VERY VANCOUVER

Canada’s west coast gem packs a real punch. Here’s our guide to experiencing the best of the city in two days.

WORDS BY KRISTY HOSKING

A visit to British Columbia means you’ll be close to nature, even in the city. Vancouver’s beauty will leave you in awe. But it’s not all about the mountain and ocean views – of which there are plenty.

DAY 1

11am

Make the most of the views and fresh air and hightail it to the Seawall for a mid-morning walk or cycle. The Vancouver Seawall is a part of the 28-km Seaside Greenway, the world’s longest continuous waterfront path, and skirts the edge of leafy green Stanley Park. Sit under one of the park’s 400-year-old trees for a breather.

1pm

Traversing the city centre is easy and best done on foot or via public transport. After you’ve stretched your legs follow the Seawall southwards to English Bay Beach – and have a dip if you dare! Hop on the False Creek Ferry across to Granville Island and don’t stop walking until you find the Granville Island Public Market. This is the place to settle your hunger; choose from Vietnamese-inspired vegan fare, fresh fish and chips, Japanese, burgers, and more.

Granville Island Public Market

3pm

After immersing yourself in the market's food scene, take a short walk to Granville Island Brewing – one of the city’s many micro-breweries – for a daily tour and tasting (tour times change seasonally).

Continue the craft beer crawl through the city to discover why all the fuss over Vancouver’s micro brewery scene – be sure to try 33 Acres Brewing Company and Yaletown Brewing Company. Add in a spot of shopping along the way and some sightseeing, taking your time to soak it all in.

33 Acres Brewing Company

6pm

Keep the good vibes alive and head to Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood, the humming Gastown district. When you’re surrounded by as much water as you are in Vancouver, it’s hard to go past seafood for dinner. Head to Water Street Cafe, a Vancouver landmark in a historic Gastown cornerstone across from the famous steam clock.

The iconic Steam Clock in Gastown

7pm

Settle in at Rogers Arena, home of the beloved Vancouver Canucks and just an easy ten minute walk from Gastown. If you’re travelling during ice hockey season (October to April), the atmosphere at home games is exhilarating.

In the warmer months, catch a game of Canada’s national summer sport – lacrosse. If sport isn’t your thing, don’t despair: Rogers Arena also plays hosts to some of the biggest concerts and shows in the city.

9pm

Given its prohibition past, unsurprisingly there are plenty of speakeasies and hidden bars in the Gastown area and makes for the perfect end to the day. The newest (hidden) bar on the scene is Chupito (check out their Instagram for hours and location). Tucked away down an alley, the bar is becoming known for its cocktails and authentic Mexican. Key Party is a Main Street hotspot. Don’t be fooled by the accounting office at the front – it’s (quite literally) a party at the back.

Key Party cocktails

DAY 2

8am

Set out early to explore the city that is constantly ranked as one of the world’s best. Make your way to Commercial Drive, one of Vancouver’s trendiest neighbourhoods, where a colourful explosion of street art, charming cafes and Vancouver’s very own Little Italy awaits.

Rose Garden in Stanley Park

You can always head back to Stanley Park for a better look at this urban oasis: stop and smell the roses at the Stanley Park Rose Garden located within the park. There are always people walking, cycling or rollerblading along the scenic seawall, enjoying the views of the city, ocean, mountains and Lions Gate Bridge.

Stanley Park in autumn

10am

Treat yourself to a Mexican-inspired brunch at Bandidas Taqueria on Commercial Drive, then have a browse among the bookshops and bohemian shopping the area serves up.

Cecil's Salad at Bandidas Taqueria

12pm

If you’re up for it, and love city attractions, hop on the free shuttle from various Downtown pick up points (there are also public transport options) to walk the Capilano Suspension Bridge on the North Shore. The bridge looms high above the Capilano River, deep in the thick of Canada’s wilderness.

Vancouver hotspot, Capilano Suspension Bridge

2pm

Grouse Mountain is just 15 minutes from downtown and one of Vancouver's premier attractions. Whether you’re visiting in summer or winter, there are year-round activities to suit. Hop on the Skyride to get to the top, or hike up Grouse Grind. During summer, chairlifts take you higher up the mountain for panoramic views of Vancouver (don’t forget your camera). Of course in winter, it’s all about snow play on the mountain. There are 33 ski and snowboarding runs catering for various abilities. You can easily spend the rest of the day here if you wish. Beyond the physical activities, there’s a popular Lumberjack Show every day in summer, disc golf, Theatre in the Sky is open year round, and more.

7pm

Vancouver is an exciting foodie destination, whether it’s for fine dining, buzzing Granville Island market, or a bite of a famous Japadog, a small chain of street food stands selling Japaneseinspired hot dogs.

If you head to Main Street, you’ll be pleased to find a slew of decent eateries at your whim and fancy coffee on par withsome of the best in the world. For dinner, join the queue at newcomer venue, Autostrada Osteria, a quaint Italian restaurant with lots of charm and an impressive Italian-only wine list.

Autostrada Osteria

8pm

Head back to your hotel to unwind after an epic 48 hours and regain your energy to continue your Canadian adventure.

MAIN IMAGE: False Creek passenger ferry