My 'partner' has just informed me that she knows exactly where we're going to ride and that she's already picked out the route that will take us by the museums, restaurants & shops that she wishes to visit. I just hope I get to pick out the bike I want to rent but she may already have that selected as well.

I agree that Vancouver gets kudos for its urban / urbane quality of life. My only experience of Vancouver is driving a rented van full of family through the city in the rain while all the passengers ooh and aah about the sights so just being on a bike will be a pleasure. And not being there at Christmas will be nice, too. My sister lives in Bellingham, just south of Vancouver, so she'll join us and show us around.

I like Canada & Canadians & appreciate their tolerance of diversity - refreshingly different from the conservative part of the country I have inhabited most of my life.