Vancouver: Secrets of the City

Vancouver: Secrets of the City is a thoroughly researched and enjoyable read that may stand as a proto-type of sorts in guide books for curious locals and tourists alike. It includes an impressive array of facts, tips, and social history as well as sections on Vancouver's art and literary worlds, its gathering places, festivals, accommodations, dinning, nightlife, shopping, transportation and of course its notoriety. Best of all, the mix is achieved with a rare and stylish flare for visual and textual interplay.

Vancouver; Secrets of the City is a fascinating read. It is different from many guide books in that it focuses on interesting, unusual and little known facts about the city. Some thing are useful (like the shortcut through the downtown traffic using a tunnel that runs past the law-courts), and some things are just entertaining, but almost everything is interesting. I would recommend this book for residents and visitors alike.