CruiseExperts.com suggests, when planning your Alaskan vacation, to consider a cruise or cruise plus land tour (cruisetour) that includes Vancouver in Canada. Vancouver is an exciting cosmopolitan city famous for its glass skyscrapers, China Town, and Gas Light District, and all surrounded by mountains, rivers, oceans and islands. There is something for everyone.
Many cruise lines have Alaskan itineraries that include Vancouver. You can sail round trip from there, or start in Vancouver and cruise northbound to Whittier/Seward. Or, you can start in Whittier/Seward and sail southbound to Vancouver. If you’re considering a cruise plus land tour, there are many options that start or end in Vancouver. We recommend staying an extra day or two to see and experience the best this big Canadian city has to offer.
In a series of “The Best of Vancouver,” we’ve picked our favorite places to eat, shop and things to do while in Vancouver. First, let’s take a look at our favorite restaurants.
Where should you eat in Vancouver?
There are so many places to eat in Vancouver—how do you know which are the best? We’ve found five restaurants that are unique in their own ways–places where you can enjoy a family-style dinner on a long table with your old friends—or meet new ones, sample award-winning food, or hang out at the locals’ favorite pub.
Here’s our Top 5 Places to Eat in Vancouver
1. Chambar Restaurant has won award after award. Their latest was the 16th Annual Georgia Straight Golden Plates Award. Mussels are one of their specialties–like the ones pictured with cilantro, smoked with chili and lime, and served with tomato coconut cream. They’re expanding! Coming this summer, they’ll be making their own bread and smoking their own meats–their goal is to make everything in house. Relax in their wine lounge where you can enjoy wine and good conversation in a cozy atmosphere.
Photo courtesy of the Chambar Restaurant
2. Granville Island Brewing is the locals’ favorite pub because its craft brewery delivers the best suds in town. Their Lions Winter Ale (pictured with their fabulous bread pudding) is hands down their best seller according to the brewing company. The great thing is, they craft their own beers and then create specials on the menu that pair perfectly.
Photo courtesy of Granville Island Brewing
3. Meat and Bread was featured on the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives show. The specials of the day are what make this place unique. They use local meat and produce to create their mouth-watering menu. They serve up the best sandwiches, soups and salads in town. Basically, if you’re hungry and want good food at a friendly price—go here.
Photo courtesy of Meat & Bread
4. Do you love to make new friends and meet new people? The Irish Heather is for you! They feature their “Long Table Series”, where every evening they set up their 40-foot-long table and dinner is served family-style. You can check out their website for what’s being served. However, they always have options for those with dietary restrictions.
Photo courtesy of the Irish Heather
During the summer, you can Pit for Your Supper at The Irish Heather. Sit around the table and pit the peaches or pears from their farm and earn your dinner. If you’re the socialite type, this is a great way to have fun and casually make new friends—and get a free beer and a plate of good food! Photos courtesy of Heather Hospitality Group.
Photo courtesy of the Irish Heather
5. Edible Canada at the Market is located on Granville Island in the public market just across False Creek from downtown. It promotes the local cuisine in favorite Canadian-style food. Jared Crawford provided the picture of his Fresh Ground Angus Beef Burger with sautéed wild mushrooms, bacon jam, aged white cheddar and duck fat frites. It’s a restaurant and retail market, and it also provides local foodie tours.
Photo courtesy of Jared Crawford
Call a CruiseExperts.com agent today and get started planning your Alaskan cruise for 2014. We can help with all your arrangements for spending extra time in Vancouver as well. Call 1-888-804-CRUIse(2784) or visit our website at www.CruiseExperts.com.
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