Exclusive | Women's Travel: Canada/Mexico

VANCOUVER

STAY
The Pacific Palisades Hotel (1277 Robson St; 604-688-0461 or 800-663-1815; C$155+) This Kimpton Group hotel consists of twin towers containing 233 studio and one-bedroom suites, most with balconies and stunning vistas of water, city or mountains. Rooms include a d?cor that weds South Beach and Stanley Park, and oodles of amenities (data port phone, windows that open, microwave, bathrobes). The health club offers a good-size indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna weight gear, and a day spa that offers delicious treatments like a rosemary-mint body scrub and a lavender-oatmeal polish. The staff is super-friendly and attentive. Downstairs, Zin Restaurant (1277 Robson St; 604-408-1700; C$16-28) offers contemporary Global cuisine (goat cheese-Zinfandel fondue, scallop-coconut potato roti) and a robust wine list. The restaurant's well-regarded cuisine, curvy lines and spare d?cor attract a trendy crowd.

The Nelson House (977 Broughton St; phone 604-684-9793 or 866/684-9793; C$118+) Located in the heart of the West End, this roomy Edwardian mansion offers six rooms, four of which have private baths. Room d?cor reflects travel-related themes; the Bombay room has a claw-foot tub and Indian antiques. If it's a special occasion, opt for the top floor suite and take advantage of the jetted tub and kitchenette. A delicious full breakfast is served. Sample Eggs Nelson or fresh blueberry pancakes, served in the delightful breakfast parlor. Gay-owned.

The uber-hip Opus Hotel (322 Davie St; 604/-42-6787 or 866-642-6787; C$189+) is billed as one of 'the hottest new hotels in the world' according to Conde Nast Traveler magazine. In the up-and-coming Yaletown district and nestled amidst the upscale lofts and fast-opening profusion of galleries, the sharply colored 97-room Opus' attracts a must-be-seen crowd to its Elixir Bar and Restaurant, Opus Bar (cocktails and tapas) and Espresso Bar.

EAT
Bin 941 (941 Davie St; 604-683-1246; tapatizers C$4-15)
One of Vancouver's best kept secrets, Bin 941 features a tapas parlor with inventive creations and excellent wines by the glass. This is a seriously slim venue with enthusiastic queues for its few tiny tables.

Havana (1212 Commercial Drive; 604-253-9119; C$9-28)
East Side women lounge over mojitos and burgers such as Havana Joe, Beef Frita Cubana, and veggie burgers amidst the Cuban memorabilia and alternative types who inhabit 'the Drive.' Although food quality is variable, service is friendly and relatively swift and eye candy is usually at an adjacent booth. Sidewalk seating gives prime views of Commercial Drive's dykes with dogs out shopping.

WaaZuBee (1622 Commercial Drive; 604-253-5299; C$9-15)
Vast portions are served by urban hipster types and tattooed East Side dykes amidst the hip darkness of this central Commercial Drive restaurant bar. Revel over enormous haystacks of fries, sumptuous salads and yummy brunches. Lesbian tables generally outnumber tableloads of gay couples and young hip straight families. Excellent local beers and good wine list.

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Related Articles:
Women's Travel: Introduction
Women's Travel: U.S. South
Women's Travel: U.S. East
Women's Travel: U.S. West
Women's Travel: Europe
Women's Travel: Tours & Events
Women's Travel: Travel Safety