Things to do in Canada
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Usa & Canada Express
15 days (New York)
by Intrepid
Take a bite out of the Big Apple, Talk politics in Washington DC, Hear the roar of Niagara Falls from both the US and Canadian sides, Go hiking in the pristine…Not LP reviewed
from USD$2,270 - All things to do
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Phnom Penh
Arrive early or late to avoid the queues at this locals' favorite eatery. The dishes here are split between Cambodian and Vietnamese soul-food classics, such as crispy frogs legs, spicy garlic crab and prawn and sprout filled pancakes. Don't leave without sampling a steamed rice cake, stuffed with pork, shrimp, coconut and scallions, and washed down with an ice-cold bottle of Tsingtao. This is the kind of place that makes Vancouver Canada's most authentic ethnic-food city.
reviewed
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Byblos
This Iranian café does such good food and is so charming, people who come here tend to make a day of it. The big windows and tables invite lingering and though there are wonderful main courses, most people end up grazing on the Iranian tapaslike dishes all day and into the evening. The feta omelet is by far the most popular followed by the eggplant or chickpea purees. It’s all served with pita bread perfect for dipping. The mint tea is the perfect way to finish it all off.
reviewed
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Hoito Restaurant
You'll think you've stumbled into a staff cafeteria in Finland – in fact, that's how the Hoito started, providing affordable meals to Finnish bushworkers. This Thunder Bay institution serves breakfast until 7:30pm, and lunch starts at 10:45am – though you'll probably just want to eat the notorious flattened pancakes around the clock. Don't forget to wish the Hoito a happy birthday – the restaurant celebrated 100 years in 2010, though we don't think it looks a day over 75…
reviewed
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401 Richmond
Inside an early-20th-century lithographer's warehouse, restored in 1994, the 18,500-sq-meter 401 Richmond bursts forth with 130 diverse contemporary art and design galleries displaying the heartfelt works of painters, architects, photographers, printmakers, sculptors and publishers. The original floorboards creak between the glass elevator, ground-floor cafe, leafy courtyard and rooftop garden. A new lounge space livens things up. Check the website for events and tours.
reviewed
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L’Avenue
This self-consciously hip restaurant is a magnet for the young, post-party brunch crowd. Over a dozen different types of omelets, plus all the classics – French toast, waffles, eggs Benedict – all arrive nicely prepared. Lunch and dinner, with middling veggie burgers and salads, are less of a draw. Electronic music plays overhead at all hours, and artwork and urban murals adorn the walls. The surreal multimedia-infused washroom is an experience in itself.
reviewed
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L'Express
This place is so fantastically French, you'd half expect to see the Eiffel Tower out the window, especially after guzzling too much of the excellent wines. The food's classic Parisian bistro – think steak frites, bouillabaisse, tarragon chicken – and so is the attitude. Reservations essential.
reviewed
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Belgian Fries
The concept is pure genius: take fresh-cut spuds, fry them, fry them again, toss, salt and serve in a paper funnel. You then dip the beauties into one of a dozen hot or cold mayo-based sauces, including wasabi, hot garlic, Jamaican heat and curry/chutney. What could be better? Beer, which you choose from the Storm brews on tap or the bottled Belgian lambics. Once you’ve had your fill of spuds and suds, finish yourself off with a deep-fried Mars bar.
reviewed
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Le Cordon Bleu Bistro@Signatures
This sensational dining experience, housed in a Tudor-style castle, is the on-site restaurant of the prestigious Cordon Bleu culinary school. Fear not, your meal won't be cooked by fumbling students; the à la carte dinners are prepared by the well-seasoned instructors and the weekday lunches are crafted by the graduating students. Award-winning menus feature some of Canada's finest harvests, and the lengthy wine list looks more like an encyclopedia.
reviewed
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Sticky Wicket
This cavernous complex is the place to head if you want a noisy night out with the locals. The Wicket's main bar serves popular (if slightly pricey) Irish beers, while its menu serves up heaping plates of pub grub, ranging from burgers all the way to chicken strips. Live sports are pumped through the TVs and there's a poolroom upstairs. The highlight bar is Big Bad John's, a tiny hillbilly nook with tree stump tables and a carpet of peanut shells.
reviewed
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La Bodega
It's all about the tasting plates at this country-style tapas bar, one of the most authentic Spanish restaurants in Vancouver. Pull up a chair, order a jug of sangria and decide on a few shareable treats from the extensive menu – if you're feeling spicy, the chorizo sausage hits the spot and the Spanish meatballs are justifiably popular. There's a great atmosphere here, so don't be surprised if you find yourself staying for more than a few hours.
reviewed
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Charlatan
Reinventing the old Bukowski's bar, the charming Charlatan has quickly become a Drive favorite. In summer the windows are flung open and the tiny patio is crowded, while in winter it becomes a cozy joint to watch the game or just chat in a corner. The hearty food covers a wide array of comfort dishes, while the 20-strong draft beer selection runs the gamut from Strongbow to Sleemans. Food-wise, go with the pulled pork burger or brisket sandwich.
reviewed
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Hon's Wun-Tun House
Part of the city's favorite Chinese-restaurant minichain, Hon's flagship Chinatown branch is suffused with inviting cooking smells and clamorously noisy diners. The giant, 300-plus menu ranges from satisfying dim sum brunches to steaming wonton soups, bobbing with juicy dumplings. For something different, try the congee rice porridge, a fancy-free soul-food dish that takes three hours to prepare and comes in seafood, chicken and beef varieties.
reviewed
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Fort Langley National Historic Site
A fortified trading post since 1827, this is where James Douglas announced the creation of British Columbia in 1858, giving the site a legitimate claim to being the province’s birthplace. With costumed re-enacters, re-created artisan workshops and a gold-panning area that’s very popular with kids – they also enjoy charging around the wooden battlements – this is an ideal place for families who want to add a little education to their trips.
reviewed
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Café Cherrier
Locals flock to the shady, wraparound terrace of this comfy café with the long marble serving counter that wouldn’t be out of place in Paris. This is an especially lively place after a performance at the nearby L’Agora de la Danse. A huge percentage of the audience usually swings by here for dinner or a drink, setting the whole place abuzz. Breakfast is popular as is classic French bistro fare like steak frites.
reviewed
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Goldfish Pacific Kitchen
Don’t be blinded by the dazzling blue marble bar and bustling open kitchen at this swanky new joint; it’s the menu that should catch your eye. Fusing West Coast seafood with gentle Asian nudges – delivering treats such as roast halibut with pea leaf and coconut pineapple sauce – this place is worth a night out if you’re looking for an exciting alternative to the regular Pacific Northwest salmon dinner.
reviewed
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Le Taj
Proving that Montréal is more than just a bistro and brasserie kind of town, Le Taj throws down the gauntlet for some excellent Indian dishes. The time to go is at lunch, when downtowners line up for a succulent buffet featuring a bounty of rich flavors from the East – tandoori chicken, vegetable korma, palaak paneer and tender lamb, along with steaming piles of naan bread, custardlike desserts and many other temptations.
reviewed
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Marché Jean Talon
The gem of Little Italy, this kaleidoscopic market is perfect for assembling a gourmet picnic or partaking in a little afternoon grazing. A great stop is Marché des Saveurs, devoted entirely to Québec specialties such as wine and cider, fresh cheeses, smoked meats and preserves. The market sprawls south of Rue Jean-Talon between Blvd St-Laurent and Rue St-Denis.
reviewed
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Le Café du Monde
This Paris-style bistro is the only restaurant in town directly on the St Lawrence River. Bright, airy and casually elegant, it has been a local favorite for years, swearing by bistro classics like steak frites and saucisse de Toulouse. The menu is authentic and there’s a great choice of other dishes like roasted pork rack with honey and lobster ravioli. The accent is on local Québec products.
reviewed
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Lighthouse Bistro
This popular white-linen bistro is located on the waterfront and features a selection of conventional but well-prepared favorites, ranging from blackened halibut to veal scallopine and wild mushroom ravioli. The wine list has an excellent BC selection. The pub upstairs has lower prices and a more casual atmosphere, but there's an excellent view of the harbor from either floor as well as a great patio to catch the sunset.
reviewed
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Phó Bang New York
Near the gateway to Chinatown, Phó Bang New York has decor and service geared more toward Westerners who want to have their pho (noodle soups) in swisher digs. The food here is still good and regularly makes people’s ‘top’ lists, but it lacks the kind of manic energy that makes the other Vietnamese places on this drag so atmospheric. The pho here tends to be leaner than at other Chinatown spots.
reviewed
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Bistrot Bistro
A charming, snob-free neighborhood bistro with a casual contemporary feel, the menu here combines traditional French recipes with seasonal local ingredients and simple, flavor-revealing preparations. Expect hearty nosh like apple-sweetened pork tenderloin still simmering in its skillet and the kind of robust boeuf bourguignon that makes lesser chefs weep. Great value, especially the Sunday to Thursday prix-fixe special.
reviewed
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Canoe
Toronto's definitive dining space may still be Canoe, and what a space it is! Sweeping views of choppy Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands extend from the dining room, about half-mast to the CN Tower. Intriguing regional Canadian haute cuisine is on offer here. Find your sea legs after the elevator ride then tuck into a plate of pan-seared Yarmouth scallops ($23) or Nunavut caribou hind ($44). Reservations essential.
reviewed
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Milos
Rock stars, socialites and business leaders flock to this fashionable restaurant with Mediterranean stucco, big urns filled with dried flowers and refrigerated counters of mouthwatering fish and fruits. Dinner for two (eg range of Greek appetizers, grilled loup de mer (seabass), fried veggies with tzatziki and honey-laced milk yogurt) could set you back $150 with wine. Reservations are essential.
reviewed
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Toronto Raptors
During hockey season, the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association (NBA) also play at the ACC. The 'Raps' have been around since 1995, but haven't yet caused much of a flap. Tickets through Ticketmaster or the ACC.
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Pirate Chips
Locals originally came here for the best fries in town – the curry topping is recommended – but they keep coming back for the funky ambience and quirky pirate-themed decor. It's an excellent late-night hangout: you can even indulge in poutine and deep-fried chocolate bars – although preferably not together.
reviewed