largest urban park, far bigger than NYC's famous Central Park)

- The Bloedel Floral Conservatory (Massive dome that keeps a small area in Queen Elizabeth Park under tropical conditions, full of exotic plants, birds, and animals)

- Reifel Bird Sanctuary (huge bird sanctuary located in Delta, ~45 minutes drive from Vancouver)

Thanks everyone, you have definitely given me food for thought

thanks everyone too!
we will be there for a few days in feb...id like to check out the bird sanctuary..hope it is ok to see in winter

You mention a day trip to Vancouver Island. Please plan at least an overnighter as you'll be spending about 6 hours roundtrip in transit on the ferries.
VI is very large (6-7 hrs driving time from Victoria to Port Hardy)so be specific about your destination - eg - Victoria or Parksville/Qualicum Beach.
Beautiful island - the REAL Big Island - Aloha!