Branden, my youngest son, had a special birthday this year as he was given the incredible gift of choosing our destination. With wide-ranging options available, he decided on Canada without specifying a particular location. Given that we were residents of sunny Las Vegas at the time, I undertook the responsibility of selecting a suitable Canadian destination that would complement my preference for warmth over the cold. Vancouver quickly emerged as an ideal choice, boasting not only pleasant weather forecasts (high 60s to mid 70s) but also reasonable flight prices at $300 per person.
Thus, our travel plans for Vancouver in June took shape. The next step was to craft an itinerary filled with exciting activities, even though Branden initially had no specific preferences in mind. I arranged our accommodation at the conveniently located Westin in downtown Vancouver and delved into research to curate an unforgettable experience.
Our top-floor room offered breathtaking views of the bustling harbor, ensuring that our Vancouver adventure commenced on a high note. While many of our explorations took us on leisurely strolls through the city’s vibrant streets, we also made use of the Hop On Hop Off bus and a complimentary shuttle service, making our 4-night, 5-day stay in Vancouver all the more convenient. Our hotel’s proximity to Stanley Park, a renowned tourist hotspot teeming with diverse activities, was a fortuitous highlight of our visit. This expansive urban park allowed visitors to choose between walking, biking, or even enjoying a charming horse-drawn carriage ride. Notably, Stanley Park is also home to Canada’s largest aquarium, offering an aquatic adventure to remember.
Day 1 saw us opting for a delightful horse-drawn carriage tour around Stanley Park. Our knowledgeable driver made several stops within the park, providing us with photo opportunities, such as the iconic totem poles (as captured in the picture below), all while ensuring our comfort with cozy blankets and an engaging historical narrative. Post-carriage ride, we immersed ourselves in the wonders of the aquarium, where we encountered fascinating marine life.
Vancouver’s cinematic allure wasn’t limited to its natural beauty. We had an unexpected and exciting encounter while exploring the city. We stumbled upon a movie being filmed, although the crew couldn’t divulge the film’s title. The mystery only added to our intrigue, leaving us with a tantalizing cinematic memory that still awaits its reveal on the silver screen.
Day 2 ushered in the opportunity to relish some delicious gelato, a nostalgic treat harkening back to our 2015 trip to Florence. We continued our exploration on foot, spotting a Disney cruise ship in port and eventually making our way to a mall for a bit of shopping and lunch. Inside, we came across a store reminiscent of Victoria’s Secret, where I couldn’t resist a substantial sale. The undergarments purchased proved to be incredibly comfortable, and I regretted not buying more. Later, our culinary exploration led us to poutine, a Canadian dish featuring french fries drenched in savory brown gravy and adorned with cheese curds. While not mind-blowing, it provided a unique and tasty experience.
Lunch was followed by a visit to the Lookout in downtown Vancouver, accessible via a swift 40-second elevator ride that transported us 450 feet skyward. The panoramic views from the top offered a breathtaking 360-degree vista of the city, and the ticket’s all-day access allowed for return visits, perhaps for a sunset spectacle.
Day 3 took us on a thrilling adventure, but one that put my fear of heights to the test. We hopped on a free shuttle to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, a popular Vancouver attraction. This park boasts a suspension bridge that stretches 450 feet in length and dangles 230 feet above the ground. For someone with a fear of heights, this was a formidable challenge. As we ventured onto the swaying bridge, my son, Branden, offered encouragement, advising me to focus on his back. Our nerves got the better of us just 20 yards in, and we quickly retreated to solid ground. The park also featured a cliff walk that, fortunately, didn’t sway and allowed for a more comfortable experience.
Day 4 marked our exploration of Vancouver via the Hop On Hop Off buses, a favorite method of city exploration for me, particularly outside the United States. These buses provided valuable insights into the city’s history and its various districts, allowing us to spend hours leisurely hopping on and off, experiencing the city’s diverse neighborhoods and attractions.
Our trip culminated with a delightful dinner at a harborside restaurant, a mere three-minute walk from our hotel. We chose to dine on the patio, basking in the pleasant weather and relishing the picturesque view. Branden, our birthday boy, thoroughly enjoyed his special trip and harbors dreams of returning to Vancouver someday.
Day 5 arrived, signaling the end of our incredible adventure. It was time to bid farewell to Vancouver and make our way back to the airport for our journey home.