Secret Vancouver: The Unique Guidebook to Vancouver's Hidden Sites, Sounds, & Tastes (Secret Guide series)

Rating:
Summary: Quirky Guide to MY City
Review: I've lived in Vancouver my whole life, but I sometimes find it fun to pick up a Vancouver guidebook to see where the "experts" are sending visitors. This one isn't really a guidebook at all but is set out similar to how Frommer's sets out its "Irreverent Guide" series with headings ("Secret...") followed by insightful information on the topic in question. Don't expect maps, addresses, prices, etc. here, so for visitors, this guide would have to be used in conjunction with another if you wanted to make the most of your time here. What you'll find instead of the regular guidebooky kinds of things is a ton of insight from the author obviously from experience living here. I often found myself nodding "yup, yup" reading through the highlights of my city. There are some history tidbits and even some references to other reading included.

I followed the author's tip and bought a copy of Charles Clapham's Walking the Burrard Loop, a great little book describing an urban and trail walking route around Burrard Inlet which can be split into day-hike sections using public transportation to get back to your starting point. A great way to see things and I'd definitely recommend that book as well.

I would recommend Secret Vancouver to travellers looking for a guidebook that takes them away from some of the standard tourist-fare (though definitely points to the tourist areas that shouldn't be missed). I'd especially recommend this one to locals or new residents who want to know more about the city they call home.