The perfect city to explore during a long weekend. Here are some things to do:
1. Capilano Suspension Bridge
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a beautiful nature park with one of the longest suspension bridges in the area. Only a short ride from downtown, you will see the true natural beauty evident in the towering evergreens and flowing river below. Throughout the park there are informational signs informing readers about the native sacred ground and the importance of land conservation.
TIP: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park has a free shuttle from downtown where the driver gives you an informational tour of Vancouver during the drive. During the winter months, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is lit with Christmas lights and is absolutely breathtaking at night.
2. Stanley Park
Stanley Park is one of the attractions Vancouver is most known for.
TIP: Because Stanley Park is so big, you may not have time to explore by foot. Rent bicycles! There are bike rental shops everywhere and they’re very cheap.
3. Granville Island Public Market
Explore and support the local businesses of Vancouver! Don’t forget to grab an ice cream or coffee and take in the breathtaking views under the Granville Street Bridge.
4. Kitsilano Area
Take a walk through the beautiful Kitsilano area! See all the old authentic character houses, be sure to visit Kitsilano beach and even visit the first Lululemon ever.
5. Grouse Mountain
They say the best views come after the hardest climbs, and damn were they right! THIS is definitely one for the workout junkies! Everyone warned me how hard the Grouse Grind would be, but I didn’t listen and had to experience it for myself. The Grouse Grind is a vertical climb up Grouse Mountain. Depending how fast you climb, the Grind could take from about 1 hour, but more realistically closer to two if you haven’t done it before. If you’re looking for leg day, you’ve come to the right place!
TIP: If you don’t feel up to climbing a mountain, you can always buy a lift ticket instead.
If you’re considering places to stay, I suggest renting an AirBnB in the heart of downtown. They are relatively cheap and in walking distance to most attractions. There are a lot more things to do in the summer months but obviously, everything is cheaper during the off season and Vancouver is breathtaking year-round!