Four Days in Vancouver
In beautiful Vancouver, your senses will be fully engaged as you navigate the West Coast city’s lush natural surroundings, as well as its myriad restaurants, bars, shops and attractions.
Active Start Begin your adventure at Jack Poole Plaza where the 2010 Winter Olympic Games cauldron still stands, then walk—or cycle—to Stanley Park and its nine-km-long seawall.
Classic ’Hoods Explore Vancouver’s historic roots as you tour Gastown’s cobblestone streets and funky shops. Further east is edgy Railtown, with Vancouver Urban Winery and the popular new casual restaurant, Ask for Luigi.
Food Day Savour Vancouver at its indie best on an Off the Eaten Track culinary tour of Main Street. Then wander solo in Kitsilano, where hippie hangouts have given way to terrific restaurants like modern-Thai Maenam and oh-so-French Bistro Pastis.
Shop and See At Canada Place, enjoy FlyOver Canada, a coast-to-coast flight-simulation ride. After, visit Granville Island Public Market, then head to the University of British Columbia’s Museum of Anthropology for a great collection of Pacific Northwest Coast First Nations art.
Three Days on The Sunshine Coast
Just northwest of Vancouver, a mere 40-minute ferry ride away, the Sunshine Coast delivers a remarkable shift, from bustling city to forested, coastal bliss.
Start with Gibsons, with its stroll-worthy shopping street, marks one end of the verdant coast you’ll explore over three days. Stop at the town’s “beer farm,” Persephone Brewing Company, to sample its delicious brew. At nearby Roberts Creek, dine at The Gumboot Restaurant, then hike the boardwalk trail to Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park.
Savour the Mid-coast Stay mid-coast in a luxurious cliffside tenthouse at Rockwater Secret Cove Resort. Paddle to neighbouring coves with onsite Halfmoon Sea Kayaks. At Madeira Park, join an entertaining SloCat Harbour Tour around Pender Harbour.
Explore Egmont In Egmont, hike to Skookumchuck Narrows where, twice a day, some 200 billion gallons of tidal water roars through the narrows, creating ferocious whitewater and whirlpools.
Getting There: WestJet flies to Vancouver 60 times a day from 15 Canadian, eight U.S. and three international cities.
