I recently spent some time in Vancouver, BC enjoying this cosmopolitan city and all it has to offer. The Listel Hotel was my base while I was there and it offers a wonderful on-site restaurant for a romantic dinner. Here are a few other places to visit and suggestions on things to do while in Vancouver. www.listelhotel.com

An Enchanted Evening in a Garden
July 14 - September 8
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden enchants summer evenings every Friday night with musical performances and dances in the Chinese garden. In its thirteenth season, this year's repertoire includes classical, Asian, world, gypsy jazz, Slavic soul and fusion music. All shows start at 7:30pm and cost $15 CAD (approximately $13 USD). Visit the website for a full listing of concerts. www.vancouverchinesegarden.com

Summer Dancing in Robson Square
If the full moon, summer nights and salty air make you feel like doing the tango, then head to Robson Square in downtown Vancouver every Friday night until September 1 for a free night of dancing. This community event has been held every summer for the past 28 years, and best of all, it is open to the public - people of all ages and dance skills. Each evening starts with a free dance lesson given by a local instructor followed by show-case dancers and then a "general dance" where everyone is encouraged to join in. www.dancesportbc.com

Sculpture Biennale Offers Phone Tours

The Vancouver International Sculpture Biennale showcases 22 major sculptures representing 11 nations that are installed along the bike paths, walking trails, urban plazas and neighborhoods around the City of Vancouver. Grab a print-out of the map, get outside and join in this celebration of art and culture that only occurs once every two years. Remember to vote for your favourite sculpture, join a blog to leave your comments or submit your own Biennale photos in order to win a prize.

Whenever you see a Biennale sculpture, you'll also see a plaque with a local phone number and a three digit code. Dial the number - 604.638.2611, it's a free call - and enter the code to learn more about that particular piece. You'll also get information about the other sculptures, be able to vote for your favorite piece, or leave your own comments. While you're out, be sure to check out the newly-installed Yoko Ono billboards that read "Imagine Peace" at five locations throughout the city (check website for locations). www.vancouverbiennale.com

The Biennale sculptures are located in picturesque settings that offer a perfect place to picnic. Speaking of picnics, here are a few suggestions on a romantic picnic in Vancouver:

What's a picnic without local produce, meats, cheese and fresh-baked bread? Granville Island is the perfect place to build an inspiring alfresco meal. Start at Terra Breads for a sourdough baguette and apple focaccia, Oyama Sausage Co. for charcuterie, Dussa's for some Salt Spring Island goat cheese (truffle-topped is the best), Four Seasons Farms for local BC produce (heritage Ambrosia apples, juicy Westcot apricots, sweet summer strawberries), Lee's Donuts for a mammoth apple fritter... you get the idea! Now that your taste buds have made their selection, it's time to feast your eyes at the following top picnic locales. www.granvilleisland.com

1. On the Rocks - Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver offers stunning views of downtown Vancouver from rocky perches on the water's edge. You might even see harbour seals float by while enjoying your snack. With misty rainforest hiking trails and a real working lighthouse, this is a picnic spot you won't soon forget.

2. In the Rainforest - Stanley Park is an obvious choice - and choice here abounds. Choose a bench along the seawall right beside the action, a warm stretch of sand on Third Beach (one of the quietest and most beautiful beaches), or better yet, wander through rainforest trails until you find that perfect plot of land - under an old-growth red cedar if you're lucky.

3. Up the Creek - Get the insider's scoop on Granville Island's best spots. Paddle down False Creek in a sea kayak and enjoy a unique view from the water. Head past the Granville Island cement factory and houseboat community, the lofty condos in Yaletown and the colourful water taxis. Once you've worked up an appetite, moor back at the dock and head to the southeast corner of Granville Island. Here you'll find an abundance of grass and a free water park for kids.

4. By the City - Make it an urban picnic in Yaletown or Coal Harbour. After a hard day of shopping in Yaletown, pull up a bench along the seawall at the east end of Davie Street and enjoy your lunch with fabulous people watching. Your Coal Harbour destination is on the new seawall development. You might just see a cruise ship sailing by heading for Alaskan waters as you gaze out upon mountains, ocean and lush rainforest.

5. Above the Clouds - If you've got your sights set on loftier places, Grouse Mountain is the best place for a bird's eye view of the city and ocean below. Hike the "Grouse Grind" to earn your lunch (a grueling natural "Stairmaster" of a hike that crams 2,800 feet of elevation into just 1.8 miles of trail) or take the Skyride to the top. Find a bench, patch of grass or buy a snack and reserve a seat on the patio. After your picnic, be sure to visit the orphaned grizzly bear refuge, resident grey wolves and Peak Chalet. www.grousemountain.com

For more information or to plan a romantic getaway to Vancouver, visit www.tourismvancouver.com