This Hive Is Buzzing
The Honey Lounge was used in various scenes of The L Word, and there's a good reason why: They throw one of the hottest Friday night parties in Vancouver. Situated on the edge of an area known as Gastown, this small, swanky spot is part of the Lotus Hotel, along with its downstairs sister clubs, Lick and Lotus. (455 Abbot St., markjames-group.com/lotus_hotel)
Steakhouse With a Twist
Formerly Balthazar Restaurant--where Bette, Jodi, Tasha and Alice went out for a bite in season five--Maxine's Hideaway is a steakhouse with attitude. Located inside a historic West End mansion rich in both history and ambience, Maxine's combines a sexy atmosphere with some of Vancouver's tastiest carnivorous fare, hosting nightly entertainment including burlesque, exotic cabaret and special performances. You're bound to have all of your sensory appetites sated. (1215 Bidwell St., maxineshideaway.com)
Wet and Wild
It may have provided Jenny with some writing inspiration, but the Vancouver Aquarium isn't just a wet and wild place to pass a day--it's the largest aquarium in all of Canada. Offering adventures that teach you how their marine life is fed and trained--or sleepovers, if you're into seeing how the sea sleeps--this aquatic display lets you get more than your feet wet. The aquarium now has a baby beluga whale named Tiqa, so, really, what more reason do you need to go? (Stanley Park, vanaqua.org)
A View of the Planet
A building known as The Ironworks was used as the exterior of the Planet and various other scenes throughout the tenure of The L Word. It's a multiuse space available as a location for films, TV, photographers and hosting exhibitions of contemporary art. In the Downtown Eastside area of Gastown, The Ironworks studio space is part of the progressive Railtown Cultural Enhancement Association, which is dedicated to providing affordable space for artists and viewers alike. (235 Alexander St., theironworks.ca)
Call of the Wild
Jenny strips there in season two and she and Moira plan their road trip from its beer-stained barstools in season three, but a loose attitude, cheap drinks and the hot staff are the real draw at Wild Coyote, which also boasts a robust roster of Vancouver's hottest DJs. There's a large dance area, with mezzanine seating above, so you can look down at the crowd and spot who's going to go home with your number. There's something going on every night of the week at Wild Coyote, with the party going strong until 3 a.m. (1312 SW Marine Drive, wiidcoyoteclub.com)
Artistically Inclined
The Wentworth Porter Gallery, in season six, is actually the Buschlen Mowatt Gallery. A modern and contemporary art oasis, Buschlen Mowatt has been displaying some of the finest established and up-and-coming artists since 1979. This gallery doesn't simply service beauty. It is dedicated to community service, too, through the Buschlen Mowatt Foundation, and sponsors countless food, outreach and youth programs. (1445 West Georgia St., buschlenmowatt.com)
Throw Down
The Pacific National Exhibition was the site of the basketball game challenge against Papi's crew in season four. In real life, it welcomes sports, cultural and arts events. If you're visiting between August 21 and September 6, you won't want to miss the 100th Anniversary of the summer Fair. This lively gathering boasts a wide array of activities, rides and games. (2901 East Hastings Park, pne.ca)
Hip Veggies
You might not run into Shane at the Foundation Lounge, the way Niki does in season six, but you will get some of the tastiest and cheapest vegetarian and vegan food in Vancouver. Described as an 'open-concept' space, this spot is known for being hip, innovative and crowded during peak hours. Be prepared for hippies, hipsters and a minimalist decorative flair. (2301 Main St., 604-708-0881)
On the Prowl
In the series, this hotspot is known as the NYC Starlight Bar and it's where Bette picks up a twink in season two. In real life, it's called Wild Rice and it serves contemporary Asian cuisine in a setting that harmonizes yin and yang, utilizing the principles of feng shui. This noted nightspot offers forks along with chopsticks and a chic ambience along with hip Asian-fusion tapas that are fit to share. It won the Golden Plate Awards for most innovative menu 2002-2005. Slink up to the sexy ice bar at the center and order yourself a drink--and one for your twink. (117 West Pender, wildricevancouver.com)
Shopping Spree
Jenny takes Adele shopping for a whole new wardrobe in season five, and if you want to follow in their footsteps, go to Holt Renfrew, Vancouver's premier spot for luxurious wares for over 170 years. Not only does this swanky shopping mecca allow you to browse and buy some seriously designer duds, but you can also get your latest finds tailored to your body type with Holt's Tailored to Measure service. And don't forget to visit the spa. (737 Dunsmuir St., holtrenfrew.com)
Mile High Club
Remember when the girls were on their way to an Olivia cruise and security found a dildo in Dana's bag? Let's hope you don't have the same experience when you travel through Vancouver International Airport. Known for being the hub for the 2010 Olympics, which is being hosted by the city of Vancouver, it's the second-busiest airport in Canada. Skytrax gave it the 'Best North American Airport Award' in 2007 and, as the bridge between Asia and Canada, it has more trans-Pacific flights than any other city in the country. (yvr.ca)
Place Your Bets
If you want to try your luck on the horses, like the gang did in season four, head to Hastings Racecourse. Ever since the track opened in 1889, it's been the site of Vancouver's fastest fillies. Join the crowd for the races any weekend from April through November or on Friday nights from June through September. (Pacific National Exhibit, Gate 8 or 9, hastingsracecourse.com)
Hollywood North
If you want to catch a show at the theater where the girls saw Heart, head to the Vogue. This 1,200-seat theater was founded in 1941 and is an ideal downtown venue for events large and small, from one-woman shows to massive corporate powwows. Not only is it renowned for its art deco style and eclectic combination of musical, performing arts and business events, the Vogue Theater is also the venue for the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, as well as the Vancouver International Film Festival. (918 Granville St., voguevancouver.com)
Award-Winning Digs
Tina received a Peabody Foundation Award and got scooped away from Bette by Helena at the Sutton Place Hotel, a European-style hotel in the heart of Vancouver, within walking distance of spas, art galleries and the chic shopping area of Robson Street. Sutton Place unites the staggeringly beautiful surroundings of mountains and sea with sleek and luxurious rooms and amenities. The hotel's Fleuri Restaurant offers the finest French Continental cuisine, and the Gerard Lounge is known for its martinis and is the recipient of its own award--the 'Bronze' for Best Bar/Lounge by Vancouver magazine. (845 Burrard St., suttonplace.com)
THE L WORD GETS REAL
Still lamenting the end of The L Word? The dyke drama void is about to be filled--with another series created by llene Chaiken. Get ready for unbridled and unscripted scandal with The Real L Word: Los Angeles. The new reality series will document the trials of six L.A. lesbians and is scheduled to debut on Showtime later this year. 'Even though we concluded our sixth season of The L Word ... I believe we are not nearly finished telling our L Word stories,' said Chaiken (right) in Variety. [Briana Hernandez]
Looking for a hot-weather vacation instead? Flip to page 9 for our wrap-up of womenfest key west 2009
