Rain or shine, there is plenty to see and do in Vancouver! We have compiled a list below of some of our top spots and don’t hesitate to shoot as an email if you have questions.
Skiing at Whistler: It is less than a two hour drive up to Whistler and March is prime skiing time. For the ski/snowboard/great view enthusiasts, it makes a fantastic day trip. Stop at the 7-Eleven in Squamish right off the highway on your way to buy discounted lift tickets. Not renting a car? No problem! There are several companies offering bus rides up to Whistler.
Check out Granville Island: One of Blaise’s favourites and only a short walk from the hotel across the Granville Bridge or a quick hop by water taxi at the end of Hornby Street. Tour the market and get a fresh doughnut at Lee's Doughnuts. Or perhaps you would prefer to sample some beer at the Granville Island Brewing Company? There is often live music at the Arts Club Theatre so it might be worth checking out. You can also rent a bike downtown and follow the seawall to get to Granville Island or go all the way over to Stanley Park.
Walking Tour of Downtown: In the afternoon or evening, take a walk from downtown (Burrard and Georgia) up along Robson (shopping) to Denman (food) and then back down Davie (colourful neighbourhood).
Chinatown and Gastown: Gastown is a little more touristy but interesting to explore nonetheless. Blaise and Ash recently had a great meal at the Salt Tasting Room and for fans of The Refuge in California, Chambar (lots of Belgian beer) is an upscale dinner version. The nearby downtown east side is not a great neighbourhood at night but during the day it is fine.
Spanish Banks and Kits Beach: These are great places to relax on the beach, get a stunning view of the mountains, and take a walk on the seawall which runs along much of the length. While you are in the area, hit up The Eatery for funky Asian fusion food and sushi or grab a cinnamon bun at Grounds for Coffee (often Blaise’s first stop after landing to visit Ash). Driving further out will get you to the UBC campus (the forestry building has an impressive wood interior). It might be a little chilly in March for a dip at the nudist beach on campus.
Grouse Mountain: For a fantastic view of the city (assuming the weather isn’t too foggy), take the gondola up Grouse Mountain. The price is a bit steep but you can also go ice skating, skiing, or snowshoeing. One of their restaurants was actually the runner-up wedding venue (but alas a bit small)!
Lynn Canyon and Capilano Suspension Bridge: For a less rugged outdoor adventure, both Lynn Canyon Park (free and less touristy) and the Capilano Suspension Bridge (awesome walk on bridges in the trees but for a price) are lovely. Both can be reached by public transit.
Science World: It may very well rain one day you are in Vancouver so why not check out Science World? It is one of Ash’s favourites and the planetarium is pretty cool.
Vancouver Aquarium: A great collection of marine life with an awesome location in Stanley Park. It might be a little less impressive if you've already been to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Victoria: Have an extra day or two? You can take a ferry over in the morning to Victoria and spend the day there. The Royal BC Anthropology museum is amazing and the Butchart gardens are spectacular. It is also just a lovely town to walk around and the ferry trip is great on a sunny day.