Close to the original site of 'Gassy' Jack's own Deighton Hotel is the charming Irish Heather Bistro, home of the best pints of Guinness in the city. In the rear, built into the snug walls of the old city jail, is a cozy glassed-in patio that hosts live Irish and Scottish music most nights. The 'Heather' boasts a progressive menu which combines old pub standards together with modern flair.

For a more raucous scene try the Blarney Stone pub across the street. A genuine Irish dance hall crammed with University Students on the weekends, the Blarney Stone is known throughout town as a wild and rowdy place to make new friends and have a good time. There's free foosball tables on the upper level and be prepared to hoot and holler along with the fiddles and drums all night long.

These are just a few of Vancouver's many active hotspots. Recommendations for music venues, concerts and movies can be found in the entertainment section of the free weekly cultural paper 'The Georgia Straight', found everywhere downtown. Pick one up and you won't fail to find something for every taste.

5) Sports in the City

Vancouver boasts several professional sports franchises and a history of excellence. In 1915 the Vancouver Millionaires hoisted up the renowned Stanley Cup on the ice at the old Denman Arena, the first indoor artificial-ice hockey rink in North America.

Since then the city's teams include the locally-beloved Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League and defunct Vancouver Grizzlies of the NBA. The 1994 and 2000 Grey Cup Champion British Columbia Lions of the Canadian Football League play at BC Place Stadium, site of the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Throughout the year there is always a game on somewhere for fans of every sport and every budget.