Experience a variety of exciting activities while exploring the beautiful cityscape of Vancouver. Enjoy kayaking in False Creek, indulging in delicious seafood at Yew Seafood and Bar, cycling through the stunning Stanley Park, savoring drinks at Revolucion and Keefer Bar, and taking in the breathtaking views of the harbor. With such diverse options, there's something for everyone to enjoy in Vancouver.
Between the jaw-dropping confluence of mountains and sea, some of the best ethnic food in North America and public transit bliss courtesy of the Canada Line and SkyTrain, Vancouver is much more than an erstwhile Olympic site, or a place to stop over on your way to some other destination. Where else can you find an international brand of exoticism that rivals Hong Kong, Nordic-style order and a limitless array of shops, restaurants and top-notch accommodations? An abundance of outdoor options — whether it is hiking or biking in Stanley Park, kayaking in False Creek or skiing on nearby Grouse Mountain — only adds to the appeal. The city doesn’t take its natural gifts for granted; in recent years it has become so eco-friendly that some stores don’t even offer plastic bags. With its multitude of immigrant communities and northwest Canadian culture of extreme friendliness, Vancouver feels just different enough to be intriguingly foreign but familiar enough to be easily conquered in a weekend.
FRIDAY
4:30 p.m.
1. Two Views
Vancouver is a movie-star-gorgeous city that should be admired from as many vantage points as possible. Start with a glass elevator ride 553 feet up to the Vancouver Lookout at the Harbor Center (555 West Hastings Street; vancouverlookout.com; 15.75 Canadian dollars, about the same in U.S. dollars). The circular viewing platform offers 360-degree panoramic views of the downtown skyline, Mount Seymour, Grouse Mountain, Lions Gate Bridge and seaplanes taking off from the harborfront. Then make like a local commuter and head for the SeaBus at Waterfront Station (601 West Cordova Street; bus information at 604-953-3333) less than a five-minute walk away. Board the ferry (4 dollars each way) to North Vancouver, a 15-minute boat ride that has to be one of the most stunning commutes in the world. Find seats at the front of the boat for the best views of North Vancouver and the snowcapped peaks of Olympic fame. Once you dock in North Vancouver, walk right next door to Lonsdale Quay Market where you can find everything from curry to souvlaki in the international food section. Then head up to the Cheshire Cheese pub, sit out on the deck and order a pitcher of sangria and nachos. Enjoy the view — now of downtown, the industrial port and Burrard Inlet.
8 p.m.
2. Japanese Tapas
Like many cities, Vancouver has seen an explosion of farm-to-table restaurants pop up, but go for a Vancouver classic instead: Guu, the first of a style of traditional izakaya (offering small-plate Japanese cooking). This is no sushi joint, but the tuna tataki, kimchi fried rice, kabocha croquette and yaki udon will make you forget about California rolls. Sit at the bar and watch meticulous chefs flip, slice and arrange plates with the precision of a martial arts performance. Food arrives fast and at a quarter of the price of a trendy restaurant. Dinner for two, including drinks, is about 50 dollars. Guu has five locations in Vancouver, but Guu Original on Thurlow Street (838 Thurlow Street; guu-izakaya.com) has the reputation of being the most authentic. Enjoy the spirited Japanese welcome and goodbye from the servers and chefs as each guest arrives and departs.
10:30 p.m.
3. Nightcap
If you're in Vancouver and looking to add a touch of glamour to your evening, make your way to Yew Seafood and Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel. This stunning venue boasts 26-foot ceilings and a luxurious lounge area, creating an ambiance that is both relaxed and opulent.
What sets Yew Seafood and Bar apart, however, are its exquisite cocktails crafted by the talented head mixologist, Justin Taylor. With more than 24 unique concoctions to choose from, there's something for every palate. For a refreshing option, try the Moscow Mule, a delightful blend of vodka, lime, and ginger beer, served elegantly in a bronze cup. Another standout is the 20th Century, a sophisticated blend of gin, crème de cacao, and lemon.
Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or just looking to enjoy a night out, these expertly crafted drinks at Yew Seafood and Bar are guaranteed to impress. And with prices ranging from 11 to 16 dollars, they offer exceptional value for the quality and craftsmanship that goes into each sip.
SATURDAY
10 a.m.
4. Pastries and Greenery
Begin your day in Vancouver at Thierry (1059 Alberni Street), a quintessential French patisserie. Revel in the delectable combination of a cappuccino paired with an almond croissant. Why not take a selection of their distinctive macarons—chocolate pistachio, maple pecan, and coffee—to enjoy later? With your taste buds thoroughly satisfied, catch the Canada Line heading south and wend your way to the VanDusen Botanical Garden (vancouver.ca/vandusen), located at 5251 Oak Street.
Once there, prepare to be amazed as you navigate through this sprawling 55-acre eco-haven. With over 255,000 individual plants sourced globally, irrespective of the time of year and the flowers in bloom, the garden presents a breathtaking panorama. Don't forget to wander around the hedge maze—a popular feature of the garden—and challenge yourself to reach the elusive monkey puzzle tree at its core.
1 p.m.
5. Dim Sum
For one of the most genuine Asian cultural and culinary experiences in North America, go to the Aberdeen Center for dim sum at Fisherman’s Terrace (3580-4151 Hazelbridge Way, Richmond; 604-303-9739). This sprawling Asian shopping center has an entire store dedicated to Hello Kitty merchandise, a Korean barbecue and a pan-Asian supermarket, among other treasures. Fisherman’s Terrace, as evinced by the crowds mingling outside, is a favorite institution among the thousands of Chinese residents of Richmond, a suburb 20 minutes south of Vancouver. Make a reservation or bring your own reading material if you don’t (all the newspapers are in Chinese). Then sift through the 76 options on the dim sum menu. A cheat sheet: deep-fried chicken knee with spicy salt, mini sticky rice in bamboo leaves, steamed pork dumplings, triple mushrooms in rice noodle wrap, and chilled coconut cake with diced taro. Go with an adventurous eater to try some of the dishes you’d be unlikely to find at most Westernized Chinese restaurants, like steamed duck tongue. Items range from 3.65 to 8.80 dollars.
Vancouver Views
3 p.m.
6. Shopping in Yaletown
Often overshadowed by the frequently visited Gastown, Yaletown, Vancouver's former industrial hub, has risen to prominence as a stylish shopping destination with its trendy restaurants and swanky lofts. The neighborhood has an impressive array of chic boutiques worth exploring. A quintessential part of this swish neighborhood is Chintz & Company, a can't-miss shopping spot located at 950 Homer Street, exclusive to Canada. Besides its sought-after collection of jewelry pieces and plush pillows, it's particularly famed for its sumptuous TokyoMilk hand cream. Check out their collection here.
Moving on to 1062 Mainland Street, you'll find Revolucion, a fashion-forward men's store. Here, an entire wall is dedicated to premium shaving products and grooming kits—defining style and sophistication. In a fun, touched of whimsy, they even have a wine caddy designed in the shape of a woman's foot giving a quirky edge to the place. You can browse through their unique offerings here.
A few steps away, resides Global Atomic Designs. This store showcases an extensive selection of clothing from international designers. Its eclectic collection caters to the fashion-savvy from all walks of life, making Yaletown a complete shopping experience unlike any other district in Vancouver.
4:30 p.m.
7. First Nations
Before Vancouver became a mecca for immigrants, there were the First Nations — Canadian aboriginals, whose culture and art is very much a presence in the city. To get a sense of the craftsmanship and art that is still being produced, head to Inuit Gallery in Gastown (206 Cambie Street, inuit.com). “The Inuit art market is big in the Northwest, from Portland to Southern Alaska,” said Phil McComiskey, who works at the gallery. Check out the paintings and prints of Kenojuak Ashevak, an Inuit artist from Canada’s Arctic regions; her work, which is known for its geometric shapes and nature imagery, has been used on Canadian stamps. To find some First Nations arts and crafts at more affordable prices, go across the street to Hill’s Native Art, which carries a nice selection of jewelry, woodcarvings, sculpture and prints.
8 p.m.
8. 4-Layered Seafood Cake
Immerse yourself in Vancouver's seafood paradise, locally renowned and simply irresistible. Turn your attention to the high-end, yet highly recommended, Blue Water Cafe (bluewatercafe.net) nestled on Hamilton Street. Forego the sushi, and pay homage to the raw bar and main dishes. Kick start your culinary adventure with an assortment of oysters and the British Columbia two-person tasting menu that presents a towering spectacle of a four-layer seafood banquet comprising Dungeness crab salad, scallop ceviche, albacore tuna tartar, and smoked sockeye salmon terrine. If it's cooked seafood options you desire, opt for the arctic char lavishly garnished with trout caviar, immerse in beurre blanc, and accompanied by pearl couscous. Leave some space for the passion fruit semifreddo, a perfect balance for the rich seafood experience. Prepare your wallets, as a meal for two would cost approximately around 250 dollars.
This restaurant is also known to support sustainable fishing efforts, sourcing its seafood from ethical suppliers. Its culinary delight extends to an impressive wine menu, perfectly curated to complement the seafood flavors.
10:30 p.m.
9. Night out in Chinatown
Chinatown, until a short time ago, was not on the radar for the Saturday night crowd looking for a place to enjoy drinks. That's changed now, all thanks to the emergence of the Keefer Bar (thekeeferbar.com). This bar, located at 135 Keefer Street, has quickly become the preference among the youthful and trendy. They flock here to sip on the unique cocktails in an atmosphere that is both dimly-lit and enticing, with special Chinese phrases decorating the wall frames for an added touch of mystery. An interesting aspect of their drinks menu, the cocktails are referred to as "prescriptions", a nod to the overarching, themed concept of the place. Each drink is worth the hustle at the packed bar, especially the tantalizingly hot Chinatown Sour, priced at 10 dollars, and the enigmatic Dragon Fly, for 11 dollars.
SUNDAY
9:30 a.m.
10. Teahouse Brunch
Kick-start your day by immersing yourself in the serene environment of Stanley Park, an expansive, lush coastal haven that holds its own against the famous Central Park of the West Coast. Start the adventure at the cherished brunch place, Stanley Park's Teahouse, celebrated for its picturesque setting and the unique Canadian Northwest spin it places on standard breakfast options. Request a window-side seating to enjoy the enchanting views of English Bay and Western Vancouver. Make sure to try their signature dish, smoked salmon Benedict, made with locally sourced sockeye salmon. (7501 Stanley Park Drive; vancouverdine.com/teahouse. Brunch, with an approximate cost of 45 dollars, is served on weekends.)
11 a.m.
11. Walk and Ride
After indulging in the delectable local cuisine, take your time to digest with a leisurely promenade along the Lost Lagoon trail located at the southern edge of the park. Be awed by the majestic evergreens and an array of wild animals such as speckled geese, ducks, swans, turtles and raccoons, all residing within a stone's throw of the downtown high-rises. If the sun is out, get a dose of vitamin D at Second Beach, nestled on the park's southwest periphery. Take advantage of a bicycle rental service located at Spokes Bicycle Rental (1798 West Georgia Street; spokesbicyclerentals.com) where the rates are as affordable as 8 dollars per hour. Embark on a six-mile adventure around the sea wall. Though you should stay alert for rollerbladers on the one-way path, primarily your focus should be on breathing in the clean sea breeze and taking in the breathtaking natural beauty of Vancouver.
ACCOMMODATION RECOMMENDATION
Residing in the financial district, the 119-suite boutique Hotel Le Soleil (located at 567 Hornby Street) boasts an inviting South Asian aesthetic. Each space is designed with a standalone sitting area for your comfort. Along with the plush living space, the hotel features the renowned contemporary Indian eatery, Copper Chimney. As far as costs go, standard suites are priced anywhere between 139 and 249 Canadian dollars. If you plan your visit wisely and look for hotel Deals in Vancouver, you might even get your suite at a discounted rate. If you ask nicely, you might even get a room with a view! The comfort and luxury provided by Hotel Le Soleil, coupled with its vibrant aesthetic and prime location, make it a top choice for travellers exploring Vancouver.
If extravagance is what you're seeking, consider making a reservation at the Four Seasons (situated at 791 West Georgia Street). This plush hotel offers world-class service and accommodation in spacious rooms. What's more? It's linked to the Pacific Center, a bustling shopping hub which also connects to the Canada Line and SkyTrain. Room prices commence at 265 Canadian dollars.
Situated ideally in the heart of the city, the Four Seasons gives you immediate access to Vancouver’s most popular attractions. Also, it's worth mentioning that the Pacific Center houses numerous boutique stores that cater to the luxury market. With all these amenities within reach, your stay in Vancouver is certain to be unforgettable.