A hidden (almost secret) garden! located off to the side of the Pacific National Exhibition Centre. This little Japanese landscaped garden is not only a quiet sanctuary where one can admire its lake, rocks, and bonzai trees, it is also a commemorative place that serves as a healing reminder of the history of Japanese Canadian internment during the Second World War.

The place to go for a refreshing morning walk. Here you can really see and feel the magic that occurs when the mountains, the city and the ocean meet. Close by is also the Museum of Vancouver which, among other things, holds some colorful displays of the local 1960s hippie movement.

Vancouver houses are strange. Walk the streets, and you will go from amusement to jealousy to nausea with each house. Here are some categories: ‘Vancouver Specials’ cheap 70s houses built with a 50 year lifespan, generally they have lion statues outside. ‘Condos’ condos more condos, they suck! ‘Heritage Cottages’ they were in the woods probably 50 years ago, now they are surrounded by condos.

This nice little New Orleans inspired bistro serves all things creole and cajun. Cool drinks and hot food, accompanied by authentic live Louisiana Jazz, makes this the perfect spot for a dinner out. For something with a bite to it I can recommend the mussels Lafayette.

A little sanctuary for me. I come in here once a week and look around and touch the records and ponder and rarely (sorry to say this) buy anything! I bet they have a nickname for me….