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Restaurants – Staff Picks!

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013

ITALIAN
Cafe Luxy
This is a very good Italian restaurant that specializes in Pasta Dishes. They have an extensive Wine List and some fantastic daily specials. Ask the Desk for further details regarding specials and promotions at Cafe Luxy.
Hours of operation
Mon to Thu 4 pm – 10.30 pm
Friday 4 pm – 11 pm
Sat/Sun 10 am – 11 pm
BRUNCH
Sat/Sun 10 am – 3 pm
LUNCH
Sat/Sun 10 am – 4 pm

1235 Davie St Vancouver, BC V6E 1N4
(604) 669-5899

Website: http://www.cafeluxy.com/#!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cafe-Luxy/128775357146575

MALAYSIAN
Banana Leaf
This is a huge hit on the street and they have quite a few locations dotted all over the city. If you like Thai and Indonesian foods then you will surely enjoy this, so many flavours and a massive hit among staff and guests alike.
Hours of operation
Monday – Thursday
Lunch: 11:30am – 02:30pm
Dinner: 05:00pm – 10:00pm
Friday & Saturday
All Day: 11:30am – 11:00pm
Sunday
All Day: 11:30am – 10:00pm

1043 Davie Street · 604-669-3389

Website:http://www.bananaleaf-vancouver.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Banana-Leaf-On-Davie/217808018242157?fref=ts

JAPANESE – “IZAKAYA”
Guu
Located just a 10 to 15 minute walk away from the Hotel on Thurlow St – this is an awesome experience. It is Japanese style Tapas with an electric, authentic and very welcoming friendly atmosphere.

838 Thurlow St/Robson St Vancouver, BC V6E 1W2
(604) 685-8817

http://guu-izakaya.com/robson/

THAI PHO
It is divided 50/50 between 2 very similar places if you are interested in Pho…so we shall let you decide between the two!
Both are Vietnamese Noodle Shops, Excellent Pho Soup and great Thai style Sub sandwiches at an incredibly cheap price.

Pho Central
Hours of operration:
Mon-Thu 11 am – 10 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am – 11 pm
1118 Davie St.
Vancouver, BC V6E1N2

(604) 669-8638

Pho Goodness
Hours of operation
Sun – Thurs 11am to 10pm
Fri – Sat 11am to 11pm
1183 Davie St Vancouver, BC V6E 4L7

(604) 568-3253

HIGH END FINE DINING (A la carte)
If you interested in fine dining and fancy dressing up for the occasion then following couple of suggestions will be for you. They are great if you are treating someone for a romantic occasion, a birthday treat, or you just quite simply love the fine dining scene…

La Brasserie (French/Alsatian)
Hours of operation
Dinner: Sunday–Thursday, 5:00 pm to 10:30 pm.
Friday–Saturday, 5:00 pm to 11:30 pm.
Brunch served Saturdays & Sundays, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

1091 Davie St Vancouver, BC V6E 4L2
(604) 568-6499

http://www.labrasserievancouver.com/

Bin 941 – Tapas Parlour
Fantastic Tapas food with an excellent wine list to accompany these delicious dishes.
Hours of operation:
Mon – Sun 5pm to 1.30am

941 Davie Street
Vancouver British Columbia, V6Z 1B9
Telephone Number: (604) 683 1246

http://www.bin941.com/

SUSHI
Sushi Bella
One of the latest additions to the ever growing restaurant scene – this is a place to check out if you love Sushi!

Hours of operation:
Mon-Sat 12 pm – 11 pm.
Sun 12 pm – 10 pm

1175 Davie St
Vancouver BC, V6E 1N2

(604) 559-7707

http://www.sushibella.com/

GRANVILLE ISLAND
Granville Island is a great place for dining out when you are heading down there with the family.

The Sandbar
Next door to the Granville Island Public Market, it is a one of the most popular restaurants in the city and very Pacific Northwest.
They have an amazing balcony with excellent views of the city from Granville Island…
Hours of operation:
Sunday – Thursday | 11:30am – 10:00pm
Friday – Saturday | 11:30am – 11:30pm

1535 Johnston St Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9
(604) 669-9030

Website: http://www.vancouverdine.com/sandbar

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandbarrestaurant?sk=app_190322544333196

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Honda – Celebration of Light 2013 Important Information.

Friday, May 17th, 2013

By far one of the biggest events of the Summer calender is the Celebration of light Fireworks.

We will like to give you some helpful tips and advice for the 3 days on the days that the Fireworks will be occurring as there will be road closures. We will also give you some pointers on where is best to watch the show.

CHECKING IN TIME/PARKING ADVICE
As we are in high season it is highly likely that the rooms will be ready closer to the usual check in time of 4pm, we know that some of you are travelling early – so if the room is not ready, don’t worry, we will have plenty of space to store any bulky luggage, and you will be able to park your car at anytime, irrespective of the status of the room.

Bring your vehicle to the very front of the hotel, we have a loading zone for your convenience that has enough space for 2 vehicles – when you check in, park the vehicle in this spot (make sure there is enough room for a second vehicle) and we will then direct you with a parking pass to the parking lot.

ROAD CLOSURES
Due to the volume of people that will be attending the display (300,000 and more) The city will be shutting down the West End to traffic for safety precautions.

ROAD CLOSURES COME INTO AFFECT AT 19.30hrs (7pm)

We do advise that you try to check into the hotel before the streets close at 7.30pm, as the Police will not let anyone in without a West End permit (Our Green Parking passes are not accepted as Permits). The Sunset Inn is just within the closed boundary.

Please see the link to see a map of the Road closures. http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/28412201/MAP2012.pdf

THE BEST VIEWING/VANTAGE POINTS
The majority of the crowds will be heading down toward the intersections of Davie and and Denman Street – also a big crowd will assemble at Beach and Pacific Ave.

English Bay is the most popular area, however, it will be seriously crowded and you will likely be packed tighter than a can of sardines. We suggest that you head down Thurlow Street towards the Sea-Wall and head West towards English Bay and the Inukshuk.

Sunset Beach is a really good vantage point and will be much quieter and less congestion. DO NOT BRING BOOZE, it will be confiscated and you are at risk of a fine. Be smart regarding valuables – as always when there are large crowds it is best to be safe and sound.

For further information on the events. Please look at the website
http://hondacelebrationoflight.com/

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Gabriola House, the Sugar Refinery and Mr Rogers!

Friday, May 17th, 2013


Gabriola House is a beautiful Mansion house just a few short blocks away on Davie Street (As you head towards English Bay at Davie and Nicola).

This Mansion House was designed by the famous Industrialist Mr Benjamin T Rogers who is the founder of The B.C. Sugar Refinery that is located at The Port of Vancouver in East Vancouver.
Both buildings are quite an impressive sight and have a look that harks back to the old English style buildings of the Industrial revolution (for the Refinery) and a Quaint English Style Country house (For the Mansion). The British influence on the architectural design were no accident as when Mr Rogers was visiting Britain in the late 1800s he fell in love with the English style Mansions and wanted to have one for himself.

At the turn of the century there were many Mansion houses like these dotted all around the West End all built by wealthy industrialists that were mainly in the logging industry. Mr Rogers made his fortune at the age of 22 by becoming the manager of the B.C’s Sugar refinery, his mansion house was used as living quarters for his small group of staff for personal use and some that worked at the refinery itself.

In modern times the Mansion has been used as a restaurant (formerly run as the Romano’s Macaroni Grill) and as it stands today it is empty but has been bought out by The Keg Steakhouse.

The Gardens are certainly a place to visit in high summer and still well kept even if the building is derelict at the moment, we do encourage that you head down there to look at the grounds and the beautiful building, it is a perfect setting for a warm summers evening.

The mansion is called Gabriola as the Stones were all carved from the sandstones of Gabriola Island under the design of architect Samuel Maclure – it was known as the most Lavish home of its day. The Windows are gorgeously glass stained too and were designed by the Bloomfield Brothers.

In the 1970s the building was in very poor state at that time and was very close to being demolished, but thankfully, other people saw the light and saved the day, it was then under some major reconstruction to refurbish and renovate the building close to its former glory.

Below is link on the Mansion and some spooky extras to go with it!
http://www.ghostsofvancouver.com/gabriola_house.htm

The Sugar refinery building really stands out on its own down in the middle of the Port of Vancouver, it has a look that resembles the Industrial revolution of the late 1700s and 1800s in the UK. The Refinery opened in the late 1800s just 4 years after the city of Vancouver was born – and it still makes the Rogers brand of sugar to this day.

The complex itself was built in 1980 and at the time it had employed between 12 to 15 staff, by 1901, the monies that Mr Rogers had made enabled him to build his dream mansion. In modern times, the refinery is still running well and now employs up to 300 staff.

We also recommend that you take a long meander around the West End district, as there are some really stunning buildings still in existence from the turn of the century – Barclay Square and The Roedde House Museum is certainly worth a look, and also check out the gorgeous red brick buildings that resemble the Manhattan style Mansions of its day, the West End Architecture is really steeped in history – there will be future blogs about these buildings.

http://www.roeddehouse.org/

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The Jimi Hendrix connection & the district of Strathcona

Friday, May 10th, 2013

There has been a lot of interest in the local media as of late on the subject of Multiculturalism and, in particular, the ethnic diversity of the populations that reside in Vancouver. It seems apparent that the so called majorities that the articles are talking about can be assumed to be of Caucasian decent, however, the reason these articles are being created suggest that the Caucasian populous are actually the absolute minority. When you come to visit Vancouver you will immediately notice that it truly is a very diverse city, the differing ethnicity of people all around you is very clear to see, this has always been the case in Vancouver and such its history is very rich and varied.

The subject of multiculturalism and political correctness can be left for discussions over a coffee or a beer among yourselves, it does however lead us onto some interesting history regarding the area of Strathcona and a certain influential musician by the name of Jimi Hendrix.

JIMI HENDRIX, HOGANS ALLEY & STRATHCONA
Many of you will have heard of Jimi Hendrix and will know that he hailed from the Seattle area which is not too far away from us just South of the Border – along with many other very famous musicians that have over time have been extremely influential on the musical scene. However…did you know that he actually spent some of his childhood growing up in an area not too far from Main Street Station called Strathcona and more specifically an area known as Hogan’s Alley.

Hogan’s Alley was a Neighbourhood area that was predominantly made up by the Black community and Jimi Hendrix was one person who resided there, he went to school here as a young boy and eventually started to begin his journey into music learning his trade in the area.
The alley itself now has Plaque in commemoration to the once vibrant community that has all but vanished and transformed into Chinatown and The Strathcona district. A predominant Asian and specifically Chinese community, Strathcona is also one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city – and it really does show, you can walk around and see the differing colours, shapes and sizes of the property and can imagine the battles between the locals, urban planners, and ultimately, the influence and evolution of Gentrification that the locals have had to endure over the years.
During the 1950s and 1960s the Black community started to be moved on by urban planners and this has been a bone of contention over the years due to the manner of how this happened.
The Plaque in the area has been a long time coming and as Vancouver has well over 20,000 black people here it is right that this community is not forgotten like many others who are celebrated here.

JIMI HENDRIX SHRINE
Yesterday, a friend and myself decided to take a walk along Main Street towards Chinatown, the Downtown Eastside and Gastown and along the way we decided to stop by the small building that is now the Jimi Hendrix Shrine.

This is a true little gem and is well worth a visit, it is also quite close to the Main Street Station Bus and Train terminals, you just need to walk 2 blocks North along Main St under the Georgia Viaduct, which is also the southern gateway to Chinatown. Here you will see a building and a sign that has guitar murals painted on the side of it – follow the building East and the little shrine is there.

We walked in and was met by a really nice guy called Lewis who is one of a few handful of volunteers that help run the shrine and its cute little garden out back. Inside the Shrine, there are pictures, guitars and some information on Jimi’s history in the neighbourhood and there are also his Lyrics to his very well known songs on the wall.

There is also some great information regarding a famous Restaurant called Vie’s Chicken and SteakHouse which was located right by where the Shrine now stands and is part of folklore on Hogan’s Alley. It was here at Vie’s that Jimi’s grandmother Nora worked and as Jimi got older he would learn to play here at after hours. Vie’s operated between the 1920s through to the 1970s and was a major hangout for very famous Black Stars of the day such as Nat king Cole.

The site of where the shrine is where a letter was found to be written by Jimi and addressed to Nora Hendrix, at 209 Union St. in Vancouver’s Chinatown. The now owner of the Shrine followed his curiosity to see the address only to find a dilapidated shed on that location – it was then discovered that this was the former location of Vie’s kitchen and was then decided that a special memorial should be created – and the rest as they say is history!

We hope that you found something from this blog and will take a small trip to the Shrine while you are checking out the Chinatown area.

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Beaches and outdoor Swimming Pools.

Wednesday, May 8th, 2013

The city of Vancouver is surrounded by many gorgeous beaches for you to enjoy, as the season starts to heat up we want to share with you the very best of Vancouver Beaches, swimming pools (Indoor and Out) and other aquatic related centers for all the family to enjoy.

VANCOUVER BEACHES

Downtown Vancouver/Stanley Park
SUNSET BEACH
Our namesake Beach is just a short 5 minute walk down the hill from the hotel. At Sunset Beach you get to experience some very good views of the The Burrard St Bridge, Granville Island, False Creek and the mouth of English Bay….it is one of our favorite beaches due to its location and the fact that it does not get as busy as the others…and of course you do get to experience some spectacular Sunsets from this vantage point.

ENGLISH BAY (FIRST BEACH)
English Bay is the most popular beach of them all due to its location at the Western side of the city – this is where the West End meets Stanley Park. You can reach English Bay by heading west from the hotel, we feel the best and most scenic route is to walk South to Sunset Beach and then head West along the seawall towards the Iconic Inukshuk
To many locals this is also known as First Beach as it is the first beach you reach as you make your way along Stanley Park.

SECOND BEACH
Heading West along the Seawall from English Bay and after about a 10 minute or so walk you will reach the beginnings of Stanley Park and Second Beach. Not as crowded as English Bay but it can get pretty busy when there are some events happening such as the Outdoor Movies at the height of Summer.
Close by to Second Beach are the Tennis Courts where the Herons annually congregate to raise their young high above the courts. Take the family along where you can enjoy a BBQ and Picnic at Ceperley Meadows and the famous outdoor Second Beach Pool – read further down to the Swimming Pool section for further details.

THIRD BEACH
Keep walking West along the Sea wall and as you start to turn towards the North West you reach the third and largest of the Stanley Park Beaches Third Beach.
Very popular among the locals who are willing to walk a little way around the park, here you will get to see unobstructed views of English Bay, Bowen Island, North Vancouver, The Spanish Banks and UBC towards the Southwest.
At the height of Summer, the beach is very popular among the drumming crowds – its well worth a visit to see the crowds congregate with their drums, especially as the Sun is beginning to set you hear the drummers increase the beat and volume which ultimately ends on a voracious high just as the Sun Sets, its quite the spiritual experience and a great sense of community as another day ends in Vancouver.

Greater Vancouver Beaches
KITSILANO BEACH
Some say this is out little version of California….so check it and lets us know what you think. Its a stunning vantage point of Downtown Vancouver, the North Shore and Bowen Island. There are also some great restaurants here to dine in that overlook the beach. If you like dogs, walk north towards The Maritime Museum and there is the smaller Dog Beach, this place will put a smile on your face!

Also close are:
Museum of Vancouver http://www.museumofvancouver.ca/
Bard on the Beach http://www.bardonthebeach.org/
H.R Macmillan Space Centre http://www.spacecentre.ca/

JERICHO BEACH/SPANISH BANKS
Located further West along Kitsilano – Jericho Beach and its parks is a stunning place indeed, with the city of Vancouver out East in the distance and towards the north you have Cypress Mountain dominating the sky line, this is an awesome area to see the Sun set over Vancouver Island at the height of summer.
Check out the Jericho Beach Webcam http://www.jericho.ca/webcam/webcam.html

WRECK BEACH
Wreck Beach is famous really for one thing….and thats the nudists! A world famous nudist beach that is a popular destination in the summer….clothing is optional so you have been warned.
Located at the Western end of the University of British Columbia and flanked by some steep cliffs here you will enjoy stunning views of the Georgia Strait and Vancouver Island.

OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOLS
SECOND BEACH POOL
A very popular outdoor pool for all the family to enjoy – its locations is close to English Bay and by Stanley Park, at the height of Summer the near by Ceperley Meadows is the location for late evening after dark movies, so bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy!
The Pool is heated and has a cafe located nearby if you fancy an Icecream, Hotdog or a Burger.
http://vancouver.about.com/od/sportsrecreation/p/secondbeachpool.htm

KITSILANO POOL
The most popular Outdoor beach of them all, located just to the West of Kits beach, this pool is huge – it is 3 times longer than an Olympic sized pool…pretty impressive!
http://vancouver.about.com/od/sportsrecreation/p/kitspool.htm

NEW BRIGHTON POOL
Located out in East Vancouver on the Burrard Inlet, it is the 3rd open air pool to enjoy.

For further information on Pools and recreation – http://vancouver.about.com/od/sportsrecreation/tp/outdoorpools.htm

INDOOR SWIMMING POOLS
AQUATIC CENTER
Just a few minutes walk down Thurlow St from the hotel and at the Foot of Sunset Beach and The Burrard Bridge – The Aquatic Centre is a great all year round facility for Water related activities.
http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/vancouver-aquatic-centre.aspx

HILLCREST POOL
The jewel in the crown for Aquatic facilities, Hillcrest is a state of the Art Sports centre than not only boasts a swimming pool, but much more for Sports and recreation.
Located next to the Stunning Queen Elizabeth Park, Hillcrest was the former curling venue for the 2010 Winter Games.
http://www.hillcrestcentre.ca/

Queen Elizabeth Park.. http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/queen-elizabeth-park.aspx

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MOVIE THEATERS

Friday, May 3rd, 2013

Here is a listing of where to find a good movie such as the Mainstream or Independent films.

SCOTIABANK THEATRE
900 Burrard Street
Vancouver, BC, V6Z 3G5
(604) 630-1407

Scotiabank Theatre is the closest to us that will show more of the most popular major new releases…walking time is around 15 minutes.

Film Listings - http://www.cineplex.com/Theatres/TheatreDetails/Scotiabank-Theatre-Vancouver.aspx

Where to find the Cinema: https://maps.google.com/?q=Scotiabank+Theatre+Vancouver%4049.282176,-123.124341

CINEPLEX – Cineplex ODEON INTERNATIONAL VILLAGE CINEMAS (TINSLETOWN)
88 West Pender
Vancouver, BC, V6B 6N9
(604) 806-0799

Located at the gates of Chinatown and a short walk to Gastown, like the Scotiabank Theatre, this will premier the latest major movies…

http://www.cinemarktinseltown.ca/

Where to find the Cinema: https://maps.google.com/?q=Cineplex+Odeon+International+Village+Cinemas%4049.281069,-123.107409

OMNIMAX THEATRE (SCIENCE-WORLD)
The Omnimax theatre is the perfect experience for the family and an excellent reason to checkout Science World while you are, this is one the coolest spots to visit in the city..prepared to be taken on a magical ride that an Omnimax movie can make the screen come to life before your eyes….

http://www.scienceworld.ca/omnimax

THE RIO THEATRE
1660 E Broadway Vancouver, BC
(604) 879-3456

A true Vancouver Institution that hosts not only films (especially old cult movies) but there are always fun cabaret and burlesque shows and much much more……also they do a mean Grilled Cheese sandwich…probably the best in all the land.

http://riotheatre.ca/

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Events this May

Friday, May 3rd, 2013

Here are some exciting events to look out for this month of May.

BMO VANCOUVER MARATHON
SUNDAY MAY 6th
The Vancouver Marathon has to be one of the stunning courses around. Starting off at the gorgeous Queen Elizabeth Park which has 360 degree views of the city and its mountains, and then winding around the South and West of the City along the UBC Campus grounds through to downtown and around Stanley Park and back to the downtown core again, not only do the participants get to stretch their legs but they also will heighten their senses with the spectacular scenery that this city has to offer!
What is even better this year is that it looks likely the Weather is going to be on our side, with the thermometer quite possibly reaching the low 20s C (Mid to high 60s if you work with Farenheit).
So whether or not you are a participant or a spectator, get out there and enjoy the day and make sure to grab the Sunscreen!

http://www.bmovanmarathon.ca/

DOXA DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL
MAY 3rd till MAY 12th
Presented by The Documentary Media Society which is a non for profit organization….DOXA returns to wow audiences with the most groundbreaking and innovative and independent Documentary films for you to enjoy.
The Participating theaters are as follows:
VIFF’s Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour Street
Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton Street
The Cinematheque, 1131 Howe Street
Rio Theatre, 1660 E Broadway

http://www.doxafestival.ca/festival/program

VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL BURLESQUE FESTIVAL
We are slightly late on this one, as it started on MAY 2nd and ends MAY 4th.
Burlesque is everywhere, and if you haven’t managed to catch a show then head to this!
Now in its 8th year and growing fast in popularity this is a must see festival!

http://www.vanburlesquefest.com/

RICHMOND NIGHT MARKET Featuring Chinese/Japanese/Korean/Asian cultural foods and more
MAY 17th to OCTOBER 14th
After successfully restarting in 2012 after a 4 year hiatus The Richmond Night Market is back!
Many will say that this night market is the one to see if you want to visit a Chinese market – as the summer season shows signs of its return, the night markets are a great place to visit for some excellent Asian food and cheap goods, it is well worth a visit and we are sure you will come back with your hand full and a satisfied belly!

Click here on how to get there…http://www.richmondnightmarket.com/transit.html

http://www.richmondnightmarket.com/

SPOT PRAWN FESTIVAL
The Festival is a culmination of various events that welcome in the Spot Prawn Season. This is a very popular event especially among the Foodie community that just can’t get enough of their Crustaceans.
Head down to Granville Island from around May 7th and look out for the fun festivities!

http://chefstablesociety.com/spotprawnfestival/

http://www.wildbcspotprawns.com/events/34-wild-bc-spot-prawn-festivals-in-bc

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Vegetarian/Vegan friendly Restaurants

Friday, April 26th, 2013

Vancouver is a great city if you are Vegetarian or Vegan, you will not have to look too far to find some excellent meat free cuisine.

Take a look at the list below to find our popular best picks for anyone who is Vegetarian.

THE PARKER
One of the most recent Vegetarian venues to open in the last year or so and it is really bringing excellent fine dining and atmosphere to Vancouver all the while being meat free.
It is also one of the most environmentally friendly establishments in the city as they pride themselves on local sustainability and utmost care regarding its product and relationship with the community.

http://www.theparkervancouver.com/

NUBA – A LEBANESE CUISINE
Now in its 10th and has since grown to 4 locations around the city, this restaurant is very popular and loved. Some may say that Lebanese food is some of the healthiest around, and after dining at Nuba it is very hard to argue with this comment.
The menu blends the very best from the Middle East and has some European influences, many of the dishes served will not seem unfamiliar.
There are Halal, non medicated hormone free meat options if you are dining with a carnivore in the group.

http://www.nuba.ca/

THE NAAM
Open 364 days a year in the beautiful district of Kitsilano – The Naam is one of the most well known Vegetarian Restaurants. It is cute, rustic and open for 24 hours and live music in the evening. A nice fireplace to keep you warm in the winter and a lovely outside garden during the more balmy weather of summer It can be very very busy and due to the volume and space no reservations.

http://www.thenaam.com/

HONS WUN TON HOUSE
Not Exclusively Vegetarian. The menu however is huge – and they have a separate menu that is extensively suitable for Vegetarians.
This is great Chinese food that is loaded full of flavour and really is the real deal.

http://www.hons.ca/

THE FOUNDATION
A very popular Vegetarian restaurant that is a huge hit among a younger crowd and hipster scene – it is cheap and cheerful but can be a hectic place at times, so if this is somewhere you are looking for to spend some time to relax in peace and quiet then this may have a little too much hustle and bustle for you. Saying all that, it is worth a visit on a budget. No website available.
2301 Main St Vancouver, BC V5T 3C9
(604) 708-0881

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Davie Village and The West End Gay District.

Wednesday, April 24th, 2013

The Sunset Inn and Suites is located in the gorgeous West End Community of Vancouver – this area fills the void between the Downtown core of the city and Stanley Park.

Our location is situated in an area called Davie Village which is in the heart of the Vancouver Gay District of Vancouver. The Village spans over 3 blocks along Davie St beginning from the Eastern Side at Burrard St and ending around Jervis Street to the West.

In 1999 The Davie Street Business Association decided to phrase the area as ‘Davie Village’ and in the process they decided to give the neighbourhoood an uplift by installing colourful Rainbow flags (the official symbolic flag for Gay Pride)on one side of the post, with the other side showing artwork from a local artist called ‘Joe Average’.

We will like to highlight the very best of the Davie Village area so you know where to go for good food and entertainment right on your door step.

WINE AND DINING
Davie Village is absolutely teeming with fantastic restaurants, so much so that it is very difficult not to find anything that you won’t like.
Here we will recommend some of the Staff best picks that we hope you will enjoy! We will begin with the High end right down to the cheap and cheerful!

High end/Fine Dining
BIN 941 (CLASSIC CLASSY CANADIAN CUISINE)
A fantastic experience of Tapas in style with a Canadian twist accompanied with an extensive Wine List and local Craft Beers. http://www.bin941.com/
LA BRASSERIE (FRENCH/GERMAN)
A great alternative to BIN 941, this has is Franco/German comfort food in style! http://www.labrasserievancouver.com/
CAFE LUXY (ITALIAN)
If you like Italian Food and specifically Pasta, then Cafe Luxy is the place for you! Excellent Daily Specials. http://www.cafeluxy.com/
LOLLITAS(MEXICAN CANTINA)
A very busy restaurant and an excellent choice if you have a preferance for Latin American style foods, and like the others it has an excellent choice in Fine Wines and Craft Beers. http://www.lolitasrestaurant.com/

Mid Range/Affordable
THE BANANA LEAF (MALAYSIAN)
This place is a huge hit among the staff here, if you like Thai, Indonesian style foods, you will love this! http://www.bananaleaf-vancouver.com/
KADOYA (SUSHI)
Vancouver Sushi is world renowned and EVERYWHERE! The Staff do gravitate to this establishment, excellent portions! http://www.kadoya.ca/
TAKIS (GREEK/CYPRIOT)
There are 2 Greek Restaurants in the area, this is great for a dining out experience and directly behind the hotel on Davie St. http://www.takistaverna.com/

Cheap and Cheerful!
STEPHOS (GREEK)
Very very busy restaurant for a good reasons, excellent price and huge portions…there is a very long line up, we suggest that you order for pick to skip the line.
PHO GOODNESS (VIETNEMESE) They sell excellent Subs here at the price of $4.75 including Tax, so cheap yet so so good.
MONGOLI GRILL (MONGOLIAN) This is great, you just pick your food and watch it get cooked Ghengis Khan style, suitable for Vegetarians. http://www.mongoliegrill.ca/home.html

PUBS and BARS
THE SCORE – A popular Sports bar with excellent food Specials, even if you are not a sports fan this place will still do the job! Great staff and great atmosphere. http://scoreondavie.com/
THE SPEAKEASY – A dark and moody setting which is a great place to watch sports with friends and it also boasts a fantastic balcony that can get busy in the summer http://thespeakeasy.ca/
1181 Trendy Bar on Davie http://www.1181.ca/
THE FOUNTAINHEAD – One of the more popular Gay bars in the area, with a fantastic patio and pool table. This is in institution on Davie Village. http://www.thefountainheadpub.com/
OASIS – Recently renovated this is a gem, it has a club vibe to it and excellent theme nights, Sundays are a great day, with Karaoke on Tuesdays – great fun and great patio space in the summer months too that double the size of the venue. http://oasisondavie.com/

NIGHTCLUBS
CELEBRITIES – One of the most popular night clubs in the district and recently renovated, a big hit among the younger crowd. http://celebritiesnightclub.com/
NUMBERS – Boasting 3 floors, the dancefloor on the main level and more of a pub vibe at the top, it also has a fantastic Karaoke Box where you can scream like a banshee and not annoy the rest of the bar! http://www.numbers.ca/UI/User/UserHome.aspx
THE JUNCTION – A quiet pub in the day and night club after nightfall, hosts quiz nights and drag shows. http://www.junctionpub.com/

BREAKFAST & COFFEE SHOPS
JOES GRILL &HAMBURGER MARYS, NEIGHBOURHOOD DINER People tend to like one over the other, both are very very good at breakfast. Hamburger Marys has been a staple in the Davie Village area and in many Gay Districts along the West Coast of North America (it was orginally a Drag Bar diner).
MELRICHES COFFEE HOUSE A local Community Coffee house right in the heart of the village.
BLENZ & STARBUCKS Canadian Vs USA you choose!

BOOKSTORES
LITTLE SISTERS
This is an institution that has been in the West End for the past 20 years, it sells books, DVD’s Toys and more, certainly for someone with an open mind on books regarding Gender, sexuality and more… http://littlesisters.ca/blog/

QMUNITY & PRIDE FESTIVAL
Qmunity is an excellent resource centre for the LGBT community…http://www.qmunity.ca/

Pride Festival http://www.vancouverpride.ca/Pride2013/

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Popular Bus Routes & Destinations….

Monday, April 15th, 2013

At the Sunset Inn and Suites we receive many questions regarding the Bus Routes that will get you to the most popular destinations around Vancouver.

Below is a comprehensive list on the more popular routes/destinations that the majority of our guests will want to use, we have split the destinations into 2 parts, the first being destinations within Vancouver such as Stanley Park, Gastown and UBC, and secondly we have destinations in the Greater Vancouver area such as Capilano Suspension Bridge and the Ferry Terminals….we really hope that this will be beneficial for you in regards to getting yourself to your appropriate destination.

PLEASE NOTE Some destinations may require you to transfer a couple of times, the system is very regular and there are announcements so you are awar of which stop to get off and change Buses etc etc.
Prices may change due to busy periods or unexpected events such as Rush Hour, Weekends and Festivals, please double check at Front desk for further information regarding Bus fares around the city or visit the Translink Website here..http://www.translink.ca/

ALL TICKETS LAST FOR A DURATION OF 90 MINUTES AT TIME OF PURCHASE – WHICH CAN HELP ENABLE YOU TO REACH YOUR DESTINATION WITH JUST THE ONE TICKET – Double check with the Front-desk regarding your travel times.

SECTION 1 – VANCOUVER DESTINATIONS

TO AND FROM VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (YVR)
To Vancouver
This Route involves 1 transfer. 2 ZONE TICKET
AT YVR SKYTRAIN
Purchase a 2 Zone ticket to Yaletown Station.
Transfer to Bus C23 to Davie and Thurlow St. Walk 1 block South along Thurlow – turn your first right onto Burnaby St and we are the 2nd building along heading West.
Adults $7.75 Concession $6.75

To the Airport
BUS NUMBER C23 Main St Bus…..Catch the Eastbound Bus on Davie & Thurlow St. Transfer @Yaletown Station – Catch the YVR (Airport) TRAIN.
Adults $4.00 Concession $2.75
Vancouver Airport Website www.yvr.ca/

YALETOWN (SKYTRAIN STATION)
BUS NUMBER C23 Main St Bus…. catch the Eastbound bus @Denny’s restaurant on Davie st and Thurlow St
Yaletown Website yaletowninfo.com/

AQUARIUM
BUS NUMBER 19 (Stanley Park bus)@ Georgia St & Burrard St
Go to Burrrad St, catch the Northbound BUS NUMBER 22 (Knight Bus) (Bus stop is by TD Bank on Burrard and Davie) to Georgia St and transfer onto the BUS NUMBER 19 (Stanley Park Bus) to the Aquarium.
Adults $2.75 – Concession $1.75
Aquarium Website – www.vanaqua.org/

CHINATOWN/CHINESE NIGHT MARKETS
BUS NUMBER 22 (Knight bus) catch the Northbound Bus at Burrard St and Davie St (By TD Bank) the bus will run directly through the Chinatown District.
Adults $2.75 – Concession $1.75
Chinatown information http://vancouver-chinatown.com/

GASTOWN
BUS NUMBER 6 (Davie St bus) @Davie and Thurlow St (Bus Stop by Denny’s Restaurant) The very last stop is @Waterfront Station which is the very beginning of the Gastown District.
Adults $2.75 – Concession $1.75
Gastown Information www.gastown.org/

MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY/UBC (University)
BUS NUMBER 44 (UBC Bus)- Southbound on Burrard & Burnaby St (MONDAY TO FRIDAY ONLY) or BUS NUMBER 14 (UBC Bus) (Southbound on Granville St) WEEKENDS ONLY
Adults $2.75 – Concession $1.75
Museum of Anthropology Website moa.ubc.ca/

QUEEN ELIZABETH PARK/VAN DUSEN GARDENS
This Route involves 2 Transfers
BUS NUMBER C23 (Main St Bus) Eastbound at Davie & Thurlow. Transfer to Yaletown Station/Canada Line (Skytrain) to KING EDWARD STATION BUS NUMBER 33 – 29th Ave Station SOUTHBOUND at Cambie S @ W King Edward Ave
Van Dusen Gardens Website vancouver.ca/vandusen/
Queen Elizabeth Park – vancouver.ca/parks-recreation…/queen-elizabeth-park.aspx

SCIENCE WORLD
BUS NUMBER C23 Main St – catch the Bus at Davie and Thurlow St @Denny’s Restaurant to the final stop, then walk Westbound a couple of blocks to Science World.
Science World Website http://www.scienceworld.ca/

SECTION 2 – GREATER VANCOUVER/NORTH & WEST VANCOUVER DESTINATIONS
These Tickets are classed as 2 Zone MONDAY TO FRIDAYS ONLY
ADULTS $4.00 CONCESSION $2.75
WEEKENDS - Adults $2.75 Concession $1.75
TSAWWASSEN FERRY ROUTE Prices are ADULTS $5.50 CONCESSION $3.75

BOWEN ISLAND
1 transfer
BUS NUMBER 6 Davie Eastbound @Denny’s Restaurant on Davie & Thurlow St – Transfer onto BUS NUMBER 257 (Horseshoe Bay bus) @Georgia St (Heading Westbound)
Transfer to the Bowen Island Ferry @The Horseshoe Bay Terminal.
See BC FERRIES Website for further Ferry scheduling http://www.bcferries.com/
Bowen Island information www.bowen-island-bc.com/

CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE – GROUSE MOUNTAIN – LONSDALE QUAY/NORTH VANCOUVER
This route has 2 Transfers
BUS NUMBER 6 (Davie St Bus) @Denny’s on Davie and Thurlow St to Waterfront Station Transfer to Waterfront Station and catch the SEABUS to Lonsdale Quay
Transfer to BUS NUMBER 236 (Grouse Mountain Bus) to Capilano and Grouse.
Lonsdale Quay Website www.lonsdalequay.com/
Capilano Suspension Bridge Website www.capbridge.com/
Grouse Mountain Website www.grousemountain.com/

HORSESHOE BAY (FERRY TERMINAL) – NANAIMO
This route has 1 transfer.
BUS NUMBER 6 (Davie St Bus) – Eastbound @Denny’s Restaurant on Davie & Thurlow St – Transfer onto BUS NUMBER 257 (Horseshoe Bay Bus)@Georgia St (Heading Westbound)
See BC FERRIES Website for further Ferry scheduling http://www.bcferries.com/
Horseshoe Bay Website www.horseshoebaybc.ca/

RICHMOND/CHINESE NIGHT MARKETS
1 transfer
BUS NUMBER 6 (Davie St Bus) ……Catch @Denny’s Restaurant on Davie and Thurlow St. Transfer @Yaletown Station – Catch the RICHMOND SKYTRAIN Southbound to Richmond
Richmond Chinese Nightmarket website http://www.richmondnightmarket.com/

TSAWWASSEN FERRY TERMINAL – VICTORIA
PLEASE NOTE The Journey to Victoria from Vancouver takes roughly 3.5 hours in total travel time.
This Route involves 2 transfers.
BUS NUMBER 6 (Davie St Bus) ……Catch @Denny’s Restaurant on Davie and Thurlow St. Transfer @Yaletown Station – Catch the RICHMOND SKYTRAIN Southbound to BRIDGEPORT STATION….Transfer to the BUS NUMBER 620 Bus (Tsawwassen Ferry Bus) to the Ferry Terminal Station (Final Stop)
THIS ROUTE IS $5.50 ADULTS $3.75 CONCESSION

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