Insider Weekend: Escape to Vancouver

Relaxed and outdoorsy, yet cosmopolitan and exciting. A weekend getaway to Vancouver can capture all the amazing variety this British Columbia city has to offer. From breathtaking nature to fascinating local culture, here are the top Vancouver attractions for a luxury vacation.

Friday – Take it Outside
Start your luxury Vancouver holiday at the top – of Grouse Mountain, that is. Take the aerial tram to its 4,100-foot summit, for stunning panoramic views of the city, the sea, and the surrounding mountains. To spend more time here, options on the mountain include a Wildlife Refuge, ziplining, and hiking. Come back down to earth for a stroll through Chinatown – be sure to spend some time relaxing in the serene Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Head to neighboring Gastown for dinner at trendy Wildebeest – specializing in whole-animal cookery and local ingredients. Alternately, Chinatown’s Wild Rice offers excellent fusion cuisine.

Saturday – City Center Sights
A visit to the Vancouver Art Gallery is a must, featuring noted Canadian works and world-class traveling exhibits. For more cultural immersion, head to the Museum of Anthropology on the University of British Columbia campus, with its sprawling collections of ethnographic and archaeological objects. In the afternoon, make time to visit the enormous Stanley Park, an urban oasis of more than 1,000 green acres. Not only are there woodlands, trails, and gardens to explore, but the park is also home to the Vancouver Aquarium, one of the biggest and best in North America. For dinner, consider a sunset cruise on the harbor. Or, to eat on dry land, try one of the city’s premier restaurants – Bishop’s offers impeccable, organic cuisine on a rotating menu, while West showcases the best of local and seasonal ingredients.

Sunday – Brunching & Strolling
Head to Granville Island to kick off your last vacation day, where a lovely public market, artisan shops, artists’ studios, and restaurants will tempt the explorer in you. Stop for brunch at Edible Canada or The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant. Alternately, enjoy a meal in sophisticated Yaletown, browsing the elegant shops and galleries – with a stop at Yaletown Brewing Co. to taste some craft brews, of course. Cap off your weekend in Vancouver with a stroll around Downtown. Trendy Robson Street and the stylish West End are perfect for wandering, shopping, and relaxing before you head out of town.

Can’t wait to explore Vancouver? Start planning a luxury vacation here.