First Visit to Vancouver, Canada!
Some cities take a little time to win you over. Vancouver, as it turns out, took me about five minutes! My first visit to this beautiful corner of Canada was packed with memorable experiences, wonderful food and some truly spectacular scenery. With just three nights in the city before setting sail on an Alaskan cruise, I was determined to make every moment count.
Flying from London with British Airways, my return flight cost just over £680. After a straightforward arrival at Vancouver International Airport, I opted for an Uber into downtown, costing around C$46 (approximately £24 at the time). Alternatively, the Canada Line SkyTrain takes around 36 minutes to reach the city centre.
My home for three nights was The Burrard, a quirky, retro-inspired hotel on Burrard Street. At £600 for three nights, it wasn't exactly cheap, but with many other central hotels priced considerably higher during my stay, it felt like a reasonable choice. The hotel had plenty of character, friendly staff, a comfortable room and a rather funky courtyard. Its central location made exploring on foot easy, although light sleepers might want to bear in mind the nearby traffic and hospital.
Vancouver really does have a bit of everything: a lively downtown, beautiful waterfront views, green spaces and mountains on the horizon. A wander down Burrard Street soon brought me to Canada Place, where I caught sight of the cruise ships that would soon become a big part of my adventure.
For a fuller introduction to the city, I joined a guided excursion combining downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park, Capilano Suspension Bridge and Granville Island, booked and gifted through www.findmyexcursions.com. Stanley Park was a particular highlight. The totem poles were fascinating, and the surrounding scenery was simply beautiful. It was one of those places where you find yourself stopping every few minutes to take another photograph.
Then came Capilano Suspension Bridge. I'm not naturally a fan of heights, and this swaying bridge certainly tested my nerves! However, the views across the forest were incredible, and I was soon exploring the elevated walkways and other attractions. Even if you're a little apprehensive about heights, I'd say it's worth considering.
Our final stop was Granville Island, a wonderful mix of market stalls, independent shops, food and waterfront charm. I could happily have spent considerably longer here, particularly browsing the bustling Public Market and sampling the many tempting treats.
If there was one excursion that exceeded all expectations, it was whale watching.
Departing from Granville Island, we headed out into the waters around Vancouver in search of humpback whales and orcas. We didn't have to wait long before spotting our first whales, and the sightings kept coming. Watching these magnificent animals in their natural environment was genuinely moving. We also saw other marine life along the way, surrounded by the spectacular coastal scenery of British Columbia. It was easily one of the most memorable experiences of the entire trip. Afterwards, we took the little False Creek ferries back towards the city, another lovely way to see Vancouver from the water.
Vancouver certainly didn't disappoint when it came to eating out. Breakfast at a local restaurant called Yolks near the hotel was a real treat, while dinner at Banana Leaf introduced us to delicious Malaysian flavours. Naturally, I also had to try poutine: Canada's famous combination of fries, cheese curds and gravy.
To round off my sightseeing, I took a scenic seaplane flight. Terrifying? Absolutely. Worth it? Without a doubt! Seeing Vancouver's coastline and surrounding landscapes from the air was extraordinary, even if the take-off and landing had my heart racing.
Is Vancouver worth visiting? Without hesitation, yes. Three nights barely scratched the surface, but Vancouver delivered far more than I could have hoped for. From its welcoming atmosphere and vibrant food scene to its wildlife, forests and spectacular waterfront, it quickly became one of my favourite cities.
And the adventure wasn't over. Next stop: a week-long Alaskan cruise aboard Discovery Princess. If Vancouver was anything to go by, this was going to be a trip to remember!
By Jamie Robins (aka Travel Blog Jamie)
My wife Julie and I spent two nights in Vancouver in June of last year after crossing Canada by train via Toronto, Niagara Falls, Jasper, Banff and the Rocky Mountaineer.
It took us less than five minutes to fall in love with this amazing city with its friendly people, great eateries and amazing places to visit including Stanley Park, Granville Island and the Gaslight District.
Definitely a place to re-visit in the future!