Vancouver
A city of glass and steel surrounded by ocean and mountains, Vancouver is a unique destination. The city is an outdoor lover’s dream, a bucket-list destination for foodies, and boasts incredible culture. The North Shore Mountains offer adventure minutes from downtown, and the ocean borders most of the dense downtown core. Iconic Stanley Park, home to the popular 10-kilometre Stanley Park Seawall, sits adjacent to downtown. From diverse music to sushi to urban parks, Vancouver is a place for people who love life in every way.
What to do in Vancouver
Vancouver neighbourhoods like Gastown, Mount Pleasant, and Kitsilano offer great shopping and cuisine options. The upscale Yaletown is dotted with bars and restaurants perfect for both people watching, and for being seen. Add in shopping, and this ’hood has established itself as a favourite among visitors and locals alike.
Granville Island is a destination on its own, stacked deep with curious shops, delectable food, a wide array of wine and beer options, and the freshest seafood in the city.
Vancouver’s Asian community embraces elements of both the old and the modern, and visiting Chinatown is an easy way to experience one of the city’s lively, rich cultures.
Stanley Park is a jewel of timber and moss, comparable to New York City’s Central Park. This beautiful park is one of the primary reasons Vancouver stands apart from other coastal cities. Rent a bike from one of several bike rental companies near the entrance to the park and explore on two wheels.
Across Burrard Inlet sits the North Shore Mountains. These steep, forested peaks rise above the skyline and are full of opportunity for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and gentle walking. Here you can cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge or ride Grouse Mountain’s tram to mountaintop restaurants, trails, and wildlife. All this is just 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver, but it offers a glimpse into British Columbia’s vast wilderness.
Where to stay in Vancouver
The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is an elegant place to lay your head between luxurious meals. The Rosewood Hotel Georgia has been meticulously restored to its ‘20s glamour, with the rambunctious energy of the Roaring Twenties reflected in the stylish aesthetics. The Sylvia Hotel is a heritage building located beside beautiful English Bay’s sandy beaches. Built in 1912, it’s a secret spot that regular visitors take pride in returning to.
How to get to Vancouver
Fly into Vancouver International Airport. It’s an easy 22-minute trip on the Canada Line transit route into downtown Vancouver, or rent a vehicle at the airport. From Washington State, cross the border at either the Pacific Highway or the Peace Arch crossing, approximately one hour south of Vancouver.
