Vancouver is one of the many bustling and vibrant cities in Canada. Located in the province of British Columbia, Vancouver boasts beautiful weather - lots of sunshine and minimal snow, and a decent amount of rain - much like Seattle, Washington. It’s known for its ethnically diverse population, bustling food scene and it just so happens to be a quick 3-hour, direct flight from Palm Springs - making it the perfect destination for a weekend getaway this winter. Read on to find out everything you need to know about spending a long weekend in Vancouver this holiday season.

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THE BASICS

TRAVEL

If you can aim to arrive around 7pm on a Friday, you’ll miss rush hour and have plenty of time to get to your hotel or airbnb and still make it out for a late dinner and drinks. *YVR is only 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver by car.
- Don’t forget to bring all necessary travel documents / ID’s + currency to exchange!

WHERE TO STAY

The Rosewood Georgia: If the Great Gatsby is your thing, you have to check out the Rosewood Georgia. First opened in 1927, the legendary Hotel Georgia quickly established itself as the city’s most fashionable retreat and one of the best hotels in Vancouver. After an extensive renovation in 2011, it was unveiled as Rosewood Hotel Georgia. Combing the grandeur of the Roaring Twenties with contemporary design in the heart of Vancouver.
The Listel Hotel: If you ever thought sleeping in an art gallery would be cool, a night at the Listel is one way to make your dream come true. The hotel has partnered with the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia to design the decor, including furniture of regional hemlock and cedar carved using traditional techniques - each floor is themed as a tribute to the visual arts of BC.
Shangri-La Hotel: Sophisticated urban sanctuary commanding a prime location in downtown Vancouver just minutes from business districts and the city’s vibrant art, lifestyle and shopping. Hotel Shangri-La features floor-to-celing windows with views of Vancouver and the mountains beyond. If time allows, treat yourself to a BC seaweed treatments at CHI, the Spa or some eclectic and inspired fare at Market, the hotel restaurant created by Michelin three-star chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

EAT + DRINK

Glory Juice Co.: Can’t live without your morning smoothie? Glory Juice Co. is the best! Smoothies, not your thing? Check out Juice Truck as a great alternative for fresh juices!
Coffee Shops - there are WAY too many delicious and quaint coffee shops in Vancouver to possibly pick just one - check out this dedicated guide to exploring the area’s best coffee shops for your morning pick me up.
Chambar: Chic exposed-brick space offering fresh, local ingredients, Belgian-inspired cuisine, and a chic yet inviting atmosphere. Great for dinner, but don’t forget to check out Chambar’s delicious brunch menu - the Fricassée is especially delicious - Braised short ribs, balsamic cipollini onions, potatoes, watercress, fried eggs, applewood smoked cheddar. Yum!
Homer St. Cafe and Bar: Housed in two of Vancouver’s most iconic buildings, Homer St Cafe and Bar is a contemporary restaurant set in the historic Homer Building and new Beasley building in Vancouver’s Yaletown district. They feature various rotisserie items but also have a great brunch menu on the weekend with true breakfast classics like Eggs Benedict, as well as healthy options and brunch bowls.
Hawksworth: Located inside the Rosewood Georgia, Hawksworth serves contemporary Canadian cuisine in a refined venue. Known for its organic ingredients and seafood available locally and across Canada.
The Botanist: Featured in the New York Times article (“36 hours in Vancouver”) - The Botanist is known for its captivating dining experience and sophisticated yet whimsical cocktail lab. Book the “stay & taste” package (via the Fairmont Hotel) and eat your way through their incredible accompanied by a wine pairing. Oh, and the interior is amazing!

2 DAY ITINERARY

Day One

Canada Place - Home to the Vancouver Convention Center, the Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel, Vancouver’s World Trade Center, and Fly Over Canada. This is a great place for fancy restaurants or budget eating as well as a great place to start your day as many tours depart from this area. Don’t forget to check out the Port of Vancouver across the street from the Convention Center and snap a picture of the iconic landmark sails that greet you as you enter Canada Place.
- *pro tip - Make the most of your day and avoid the hassle of renting a car or paying for a taxi by utilizing the Hop-on and Hop-off services ($45 CAD per person for 24 hour pass) from Canada Place that allow a self guided tour taking you to all of of the main tourist spots in Vancouver.
Stanley Park - Stanley Park is a popular urban park in the metro city of Vancouver, surrounded by water on all sides. The majority of the park is organic with very few man-made areas and structures.

“You can witness art and architecture in almost every part of the city and Stanley Park is no exception. That’s why this Park is always featured as one of the world’s most popular parks.”

Prospect Point and Lions Gate Bridge: For an uninterrupted view of the city of Vancouver head on over to Prospect Point which falls in the northern most tip of Stanley Park . From Prospect Point you can see The lions Gate Bridge of Vancouver. Known for its green color, the Lions Gate connects the city of Vancouver to north and west Vancouver. It is a designated National Historic Site of Canada and is often considered an iconic symbol and landmark.
Granville Island: Granville Island is a shopping district located across the False Creek peninusla from Downtown Vancouver, under the south end of the Granville Street Bridge. You can easily spend a few hours here shopping and eating. Very family friendly. Once you’re done at Granville Island head on over to China Town. Vancouver has a huge Chinese community and the Sun-yet Sen Gardens located in Chinatown should not be missed.
Gastown Steam Clock: Once you’re done at the Sun-yet Sen Gardens head over to the Gastown district and stop at the 40 year old Steam Clock that whistles to tell the time. You can see the steam coming out from the top. Grab a cup of espresso or an evening cocktail before heading back to your hotel to freshen up for dinner.

Day Two

Capilano Suspension Bridge: At the top of many Vancouver bucket lists is the Capilano Suspension Bridge - originally built in the late 1800s by a Scottish civil engineer named George Grant Mackay. The Bridge is suspended amidst the tree tops where you can enjoy a Cliff Walk, Tree Top Adventure or a hot cup of coco nestled amidst tress and twinkling lights.
- You can travel by car to get here or take the free shuttle from Canada Place / Port of Vancouver
Downtown Vancouver + The Olympic Cauldron: If you head to the Suspension Bridge in the morning, you should arrive back in Downtown Vancouver by early afternoon. On weekdays, the downtown area is filled with food trucks that you won’t want to miss. The Olympic Cauldron is a massive Olympic torch established to commemorate the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. If you are looking to get a 360 degree picturesque view of Vancouver city, then head to the Vancouver Lookout located at the Harbor Center. If you’re hoping to get in some last minute shopping you can explore Robson Street, a popular place for fashionistas. Robson street is lined with high-end retail stores, varied restaurants, coffee shops, and pubs.

The Ultimate 2 Day Vancouver Travel Guide