Later in the evening, check out Davie Street's gay bars, the most popular
being Celebrities and the Odyssey, which both draw young, stylish
crowds. Both spots pull their share of lesbians, but Celebrities is the
more diverse of the two. The Odyssey has a festive patio and a great
little dance floor. Other fun drinking spots along Davie include Oasis
(an attractively decorated piano cabaret and restaurant), Pumpjack (a
neighborhood pub with a leather-and-Levi's vibe), 1181 (an ultra-chichi
martini lounge drawing a well-coiffed crowd), Fountainhead Pub (a fun
sports bar with a great patio), and Numbers (a lovably dive-y cruise bar
with three levels). If you're looking for action, drop by one of the
city's popular bathhouses, F212 Steam or M2M Playspace. The latter is
part of the saucy (but quite affordable) Fahrenheit Hotel, a men's sex-plex
with private rooms and a steamy vibe (there are rooms on one floor that
are geared more toward guests who want to keep their clothes on and get
a good night's sleep).
There are several gay-friendly bed-and-breakfasts and hotels in the
neighborhood, the upscale West End Guest House being among the best,
with its beautifully decorated Edwardian rooms. Another luxurious B&B
that's highly appealing is O'Canada House, whose rooms have spacious
tile baths and TVs with VCRs. A bit less pricey but still with ample
charm, handsome furnishings, friendly hosts, and a great location near
Davie Village, Nelson House has six inviting guest rooms. You'll find
195 spacious, contemporary suites with full kitchens and moderate rates
at the Sandman Suites, a popular full-service hotel right in the heart
of Davie Village - amenities include the popular Moxie's Grill
restaurant, a spa, and a fitness center. If you're on a budget, the Inn
at False Creek Quality Hotel is a reputable and affordable chain option
on the edge of Davie Village.
Just steps from the West End you'll discover the beautiful, rugged
Stanley Park, which occupies a peninsula of more than 1,000 unspoiled
acres of lush greenery, forests of cedar and Douglas fir, sandy beaches,
and panoramic maritime vistas. From here it's a short drive to North
Vancouver, home to Grouse Mountain ski area. For a great photo-op, stop
by the nearby 450-foot-long Capilano Suspension Bridge, which swings
gently (for the most part) 230 feet above the river below it.
Back in the city center, you'll find some of the city's best upscale
shopping along Robson Street, and you can enjoy a more historic aspect
of Vancouver by wandering through Gastown, the site of Canada's
transcontinental railroad terminus. The neighborhood boomed throughout
the late 1800s, foundered by the middle of this century, and became a
model for urban restoration in the '60s and '70s. Today you can stroll
along Gastown's main cobbled thoroughfare, Water Street, past dozens of
somewhat touristy shops and restaurants. Continue to page
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The Hunk
