It’s no secret that Vancouver is renowned for its beautiful outdoors, lush greenery and stunning mountains. But did you know it’s also rich with culture, art and history? Here are 5 museums (popular by world-travelers and residents alike) worth checking out – a perfect activity for those not-so sunny days!
We are so excited for this year’s JFL NorthWest, Vancouver’s Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, which returns to our city this month from February 14th – 23rd, 2019. Attendees can look forward to 10 days of stand-up, podcast, improv & hilarious sketch performances. In addition to the comedy-packed schedule, JFL NorthWest will also be hosting the 2nd edition of the Vancouver Just for Laughs Film Festival and 3-Day Block Party.
All of the venues will be easily accessible from any of our fantastic downtown hotels – so don’t delay and reserve your room at StayVancouverHotels.com before they sell out!
A new year, a new you! If you ask us, there’s certainly no better time than now to set your new year’s resolutions in motion. In fact, one of our favorite resolutions is a renewed focus on health; whether it’s to stay fit, eat healthier, or just to be more active!
Need a little boost to get you motivated? StayVancouverHotels.com wants to help you achieve your health goals, while also offering some FREE GIFTS in return! Check out our “Top 3 Runner Activities” below, and we hope to see you at one or all three of the Start Lines!
We have tons of lovely activities to do this Christmas! And to get you into the wonderful holiday spirit, enjoy this video from our friends at Vancouver’s Best Places.
Wine lovers! Are you ready? With more than 160 participating wineries and nearly 725 select wines to sample from, the 2019 Vancouver International Wine Festival (VIWF) will soon be here before you know it! With an expected attendance of 25,000+ to the 2019 edition, now is the best time to secure your accommodation for what’s expected to be a fun-filled festival.
To help you celebrate, StayVancouverHotels is giving away FREE International Festival Tasting tickets with your hotel booking — LEARN MORE HERE!
Photo courtesy of Vancouver International Wine Festival
VanWineFest is considered the premiere wine festival in the Western Hemisphere and has been rated the #1 Food, Wine & Hospitality event in Canada for the last six years in a row. Designed to be informative, educational and entertaining, this celebrated fête is organized by people who love wine for people who love wine. This is a wonderful opportunity to drink and mingle with owners, producers and winemakers from around the world, a fantastic 8-day event not to be missed!
Photo courtesy of Vancouver International Wine Festival
The theme for VanWineFest 2019 is California, with 53 Californian wineries participating. Attendees and participants will get to enjoy and learn about ~ 750 wines at the International Festival Tastings. There will also be an additional 550 special wines to be experienced during 54 events held at the iconic Vancouver Convention Centre and 20+ venues around the city.
Photo courtesy of Vancouver International Wine Festival
The Vancouver Convention Centre is an architecturally stunning building – perfectly situated along the gorgeous Vancouver waterfront and within walking distance to many of Vancouver’s excellent hotels and picturesque landmarks. The venue is the world first double LEED Platinum certified convention facility, an achievement in environmental sustainability and leadership.
Photo courtesy of Vancouver Convention Centre
Insider Tip: Extend your stay for the HSBC Canada Sevens rugby tournament at BC Place Stadium. Beginning November 9th, you’ll be able to gain exclusive access to Sideline & Reserved sections by using promo code: RUGBY2019. CLICK HERE to get your premier tickets which are only available for a limited time – so don’t delay!
The city of Vancouver boasts beautiful autumns, and is well-known by tourists as an ideal shoulder season destination due to its mild temperature and tranquil atmosphere.
As an environmental gem surrounded by lush forests, towering mountains and the Pacific Ocean, there is no shortage of outdoor activities to participate in this fall.
Walk the Seawall
One of the best ways to take in the changing fall foliage is to walk Vancouver’s tree-lined seawall. Head out on an afternoon stroll through Stanley Park and admire the bright auburn hues that adorn the local tree species of the region.
Run the Trails
Work up a sweat while basking in all of fall’s glory sprinting through Vancouver’s ethereal rainforests. Visit Lighthouse Park for winding trails that feature mossy old-growth forests, or run alongside towering Cedars and Douglas Firs in Pacific Spirit Regional Park.
Bike the Mountains
If you’re an adrenaline-seeker, downhill mountain biking makes the perfect autumn past-time. Just a short drive or bus ride over the Lion’s Gate Bridge, Vancouver’s North Shore area is home to vast mountainous terrain with world-class trails.
Hike the Grouse Grind
Challenge yourself with “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster”, also known as the legendary Grouse Grind. Although the hike takes a whopping 2,830 steps to complete, the striking fall colours along the way and sweeping views of downtown are reward enough.
Paddle the Waters
Vancouver’s pleasant climate makes watersports accessible year-round. Sport some cozy attire and rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board at the city’s famous English Bay Beach, where you can leisurely cruise along the stunning shoreline.
Want to take advantage on some of these local destinations? Our VanPass voucher allows you to choose from up to 20 Top Vancouver Attractions (worth up to $75 in value)! Click here Click here to learn more and see below for some of our favourite recommendations.
Vancouver is known as one of the premier sporting cities in North America. As the celebrated Host City of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the metropolis’s awe-inspiring natural environment and strong community pride combine for big crowds and electrifying atmospheres at many athletic events. Read on for our round-up of the best annual sporting entertainment that the city has to offer:
HSBC Canada Rugby Sevens Series
Since Vancouver was awarded hosting rights to the HSBC Canada Rugby Sevens Series in 2015, the city comes alive every March with a raucous weekend-long festival complete with outrageous costumes, fan activities and world-class rugby. As one of the most dynamic global sporting events on the market, the yearly series includes ten tournaments held internationally in various host cities, and features 16 of the world’s top men’s rugby sevens teams. In Vancouver, the event takes place at 54,000-seat BC Place, distinguished as one of the league’s largest stadiums.
Want in on some of the action? For a limited time only, Stay Vancouver Hotels is offering Rugby fans select Sideline & Reserved tournament passes, plus a free $25 e-card bonus gift from Amazon. Learn more here before passes sell out.
Bank of Montreal (BMO) Vancouver Marathon
Internationally recognized as one of the top destination marathons in the world, the BMO Marathon is lauded for its unique route that features 70 percent shoreline views – including sweeping ocean vistas, snow-capped mountain ranges and blooming cherry blossom trees. The marathon embraces all fitness levels with Vancouver’s only marathon, a fast half marathon, 8KM race, relay and kids run. Since its inauguration in 1972, which hosted just 32 finishers, the event now sells out annually with over 17,000 participants hailing from 65-plus countries.
Let Stay Vancouver Hotels help you partake in next year’s excitement, with a chance to win free entry to the marathon from now until January 2019. For contest details, click here.
Vancouver Sun Run
The Vancouver Sun Run has been Canada’s largest 10K road race since its inception in 1985, and now holds the title as the third largest timed 10K in the world. Founded by former Canadian Olympians, the purpose behind the Sun Run is to promote the benefits of running to improve health and wellness, as well as support aspiring athletes. Today, over 40,000 runners take part in the race along with 2,500 loyal volunteers who work together to continually bring a healthy, family-friendly event to the city every spring.
Vancouver Canucks, Vancouver Whitecaps FC and BC Lions
Vancouver is also home to three professional sports teams that draw fans in from all over the Lower Mainland and beyond. The Vancouver Canucks are the city’s beloved ice hockey team that regularly plays out of Rogers Arena as members of the National Hockey League. Vancouver Whitecaps FC compete in the Western Conference of Major League Soccer to a boisterous crowd in BC Place, while the stadium also hosts the city’s celebrated football team, the BC Lions.
Contest alert! Whether you’re a visitor to Vancouver or local resident, you have the exciting chance to win a $50 Visa gift card plus $50 VanPass voucher through our Exploring Vancouver Photo Contest. The rules are simple – just snap an image of your favourite Vancouver attraction, and upload it here along with your name and email address. And if you’re in need of some inspiration on where to capture the perfect shot, keep reading on for our picks on 10 picturesque Vancouver landmarks!
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, which opened its doors in 1916, is known widely as the ‘Castle in the City’ and reflects the metropolis’ timeless luxury. With a storied past and striking façade that features a chateau-style, green-clad copper roof and gargoyle statues, the hotel is an architectural landmark located right in the heart of downtown. In a cityscape dominated by sleek, modern buildings, The Fairmont’s European flair stands out as a beautiful piece of history.
Chinatown Millennium Gate. This towering entrance to one of the largest historic Chinatown neighbourhoods in North America is a must-see. Inaugurated by former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien in 2002, the Pender Street landmark is best viewed and photographed standing well back as its elaborate decorative features are most prominent on the terracotta roof. On its eastern face, the gate bears Chinese characters reminding onlookers to ‘remember the past and look forward to the future’.
Stanley Park Totem Poles. As one of the most visited tourist attractions in British Columbia, the Stanley Park Totem Poles at Brockton Point are important symbols of the province’s rich Indigenous history and culture. This remarkable collection of totem poles is made up of nine unique structures that the Vancouver Parks Board has been sourcing from remote locations across BC since the 1920s. Visitors marvel at the intricate carvings and colours, with each totem pole conveying its own distinct story within the art.
A-maze-ing Laughter. When strolling through English Bay it’s impossible to overlook the city’s most recognizable piece of public art, titled A-maze-ing Laughter. The permanent installation created by Chinese artist Yue Minjun features fourteen bronze statues in open-mouthed hysterical laughter, encouraging visitors to walk through the figures and giggle out loud if they wish. The fun-filled environment makes for a great photo opportunity, with the intense comical expressions of the statues perfect for imitation.
Capilano Suspension Bridge. Just a short 20-minute drive from downtown, North Vancouver’s Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of the most popular landmarks in the country. The famous swinging bridge stretches 450 feet across the scenic Capilano River and has been thrilling adventurers for over 100 years. Surrounded by lush greenery and rainforest vegetation, the attraction comes complete with undeniably photo-worthy natural beauty.
BC Place Stadium. BC Place Stadium is recognized around the world as a signature feature of Vancouver’s stunning skyline, and is a place of pride for all British Columbian’s. As a large indoor stadium that is used for professional soccer and football games, it is also an important venue for conventions, concerts and other large-scale events. The structure’s unique retractable roof and glimmering multi-coloured lights make it a photogenic wonder.
Science World. The shiny ‘golf ball’ building that houses Science World is one of the most familiar sights in Vancouver. Originally constructed for Expo ’86, the geodesic dome-style architecture was designed by American inventor R. Buckminster Fuller. Today, this attraction explores all things science with special emphases on the human body and natural environment.
Vancouver Aquarium. Situated in magnificent Stanley Park, the renowned Vancouver Aquarium is the largest marine wildlife museum in Canada. With a global reputation as a top marine science centre, it is home to more than 70,000 animals. Say cheese with the friendly otters, walruses and penguins for a picture-perfect moment.
Gastown Steam Clock. The Gastown Steam Clock is a quirky tourist attraction in the midst of cobblestoned Water Street. Built in 1977, visitors flock to this contraption to catch a glimpse of the tooting steam whistle that sounds every 15 minutes. As one of only six steam clocks in the world, it makes for a great pit stop during a Gastown shopping day.
Vancouver Art Gallery. The Vancouver Art Gallery is a focal point of the city at the central cross streets of Hornby and West Georgia. Originally built as a court house in 1906, the Neo-classical style building was constructed by Francis Rattenbury from England who also designed the Parliament Buildings and Empress Hotel in BC’s capital, Victoria. Adorned with Roman-inspired columns and granite lion statues marking the entrance, this magnificent building truly can’t take a bad photo.
View our online interactive map for more ideas on top landmarks to check out during your next visit. With additional must-sees like Granville Island, the Olympic Cauldron, Canada Place and more, there’s no shortage of sites to take in. Have a favourite that wasn’t mentioned on our list? Tell us – we’d love to hear about your top picks.
To enter Stay Vancouver Hotels’ Exploring Vancouver Photo Contest, click here. The contest runs until Sunday, September 23 at 5pm.
Young, innovative and situated amongst the world’s most spectacular scenery, it comes as no surprise that Vancouver is recognized as one of the top meetings and conventions destinations in the world. Whether you’re hosting a global conference, intimate incentive getaway or one-on-one meeting, read on and begin planning your next business stay in Vancouver.
Sweet Stays: Vancouver boasts more than 13,000 hotel rooms in the heart of downtown Vancouver alone, many of which are located within walking distance to the Vancouver Convention Centre. From luxe hotels like the Fairmont Pacific Rim, Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver and Trump International Hotel & Tower to eclectic stays at boutique properties such as OPUS Vancouver, Listel Hotel and The Loden, guests are sure to find an option appealing to their traveller type. View a full list of Stay Vancouver Hotels’ properties here.
Unique Venues: The list of venues continues to grow, with the newest addition including the highly anticipated Parq Vancouver, which opened in late 2017. The destination resort features two luxury hotels (JW Marriott and the DOUGLAS); eight delectable restaurants and lounges; a 30,000-square-foot park (perfect for hosting outdoor minglers and post-conference parties); a spa and casino. Parq also features the city’s largest hotel ballroom, with more than 60,000 square-feet of flexible event space. Vancouver’s diverse mix of venue options includes cultural spaces like the Bill Reid Gallery and Museum of Anthropology, as well as ultra-savvy spaces such as the internationally award-winning, double LEED Platinum Vancouver Convention Centre.
Attractions and Tours Galore: From landmark attractions to interactive walking tours, Vancouver boasts a wide selection of year-round offerings. Increase team morale by making your way to Grouse Mountain, the Peak of Vancouver, where your team can soak up fresh mountain air and epic city views while ziplining between mountain tops. Or opt for an evening of intrigue, and explore Vancouver’s back streets and alleyways on a walking-tour-meets-theatre-piece with the Lost Souls of Gastown.
A True Foodie’s City: Of course, no visit to Vancouver is complete without experiencing the city’s thriving culinary scene. Try Ancora, where diners indulge in Peruvian and Japanese cuisine with a West Coast flair. Celebrity Chef David Hawksworth’s Nightingale and aptly named Hawksworth restaurants are a favourite amongst business travellers, who come for the award-winning, ingredient-led, contemporary Canadian cuisine. Get a taste for yourself and check out why Vancouver is recognized as the top sushi destination outside of Japan, and sample local favourites like Miku Restaurant – the pioneer of Aburi (flame seared) sushi in Canada – and the city staple Tojo’s Restaurant, named one top 1000 places to visit before you die. Looking to cater? From dinner parties to working lunches, Railtown Cafe is a go-to option for many, providing the freshest that Vancouver has to offer featuring seasonal ingredients from local farms and vendors.
Ready to book your next meeting in Vancouver? Take advantage of our Business Traveller package and receive a $50 Visa gift card and $25 Starbucks gift with a one-night booking. www.stayvancouverhotels.com
With less than a month to go, Vancouver will soon be a buzz as the SKOOKUM festival – one of the city’s most anticipated events of the year – takes centre stage in Vancouver. Held at Brockton field in iconic Stanley Park (September 7 to 9), the event will feature an epic line-up of music, food and art – all held in one of the most spectacular settings in the world. Here’s a look at the three-day event:
Music. The line-up of contemporary artists will blow your mind. In addition to headliners The Killers and Florence + the Machine, the festival will feature performances by Metric, The Arkells, Mother Mother, Chromeo, Cold War Kids, The Zolas, St. Vincent and many, many more.
Food. Celebrating the diverse culinary offerings of Vancouver, the festival’s impressive menu of food offerings will include a Long Table Dinner Series situated among the trees of Stanley Park; grab-and-go picnic baskets prepared by acclaimed Vancouver eateries like Hawksworth Restaurant and Honey Salt; plus a selection of food and drink from the city’s top restaurants, breweries, distilleries and wineries (ranging from Kissa Tanto to Vijs).
Art. In addition to a stellar line-up of music and food, attendees will be treated to a one-of-a-kind art experience. The roster is set to include large collaborative murals, interactive installations, unique sculptures, and communal art activities. View the full list of artists here.
Location, Location, Location. Held in Stanley Park, attendees can take advantage of their natural surroundings by embarking on a pre-or-post tour of the park’s many attractions and sites. Whether you take a walk along the stunning 10-kilometre seawall, bike through the park’s network of 27-plus kilometres of forested trails, or relax oceanside at one of the many sandy beaches, you’ll quickly see why it’s recognized as one of the greatest urban parks in the world.
Want to Go? Now’s your chance! From now until August 22nd, you can enter to win (2) SKOOKUM Passes & a 1-night stay at the Fairmont Waterfront by entering in our exclusive giveaway @ http://svhskookum.hscampaigns.com/. Sign-up, share with a friend & wait to hear for the winner – it’s that simple!
FREE Gifts! Check out the SKOOKUM Deal at StayVancouverHotels.com. You’ll receive a free $25 iTunes gift card; a $50 VanPass voucher for a single-night booking, or $75 for a multiple-night booking, and gain access to 20 of Vancouver’s top attractions and sightseeing tours.
We hope to see you there!
