Born in the UK, John Lee has been a full-time Vancouverite since 1999 when he kick-started his career as an independent travel writer in the city. Since then he's written about the region for publications including the Australian, Sydney Morning Herald, Chicago Tribune, US Airways Magazine, National Geographic Traveler and Lonely Planet. John's work also appears online.

What's your favourite thing to do on a Sunday?

A few hits of espresso at an Italian coffeehouse on Commercial Drive, preferably accompanied by the Guardian Weekly. I'd follow this hangover-busting start with a restorative afternoon in Stanley Park, walking the seawall and stopping off to drink in the views along the way.

How would you spend a long weekend?

I'd head out on foot and trawl some of the city's distinctive neighbourhoods, including Gastown, Chinatown and the Downtown Eastside — traditionally a no-go skid row, it's full of fascinating history, architecture and old-school neon. If I was feeling energetic, I might also get my outdoor fix on the Grouse Grind hiking trail.

What's your idea of a good night out?

I'd weave around Gastown with a few buddies, taking in the city's best brewpubs and eclectic bars, before catching a local live band in a small downtown venue.

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