Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/561260
24 HOURS 12 G O I N G P L A C E S | F A L L 2 0 1 5 istock PORT METRO VANCOUVER, Canada's largest cruise port sees 900,000 visitors each year. While you're in British Columbia's largest city – whether anticipating or remembering your cruise – take time to appreciate this picturesque coastal city. DINING There are many delicious reasons to leave the comforts of the ship. Vancouver has an impressive selection of restaurants, serving up everything from comfort food to ethnic fare. A short walk from the port is the stylish Preston's. The chefs' commitment to making familiar dishes to be remembered is a promise kept after devouring the Canuck DBLT. The D, which stands for duck, is complemented by traditional BLT toppings, garlic aioli and fig and pear jam on cranberry country bread. For those who'd rather satisfy a beer belly, head to craft brewery Steamworks just 10 minutes southeast of the terminal. It's perfectly situated in Gastown, the city's oldest neighbourhood and a National Historic Site. Try the Nitro Nut Brown beer and soak up the suds with the 12-hour pulled pork sammy. Go to Guu for the atmosphere as much as the food. Serving up traditional Japanese tapas, this Izakaya-style restaurant has no comparison in Manitoba, but is a staple in Vancouver, where 43 per cent of residents are of Asian heritage. The mushroom cheese bibimbap (mixed rice) is an easy and tasty introduction. SHOPPING Fashionistas flock to Robson Street and its unique boutiques, high-end shops and familiar favourites. Several chains that aren't available in Manitoba are here, including French Connection and Zara. For upscale spending, head to Alberni Street. Heralded as a mini Rodeo Drive, this luxe destination is teeming with premium designers, including Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Hermès. If your tastes (or bank account) aren't that extravagant, Granville Island is like Winnipeg's Forks Market's hulking big brother, with artisan wares, unique gifts and freshly picked fruits and veggies. You could easily lose track of time, so focus on the Public Market. SIGHTSEEING Continually topping must-see lists, Stanley Park is Vancouver's urban oasis. Prospect Point café offers the best view of the city and mountains. Or to view marine animals, including sea otters, whales and octopuses, visit the Vancouver Aquarium inside the park. Not for the height-sensitive, the Capilano Suspension Bridge takes you through a natural rainforest along suspended bridges 100 feet up in the air. (Free shuttle service available from Canada Place, next to the port.) If it's raining, seek shelter under the covered walkways and pavilions at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. This authentic representation of a classical Chinese garden from the Ming Dynasty is the first of its kind outside of China, scoring National Geographic's Best City Garden in the World. If you want to stick close to your ship, there's plenty to see around the pier at Canada Place. Take in the majestic harbour views and some of the city's most iconic sites, including Five Sails Restaurant, the 2010 Olympic Flame and Heritage Horns, which sound the first notes of "O Canada" every day at noon. GP Vancouver Pre- or post-cruise, here's how to pass the time in this pretty port city by Lea Currie Sail north from vibrant Vancouver on an Alaskan cruise, or say aloha to warmer waters in Hawaii. Book with a CAA Travel cruise specialist (see page 33). Capilano Suspension Bridge. Canada Place. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.