I started the day with no plans for New Year’s Eve in Vancouver. I’m happy to say it turned out to be one of the better NYE celebrations.
The evening started early as my cousin and I headed to Wings on Granville (1162 Granville Street, 604-682-3473) to watch, first the Canucks game (great come-from-behind win) and then Team Canada vs. Team USA at the World Juniors tournament (yes, another great come-from-behind win).
From there a friend and I stepped inside the Sutton Place Hotel’s Gerard Lounge (845 Burrard Street, 604-682-5511 / 1-866-3-SUTTON) to meet some lovely people over a glass of Oyster Bay Pinot Noir from New Zealand. In the main dining room an old school celebration was taking place with the older crowd as they took to the dance floor in a very classic New Year’s Eve party.
St. Paul's Labyrinth in the west end of Vancouver, BC (Canada).
A small apartment get together later and I decided to do what I’ve been curious to do for a few years: the St. Paul’s Laybrinth.
At the St. Paul’s Anglican Church for the last 13 NYEs, the St. Paul’s Labyrinth is open from 5:00 pm to 1:00 am for people to walk on the gymnasium floor with a labyrinth painted on it.
This meditative walk has been done for some 4,000 years, it’s believed. On NYE, there is live music, some poetry is read and there is dancing, storytelling and silence throughout the night.
The labyrinth itself is a replica of the 1201 stone design at Chartres Cathedral in France, winding around for 42 feet. It was painted as the first indoor labyrinth in Canada in 1997 and is now open daily for people to use.
I rang in the New Year here, as I was finding my way out of the labyrinth. With my high heel boots kicked off and wearing tights on my feet, it was probably the most peaceful and relaxing New Years I’ve ever had 
St. Paul's Anglican Church in the west end of Vancouver, BC (Canada).
Then, for $2, I went into the church for a feast of wine and food, and to make all my NYE calls. My two-year old niece called at 12:30am to say, “Happy New Year, Auntie Lori!” which pretty much capped off the night.
What I Liked:
- The St. Paul’s Labyrinth is open every day at certain hours for people to walk through and is run by volunteers.
- Trying something new on NYE can be the best decision. How many over-hyped parties have I been to? How many anti-climactic nights out? What a treat to find this sanctuary in the heart of Vancouver’s west end.
- I didn’t think I would be doing much last night, so I dressed in clothing not quite appropriate for the Sutton Place Hotel (a hot pink and black striped sweater bought in the kid’s department at Zellers!). At least they still served me wine
Lori Henry is a freelance Travel & Lifestyle writer based in Vancouver, Canada. She covers Solo Travel, Outdoor Adventures, Wellness & Spas, and Cultural Dance, and is often called "That Cultural Dance Gal."
