• Set under a bridge leading to downtown Vancouver, Granville Island is known among locals for its farmers market, restaurants and art galleries.
  
• Those in the know who stay at the Granville Island Hotel ask for one of the six one-bedroom suites in the newest wing — they offer the best water and cityscape views.
  
• Grouse Mountain bike gurus take the trails less traveled, including Access Road, Upper Oil Can and Pile of Rocks. Grab a map from the visitor center and head for the trails marked with the skinniest lines!
  
• Located on the northeast coast of Vancouver Island, the Johnstone Strait area is home to one of the largest resident Orca (killer whale) populations in the world.
  
• Gala Kas La Floating Lodge Kayaking Tours have whale viewing as the primary goal, and make a five-minute paddle into Blackfish Sound daily. The lodge uses solar energy to power its lights, plugs and other necessary day-to-day electrical needs.

The Granville Island Hotel
1253 Johnston St.
Vancouver BC VGH 3R9
Rooms start at $100 US per night.
604-683-7373
www.granvilleislandhotel.com
A favorite refresher on the island: the Granville Island Hotel's "dockside martini."

Grouse Mountain
6400 Nancy Greene Way
North Vancouver, BC V7R 4K9
Admission $18 US, including Skyride
604-998-4253
www.grousemountain.com
Mountaintop adventure 365 days at The Peak of Vancouver; in summer, mountain-biking and helicopter tours, tandem paragliding, Lumberjack Show and the Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife.

Gala Kas La Floating Lodge Kayaking Tours
We Go Kayaking Ltd.
Four-day package $677 US/person
Kayaking trips between June and September
800-434-9346
www.wegokayaking.com

Village Island Native Cultural Tours and Water Taxi Service
Tours $15/person if you arrange your own transportation; they'll pick you up for the Marine Native Cultural Tour, $95/person
877-282-8294(TAXI)
www.villageisland.com