5-Day Anniversary Trip in Vancouver, BC

Grouse Mountain: A gondola takes you 2,800 feet up Grouse Mountain for a breathtaking view of the Vancouver skyline. On top you can meet Grinder and Coola, the mountain's resident grizzly bears!

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: The most popular attraction in BC is not for the faint of heart! It offers a thrilling walk along the legendary Suspension Bridge, a cliff walk above the canyon and a walk through a rainforest canopy at Treetops Adventure.

Stanley Park: Stanley Park is Vancouver's first, largest and most beloved park! My husband and I rented a tandem bike and rode six miles along the Seawall. It offers stunning views of the North Shore mountains and Lions Gate Bridge.

Granville Island: With more than 300 businesses, Granville Island is known as Vancouver's artistic and cultural hub. The indoor public market features a variety of colorful food, handcrafted products and unique gifts.

Vancouver Aquarium: Canada's first public aquarium that opened in 1956 is now the largest in Canada. They are home to around 300 species of fish, 56 reptiles and amphibians, and around 60 mammals and birds. They are known as a center for research, education, climate activism, conservation and rehabilitation.

Victoria & Butchart Gardens: A short ferry ride to Victoria Island is another great place full of history and natural beauty. The historic Fairmont Empress Hotel welcomes you at the Inner Harbor. The hotel is known for its gorgeous Chateauesque architecture and high tea. Butchart Gardens is a 55-acre, privately owned garden with over 900 plant varieties that surrounds you with lush greens and colorful blooms.

Guu with Garlic: Vancouver's first izakaya has a wide variety of drinks and authentic Japanese dishes. The seared salmon salad was so fresh!

Saku: Located on Robson Street, Saku is a great place for authentic Japanese pork cutlet. The contemporary decor was so charming and the staff was very friendly as well.

Finn's Seafood Restaurant: If you are blessed with great weather, I highly recommend a seat on their patio overlooking the bay. The seared ahi tuna salad was amazing with its fresh ingredients.

The Sandbar: The Sandbar has something for everybody: seafood, soups, salads, pasta, poke bowls, vegetarian, gluten-free. My favorite was the crispy Brussels sprouts that were crisped to perfection.

Dinesty Dumpling House: Dinesty was founded on Christmas Day 2006 and now has five locations throughout Vancouver. The steamed pork soup dumplings, soft tofu with spicy meat sauce and fried rice with shrimp were all so delicious. Writing this makes me want to go back!

Joss: This cozy wood-fired pizza restaurant is right off Coal Harbour. The margherita is a classic and their chianti wine was delightful.