VA2007 - Area - Coal Harbour

EAT: Lift Bar & Grill

Take in spectacular views of Stanley Park and Coal Harbour framed by the North Shore mountains from the back patio of Lift (333 Menchions Mews, 604- 689-5438). The contemporary west coast cuisine, while noteworthy, plays second fiddle to the amazing scenery.

SHOP: Zing Paperie

Paperphiles will be in heaven at Zing Paperie (60-323 Jervis St., 604-630-1885) with its modern selection of notebooks and greeting cards by local designers (look for Flaunt, Paper & Thread and Designs by Val).

DO: Nike Runner’s Lounge

Run around Stanley Park. At the Nike Runner’s Lounge (140-510 Nicola St., 778-786-7463), check your bags and pick up a local running map and a loaner iPod.

SEE: Harbour Green Park

One of the city’s prettiest urban parks, Harbour Green (1199 W. Cordova St. at Bute St.) connects the Coal Harbour seawall with the downtown core.

BUY: Mink Chocolates

O Canada bars at Mink Chocolates (863 W. Hastings St., 604-633-2451, ) — pecans caramelized in maple syrup encased in a maple syrup milk chocolate ganache — are a tasty Canuck souvenir.