Whether you are looking for an adventure, relaxation or an urban escape, Vancouver, Canada is an excellent destination. The following are my top recommendations if you find yourself in British Columbia.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Spanning 170 meters across at 70 meters high, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of the most popular attractions in Vancouver and is — in my opinion — definitely worth the hype. Make sure to plan to explore for a few hours as there are bridges on both sides of the river to traverse: one in the treetops, one on the cliffside. Be prepared for some breathtaking views, but if you’re looking for a photo opportunity, I recommend coming early, right as the park opens, to avoid the crowds.
Whistler
Hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler is only an hour and a half north of Vancouver and a must-see. If you’re here in the winter, prepare for one of the best skiing and snowboarding resorts in Canada. However, the summer, specifically the months of June and July, are also a beautiful time to visit. Whether you visit Olympic Park, enjoy a scenic hike, or go on a private bear tour—yes, bear tour—there are plenty of activities to fill a day of adventure. While I was extremely skeptical about the alleged ‘bear tour’ at first, it was actually both fun and memorable. Essentially it is a ‘safari’ in the sense of the Jeep and tour guide, but with lots of driving on private roads that wind through steep mountainsides to look at…you guessed it! Bears. We saw both black and grizzly bears up close (so adorable!), as well as a tour of local waterfalls and where the Olympics were hosted. Overall I highly recommend going on one of these tours if you can.
Stanley Park
Encompassing 1,000 acres and part of the famous Sea Wall, Stanley Park has something for everyone to enjoy. Whether it’s walking the trails and enjoying the fresh air, admiring the city from afar, or visiting the aquarium, Stanley Park is a beautiful destination. I recommend sticking around for the sunset because from the Sea Wall, the views of the city skyline are gorgeous.
Roots
A renowned Canadian brand, if you’re in Canada you need to visit a Roots store. With quality, long-lasting apparel that matches almost any occasion, Roots is the place to go (especially if you need an actually-warm jacket, which are pretty scarce in the Bay Area).