Regardless of where you are coming from or your purpose of visiting, Vancouver, the “Hollywood North”, is welcoming and open to everyone. Although regarded as an underrated vacation destination, Vancouver is blessed with amazing hotspots and lots of buzz all year round yet attracts few tourist year round. If you are looking forward to a quick weekend getaway or family vacation with kids, Vancouver has got you covered. Beautiful beaches, lush mountains, and colorful festivals are a few things tourists can enjoy in Vancouver, one of the world’s most liveable cities.
Where to Go
Grouse Mountain is a year-round attraction standing at about 3500 feet above the sea level. Take a hike to the summit and enjoy bird’s eye view of the surrounding mountains, ocean city, and islands. The best time to visit is during summer. At this time, you can enjoy lots of entertaining activities including hiking, paragliding, Lumberjack shows etc. Winter season opens the opportunity for visitors to participate in activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and sleigh rides.
The Vancouver Aquarium is a must visit spot for all animal lover. This aquarium is home to over 60,000 exotic living creatures. Furthermore, the aquarium is home to 166 tanks which hold a total of 9.5 million liters of water. Families with kids will love the animal shows with whales and dolphins featured on a daily basis.
Vancouver’s Chinatown is the largest in Canada. Visitors to this part of the town can explore markets offering fresh vegetables, mushrooms, and fresh seafood. The town’s uniqueness lies in its exquisite cultural influence.
Hotel
The Pan Pacific takes pride in the fact it is the only 5-star hotel in downtown Vancouver waterfront. And literally, it is sitting directly on top of the ocean water. Guests can take in spectacular views of the blue ocean waters and the mountains thanks to its splendid location. The rooms are well-appointed, decorated and exceptionally clean at all times. Staffs are friendly and committed to making sure guests enjoy a pleasant stay. The highlight of the hotel is the 7th-floor pool overlooking the Burrad Inlet and the North Vancouver Mountain Range.
The Shangri La hotel in downtown Vancouver is the first ever to be built in North America. Significantly, it holds the record for being the tallest tower in Vancouver with 64 floors till date. Another key point to note is that the Shangri La is the first 5-star hotel on Georgia street. All rooms offer stunning views of the city of Vancouver. All rooms are clean, and well furnished with world class amenities. On-site shopping is also available at the Urban fare gourmet grocery store and the Vancouver’s first Burberry store.
Places to eat
If you are vacationing in Vancouver or here on an extended business trip, then finding the right place to eat and drink is a necessity. Located in the trendy Yaletown district, the Hub Restaurant and Lounge offers a delightful menu. One of the major draws to this restaurant is the $6 before 6 appetizers. Everything on their appetizer menu including the calamari and crab legs goes for just $6 before 6 pm.
Another vital spot to visit is the Burgers Etc. The restaurant is small and spacious enough to accommodate 24 customers at a time. During dinner hours, the restaurants is usually buzzing with crowds eagerly waiting to try the burgers. Asides the burgers, other interesting food on the menu to try include the smoked BBQ sandwiches. Every meal prepared and served is simply delicious. This place is truly one of the most exquisite places to enjoy a scrumptious and appetizing meal.