- Tali
- (4)
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Watch out for the stone statues that are created by an amazing artist working on the beaches year round. Also try a walk around beaver lake where the wildlife is awesome!
Commercial drive is a piece of unique heritage in an area of the world that is dominated by chain stores and coffee shops. The Drive is bucking franchises in favour of amazing shops and stores that are complete one offs.
Start by stocking up with fresh breads, fruits, herbal remedies and more, punctuated by a few coffee breaks along the way in one of many of the NON franchised coffee shops. Then finish your experience in one of the fantastic restaurants (many with outdoor heated patios) dotted along Commercial.
La Grotta del Formaggio is a treasured local purveyor of the best new-world Italian Deli sandwiches and cheeses. If you like kitsch then Urban Empire is the place for you - a shop filled with wonders and surprises. Havana is a great restaurant for good (if not traditional) Cuban food and it has a great photo gallery at the back. Waazubee is also a good rest stop or even better dining experience with a wide range of veggie dishes.
This all comes from a person who doesn't even live in Vancouver. Guess it must be great eh?
Between Broadway and Venables;
www.thedrive.ca
In the heart of China Town there is an oasis. The Chinese gardens are the biggest replica outside of China (I think) and are beautifully kept.
In the summer you can see turtles floating in the ponds and the flowers are stunning.
The guided tours are free and really interesting.
Well worth popping into especially if you happen to be in China town.
578 Carrall Street;
tel: 604 662 3207;
www.vancouverchinesegarden.com
Nearby to Commercial Drive there is a quiet and unique park.
Trout lake is beautiful in all seasons. You can walk the perimeter of the lake taking in the breathtaking views of the rocky mountains with the echoes of children giggling whilst paddling in the water.
You will find Vancouverites riding bikes, reading books, sunbathing, swimming and occasionally even a samba band practicing!
In the summer it houses one of the best farmers markets in British Columbia.
Good place to visit if you need to warm your heart and soul.
Trout Lake Park (also known as John Hendry Park) is located at East 15th Avenue and Victoria Drive in East Vancouver.
Send your feedback or queries to been.there@guardian.co.uk
Search Been there
I have been lucky enough to see most of the continents and hope to carry on travelling until my legs stop working!
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last submitted a tip on 10 May 2006
first submitted a tip on 6 May 2006
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