Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/964953
tourismvancouver.com 15 Selfie Spots Our favourite scenic backdrops to show your friends on social media. Take advantage of free city wifi (VanWifi) and use the hashtag #veryvancouver Ahmad Danny Ramadan LOCAL INTEL Gastown steam clock This steampunk contraption, powered by underground heating vents, chimes on the quarter-hour. The steam given off looks especially moody on chilly evenings. The Birds The giant polystyrene sparrows by sculptor Myfanwy MacLeod anchor Olympic Village on False Creek, where athletes stayed during the 2010 Winter Games. (Under repair as of early 2018, they're expected back in their perch by summer.) Prospect Point This clifftop vantage in Stanley Park has been a favourite spot for family photos since the Lions Gate Bridge was completed in 1938. Queen Elizabeth Park If you want it all – buildings, mountains, ocean – in the background, head to the highest point in the city on Little Mountain, right next to the Bloedel Conservatory. Capilano Suspension Bridge You'll want a strap on your phone or camera as you sway gently over this spectacular rainforest gorge in North Vancouver, or try from a steadier vantage around the rim. The LGBTQ2+-refugee activist and Syrian-Canadian author of The Clothesline Swing talks about some of the mainstays of his adopted hometown. • LGBTQ2+ SUPPORT: Everyone in Vancouver knows QMUNITY – it's the centre for the Queer, Trans and Two-Spirit community offering youth groups, education and lots of other social events. For male- identifying queer visitors, Health Initiative for Men (otherwise known by the acronym HIM) provides a lot of support through social events, workshops and training. It's a resource for everyone who is looking to mingle with the local community. • EAT: Paramount Fine Foods is a well-known Lebanese restaurant across Canada with a location on Robson St. As yummy as it might be, don't go for the pizza! You can eat that everywhere. Try the tabouleh, the lovely hummus with meat, shish tawooq or a delicious, traditional shawerma. • READ: Spartacus Books is a local, independent bookstore trying to stay afloat amid all the chain stores. They offer reading spaces, discounts on local artists and great events. Oh, and you can ask them for a copy of my novel! Prospect Point Burrard Bridge Sunsets over English Bay are magical with this historic span across False Creek. A favourite route for phone- toting runners. CAPILANO GROUP OF COMPANIES (PROSPECT POINT), BOBINSTOW2010/FLICKR (CLOCK), KYLE PEARCE/FLICKR (BIRD), CHRIS HUGGINS/FLICKR (BLOEDEL), TVAN/CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE PARK