Vancouver is the place to chill out this year. The laid back lifestyle, outdoor spaces, and culinary offerings may mean it’s time to take a trip out west. Live like a local with these top tips.
With its moderate climate (let’s talk about cherry blossoms in February), Vancouver is the place to chill out this year. The laid back lifestyle, outdoor spaces, and culinary offerings may mean it’s time to take a trip out west. But this time, live like a local with these top tips:
To Market, To Market
![fall scents for your home](http://www.livingbetter50.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Our-Aroma-Opium-Oil-Banner-2.jpg")
Locals make Granville Island a regular weekend stop. Start with a coffee at JJ Bean and head to Lee’s Donuts for their best seller – a honey dip – made while you wait. Sit at a café table and people watch. Feeling adventurous? Take a kayak from Eco Marine and fantasize about living in the quaint houseboat community. Drop by and sample sake from Masa, an artisanal sake maker who grows his own rice in the Fraser Valley, or relax with a water view from the cozy bar at the Arts Club Theatre and take in a live performance on one of their stages.
A Millionaire’s View
Housing prices are the highest in the country, and in Vancouver, it’s all about the view. Live like a millionaire and enjoy the jaw dropping vistas of Coal Harbour and North Shore mountains with a stay at the Fairmont Waterfront. Stroll through the rooftop organic gardens, sip a craft beer made with the hotel’s organic honey, or dine on sustainable seafood in eatery, ARC.
Food, Glorious Food
From food carts to fine dining, locals are spoiled with the culinary world of options that are available. Name your dining pleasure and it’s sure to be in Vancouver. It’s likely the biggest decision of the day – where shall we try today?
Take a Walk
Stroll – or bike – along the seawall. It’s a popular, not to mention scenic, way of enjoying the outdoors. Don’t panic when you hear it’s 22 km, it’s easy to get on and off and still feel local. That takes us to the next tip. Guests at the Fairmont Waterfront can take advantage of complimentary bicycles and safety gear, and link up with the seawall directly across the street to take them to Stanley Park. Paved, flat and divided for pedestrians and cyclists to share it’s a walk – or bike in the park!
Coffee Culture
Vancouver has the highest coffee consumption in the country so join in at any one of the cafes around the city.
Take Time to Smell the Flowers
If you’re looking for more than cherry blossoms and daffodils, visit one (or more) of the spectacular gardens in the city – Van Dusen Gardens a 55-acre blooming treasure, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens for a classical Chinese garden, or Nitobe Gardens for a tranquil Zen experience.
Capture the Moment
When a special occasion calls for more than a selfie, a Flytographer could be the answer. Flytographer provides access to hand-picked professional local photographers around the world who are chosen for their knowledge of the city and ability to use it as the backdrop to the story. Discretely taking shots to put even the most camera- shy at ease, the Flytographer can chronicle memorable milestones: the moment the question was popped, the long awaited vacation, anniversary, and the big reunion (and fit everyone in the frame), or simply catch the magic of sharing time together. Check out the Waterfront’s Flytographer Package at http://www.fairmont.com/pacific-northwest/family-hotel-travel.
Be immersed in relaxed West Coast luxury at Fairmont Waterfront. Nestled on the harbor and adjacent to the Canada Place Cruise-ship Terminal, the hotel offers stunning water and mountain views. This 4 Diamond urban retreat is renowned for warm and welcoming service and truly showcases the best of Vancouver. For more details on hotel packages, visit: www.fairmont.com/waterfront-vancouver.
Copyright 2015 – Fairmont Hotels & Resorts