Travel idea: 6 reasons to visit Vancouver

4. A paradise for foodies
Vancouver is the home of the 100-Mile Diet, and it's no wonder: locally grown, caught and produced foods abound, whether they're from the Lower Mainland proper, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, or the valleys of the B.C. Interior. A must for any food lover is a visit to Granville Island and its Public Market, home to a cornucopia of foods – cheeses, meats, produce, tea and breads among them – as well as to the retail store of Edible British Columbia, which showcases gourmet food products from across the province. (Edible B.C. also offers a number of food-related tours around Granville Island, Vancouver and elsewhere in B.C. – see www.edible-britishcolumbia.com for details.) (Click here to view a slideshow of Granville Island for foodies.)

And when it comes to restaurants, choices abound. For a fun night out, try Sanafir, where you can sample tapas and drinks inspired by Asia and the Middle East either at a table downstairs or upstairs on one of the four private beds. Or to extend the theme of local foods, head to Salt Tasting Room in Gastown, which specializes in artisanal cheeses, cured meats and fantastic wines. (For more restaurant ideas, read about the winners of Vancouver Magazine's Restaurant Awards.)

5. Countless ways to get fit
Vancouver's temperate climate means a plethora of outdoor activities any time of year (although in the wintertime, you may have to get a bit wet). You can try ocean kayaking in False Creek to get a view of the city from the water, or visit one of Vancouver's many, many yoga studios (it is the home of Lululemon, after all) to experience the West Coast lifestyle. If you're a runner or cyclist, a popular route is the 10-km seawall that circles Stanley Park (and yes, there are shortcuts to make it a shorter trip). Golfers won't want to miss the city's dozens of courses, from intimate and beginner-friendly to expert. And walkers won't even come close to running out of places to explore – if walking's your thing, make sure to pick up City Walks: Vancouver, a collection of 50 cards (more portable than a guide book) detailing walks around Vancouver and its suburbs.

6. Tons to do for kids
Kids won't have time to be bored in Vancouver. The transportation-obsessed will love the city's varied ways to get around: the Big Bus, a hop-on, hop-off tour of the city on a double-decker or open-top bus; the SkyTrain, Vancouver's above-ground rapid-transit system (just imagine their faces when you tell them there's no driver!); and the SeaBus, a 12-minute ferry trip from downtown to the North Shore. The Granville Island Kids Market will keep them occupied for hours with its play areas, games, entertainment, food and shops – just don't be surprised if they ask you to dig out your wallet for that special something they just have to have. And inquisitive minds will be enthralled at Science World, where they can learn about science through interactive exhibits and marvel at the shows at the Omnimax Theatre.

For more ideas on travelling Vancouver, visit the website of Tourism Vancouver, pick up Lonely Planet's Vancouver City Guide, or visit the home page of Vancouver Magazine.

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