Best Restaurants to View Vancouver Carol Ships
One of the premier Vancouver holiday traditions is the Carol Ships “Parade of Lights” Festival. This colourful and festive event, which started over 44 years ago with one decorated boat touring the inner harbour, has now grown to more than 80 decorated boats on peak evenings with an excess of 150,000 lights and carrying over 45,000 passengers over the 23-night festival (December 1-23).
To experience the dazzle of these gorgeous boats, here is a selection of 
Carol Ships in the harbour (Tourism Vancouver)restaurants that provide a great viewpoint as well as fine dining.
Vancouver
The Boathouse at English Bay
(Carol Ships: False Creek) 1795 Beach Ave.
604.669.2225 • $$-$$$
For over 25 years, the flagship of this seafood chain at the heart of English Bay has been a prime viewing spot not only for the summer Fireworks Festival but also the Carol Ships. Under Executive Chef Glen Zoteck, the menu has been updated, serving good comfort fare at reasonable prices.
C Restaurant
(Carol Ships: False Creek) 2-1600 Howe St.
604.681.1164 • $$$$
Since its opening this sleek restaurant has wowed foodies both locally and across the globe. Contemporary creativity from Executive Chef Robert Clark and Chef de Cuisine Rob Belcham make their food stand apart from many of their seafood-restaurant peers.
The Cannery Seafood House
(Carol Ships: Harbour) 2205 Commissioner St.
604.254.9606 • $$$
A Vancouver landmark, the Cannery has been serving good basic seafood for over 35 years. Under French chef Frédéric Couton, the menu showcases seasonal inspirations with both new and classical dishes. Probably the best location for the Carol Ship’s Harbour route. The Cannery is a major sponsor of the Carol Ships and is showcasing a fi reworks presentation for guests of the restaurant as well as the ships on December 12.
NU
(Carol Ships: False Creek) 1661 Granville St.
604.646.4668 • $$-$$$
Harry Kambolis’ latest addition NU, like his Raincity Grill and C Restaurant, is in a class of its own with a combination of modern, whimsical food and design. Go for the Goat Cheese Stuff ed Chicken Wings or the Duck Confi t with Foie Gras pull-apart buns! Th e menu is serious yet fun, matching the upbeat retro interior and the outstanding views of Granville Island.
Watermark on Kits Beach
(Carol Ships: Jericho) 1306 Arbutus
604.738.KITS (5487) • $$-$$$
Chef Lynda Larouche’s menu reflects the best of both traditional and contemporary seafood, while incorporating the unique Asian flavours of Vancouver. Set in a spectacular $7-million showcase, Watermark will be featuring a special three-course dinner during the Carol Ships festival.
West Vancouver
Beach Side Café
(Carol Ships: West Vancouver, Ambleside) 1362 Marine Dr.
604.925.1945 • $$-$$$
Janet McGuire’s West Van establishment is a sure winner with former Lumiere chef Dennis Peckham at the helm. For vegetarians, the seared broccoli with roasted almonds, candied grapefruit and pepper syrup is delicious, and for meat-lovers, the roasted rack of lamb with pistachios is divine.
Up in the Air
Cloud 9 at The Empire Landmark Hotel
1400 Robson St., Vancouver 604.687.0511 • $$$ This revolving restaurant is probably the best place in Vancouver to see the entire route of the Carol Ships from 42 storeys up! Better for a cocktail in the lounge than a meal in the dining room as the menu is tired and overpriced.
For further information and schedule for the Carol Ships “Parade of Lights” go to www.carolships.org or email info@carolships.org
Nathan Fong is a trained chef, food journalist and consultant, television and radio culinary host, and one of Canada’s premier food and props stylists for culinary print and fi lm advertising. He is a regular contributor to Global BCTV’s Saturday Morning Chef and Fong on Food segments, contributing editor for EAT magazine and consulting food specialist for CBC Radio One.
