Hugged by the salty Salish Sea on one facet and towering North Shore Mountains on the opposite, Vancouver has a number of nicknames. There’s Metropolis of Glass, coined by native artist-author Douglas Coupland on account of downtown’s bounty of reflective skyscrapers, and Rain Metropolis, for the dependable stream of moist climate that retains the panorama particularly evergreen. Kiwi Assortment merely calls it House, as does photographer Britney Gill. When she’s not touring all over the world digicam in hand, she’s recharging right here through the ample nature and vibrant tradition. Masking the perfect foyer bar, mountaineering loop, gallery hop, moules-frites and extra, that is her Vacation spot Information to Vancouver.
STAY
Fairmont Pacific Rim
Pleasure for the Fairmont Pacific Rim, which opened in 2010, has but to wane with each vacationers and locals nonetheless flocking to this resort. Fueling the draw are its delectable Botanist restaurant, the place the menu depicts the culinary abundance and botany of the Pacific Northwest, in addition to a powerful foyer bar that feels prefer it places Vancouver on the map—individuals watching at its most interesting. There’s additionally an epic Willow Stream Spa boasting a grand stone steam room and facials with Biologique Recherche merchandise from Paris.
OPUS Vancouver
This boutique resort within the coronary heart of Vancouver’s cosmopolitan Yaletown neighbourhood has been a mainstay for a few years. The rooms at OPUS Vancouver are spacious and funky, with vibrant coloration palettes and pop-deco artwork. The facilities are on-point—hiya, Dyson hair dryers—and their eating ideas all the time create a buzz. The most recent options tasty house-made pizza and Italian fare at Capo, and yummy cocktails at The Spritz, a comfortable bar with each classics and authentic libations by world-class bartenders.
Shangri-La Vancouver
Shangri-La is a staple within the metropolis, exuding glossy sophistication and Zen-like vitality. Occupying downtown Vancouver’s tallest constructing, you’ll end up within the coronary heart of one of the vital well-liked areas for procuring and eating. I like to recommend a Negroni within the lounge, and the in-house restaurant Carlino is a brand new favourite that pays homage to British Columbia and its similarities with northern Italy. Final however not least, remember to guide a remedy at CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La.
Rosewood Lodge Georgia
Subtle with a contact of old-world allure, the historic Rosewood Lodge Georgia is a crowd favourite that mixes the grandeur of the Roaring Twenties with modern design within the coronary heart of Vancouver. The 1927 Foyer Lounge is without doubt one of the all-time sneaky spots within the metropolis to cover away with a scrumptious cocktail, and Hawksworth Restaurant boasts modern delicacies and an award-winning wine record. Additionally to not be missed is Reflections Terrace, among the best patios within the metropolis with tapas-inspired fare.
EAT & DRINK
Autostrada Vancouver Home
A take a look at idea turned success story, Autostrada bridges the decadence of Italian meals with Vancouver’s informal, laid-back model. On the Vancouver Home location, my private favourite of the three in Vancouver, count on a welcoming, bustling and unpretentious area. On the downtown location, the knick-knacks and finishings remind you of a household dinner at Nonna’s house.
Elephant
A quaint restaurant in Vancouver’s up and coming East Village, Elephant options Japanese-style omakase dinners reflecting the perfect native components that B.C. has to supply. With solely 18 seats, you’ll wish to guide prematurely.
St. Lawrence
Award-winning St. Lawrence pays homage to chef JC Poirier’s upbringing in Quebec while bridging the superb eating strategies of France. Their well-known sugar shack dinner was my introduction to their restaurant and the multi-course meal that includes Canadian maple syrup was one of the vital memorable.
Chambar
Vancouver’s finest Belgian-inspired restaurant, Chambar is the right spot for almost any event. Whereas the dinner menu is scrumptious, and I dream of the moules-frites, their brunch can be one of the vital well-liked within the metropolis.
Fabrique St. George
I like this funky vineyard, lounge and market as a result of you may construct your individual picnic to dine in with or take out. For those who take your FSG picnic to go, a terrific native spot to eat in the summertime that’s not too far-off is Jonathon Rogers Park. It has stunning views of the town and tends to be a sizzling picnic spot when the solar is shining.
The Keefer Bar
That is the spot on the town for iconic cocktails! Within the coronary heart of historic Chinatown, The Keefer Bar won’t ever disappoint—it’s finest for a late-night cap. I’m a sucker for Fernet Branca so I indulge within the Chinatown Bitter, however the Rosemary Gimlet additionally makes the rotation.
SHOP
Obakki
When procuring, I select to help small companies and pals with boutiques within the metropolis—it’s an important option to construct and keep resilient communities. Obakki is the shop nearest to my coronary heart as a result of I did growth work and am all the time keen to advertise and help each native and world artisans. Artwork has been a terrific software for me to connect with the world and make a residing, so it warms my coronary heart to help others doing the identical. Treana, the founder, has curated probably the most inspiring design-focused, ethically handmade gadgets from all all over the world—my want record from this store is really endless.
One in every of a Few
For nearly 20 years, Michelle Rizardo of One in every of a Few has been a pioneer within the help and launch of tons of of rising style manufacturers. Her store’s deal with gradual style is what drew me to it, and it’s in historic Gastown which is a stroll that’s to not be missed!
The Block
A terrific store for locating up and coming designers and indie manufacturers whereas additionally grabbing a number of previous faithfuls, The Block is one other Gastown go-to. Established in 1999, it makes a speciality of distinctive and fashionable clothes, sneakers, luggage and equipment.
Neighbour
With a group of high-quality and intentional garments, gadgets and objects, the ever-friendly Neighbour can be in Gastown—an space for among the finest boutique retail remedy. Be sure you take a look at all three of their retailers: Neighbour Object, Neighbour Males and Neighbour Girls.
Boboli
Household owned and operated since 1985, Boboli gives high-end style in an intimate boutique setting. It is a place to spend money on timeless items that may final a lifetime, and the situation is an excellent spot to discover; it’s located in Vancouver’s South Granville procuring district.
Harlow Atelier
It is a store the place pure merchandise are made with intention and care. Their sourcing has excessive moral requirements, so I’m all the time tempted to purchase nearly every little thing in Harlow, however I am keen on their candles and pores and skin gloss!
Discover
Seawall
My most popular option to benefit from the metropolis is to hire a motorbike and tour across the 28 kilometers of paved seawall stopping at eating places and viewpoints alongside the best way. Lease a motorbike in Coal Harbour, make your method all the best way round Stanley Park, previous Third Seaside and English Bay, then zip by Yaletown, False Creek and Olympic Village. Extra formidable riders can proceed to Granville Island and even head over in direction of Kits Seaside and Spanish Banks.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
That is all the time a powerful spot to carry family and friends from out of city and a novel option to expertise the treetops and highly effective rivers of B.C. Between the cantilevered and suspension bridges there are many thrills available at Capilano. Most locals desire to go rogue on the a number of backcountry trails by foot or bike, however it is a good introduction to our ecosystem earlier than you begin exploring deeper.
Parks & Nature Trails
Probably the greatest components of Vancouver is its proximity to a great deal of adventures. There’s the world famend Stanley Park proper downtown or Pacific Spirit Park by the College of British Columbia. Solely 20 minutes from the town you might be deep within the forest on the North Shore, which is filled with parks. My all-time fave nature loop is thru the weaving forests and alongside the river of Lynn Canyon, which additionally has a suspension bridge.
Galleries
My favourite option to expertise the artwork scene is spontaneous artwork hops between the various giant and small galleries round city. I notably love experiencing each rising and established artists from all around the world. Monte Clark is a favourite for artistic pop-ups and a powerful industrial canvas. Others of be aware are Equinox Gallery (pictured), Gallery Jones and the Vancouver Artwork Gallery proper downtown.
Whistler
Whistler is the final word getaway; the world-class ski resort is now simply as busy in the summertime for alpine mountaineering and downhill mountain biking. A fast hour and a half away from Vancouver, it’s the good escape from the hustle and bustle of the town. There are a great deal of lakes, hikes, eating places and retailers to maintain you busy should you aren’t hitting the mountain.
