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Web Directions North » What Else to Do

If you’ve never been in town before, Vancouver offers a lot of great stuff to explore.

Stanley Park Topping most out-of-towner’s lists, and for good reason, Stanley Park is 1000 acres of natural forest within walking distance of the downtown city core. Explore the cedars and ferns along rugged trails in a lush west coast rainforest. Wildlife abounds, especially around Lost Lagoon, and the well-known Vancouver Aquarium is situated in the middle of the park. Make sure not to miss the totem poles to the southeast of the park, or the seawall walk which surrounds the entire park (although the latter is about 12km [8mi], so you might wish to avoid attempting the entire thing). Gastown The former heart of the city, Gastown is where Vancouver got its start as a small industry town over 120 years ago, but fell into disrepair during the middle of the previous century. These days the brick buildings, tree-lined cobblestone streets, and retro streetlights give it a nice old-fashioned feeling that has led to a revival of the area, though it’s likely the city’s biggest tourist trap. Still worth a look — however, you’re best not straying too far from the streets where the crowds roam. Yaletown Yuppie central, and the former hot technology spot during the dot-com boom (traces remain with studios like Blast Radius and various game companies still visible). Yoga studios, pet and baby boutiques, and trendy restaurants abound. Yaletown is a great place to get dinner or do a bit of shopping. Commercial Drive Commercial Drive has a large number of local ethnic restaurants, stores and community groups, Edwardian-style heritage buildings, European-style cafes, bars, and alternative shops and entertainment venues. The Drive is a popular place for Vancouverites who want to experience a safe version of North American counter-culture. It’s a little ways outside of the downtown core, but definitely worth a look. Robson Street Vancouver’s main shopping drag. All the designer brands have set up shop along Robson St. Make sure not to miss the corner of Robson and Thurlow, and its pair of opposing Starbucks. (Truly the end of the universe.) Kitsilano Just across the bridge to the south is one of Vancouver’s most cherished neighbourhoods. Traces remain of its hippy roots, although these days it’s slowly being claimed by the yuppie crowd. Wander along 4th Ave. or West Broadway for all sorts of eclectic boutiques and cheap organic eats. Capilano/Lynn Valley There are two suspension bridges in North Vancouver, both situated in parks amongst scenic canyons and incredible natural forest trails. Capilano is the tourist trap and the larger bridge of the two, but Lynn Valley is the local’s secret. It’s completely free, just a bit further out. (We’d suggest skipping them if the week is particularly rainy however, as the trails are best when dry.) Whistler And of course there’s Whistler. See more about the side trip we have planned for after Web Directions on our Skiing program page.

Other Events

Some other things happening around the same time as WD07 that you might also want to check out.

Facebook Developer Garage The local single night seminar returns for a second round on Monday, January 28th. If you’re in town early, and interested in the development of Facebook applications, this is one to see. Canucks Games The Vancouver Canucks only play one home game during Web Directions this year. On Tuesday, January 29th they take on the Dallas Stars at GM Place (get directions), start time 7pm. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. (If the game sells out, there are usually plenty of scalpers a few blocks from the stadium more than happy to sell you a ticket at a steep premium. Check out the area round the Stadium/Chinatown SkyTrain station if you’re forced to go this route.) Vancouver Opera The Vancouver Opera will be performing of Rossini’s “The Italian Girl in Algiers” during Web Directions. Shows are on January 29, 31 and Feb 2, and tickets are available through the VO website. Northern Voice Northern Voice was Canada’s first blogging conference back in 2005. The 2008 event is a bit later in February this year. Other Events If you somehow managed to run out of things to do during Web Directions (really? You did? How?!) you can always pick up a copy of the free local weekly, the Georgia Straight and browse the events section (or even just use the web site).