VISITING VANCOUVER — MY TOP FIVE TIPS

It’s hard to believe we were only in Vancouver four full days.

We hit the floor running — and didn’t stop until we came back over the border.

Here’s what I learned.

If you’re going to Vancouver, there are a couple of MUST DO’S.

Here are my 5 Tips for Vancouver Visitors.

One. Walk the Seawall at Stanley Park.

Every guide book will tell you about Stanley Park, but I can tell you to double or triple the time you would plan to spend at other parks.

Of course there are lots of things inside the park that are of interest (more on that in a bit) but my favorite parts were on the periphery along the water.

Walking the seawall, even in the rain, is so beautiful.

Every turn has a new delight.

Not just lighthouses, but bridges small and big.

And little creeks and paths leading back to the intriguing greenery of this mammoth park.

And often there are spots you can easily hop down to the sand and go beachcombing.

You never know what might show up– a lovely intact shell, a strange bottle cap, a heart shaped rock.

Tip Two. Eat at as many Chinese restaurants as time and your belly allows.

Vancouver is one of the best places in North America to sample the pleasures of many different kinds of Chinese cuisines.

Every day we tried a new restaurant and consequently I nearly ate my weight in dim sum, dumplings and noodles.

Of all the places we ate, I think Dinasty Dumplings tied Peaceful Restaurant; the former produced the most ethereal soup dumplings

while Peaceful served some of the most outstanding noodles I’ve ever had in a restaurant.

We tried two other places that were much lauded but not nearly as good — and next time I’ve got a whole handful of other places that I need to try.

 Tip Three. Spend a few hours at the Vancouver Aquarium.

I don’t care if you are one or one hundred, this place is a crowd-pleaser.

Located in the midst of Stanley Park, we tried to get into it on two separate days and were only successful in finding parking on our third attempt; clearly this place is beloved by locals as well as visitors so arrive before they open in the morning or mid-afternoon when those with younger kids are heading out.

Be patient if at first you can’t find parking or need to walk a long way to get there from your spot– it’s so worth it.

Everyone wants to see the shark but this was the least impressive part here (and frankly I’ve seen much better shark tanks in Boston and Maui). Just give this guy a nod and then keep going.

The enormous jellyfish tanks were breathtaking.

I could have spent hours watching them alone.

We also loved the beluga whale show,

the dolphins, and the friendly, curious otters.

My kids especially loved the manta ray touching tank.

There are also penguins, and strangely enough, some Amazonian animals — think small monkeys, wildly colored parrots and sloths — abound.

It’s not inexpensive but remember, the Canadian dollar is in our favor right now and this place is amazing. Besides, it’s a non-profit dedicated to educating the public and saving endangered and at-risk animals (be sure to check out the wall of success stories).

Tip 4. Travel beyond downtown proper.

Whether it’s to check out the amazing views from Queen Elizabeth Park,

or you head to Kitsilano Beach for a stroll and a gelato,

it’s all wonderful.

There are so many interesting neighborhoods in Vancouver and it’d be a shame if your time was spent solely in the West End or Downtown area.

(This summer I hope to hit the Night Market in Richmond.)

Lastly, Tip Five.  Hit up at least one bakery while you’re there.

We went out almost every morning — for a smoothie, a bagel, or something sweet, and there were no shortages of stellar places to go.

My favorite, hands down, was this one.

Chances are the sign will look familiar; these are the people behind those spectacular looking marshmallows (sold at Whole Foods and better markets).

Here they had every possible kind of their signature confection plus many other tantalizing packaged goodies.

Owner Rosie Daykin is a cookbook author

and visionary behind this little slice of heaven.

Gorgeous Carrera marble countertops and tables and green paint cabinetry (somewhere between mint and pistachio) come together with a cheery bold English rose wallpaper.

Gleaming stainless keeps it all fresh and modern.

Everywhere you look there are delicacies.

A tray of still warm hot cross buns. Shortbread in packages.  Bars, cookies and cake sliced and presented prettily. Cupcakes at the ready.

Party supplies and small packed goodies.

It feels both very modern and yet old fashioned-– think updated tea shop.

Every detail is carefully considered — and it feels like you are walking onto a movie set (I’ve since read that Rosie, not surprisingly, was once an interior designer).

Let’s get down to brass tacks.

You’re now probably wondering — but how were our treats?

Divine.

This was the best version of this sandwich cookie I’ve ever ordered.

Two superbly moist cookies were filled with a killer vanilla buttercream. And it was enormous— easily the size of your palm.

Ditto the peanut butter cookie.

Also sampled (but eaten too fast to capture pic) was a bar with caramel, coconut and chocolate with a shortbread base (Lord help me) and a zingy molasses ginger cookie with enough chew to compete with the big boys.

I adored this place! If it was in Portland it would be my go-to bakery. Here I’d meet up with girlfriends, take Charlotte out for a chat, or just go to enjoy a latte and a stellar sweet treat with a great book.

Ah, Vancouver. I can’t believe it’s over already.

Tootsie, you are always so much fun to travel with — thanks so much for joining us.

We love you so much and miss you dearly. Come back soon.

And as for Vancouver, my July trip with girlfriends can’t come soon enough.