Where
Originally a settlement by the name of Gastown that came up around a sawmill, Vancouver was incorporated as a city only in 1886. It had a large natural seaport and in 1887 the transcontinental railway was extended to it. This combination made Vancouver an important point in Canada’s trade route with other parts of the world and led to its rapid growth.
When
By Canadian averages, Vancouver enjoys a temperate climate. The period between July and October sees the best weather of the year with sunshine and minimal precipitation. Winters are gloomy and wet but temperatures rarely dip to freezing point. Rains are likely to play spoilsport starting from October and can stretch for long, continuous periods.
Why
For over a decade, the city has ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities. Its scenic beauty and a mix of architectural styles from Art Deco to Edwardian to modern give it a picturesque appearance. The city’s commitment towards quality amenities for its inhabitants and planned development, adds to its appeal.
A Work Of Art
It is not unusual for a hotel to showcase art on its walls and sculpture in its passages and corners but very rarely does a hotel put up walls and create niches to showcase paintings, sculpture, ceramics and other artefacts.
The Listel Hotel is one such hotel, so much so that it is popularly known as Vancouver’s most artful hotel. As you step into the foyer of this hotel you would not be the first one to step back and re-look at the signage to see if you had stepped into a museum of modern art.
From the little Buddha in the courtyard to the spring-like sculptures in the foyer and pyramid-like installations in the lobby, an artistic surprise awaits around every corner.
Unlike most hotels which house art collections in the general areas, at the Listel Hotel, the art museum concept continues into the rooms as well. The rooms on the Gallery Floors are curated by one of Vancouver’s most important gallery, Buschlen Mowatt Gallery. Each room has been treated as an individual gallery featuring original and limited edition works of a single artist. The rooms on the Museum Floors are dedicated to original British Columbian art and feature some of the finest from the region.
The Listel Hotel’s artsy ambience takes it beyond a hotel just to sleep and rest. It offers an experience to be savoured and carried away to the onward journey.
Set Sail
Five sails stand tall against the gusts that blow in through the inlet. They look ready to sail away into the sunset but have been standing at the city’s pier since their construction in 1986.
Originally an old cargo pier, the site was redesigned to make the most of Vancouver’s beautiful harbour area. Besides being a cruise terminal, Canada Place also houses a luxury hotel, a convention facility, offices, shops and other attractions. The white sails have given the Vancouver pier a prominent spot in the city’s skyline.
You’ve Been Served
Classic French tile work on the floor combines with natural wood, exposed brickwork and industrial fixtures combine to create a welcoming atmosphere in this erstwhile jail. But the visitor to the restaurant L’Abattoir need not worry about serving time, all that is served here is innovative cocktails and French-inspired food.
L’Abattoir offers a variety of settings to its patrons from the casual bar and sunlit atrium at the ground level to the elevated dining area. Recently voted ‘Best Casual’ in Vancouver’s Magazine Restaurant Awards, this is one prison you would pay to do time in.
Keep The Faith
While everyone is ringing in the new and ringing out the old, comes Old Faithful Shop, a shop that positions itself as a general store but delivers much more. High ceilings, flooded with natural light, an open space and an uncluttered layout pull passersby in, and the cool inventory keeps them there. A display house fashioned out of cedar fence panels takes up one corner of the store and vintage wooden boxes dot the window display. Everyday items like coffee pots and glassware vie for space with indulgences like perfumes and leather wallets, with high quality being the common thread.
Text By Himali Kothari
