Discovering Vancouver – A Hidden West Coast Gem!
Granville Island
Looking for that perfect daytime activity that combines a love of food and shopping, while being able to mingle with the local community? Then Granville Island is the perfect place for you to indulge in life’s simple pleasures. Take the opportunity to peruse the indoor public market stalls, marvel at the mouth-watering food displays, or browse the rails of the colourful island retail outlets. Once you’ve gotten a box of Lee’s famous donuts or tasted the treats from A Bread’s Affair bakery, join the locals on the outdoor decks to enjoy free live entertainment. Not to worry if the weather isn’t on your side, there are plenty of cafés to frequent and watch the Aquabus or False Creek Ferries as they travel quickly across the Burrard Inlet.
University of British Columbia (UBC)
Yes, you are reading that right, a university has made it onto a list of places to visit. Hard to believe, but this home of academics provides more than just qualifications. In fact, it has some of the most incredible natural and historical attractions in mainland Vancouver. For those who relish outdoor activities, the Pacific Spirit Regional Park is a 10km network of nature trails that travels through 750 hectares of forest, an ecological reserve and is accessible all year round. Looking for a bit more? Then head off the beaten path and walk amongst giants on the Greenheart Tree Walk, smell the flowers in Canada’s oldest botanical gardens or participate in a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony in the Nitobe Memorial Garden.
Any way you look at it, there’s a meaningful experience waiting for everyone. For full details on pricing and opening times, please click here.
Grouse Mountain
As one of three local slopes in the area and affectionately nick-named the ‘Peak of Vancouver’, Grouse Mountain is as beautiful in Summer as it is in Winter. Just a short 20-minute car journey from downtown Vancouver, you’ll be travelling upwards in the Skyride, witnessing breathtaking 360 views of the surrounding landscape. Alternatively, visitors can climb their way to the top during the summer months by hiking the Grouse Grind. Don’t forget to check out the resident wildlife refuge, the permanent home to two grizzly bears, Grinder and Coola, and learn about conservation efforts prior to hibernation.
During Winter, this resort becomes a snowy playground with every possible activity from snowshoeing to snowboarding available. Make sure to warm up in the Altitude Bistro or Lupins Café while gazing down upon the city lights from afar.
Wondering where to stay?
If this list has you adding Vancouver next on your travel itinerary, then accommodation will be the final item to be crossed off. Searching for somewhere that provides elegant accommodation, world-class amenities, and is right in the heart of the city? Look no further than The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver.
You'll feel like a million dollars the moment you walk through the front doors thanks to attentive, personalized service and a lavish ambiance. Be sure to reserve a table at the onsite restaurant, Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar–consistently recognized as one of Canada's best restaurants–or settle in for a cocktail or two at The Gerard Lounge, which draws comparisons to traditional British country clubs thanks to its leather upholstery, roaring fireplace, and wood panelling. Just what you need after a day of adventures in the greenest city in North America.