Vancouver: Luxury, History and the Outdoors
Vancouver sits perched on the west coast of Canada, surrounded by water and woods. The inclement weather does not prohibit the locals from enjoying all that the outdoors has to offer. The beauty of the natural surroundings lend itself to outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, biking, skiing and more. And, even though the scenery is rustic, there is plenty of luxury in this Canadian coastal city – from hotels and restaurants to art and food. Canadians remember and respect their First Nation, preserve and protect their environment, and connect to their community and with each other. Whether it’s your first-time visiting Vancouver, or you’re a regular, there’s always something new to discover.
Where to Stay in Vancouver
The JW Marriott Parq Vancouver is a luxury hotel that is light and bright with the finest amenities, impeccable service, creative cuisine, extraordinary design, and tranquil spa. The 329-rooms and suites offer amazing views of the surrounding waterways with floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s convenient location within the cultural hub of Parq Vancouver offers guests access to eight dining options, a sixth-floor outdoor park terrace, and a casino. Traveling with a group? check into the luxurious and spacious 2,000-square-feet Sky Suite (sleeps 5) or two-story Parq Villa Suite with large outdoor patio.
For a city-chic boutique hotel, stay at The DOUGLAS, Autograph Collection, which is adjacent the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver. The DOUGLAS mimics its surroundings and brings the outdoors inside with creative design elements, such as the faux Douglas fir tree front desk, the living wall in the entrance, wooden headboards, and vast views of False Creek. The 188-room hotel has a swanky vibe with dimmed lighting and muted colors. Don’t miss the secret room behind the bookcase at the D/6 Lounge. For an extra elevated experience, stay in one of the lavish and stylish suites – The Loft, The Den, Apartment 108.
Where to Eat in Vancouver
Honey Salt, located in the lobby of the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver, serves seasonal, farm-to-table fare sourced locally in British Columbia and craft drinks. The casual atmosphere is inviting and evokes the feel of a home-cooked meal. The menu includes items such as Chocolate Hazelnut Stuffed French Toast, BC Smoked Salmon Board, Grandma Rosie’s Turkey Meatballs, Biloxi Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich, or Pina Margarita. Be sure to take a group selfie on the decorative swinging chairs.
If you’re looking for a romantic date night, memorable dinner with friends, or pre/post DC Stadium event drinks, The Victor is the place to go. Located on the sixth-floor park level of Parq Vancouver – accessible from both JW Marriott Parq Vancouver and The DOUGLAS, this upscale dining experience is inspired by Queen Victoria’s powerful reign and embodies “To the victor belongs the spoils.” The lavish décor includes ornate lighting fixtures, rich oak tables, soft green leather banquets, plush velvet chairs, and picturesque views of the city skyline and False Creek waterways. The menu features Pacific Northwest seafood, specialty steaks, and an elegant sushi and raw bar, with items such as Japanese Wagyu Croquettes, Steak Tartare, Caviar, Bluefin Tuna Tataki, and Black Truffle Cannelloni. To compliment your meal, choose from the extensive wine list or enjoy a local beer or craft cocktail. Don’t leave without ordering the Crème Brulee Donuts topped with maple cotton candy.
Enjoy a meal surrounded by serene wilderness just outside of the city at the new Cliffhouse Restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, located at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. This casual dining option offers menu options such as Seafood Chowder, Quinoa Salad, Lois Lake Steelhead Salmon, and mini donuts.
Activities in the Area
Try your luck at Parq Vancouver Casino Resort with slot machines, card tables, and high limit salons. Located between the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver and The DOULGAS hotels, the casino offers accessible entertainment and additional dining options.
Take a trip to the Granville Island Public Market to visit the vendors selling a variety of food, handcrafted items and gifts unique to British Columbia. Get an in-depth look with a two-tour with Vancouver Foodie Tours. The tour guide will allow you to skip the lines, get a behind-the-scenes look at vendors, a do a number of tastings.
One of the best ways to see Vancouver is from the water. Hop aboard a boat with Vancouver Water Adventures for their one-and-a-half-hour City and Seals. The tour hugs the scenic coastline and passes by Lighthouse Park, a seal colony, Stanley Park, and under the Lions Gate Bridge.
Head out of town to the nearby Capilano Suspension Bridge Park to explore the outdoors via a suspension bridge, cliffwalk, and treetops adventure surrounded by a temperate West Coast rainforest ecosystem. Brave the 450-foot-long suspension bridge that hangs 230 feet above the Capilano River, walk the unobtrusive cantilevered and suspended open grated walkways jutting out from the granite cliff face on the Cliffwalk, and take in the sights from 110 feet above the forest floor by crossing seven suspension bridges and platforms securely attached to the 1300-year-old Douglas fir trees. Visit the Kia’palano educational centre to learn about the history and culture of the Skwxwú7mesh and Tsleil-Waututh Nation people and see North America’s largest privately owned collection of totem poles.
Get a glimpse into the history of Vancouver’s Chinatown at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre that features artifacts, photos and recordings from the 1800s to the present.
Disclosure: My trip was provided by Visit Vancouver in order for me to do my review, but all opinions are my own. This article may contact affiliate links.