SPRING-SUMMER 2011I sea&iI51of shops. For galleries, antique shops, native art stores andsouvenirs, Gastownis ideal, and is rich with history and cultureto boot. And don't miss Granville Island Market- it is a feastof shops, stalls and galleries and you can spend happy hoursfilling your bags with fresh produce, fish and confectionaryas well as pottery, glassware, books, beads and accessories.For clothes and home wares, the converted industrial brickwarehouses of Yaletownare now a hip, fashionable place tohead, but for all-round shopping - and people-watching- the world-famous Robson Streetis the place to flex yourcredit card.DO, DISCOVERDO.walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge, whichbreaches the Capilano River canyon in a fern-carpeted forest.A harbour cruise is a great way to see the city, or visit theacclaimed Vancouver Art Galleryfor scenes of a differentvariety. If you hanker after relaxation, the five-star hotels (thelikes of the Four Seasons, the Fairmont and the Shangri-La) allhave great spas. DISCOVER.explore the wonderful Stanley Parkon foot,rollerblades or bike. The park is one of the most popular in theworld and as well as having lush forests, acres of soft grass andgardens, and the sea coursing alongside, it also has playgrounds,a swimming pool, beaches, a miniature train, tea rooms anddining venues. While you're there, check out the views atProspect Point, the 1920s totem poles at Brockton Point, andthe Lost Lagoon. The views from the top of Grouse Mountainarealso a must. While you're there, restore your energies at oneof the cafés, bistros or barbecue restaurants. Nearby VancouverIslandis also a must to visit - hop on a float plane for the35-minute journey. Spend your days exploring the rainforests,pristine coastlines, mountains, farmlands and vineyards whileenjoying the mildest climate in Canada. nPhotography: courtesy of Fairmont Hotels & Resortscityguide

PIERRE HUREL, CNI MONACO Virgin Islands, Caribbean"Spring and summer may not be the classic time to head to the Caribbean, butduring May and June competitive prices and quiet destinations are just twoof the benefits of an out-of-season charter. The British Virgin Islands (BVIs)are my preferred Caribbean cruising ground. You can enjoy miles of sparklingsandy beaches, unparalleled dive sites, safe, clear quiet waters, a constantbreeze and a choice of anchorages. Sail around secluded bays and hiddencoves by day, and at night visit the glamorous bars, restaurants and boutiquesfor which the islands are famed. "I recommend White Bay on Jost Van Dyke for families as the waters arecalm and perfect for swimming. The Baths on Virgin Gorda are also idealfor snorkelling and swimming. Divers among your charter party shouldexplore the Royal Mail Steamer Rhone, one of the most celebrated dive sitesin the Caribbean, as well as Alice in Wonderland - the brilliant coral wallnear Ginger Island. "And, of course, no visit to the islands would be complete without sinkinga Painkiller cocktail at Jost Van Dyke's wonderfully named Soggy Dollar Bar." Wherever in the world you plan totravel, the CNI charter brokers are onhand to provide expert knowledge ofthe yachts and cruising destinationsavailable. Here, three members ofthe charter team offer their advice TAKE IT FROM 52Isea&iISPRING-SUMMER 2011