Plan The Perfect Staycation In Vancouver

Whether you recently purchased one of the Vancouver houses for sale and are ready to enjoy everything the city has to offer or you’ve been here for a while and just want to explore it like a tourist, a staycation is a great way to do it. There’s a ton of things to see and do in British Columbia’s biggest city, from cultural attractions and out-of-this-world cuisine to outdoor adventures and beyond.

Book your stay

Vancouver offers everything from budget motels like Days Inn Vancouver Downtown and Airbnbs to luxurious accommodations. For a beautiful view, consider a stay at the Fairmont Waterfront where every room showcases a gorgeous vista. It’s also within walking distance of Stanley Park, an oasis in the city with a wide range of activities and attractions. The Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver sits at the center of Vancouver’s cultural attractions, for those who want to be just steps away from the top spots.

Activities and attractions

While there’s no need to book most activities and attractions ahead of time, there are some you should book in advance, particularly if it’s a summer staycation you’ll be enjoying. And, you might want to create a list of everything you’d like to do, prioritizing your favorites to keep things organized and avoid potentially missing out on a must experience.

Excursions like sunset sails, cruises, whale watching boat trips, and kayak tours should all be booked ahead to avoid disappointment. With the wealth of nature that surrounds the city, as well as abundant wildlife, including seals, sea lions, and whales, a sea kayaking adventure is a great way to experience it. A day trip to Indian Arm will bring you to this protected ocean inlet, paddling through the water while your expert guide points out the local flora and fauna. Another fun option is a Harbour Cruise. You might book a sunset dinner cruise, complete with fresh-caught seafood, or board an authentic paddle wheeler for a journey through Burrard Inlet.

Other ideas to consider for your itinerary include a visit to Grouse Mountain, including the one-mile trip on the famous Grouse Mountain Skyride for a view of the city, sea and surrounding mountains. Here you can also whiz across a zipline and check out the wildlife refuge with its orphaned grizzly bears. Right in Stanley Park, you can walk or bike the 5.5-mile-long path that hugs the waterfront and visit the Vancouver Aquarium. Don’t miss one of British Columbia’s most-visited tourist attractions as noted by Tourism Vancouver: the totem pole display at Brockton Point. Some of the original totem poles were carved in the 1880s.

Dining and nightlife

There’s an endless array of restaurants to choose from, serving just about every type of cuisine imaginable, but if you’re hoping to dine at one of its most popular or high-end restaurants, be sure to make a reservation in advance, especially for a Friday or Saturday night.

The glamorous Notch8 Restaurant & Bar at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is a top pick, inspired by the romance of 1930s travel, pays homage to its own place in Canadian history as an iconic railway hotel. The menu was designed around items that were served back in the hotel’s early days like spruce roasted pheasant. Afterward, you might want to catch a play at the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company or check out the local music scene. There are a wide range of venues hosting local acts like the Boiler Room and Fox Cabaret.