Swide Magazine by Dolce&Gabbana

Some may have already associated Vancouver with scenic attractions and nature-filled activities, but it wasn’t until the city became the official host of the 2010 Winter Olympics that it was able to receive worldwide reach. In 2009, The Economist dubbed Vancouver “the best city in the world to live”, with great reason. Swide shares its pick of attractions while exploring our five senses.

SIGHT:

Vancouver is full of breathtaking waterfront views, towering mountains, rich evergreens and beautifully lit harbors. A simple run along the seawall at Stanley Park can inspire poetry. A visit to Whistler Mountain will encourage paintings to be made. While we usually prefer to escape typical tourist attractions, we ask ourselves why try and run from the beauty that they encompass?

Landscape view of Vancouver from Lonsdale Quay Market

TOUCH:

If one wished to stimulate the sense of touch, the first stop would rightfully be Capilano Regional Park. Capilano Canyon Regional Park is most famous for its Capilano Suspension Bridge. From the mossy evergreens, to the loose gravel to even the indigenous totem poles, Capilano serves up a textural delight.

View of Capilano Bridge

SMELL:

Whether you prefer a sour or sweet aroma, one's sense of smell will be sure to be aroused at Lonsdale Quay Market in North Vancouver. Lonsdale Quay Market features a fresh food market with local products, an international food court, fresh bakeries, as well as unpretentious restaurants. The inviting smell would make anyone want to spend hours trying to track the root of each and every aroma.

 

Lonsdale Quay Market  

 

Fish full of Canadian pride at Lonsdale Quay Market

 TASTE:

With the exception of Seattle, Vancouver is notorious for its rainy days. Like any rainy day, nothing beats spending an afternoon  indoors while sipping on a frothy latte . Vancouver is full of tranquil and friendly cafes. We recommend you check out Commercial Drive:home to trendy shops, funky record stores and more importantly serves as boardwalk full of cafes waiting for you to visit.

Commercial Drive in Vancouver

A local spot, Elysian Coffee in Eastern Vancouver- Friendly staff and amazing coffee.

Cafe art at Elysian Coffee

If you feel like having something cold over hot, then we suggest you pop over to Strathcona (near Downtown) and visit La Casa Gelato. Do try to look over Strathcona's less than impressive appearance discover the 218 flavors that await at La Casa Gelato. Alongside the great tasting flavors come those that you dare not try: Wasabi, popcorn fennel, blue cheese, figs and almonds, gorgonzola,etc...you get the point.

La casa Gelato serving up 218 flavors of ice cream

SOUND:

As if providing tantalizing sounds from its oceanshore to its mountain range was enough, Vancouver also plays as a platform for new artists to share upcoming music.Venues like Backstage Lounge located in Granville's entertainment district always draws in music fanatics who are always on the hunt for new blood. Some famous 'blood suckers' have been known to hang out at the hip lounge. Twilight stars, Robert Pattison and Kristen Stewart often made appearances at Backstage during filming "New Moon". Twihards and music lovers alike should checkout this beloved lounge.

Live performance at Backstage Lounge - Photo credit: Arctic

If any of you are fortunate enough to visit Vancouver during this year's Winter Olympics, we recommend you check out the many free Olympic events being hosted like local fav, free ice skating at Robson Square. More info at City Caucus.

 

Many thanks to Sarah Kim for supplying the photos.

 

Timaj Alwan

 

Source: Various

Photo credits: Sarah Kim, Arctic

TAGS: olympics vancouver guide