2. Outdoor pursuits
One of the best views of this pretty waterfront city is from Stanley Park. At almost 1000 acres there’s copious cycling and hiking paths, and roads too for those in four wheels. There’s varied views of Vancouver, and don’t forget to grab a pic with the Totem poles!
3. Robson Street shopping
The waterfront itself is a nice walk – we started at iconic Canada Place and headed up through the streets to the shopping district around Robson St. There’s everything here you want and more. On advice of adult daughter, she took me to a local clothing label called Aritzia, which started in Vancouver in the 1980s. I was there for quite some time… ladies, you have been warned.
4. Eating and drinking
When you have a brother that flies to this city regularly, you take his advice on eateries, and he was spot on with Cactus Club Café in English Bay. Lovely view day or night, it’s a wee find. The other reliable dinner advice came from a waitress at Whistler. Black and Blue is a top end steak house, with three levels of wow factor. Gaze at the cabinet of ageing meat, marvel at the décor - all leather buttoned couches and amazing lighting, and head upstairs to the outdoor rooftop area with fires flickering behind glass.
5. Gastown
Another night we found our own gem in Gastown, called The Flying Pig. Yum! Gastown is delightful to explore, being Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood. Its cobbled streets, vintage lamps and historic buildings house indie boutiques, souvenir shops, art galleries and lots of places to eat and drink. Around Christmas time it’s a beautiful walk with all the festive lights. If you’re keen on learning about Gastown architecture and history, get yourself on an organised walking tour.
6. Live events at BC Place
If you’re keen on seeing an event, BC Place is for you. The stadium, with its one-of-a-kind retractable roof and the largest in the world hosts dozens of live events. We enjoyed seeing the different roof colours each night, and the trick of photography that revealed the flags on the side, not seen with your eyes.
7. Whistler skiing
If you want to try a bit of skiing – Whistler can easily be done in a daytrip. It is some place. Huge. Up on the gondolas you go (all warm and toasty), to ski/ board down numerous huge, wide runs, flanked by trees. Après Ski is right there in the village at the end of the day. Nothing like a glass of Glühwein by an open fire. And if you want to
