Sally Farhat Kassab: I rarely drive when I'm in Vancouver -- it's so easy to get around on public transportation, and parking at hotels is expensive. My favorite, ultra-romantic, pricey place to stay is The Sutton Place Hotel (www.suttonplace.com). For lower-cost hotels, I recommend the Sylvia Hotel (its location opposite English Bay Beach is ideal) and the Victorian Hotel (though half its rooms have shared baths.) At the latter, get rooms 205, 206 or 207 if you can; they have slight mountain views and are furnished better (www.sylviahotel.com or www.victorianhotel.com). As for must-sees, here's a sample three-day tour.

Start your day at the Granville Island Public Market, which opens at 9 a.m. After exploring the shops, studios, and galleries, hop on the SeaBus for a seaside lunch at sophisticated seafooder C Restaurant (yes, just the letter C), or the eclectic contemporary Nu. For a cheaper option, try Go Fish, a popular fish-and-chips place. (There are very few tables, so you might have to take your meal to go.) Stop in Chinatown for a guided tour through the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden before walking around the area. Then walk along the Stanley Park Seawall or English Bay Beach before heading to dinner at Mona's, Chambar, or Rare, some of my favorite restaurants. If you're looking for an inexpensive option, try Kitanoyu Guu, a casual Japanese pub serving small plates that are all the rage in Vancouver.

On day two, head to the University of British Columbia and the Museum of Anthropology and the UBC Botanical Garden. At lunch, stop for Malaysian food at Banana Leaf or Chinese fare at Golden Szechuan. Then stroll one of my all-time favorite streets -- Robson Street, a trendy boulevard of boutiques and fancy eateries. If you'd like to take in a show, see what's available at the half-price booth at Tickets Tonight; afterward, try Bin 941 Tapas Parlour, Bishop's or Cru.

On the third day, take in the views at Queen Elizabeth Park, the highest point in Vancouver proper. Spend a couple hours at the Vancouver Art Gallery or hike in West Vancouver's Lighthouse Park. Then go to Yaletown, a fun neighborhood, and try Rodney's Oyster House or sushi at the Blue Water Caf? before browsing the upscale stores. For a four-star meal, eat at Lumiere or West.

If you want more shopping, check out Pacific Centre (downtown's biggest mall), Sinclair Centre (full of upscale boutiques) and the Gastown neighborhood, especially the 300 block of West Cordova Street, where local designers sell their frocks.

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Carlsbad, California: Is there a website that gives information about public transportation in Seattle?

Sally Farhat Kassab: Seattle has no subway system to speak of, but the bus system is *excellent.* Its Web site is http://transit.metrokc.gov/ and my favorite feature is "trip planner," which has never led me astray.

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San Diego, CA: I will be in Vancouver with my 14 year old niece for 2 days at the end of an Alaskan cruise.

Any recommendations for activities that my niece will enjoy? I'd like to take her to Stanley Park -- will I need to rent a car, or is there adequate public transportation?

We will be on a relatively tight budget after the cruise, so any advice is appreciated.

Linda - San Diego, CA

Sally Farhat Kassab: Hi, Linda! My answer to the question from the person from Lexington should help. But for your niece specifically, I think she'll love Robson Street since it has some cute shops that cater to girls her age. Since you won't be in major shopping mode, I recommend the Storyeum (www.storyeum.com) in Gastown. It's a sort of Disney-esque museum/theater. If you don't want to spend a dime, you're right to head to Stanley Park. I have spent days there. It's 1,000 acres, is within walking distance of downtown, has beaches, totem poles, restaurants and an aquarium. Take your swimsuits!

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Atlanta, GA: My 22 yr old daughter and I will be in Seattle for only 2 days in June. We love to explore and get to know a city and it's people. We also enjoy walking. What would you suggest to get the most out of our two days?