Top 5 Apps for Vancouver Visitors

Chunky guide books take up too much room in your carry-on. When you need Vancouver info right now, take these helpful mobile apps in hand instead:

Tourism Vancouver: start with this free destination-specific app developed by Vancouver’s official tourism board

• for Windows Mobile, Android Mobile and iPhone
• interactive tourist guide with integrated street navigation of Vancouver and Whistler
• mapping and navigation to all local points of interest including hotels, restaurants and attractions
• one-touch reservations
• What to Do section and seasonal events calendar
• transportation planner
• emergency services information
• ability to “footprint” photos and replay them on Google Earth
• ability to receive updated weather reports and news flashes

NearMeBC: this free app from Hello BC, the province’s official tourism organization, quickly points you to the hotels, restaurants, watering holes or attractions nearest your location

• for iPhone
• includes 4,000 listings province-wide
• particularly helpful for last-minute “where should we go tonight?” decisions
• information can be marked and saved for review off-line

Yelp: this free app gives you easy access to one of Vancouver’s most popular user-generated review sites

• for Blackberry, Palm Pre, Android and iPhone
• particularly helpful for hospitality-related reviews: bars, restaurants, lounges, hotels
• search by category–ie, “pizza, Thai”–or name

Groupon: find great daily deals at Vancouver restaurants, bars, spas, events and attractions with this free app

• for iPhone and Android and “vintage” mobiles
• find deals for any city where Groupon is active
• one-touch downloading
• keep track of deals by location, date and expiration
• discount coupons are redeemable right from your phone

EnRoute/Air Canada Dining Guide: a free app from the publisher of one of Canada’s most reliable Top New Restaurants lists

• for iPhone and Blackberry
• province-specific dining recommendations based on EnRoute’s picks since 2002
• current Top 10 Best New Restaurants
• special wine features, route maps and more