Vancouver, Canada - "Best City in the Americans"
So, of course it was on our list as a "must" city for the IDC to visit in 2007.
Vancouver was voted the "Best City in the Americas" for 2004, 2005 and 2006 by Condé Nast Traveler magazine, based on the categories of ambiance, friendliness, culture and sites, restaurants, lodging, and shopping. Our home while in Vancouver was The Westin Grand (westin.com/Vancouver).
The False Creek waterfront community has experienced some serious revitalization since its rebirth as host of Expo '86. Formerly a warehouse district where textile shops and train yards provided little in the way of beauty or entertainment, Yaletown has been transformed into one of Vancouver's hippest areas, filled with sidewalk cafes, trendy restaurants, a thriving nightlife scene and intimate boutique hotels. Our hotel was in walking distance of most of this, and we had dinner on the waterfront.
Vancouver was voted the "Best City in the Americas" for 2004, 2005 and 2006 by Condé Nast Traveler magazine, based on the categories of ambiance, friendliness, culture and sites, restaurants, lodging, and shopping. Our home while in Vancouver was The Westin Grand (westin.com/Vancouver).
The False Creek waterfront community has experienced some serious revitalization since its rebirth as host of Expo '86. Formerly a warehouse district where textile shops and train yards provided little in the way of beauty or entertainment, Yaletown has been transformed into one of Vancouver's hippest areas, filled with sidewalk cafes, trendy restaurants, a thriving nightlife scene and intimate boutique hotels. Our hotel was in walking distance of most of this, and we had dinner on the waterfront.
The Fish House in Stanley Park
Every now and then, a single event summarizes what this group is all about. This happened during a driving tour of Stanley Park. We got up early and completed a walking tour of one of the many wildlife areas of the city and had started a driving tour through the park, where we stopped for lunch at The Fish House.
It was one of our IDC magical moments. The wine was excellent, the food fantastic and the conversation so good that it is still one of those beautiful, magical days that years later we talk about - that wonderful sunny afternoon in the Park. (www.fishhousestanleypark.com)
It was one of our IDC magical moments. The wine was excellent, the food fantastic and the conversation so good that it is still one of those beautiful, magical days that years later we talk about - that wonderful sunny afternoon in the Park. (www.fishhousestanleypark.com)
Victoria, Canada
Throughout its history, The Fairmont Empress has played host to kings, queens, movie stars, famous people and of course, the IDC.
We arrived in Victoria via sea plane. During the summer months, the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, British Columbia, serves Afternoon Tea to more guests than most hotels in London, England. More than 800 people per day come to enjoy a tradition that has been part of the hotel since she first opened her doors in 1908. (www.fairmont.com/empress/)
During our stay in Victoria we walked the streets of the capitol. Paul and Judy rented a car and went out to a restaurant in a quaint seaside town. Doug and Ronnie went to the Royal British Museum, founded in 1866. (www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca)
Our final Gala dinner was in a secluded spot in front of the fireplace of the hotel's main dining room.
We arrived in Victoria via sea plane. During the summer months, the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, British Columbia, serves Afternoon Tea to more guests than most hotels in London, England. More than 800 people per day come to enjoy a tradition that has been part of the hotel since she first opened her doors in 1908. (www.fairmont.com/empress/)
During our stay in Victoria we walked the streets of the capitol. Paul and Judy rented a car and went out to a restaurant in a quaint seaside town. Doug and Ronnie went to the Royal British Museum, founded in 1866. (www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca)
Our final Gala dinner was in a secluded spot in front of the fireplace of the hotel's main dining room.
The Empress Hotel
