Vancouver Art Gallery

Once a disappointing regional gallery with nothing more than a clutch of Emily Carr canvases to recommend it, the VAG – housed in an old courthouse but rumored to be moving to a new downtown location soon – has dramatically transformed in recent years, becoming a vital part of the city’s cultural scene. Edgy contemporary exhibitions, often showcasing Vancouver’s wealth of internationally renowned photographers, are combined with blockbuster traveling shows. The gallery comes into its own on select Fridays for FUSE, a late-night party where you can hang out with the city’s arty types. In summer the mezzanine-level café is among downtown’s best sunny haunts.