Between the jaw-dropping confluence of mountains and sea, some of the best ethnic food in North America and public transit bliss courtesy of the Canada Line and SkyTrain, Vancouver is much more than an erstwhile Olympic site, or a place to stop over on your way to some other destination. Where else can you find an international brand of exoticism that rivals Hong Kong, Nordic-style order and a limitless array of shops, restaurants and top-notch accommodations? An abundance of outdoor options — whether it is hiking or biking in Stanley Park, kayaking in False Creek or skiing on nearby Grouse Mountain — only adds to the appeal. The city doesn’t take its natural gifts for granted; in recent years it has become so eco-friendly that some stores don’t even offer plastic bags. With its multitude of immigrant communities and northwest Canadian culture of extreme friendliness, Vancouver feels just different enough to be intriguingly foreign but familiar enough to be easily conquered in a weekend.

FRIDAY

4:30 p.m.

1. Two Views

Vancouver is a movie-star-gorgeous city that should be admired from as many vantage points as possible. Start with a glass elevator ride 553 feet up to the Vancouver Lookout at the Harbor Center (555 West Hastings Street; vancouverlookout.com; 15.75 Canadian dollars, about the same in U.S. dollars). The circular viewing platform offers 360-degree panoramic views of the downtown skyline, Mount Seymour, Grouse Mountain, Lions Gate Bridge and seaplanes taking off from the harborfront. Then make like a local commuter and head for the SeaBus at Waterfront Station (601 West Cordova Street; bus information at 604-953-3333) less than a five-minute walk away. Board the ferry (4 dollars each way) to North Vancouver, a 15-minute boat ride that has to be one of the most stunning commutes in the world. Find seats at the front of the boat for the best views of North Vancouver and the snowcapped peaks of Olympic fame. Once you dock in North Vancouver, walk right next door to Lonsdale Quay Market (123 Carrie Cates; lonsdalequay.com) where you can find everything from curry to souvlaki in the international food section. Then head up to the Cheshire Cheese pub, sit out on the deck and order a pitcher of sangria and nachos. Enjoy the view — now of downtown, the industrial port and Burrard Inlet.

8 p.m.

2. Japanese Tapas

Like many cities, Vancouver has seen an explosion of farm-to-table restaurants pop up, but go for a Vancouver classic instead: Guu, the first of a style of traditional izakaya (offering small-plate Japanese cooking). This is no sushi joint, but the tuna tataki, kimchi fried rice, kabocha croquette and yaki udon will make you forget about California rolls. Sit at the bar and watch meticulous chefs flip, slice and arrange plates with the precision of a martial arts performance. Food arrives fast and at a quarter of the price of a trendy restaurant. Dinner for two, including drinks, is about 50 dollars. Guu has five locations in Vancouver, but Guu Original on Thurlow Street (838 Thurlow Street; guu-izakaya.com) has the reputation of being the most authentic. Enjoy the spirited Japanese welcome and goodbye from the servers and chefs as each guest arrives and departs.

10:30 p.m.

3. Nightcap

Time to glam it up at the Yew Seafood and Bar in the Four Seasons Hotel (791 West Georgia Street; yewrestaurant.com), a dramatic space with 26-foot ceilings and a plush lounge area. The ambience is relaxed with a dash of ritzy, but it’s really about the cocktails. The head mixologist, Justin Taylor, has created over two dozen drinks. Try the Moscow Mule (vodka, lime and ginger beer), served in an elegant bronze cup, or the 20th Century (gin, crème de cacao and lemon). Fair warning: these cocktails go down easy; from 11 to 16 dollars.