West Coast beauty

Vancouver – Canada’s third largest metropolitan area is perched on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. The city sits on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations and is named after British explorer Captain George Vancouver. The settlement incorporated in 1886 as the city of Vancouver. Only a year later the Trans-Canada-Railway was completed and made the city grow rapidly.

Vancouver is a very culturally diverse city with 50% of its residents having been born outside of Canada. The city hosts the 2nd largest Chinatown in North America. Over 52% of Vancouverites speak a first language other than English.

The city is known for its unique setting, framed by mountains to the North and the ocean to the West, it is possible to ski, kayak and golf all in the same day. Due to its bountiful outdoor experiences Vancouverites love to spent their time exploring the forests of the North Shore or biking the seawall around Stanley Park. Stanley Park is the biggest and most beloved park of the city. With 1,001 acres it is about 8% bigger than Central Park in New York, The seawall running the length of almost 30 km / 19 mi is the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path and is best explored by bicycle.

If you prefer a more rugged workout, try the Grouse Grind a gruelling 2.5 km / 1.55 mi hike with an elevation gain of 800 m / 2,624 ft up Grouse Mountain. It is called mother nature’s stairmaster for a reason. If you make it to the top you are rewarded with epic views of the city and ocean beyond, and you can refuel at one of the many restaurant and cafés. Thankfully you have the alternative of taking the gondola to experience this Vancouver must-see attraction.

While outdoor activities are a big part of the west coast lifestyle, Vancouver also offers activities for the city-lover. Take a stroll down to Granville Island where you can visit local art galleries, shops and food markets, linger ocean-side listening to one of the many buskers or get a seat with ocean view in one of the many restaurants and bars.

The Aqua Bus can take you across False Creek to Yaletown, one of the historic districts that hosts many modern boutiques, cafés and restaurants.

After a day exploring the great outdoors you can treat yourself to world-class cuisine. With its dominant Asian influence Vancouver restaurants are known for its fusion cuisine favouring fresh seafood maintaining the pacific northwest flair.

Venture to Tojo’s where Hidekazu Tojo, the inventor of the California roll can treat you to a Omakase dinner or try Kissa Tanto’s unique Japanese-Italian fusion menu. Chef Joël Watanabe’s extraordinary food has gained him four consecutive Michelin stars , and Fraser Crawford brought home a Michelin Exceptional Cocktails Award. Your senses will be blown.

Unwind with a full belly and newly made memories in one of Vancouver’s luxury hotels. The Rosewood Hotel Georgia has been an operational hotel since 1927. The Beaux-Arts style hotel was a staple not only in the roaring twenties but has been hosting legendary figures like Elvis Presley, Katharine Hepburn , Frank Sinatra and British Royalty. During a major renovation in 2007 the hotel got a much needed facelift while keeping many original features and the old world charm.

If you prefer a more modern approach to hotel luxury, check out the Fairmont Pacific Rim, which opened its doors just before the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. It is situated in Coal Harbour and features epic water and North Shore mountain views and is the home to one of the best spas in town. Link to Rosewood Hotel Georgia Link to Fairmont Pacific Rim

Speaking of Spas. There’s no better way to spent a rainy Vancouver day at the spa. Circle Wellness is located on Granville Island and features private quarters for a self-guided, immersive sauna experience, heated floors included.

If you want to get away from it all, consider the Float House, where private pods with warm salt water let you forget about the world around you. For many it is an out-of-body experience. Link to Circle Wellness Link to Float House