Georgi Paton, one of our expert Sales Advisors at Canadian Affair, is just back from an action-packed trip to Vancouver. We asked her to tell us all about it.
Who, What, Where?
I visited Vancouver and the Okanagan Valley this summer. I had 3 nights in Vancouver and I wouldn’t recommend any less as there’s so much to do!
I stayed downtown in the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver which I would highly recommend for anyone who is a keen shopper as you are in the heart of the shopping district.
The region in a nutshell…
Vancouver is my favourite city, not only in Canada but in the world! It’s such a cool, chilled out place with so much to do.
I love the fact that you can be in the heart of downtown shopping on Robson Street and 15 minutes later you can be on top of Grouse Mountain admiring the magnificent vista of the city.
The city is very walkable and the hop-on hop-off buses are also a great way to get around. They come with a tour guide who is very knowledgeable on the area and each stop.
Vancouver has something to offer for everyone and is a great all year round destination.
Experience of a lifetime?
Whale watching on the Strait of Georgia – the ultimate bucket list experience! There are a few different companies in Vancouver that offer tours.
I would recommend taking a late morning or early afternoon tour as by that time, the location of the pods will be clearer to the tour guide and it means less time searching for the whales. I managed to see a pod of 5 orcas!
Gear up vs wind down?
For an adrenaline buzz try Capliano Suspension Bridge Park. Its iconic rope bridge and cliff walk experience make it one of Vancouver’s most popular attractions and a great way to spend a morning or afternoon.
For a chilled day out, try wandering around Stanley Park (bigger than central park in New York!) I took the horse-drawn carriage in August and it was great. Or drive the Sea to Sky Highway between Vancouver and Whistler – one of the top scenic drives in the world! I highly recommend factoring this into your holiday.
Culture vultures should…
The Aquarium and the Totem Poles in Stanley Park are worth a visit.
I can also recommend going to English Bay to watch the sunset and people-watch the local Vancouverites.
The Cactus Club has a great outdoor patio and offer the best frozen Bellini’s.
Outdoor lovers should…
Take the gondola ride to the top of Grouse Mountain where you will have the best views of the city – nice trails, free yoga classes, zip slides, bear habitat, Heli-tours and a free lumberjack show.
Check out Sea Vancouver – a 90 minute zodiac ride around Vancouver. To see the city from a different perspective is amazing and you might even spot some local wildlife.
Foodie favourites?
Catch a water taxi over to Granville Island – the public market has some really unique stalls and food vendors and is a great place to have breakfast or lunch.
For the more adventurous traveller, you can also rent boats, kayaks, paddle boards and on a recent trip I saw Joe’s BBQ boats on the water – basically a floating BBQ experience!
If you do one thing…
FlyOver Canada! The most amazing virtual flight experience down by Canada Place – great fun for all ages and I guarantee that you will want to do it twice!
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