Vancouver Magic: A Blend of City Life and Wilderness

The weather was typical for May, with a mix of rain and temperatures ranging from the 50s to the 60s. I was fortunate to have a couple of sunny days, which made exploring the city even more enjoyable.

We stayed in a charming hotel in the West End, right by English Bay Beach. The location was perfect, offering stunning views and easy access to the city's attractions.

We originally wanted to stay close to Yaletown, often referred to as the Brooklyn of Vancouver, with L'Hermitage seeming like the place to be. However, it was completely booked. Our second option was to be closer to Stanley Park in the West End, enjoying beach walks and a more relaxed atmosphere. This area has fewer large hotels, so we chose Sonder, which turned out to be a great location with perfectly sized rooms, close to restaurants and shops. It definitely had more of a small-town feel compared to the busy areas of Yaletown and Downtown Vancouver. Sonder operates more like an apartment, without daily housekeeper service, offering services through their app instead. We actually enjoyed the privacy and independence this arrangement provided.

Another alternative we considered was the Shangri-La, known for its central location and excellent amenities and services. This could be a great option if you prefer more traditional hotel accommodations.

Day 1: Exploring Granville Island

On our first sunny day, we took the water taxis to explore different neighborhoods, with Granville Island being our primary destination. The island is a food-lover's paradise, filled with diverse culinary options and local artisan shops. We spent hours sampling various foods and browsing through unique shops. Later, we enjoyed a leisurely walk around False Creek, taking in the beautiful waterfront views.

Day 2: City Walks and Seaplane Watching

We dedicated this day to walking around the city, embracing its diversity and abundant food options. A visit to Coal Harbor allowed us to watch seaplanes land and take off, a fascinating experience. We then headed to Gastown, where we admired the famous steam clock and soaked in the historic charm of the old town.

Day 3: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Despite the light rain, our trip to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park was a highlight. The rain added a dramatic touch, creating a misty, rainforest-like atmosphere. We spent time exploring the park, taking numerous photos and enjoying delicious pancakes with maple syrup and hot cocoa. The experience felt surreal, like being lost in a mystical forest.

Day 4: Culinary Delights and Shopping

The diversity of Vancouver makes it a wonderful destination for foodies. You can find all kinds of delicious Asian, European, Canadian classics and seafood options, savoring rich flavors and spices from around the world. The rest of the day was spent shopping on Robson Street, where we indulged in more food adventures and explored local brands. Vancouver's culinary scene truly impressed us, with endless options for foodies. Robson Street also features popular local brands like Lululemon and many other trendy shops, making it a vibrant area for both shopping and dining.

Day 5: Grouse Mountain and Stanley Park

We started the day with a hike at Grouse Mountain, hoping to see the grizzly bears enclosure. However, it was still freezing and rainy up there, and the bears were still in their dens. Disappointed but undeterred, we headed back to the city. The rainy, cold day suddenly transformed into the nicest, sunny day of our trip. We decided to rent e-bikes and go for a bike ride at Stanley Park, which turned out to be our favorite activity. We rented e-bikes from a Viva Scoot, and the owner (Larry), who hadn’t opened due to the rain, kindly met us near the hotel to get us set up. The park was stunning, with wild nature and dramatic views. We ended the day with a beautiful sunset dinner and a walk around the market at English Bay Beach, where we purchased amazing balms and skin care products made by a local artisan.

Vancouver is a vibrant, diverse city with a lot to offer. From scenic walks and exciting neighborhoods to delicious food and unique shops, every day was an adventure. The blend of urban charm and natural beauty made this trip unforgettable. Next time, I plan to take a whale-watching tour and save a couple of days to explore BC's wine region. I recommend anyone with an adventurous spirit and a love for nature to visit Vancouver. I can’t wait to return and explore more of the magic of this place.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Vancouver. In need of further inspiration? Check out Dahlia Swerdloff’s guide, A Family Guide to Vancouver and Whistler.