Vancouver, British Columbia: Where to Stay, What to Do and What to Eat!

Vancouver, British Columbia not only proved itself worthy for the 2010 Winter Olympics, it also just landed itself back on the list of most livable places in the world. According to Travel Channel's Samantha Brown, Vancouver has a very active demographic - with so many activities and physical sports to offer, Vancouver's residents are not only happy, they're healthy as well. So whether you're planning a visit to Vancouver for the Winter Olympics or for a summertime vacation, there's plenty to see, do and eat in British Columbia's crown jewel.

Activities in Vancouver

Vancouver offers a number of mountain and dirt biking trails throughout its dense forest. For the more adventurous travelers, don a Motocross helmet and chest protection gear to stay safe while riding up and down the trails. For those seeking less risky adventures, regular mountain biking is also available.

Ziplining is another popular sport in Vancouver. You can choose from straight ziplining several hundred feet across trees and valleys, or upside-down ziplining in the same location - just with a different view! At some locations, you can ride with a partner as well. Unfortunately, most ziplining activities don't last very long for the price you pay, but if you're up for an adventure for adventure's sake, don't miss out on the zipline!

Places to Eat in Vancouver

One restaurant that really piqued my interest while watching Samantha Brown's Vancouver special was C Restaurant. Though a little pricey at $45 for a 3-course meal, they serve up tempting delights, mostly consisting of fresh fish, spot prawns (a type of shrimp), salmon, scallops and tuna. You'll be mesmerized with how they make liquid nitrogen ice cream, too. Though if the waiter requests that you help him pour the liquid nitrogen onto the cream, it's "asta lasagna, don't get any on ya" - it boils at several hundred degrees below Fahrenheit, which means you can say bye-bye to any limbs it might come into contact with!

Where to Stay in Vancouver

Some of Vancouver's best hotels can be a little expensive, but if you're traveling alone or with a spouse, you can find rooms at places like Le Soleil Hotel and Suites or Opus Hotels for 150-200 Canadian dollars per night, depending on the season. Pan Pacific-Vancouver Hotel also comes highly recommended.

Sources:

Travel Channel: Samantha Brown's Vancouver Destination

Fivestaralliance.com

Theme-park-review.com