Virtuous Pie, photo by Jeremy Wong
Few cities serve up mountains and beaches as well as Vancouver, but there’s more to this dynamic city than just its natural delights. Whether your travel style leans toward the active or inqusitive, luxurious or retro, this city delivers.
Where to Stay
Skwachàys Lodge, photo by Craig Minielly/Aura Photographics
For cultural explorers: Skwachàys Lodge
The 18 suites, common areas and sweat lodge at the Skwachàys Lodge are styled by Indigenous artists, offering a unique luxury experience on the outskirts of Chinatown. Your stay at the lodge, or purchases from the onsite fair-trade gallery, go towards supporting the Vancouver Native Housing Society.
For wellness seekers: The Westin Bayshore
The Westin Bayshore is just steps away from Stanley Park, and lends guests the equipment needed to run or bike around its 400 hectares. Liquid Yoga [float yoga] is also offered in the hotel’s indoor and outdoor pools, while the SuperFoodsRX program, available from room service, offers a host of tasty and healthy dining options for guests.
For luxury lovers: Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver
The glamorous Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver is where the likes of George Clooney and Oprah Winfrey stay when they’re in town. The lavish CHI, The Spa— with its Asian-inspired treatments—is heavenly, while MARKET restaurant by Jean-Georges incorporates seasonal ingredients in its dishes.
For retro aficionados: The Burrard
The neon lights of The Burrard have been a city landmark for more than 60 years, and a renovation has brought the former motor lodge back to its original glory. The hotel’s 72 rooms are outfitted with eclectic art and updated amenities, and there’s a tropical courtyard that looks like it’s been dropped in from California.
What to Do
Photo courtesy of SKY Helicopters
For cultural explorers: Do a Talking Trees walking tour through Stanley Park
Learn part of the city’s Indigenous history on a Talking Trees walking tour through Stanley Park. An interpreter from Talaysay Tours will teach you how plants were harvested and used by the Squamish people, and you will hear stories about how they lived harmoniously on this still-unceded land.
For wellness seekers: Take a dance class with RSVP 33
Bust a move like nobody’s watching at a Beyoncé dance class with RSVP 33, which has a downtown and an Olympic Village location. Beginners are always welcome as the classes are all about having fun. Not into Queen Bey? It offers a 2000s-dance music class and another featuring current popular music.
For luxury lovers: Take a helicopter tour with SKY Helicopters
Soar above the city with SKY Helicopters. A pilot takes you on a narrated flight over the Coast Mountains and alpine lakes before landing at a remote backcountry spot so you can take in and photograph the pristine views. Or, upgrade your package and take a professional photographer along with you.
For retro aficionados: Play old-school games at Back and Forth Bar
Rent a ping pong table and show off your amazing topspin or drop shot at Back and Forth Bar in Gastown—a laid-back place complete with 1990s-chic decor. An old-school Nintendo console, along with cheap beer and snacks (think popcorn and chips) is sure to take some visitors back to their university or college days.
Where to Eat
Rumpus Room, photo by Victoria Black
For cultural explorers: Mr. Bannock food truck
Use the Street Food app to find the Mr. Bannock food truck. Chef Paul Natrall of the Squamish Nation from North Vancouver offers fusion-Indigenous cuisine: juniper berry dry-rubbed chicken in bannock waffles, bannock with cinnamon and brown sugar, and his award-winning Indian tacos.
For wellness seekers: Virtuous Pie
Veggie lovers and carnivores alike shouldn’t miss the vegan pizzas at trendy Virtuous Pie in Chinatown—go for the Stranger Wings pie, made with spicy buffalo cauliflower, crisp fried shallots and a blue cheese drizzle. For dessert, try one of the plant-based ice creams in flavours such as key lime pie and bourbon vanilla.
For luxury lovers: Hawksworth Restaurant
Hawksworth Restaurant is the city’s top elegant dining destination, serving up unforgettable meals that focus on the best and freshest ingredients. Go for the seven-course B.C. Journey Menu and let chef de cuisine Quinton Bennett showcase his culinary talents as you savour every sublime bite.
For retro aficionados: Rumpus Room
At the newly reopened Rumpus Room, retro cocktails rule and the gourmet corn dogs, peanut butter burgers and deep-fried pickles are perfection. The vintage decor is reminiscent of a 1970s and 1980s living room, while the friendly staff make this a fun place to hang for an evening.
[This story appears in the November 2018 issue of WestJet Magazine]
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