Reference Points

By Chicago Tribune

September 28, 2008

Fodor's Vancouver & Victoria

Fodor's Travel

$16.95

The Fodor's guides are notable for their ratings of sights, restaurants, shops, accommodations and attractions. They also give updated and fairly comprehensive coverage of each destination. In the case of Vancouver and Victoria, the scope is broadened to include a preview of the 2010 Winter Games, an overview of "First Nation" attractions and even a page on "How to Speak B.C." After a thorough rundown on what to see and where to stay, eat and shop in each city, the Vancouver half of the guide focuses on sports and outdoor activities, while the Victoria half strays into the village of Sooke and sets sail for the Gulf Islands. Travelers are also pointed toward other attractions beyond the city, ranging from skiing at Whistler to wine tasting in the Okanagan Valley, excursions as fetching as those offered within Canada's two premier western cities.