West coast life styles include wonderful things-to-do during the Christmas season. For visitors and newcomers to Vancouver, British Columbia, here are ten choices, each a little adventure unto themselves, something that will etch vibrant memories for years to come.

Warning: Those following this To-Do List may reduce stress and may experience moments of genuine happy feelings for loved ones and the world around you.

1. A below the speed limit drive around the Stanley Park

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If you’re coming to Vancouver, BC Canada for vacation or business, a waterfront hotel with a view will make your visit here unforgettable. But which hotels in Vancouver have the best views of the Pacific Ocean, and the best waterfront location?

Here s our pick of the top five Vancouver hotels for waterfront location:

Pan Pacific Hotel

Views: ocean, mountains, Stanley Park, city. You’ll love the luxury accommodation here, and the views from many of the rooms of the Pan Pacific look straight out on to Burrard Inlet and the North Shore mountains. You can see ship traffic (including cruise ships), sea planes taking off, and the Lions Gate Bridge.

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Coral Gables (known simply as Gables to the natives) is a unique community surrounded by the sprawl of Miami, it was originally conceived to be an answer to that sprawl a planned city with plazas and fountains in the midst of attractive buildings inspired by Mediterranean architecture. It is full of upscale homes, upscale shopping, and other patrician attractions. Without a doubt, one of the most interesting attractions in this community is the Venetian Pool.

The Venetian Pool is, in essence, a swimming pool though it may well be the only swimming pool on the national registry of historic places. It s also probably the

only pool with a Spanish fountain, vine covered loggias, and waterfalls that spill into a lagoon, complete with coral rock caves. The now magnificent pool got its start rather humbly, as a quarry pit. Fed by an artesian well far under the pool, 800,000 gallons of fresh water are pumped into it everyday, and an enterprising artist named Denman Fink was able to turn it into the spectacular attraction that it is today. Generations of Miamians and Coral Gables-anites have learned to swim in and enjoyed the Venetian Pool. It is a fantastic place to go and relax in watery comfort, though unfortunately the pool is no longer a place where families can dispose of their loved one s final remains. No burial at sea.

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