Home: A great place to hang out
Make the most of a Vancouver vacation by revisiting favourite places and discovering new ones
Summer’s here and you still haven’t made travel plans. Maybe you’re reluctant to fly anywhere because you only have a few days left off work and it’s too much hassle. And there’s the cost: high fuel prices are reflected in flying and driving. And you have to deal with dreaded airport security. So it makes sense to spend time close to home.
Downtown Vancouver has you covered. In fact, there’s so much to do that we’re spoiled for choice. No wonder about 10 million people visited Metro Vancouver last year, according to Tourism Vancouver. Contemplating a Vancouver staycation, I wondered: What would tourists do?
“The most visited places are Stanley Park, Granville Island, the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain and the Vancouver Aquarium,” says Amber Sessions with Tourism Vancouver.
Sure, you’ve been there, done that. But such unique destinations are worth revisiting.
GET IN THE RIGHT FRAME OF MIND
Start by marking the calendar for the time "away” and make a list of things you’ve always wanted to do in the city. There’s no going home for anything forgotten during this time, you’re on vacation.
STAY SOMEPLACE SWANKY
Next is accommodation. You can’t cheat by going home at night. With all the money you’ll save, live it up at a posh hotel, you’re worth the splurge. Some places, such as the Fairmont, have a B.C. residents’ rate and offer great packages if you’re interested in dining or spa treatments.
Check out StayVancouverHotels.com for offers such as festival passes.
For instance, it partners with The Westin Bayshore to include a picnic basket with all the fixings, from charcuterie to cutlery, and Stanley Park is right next door.
Feeling lucky? Parq Vancouver is a one-stop-shop for gamers and gamblers, complete with hotels, restaurants and a spa.
TAKE A TOUR
I recently booked an electric-bike tour with Cycle City Tours (four hours raced by without breaking a sweat), and discovered parts of Stanley Park, Granville Island and the seawall I’d never seen before. It gave me a greater appreciation for our bike lanes and I learned a lot about my hometown from the tour guide’s running commentary.
Ditto for Best of Downtown with Vancouver Foodie Tours. Our guide Miguel touched on the history of dim sum at Kirin restaurant, and I discovered how well a gin cocktail pairs with oysters at Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar.
Expand your beer horizons with Vancouver Brewery Tours. I have driven past Doan’s Craft Brewing a hundred times and never stopped, but now I know where to get a terrific IPA. “Beer is more approachable than wine. You can learn lots and not be snobbish,” said Rachel, our knowledgeable and charming guide. “We always visit three breweries with different characteristics and take you behind the scenes, so it’s great for locals.”
By the third stop at Brewery Creek in North Vancouver, everyone was loosening up and discussing their favourite brews. I’m told these tours attract a diverse demographic, from solo 20-somethings to senior couples.
UNDER THE RADAR
You likely haven’t been to every museum in town. How about the quirky Police Museum, or the Beaty Biodiversity museum at UBC, with lots of drawers you can pull open and look inside, and look up at the blue whale skeleton.
Also up at UBC is the Greenheart Tree Walk, a 310-metre-long tree top canopy at the Botanical Garden. Everyone knows about Granville Island, but hop on the SeaBus and visit the Lonsdale Quay Market and take the Canada Line SkyTrain to the Richmond Night Market.
WATER FUN
Sea Vancouver takes you on a high-speed zodiac tour that leaves from the Bayshore Hotel: It’s only $50 per person for 90 minutes, with commentary on the city’s architecture, history and geography.
Or take it slow with Coal Harbour e-Tours, a quiet cruise through the inner harbour. Better tack on an extra day for kayaking.
And leave time for spontaneous discoveries. Pick a part of town that’s unfamiliar and stroll the streets, popping into a few eateries for small bites and drinks along the way.
And next year, choose another ’hood.
For more information, visit TourismVancouver.com