Surprise! Hotels are expensive. San Francisco Expensive. Try to use hotel points first and if that doesn’t work , stay at the Pan Pacific Vancouver for a great water view. If you don’t care about water views, Loden Hotel is excellent. Otherwise, Westin Bayshore is nice too.
Vancouver is a beautiful coastal city located in British Columbia, Canada. Stanley Park, which is one of the largest urban parks in North America, is a cant miss. The park is a great place to go for a walk or bike ride while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Be sure to visit the park’s famous Totem Poles, which are one of the most popular attractions in Vancouver.
Another must-see attraction in Vancouver is Granville Island. This former industrial area has been transformed into a hub of arts and culture with a public market, boutique shops, galleries, and a range of restaurants and cafes. You can take a stroll around the island, or rent a kayak and paddle along False Creek to see the city from a different perspective. If you’re a fan of craft beer, be sure to visit one of the many microbreweries on the island.
Finally, no visit to Vancouver would be complete without visiting the suspension bridge or taking a trip up to Grouse Mountain. The mountain offers stunning panoramic views of the city and is accessible by a scenic gondola ride. Once at the top, you can take a guided tour of the wildlife refuge, watch a lumberjack show, or even try zip-lining. In the winter months, the mountain is also a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding.The ideal time to go would be May – September.
Recommended Stay: Weekend
Lodging Recommendation: If you have Hyatt Points - Definitely Hyatt Regency Vancouver. If not, Westin Bayshore Vancouver https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g154943-d156094-Reviews-The_Westin_Bayshore_Vancouver-Vancouver_British_Columbia.html
Recommended mode of transportation: Local public transit and Ride Share
Upon arriving, go to your hotel and check in. Then head to dinner
Dinner: Tuc Craft Kitchen https://www.yelp.com/biz/tuc-craft-kitchen-vancouver (open until midnight) or Hokkaido Ramen Santouka http://www.yelp.com/biz/hokkaido-ramen-santouka-vancouver (open until 11pm)
Too late? Head to Fritz http://www.yelp.com/biz/fritz-european-fry-house-vancouver
Breakfast / Brunch: Beaucoup Bakery & Cafe http://www.yelp.com/biz/beaucoup-bakery-and-cafe-vancouver
After your morning food fix, head to Meat & Bread http://www.yelp.com/biz/meat-and-bread-vancouver and pack food for your adventures the rest of the day as it will be active. Make sure to get tickets ahead of time to avoid lines.
Activity: Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g181717-d156257-Reviews-Capilano_Suspension_Bridge_Park-North_Vancouver_British_Columbia.html)
Activity: Grouse Mountain (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g181717-d156264-Reviews-Grouse_Mountain-North_Vancouver_British_Columbia.html)
Dinner: AnnaLena https://www.yelp.com/biz/annalena-vancouver or Fable https://www.yelp.com/biz/fable-kitchen-vancouver-2?osq=fable
Dessert: Rain or Shine https://www.yelp.com/biz/rain-or-shine-ice-cream-vancouver-2
Breakfast / Brunch: Cafe Madina https://www.yelp.com/biz/medina-cafe-vancouver or Purebread https://www.yelp.com/biz/purebread-vancouver
After breakfast head to Granville Island.
Lunch: Granville Island Public Market (https://www.yelp.ca/biz/granville-island-public-market-vancouver)
Then head to Stanley Park.
Most will have to head home or catch flights after Stanley Park. If not, go to dinner at a restaurant you were not able to make and tuck in early.
If you have an extra day for a long weekend, go whale watching. Seeing Orcas in the wild is spectacular. Make sure to remember any motion bands if you get sea sick.
The authors of Elevated Viewpoint sport adventurous souls with deep passions for exploring new cultures and cuisines. With a love for finding the best a city has to offer, we seek out both traditional gems and local hotspots in every destination. From savoring exotic flavors to experiencing unique traditions, we are always on the lookout for the next adventure.
Make this choice and from now on, you will forever be a part of every adventure!