Vancouver Island, www.vancouverisland.com
Victoria, British Columbia, www.tourismvictoria.com

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We Said …
Where we lose ourselves in Vancouver

Lodging
Hotel LeSoleil, moderate, (604) 632-3000, www.hotellesoleil.com. Everyone should enjoy this posh, pampering hotel, but it offers a little something extra for the ladies: the Elle Suite, which plies female business travelers with amenities like bath salts for the soaker tubs, low-calorie minibar snacks, and beefed-up security.
The Sylvia Hotel, inexpensive, (604) 681-9321, www.sylviahotel.com. The rooms may be somewhat sparse, but the building is a historic one, dating back to 1912. More important, it straddles beautiful English Bay and is surrounded by Stanley Park, so the location is ideal. Tip: Just before dusk, head to the bar, order a blueberry martini, and watch the sun go down over the bay. 

Dining
Dundarave Fish Market, moderate, (604) 922-1155, www.dundaravefishmarket.com. You're on the sea, so why not enjoy its bounty? Two of our favorites at this cozy café are the crab cakes and the fish and chips; you can also select your seafood straight from the display case and have the chefs prepare it to your liking.
The Red Onion, inexpensive, (604) 263-0833. We love a good diner, and so, apparently, do a lot of Vancouverites, who flock here for some of the best burgers and hot dogs in town. And did we mention the yummy fries with white dill sauce (an extra buck or two but worth every penny)?

Sights