Where to Hit the Slopes Near Downtown Vancouver This Winter

Winter is all about taking advantage of the amazing seasonal weather conditions! And the best way to do that is by giving your vacation, a vacation! Located minutes from all things Pacific West Coast, Vancouver is home base to multiple world-class ski resorts, all located just a very short drive from Downtown. Here’s your rundown of some of the best local hills for a day trip.

CYPRESS MOUNTAIN

Host to the 2010 Winter Olympics, Cypress Mountain is a short 34 minute drive from bustling Downtown Vancouver. You can even catch a bus from the Vancouver Art Gallery! There’s plenty of skiable terrain and the resort is geared to beginners and a family-friendly atmosphere. There are children’s lifts, a magic carpet, and a ski school for younger ages. There’s still plenty to do for non-skiers including snow tubing, snowshoeing, and enjoy the stunning views.

GROUSE MOUNTAIN

From skiing and snowboarding to snowshoe tours and terrain parks, Grouse Mountain has it all. Night-skiing runs daily until 10 pm and there’s not one, but two express lifts for intermediate and advanced terrain. Slopestyle skiers and boarders can find their rush in any one of the 6 different terrain parks and it’s located just a short 26-minute drive from downtown Vancouver. The best part!? Stay Vancouver Hotels is currently offering free lift passes when you book your stay!  

Grouse Mountain (Source: Planeware.com)

MOUNT SEYMOUR

Just over half an hour from Downtown Vancouver, you’ll find Mount Seymour, Vancouver’s only family-owned and operated ski resort. The mountain features a more friendly, family oriented vibe with a smaller overall ski area, but complemented with sledding and snow tubing for all-ages fun on the slopes.

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

The largest ski resort in North America and part of the 2010 Olympic Games, Whistler Blackcomb is famous for varied terrain, stunning views, and a packed ski village with every amenity imaginable. Located a 1.5 hour drive from downtown Vancouver, Whistler-Blackcomb provides world-class skiing that suits all age groups and abilities. The two mountains are linked by the Peak-2-Peak gondola and feature wide runs with long downhills to keep you slicing up the snow for hours. Even if you’re not into skiing or snowboarding, Whistler village is an experience unto itself with boutique shopping and fine dining at every turn.

APRÈS SKI

If the day trip worked up an appetite we have your remedy! The Dine Out Vancouver Festival is back January 14-30, 2022 for its 20th anniversary. Restaurant menus will be live as of January 6, 2022 so you can plan ahead. Take it all in with vacation specials and Downtown Vancouver hotel offers. Learn more.   

Don’t forget! Stay Vancouver Hotels provides amazing offers so you can stay and receive gift certificates for Amazon, Starbucks, or iTunes, FlyOver Canada, or even free lift tickets to hit the slopes at Grouse Mountain.

6 Top Attractions to See in Vancouver This Fall

 There are so many awesome ways to use your $75 Vancouver Attractions Voucher this Fall. Whether you’re looking for some sightseeing or plan to take in a cultural experience, Vancouver is the place to be.

Image courtesy of Aditya Chinchure

Welcome to the jewel of the west coast: the city of Vancouver, BC. Home to the BC Lions, the Vancouver Canucks, and some of the best attractions to be found in this beautiful province. If you’re looking for something to do in Vancouver this Fall, we have some suggestions to help make your decision easier.

1) SCIENCE WORLD

If you’ve ever wondered if science can be fun, you should consider visiting Science World. Not only is it one of the most recognizable buildings in Vancouver, it’s also one of the most fun. Science World features interactive and immersive exhibits that study biology and physics and put you in the driver’s seat. Everything from optical illusions to the science of nature and everything in between told through exhibits, films, and live shows can be found in the halls of Science World! 

2) CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE PARK

Spanning 450 ft and situated 230 ft above the ground, the Capilano Suspension Bridge has been thrilling visitors since 1889. Considered a Vancouver landmark, the park offers an all-encompassing BC experience. For those looking for even more high-flying thrills, the new Cliff Walk follows a granite precipice along Capilano River across narrow cantilever bridges, stairs, and platforms through rainforest vegetation. This is not for the faint of heart!

3) THE VANCOUVER ART GALLERY

Engaging the world through a visual format, the Vancouver Art Gallery was founded in 1931. Recognized as one of North America’s most respected and innovative visual arts institutions, the Vancouver Art Gallery features innovative exhibitions focusing on the historical and contemporary art of British Columbia and international centres. 

4) MUSEUM OF VANCOUVER

A hub of culture and history, the Museum of Vancouver takes visitors on a tour of the past. Current exhibits take visitors through Canada in the 1900s, celebrate indigenous cultures, take a look at the neon vibe of Vancouver’s past, and so much more. 

5) STANLEY PARK HORSE-DRAWN TOURS

A tradition since the late 1800’s, a horse-drawn tour of Stanley Park is a must-do experience for those wishing to see the sights of Vancouver. The old-fashioned horse-drawn vehicles carry visitors in comfort throughout the thousand acres of one of the most scenic parks in Canada. A professional guide narrates the tour and includes highlights such as Deadman’s Island, Vancouver’s Harbour, Lions Gate Bridge, a Coastal Red Cedar Forest, and includes stops at the Totem Poles, the Girl in a Wetsuit Statue, the S.S. Empress of Japan Figurehead, and the Rose Garden.

6) VANCOUVER AQUARIUM

Connect with aquatic life at the Vancouver Aquarium—this unique experience is designed to rehabilitate aquatic life in need, and to familiarize you with the world that exists under our oceans featuring over 65,000 animals. Recently reopened, the aquarium offers a number of immersive experiences including the New Marine Mammal Rescue Exhibit, a 4D Experience® currently showing ‘Octopus: Blue Planet II’, the Graham Amazon Gallery, the Tropics, Treasures of the BC Coast, and more. A total of 30 exhibits, many that allow you to get up close and personal with marine life, await you at this remarkable facility located at the heart of Stanley Park.

And these are just a few of the amazing attractions on offer in Vancouver, BC. If you’ve never had a chance to take advantage of all this awesome west coast city has to offer, now’s your chance. Don’t forget to take advantage of this $50- $75 Voucher when you visit any Vancouver Attraction before October 31.

Top Vancouver Attraction Reopens

While there are countless Vancouver attractions to spend this $75 Vancouver Attractions Voucher on, we’re thrilled to be adding one more to the list: The Vancouver Aquarium 

The largest marine rescue facility in Western Canada, the Aquarium closed its doors to the public in early 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. While the attractions were shut down, the facility was able to sustain its heroic operations thanks to the help of benefactor Herschend Enterprises, who purchased the aquarium in April 2021. The new owners have helped provide resources and much-needed upgrades to what was Canada’s first official aquarium, returning it to its previous splendor.

If you haven’t had a chance to check out their aquatic residents on the live steam this past year—or even if you have—there is a lot of cuteness in store because the doors might have been closed, but the rescues never stopped!

New attractions at the aquarium include an interactive 4D theatre experience and a marine mammal rescue exhibit. Take a look at what you can expect to see on a visit to the Vancouver Aquarium in 2021:

VANAQUA MOMENTS: RESCUE STORIES

Every year, the aquarium’s Marine Mammal Rescue Centre rescues, rehabilitates, and releases more than 150 marine mammals to the ocean. You can learn more about these stories throughout the aquarium and meet the six rescued sea otters that call Vancouver Aquarium home.

THE 4D THEATRE EXPERIENCE

Enjoy a larger than life multi-sensory immersion that takes you to the depths of the oceans with the 4D Theatre Experience allowing you to see, hear, smell, and feel this cinematic adventure. Now showing Octopus: Blue Planet II 4D Experience®

PENGUIN POINT

Get up close with South African penguins, learn about the threat to their species, and how they’re one of the few species of penguin that live in a warmer climate. Watch as they waddle on the rockwork and swim in their habitat tank.

GRAHAM AMAZON GALLERY

This interactive exhibit features a re-creation of South America’s tropical rainforest. You can truly feel the heat and humidity as you walk through and be sure to keep an eye out for scarlet ibises in the branches, see if you can find the well-camouflaged sloths, and experience an indoor thunderstorm.

STELLER’S BAY

Experience the underwater world of Steller sea lions as they glide through their aquatic home. This exhibit features an active research station, bringing behind-the-scenes research to the forefront, and highlighting the role that sea lions play in the wild.

WET LAB

Welcome to the undersea classroom where you can actually touch the oceanic world. This interactive learning centre gives you the chance to explore and learn about the world of invertebrates including crabs, sea anemones, jellies, sea stars, sea urchins, sea cucumbers and shrimps.

THE TROPICS

The Tropics gallery showcases coral reefs, mangrove forests, rivers, and lakes near the equator. You’ll see pink, blue, and yellow fish, alongside swarms of jellyfish, a tropical green sea turtle, and even sharks.

And this is just a sampling of the attractions on offer at the newly reopened Vancouver Aquarium. Be sure to stop by, take in the sights, and create a connection with oceanic life in a uniquely immersive and interactive way. Don’t forget to take advantage of this $50- $75 Voucher when you visit the Aquarium or any Vancouver Attraction before October 31.

9 Downtown Vancouver Hotels with Onsite Restaurants (Open January 2021)

It’s been a tough year to find a change of scenery with a lot of places being closed but there couldn’t be a better time for dinner out with your family (or even just your work laptop) in Downtown Vancouver. 

We’ve put together a list of a few great spots that are open and happy to host your dinner or even staycation.

BONUS if you do decide to stay downtown, we’ll include a promo code for 1-2 days Grouse Mountain winter passes. Details at the end of this post!

On-Site Fine Dining

Hydra Vancouver Restaurant

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Hydra Vancouver (@hydrayvr)

Hydra Estiatorio Mediterranean is located in the Exchange Hotel Vancouver.

“A beautiful restaurant whose name comes from the culinary hotspot in the Aegean Sea, the chef-driven Hydra Estiatorio Mediterranean & Bar is an up-market dining destination that goes far above and beyond your typical taverna.” (source: The Exchange Hotel)

Bacchus Restaurant

 

Home to one of the most promising young chefs in Canada: Montgomery Lau Bacchus Restaurant is located in the Wedgewood Hotel and is the place to enjoy afternoon tea, a private event in “the Library” or an evening immersed in luxury and Venetian decor.

Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar

Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar at The Sutton Place is home to Iron Chef Champion (2019) Chef Alex Chen and Chef Roger Ma. The Culinary geniuses and their team have been recognized for an unparalleled fine dining experience. 

Claiming the 31st spot in the top 100 most prestigious restaurants in Canada might be impressive enough for some, however with too many awards to list you can read the full list here

Frankie’s Italian Kitchen & Bar

Frankie’s Italian Kitchen & Bar at Georgian Court Hotel provides one of the very best Italian dining experiences in all of Vancouver. “Named after the owner’s grandfather, Francesco Raffaele Aiello, a meal at Frankie’s is a true Italian experience – blending family, food, and friends.” (Source: The Georgian Court Hotel)

Fun and Casual Hotel

The Living Room Restaurant

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Hotel Belmont (@hotelbelmont)

Located in the Hotel Belmont is this self-styled “delightfully uncommon” spot which features arcade games, and every meal between your morning coffee, to happy hour and late-night snacks. 

Moxies Restaurant

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Moxie’s Grill & Bar (@moxies)

This national favourite is located at both the Sandman Suites Vancouver – Davie Street and Sandman Hotel Vancouver city center locations. Visit any location to enjoy a classy and casual (always allergy-friendly!) Moxies dinner. 

Photo courtesy of Shark Club https://www.sharkclub.com/location/vancouver/

Shark Club Sports Bar

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Shark Club Sports Bar (@sharkclub)

Shark Club Sports bar located at the Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Centre is the perfect spot for sports fans. Sports fans can stay at the Sandman Hotel Vancouver city center to catch a game at the bar while enjoying a bite of their signature cuisine and other exceptional sports classics.

Bar One and Cafe One

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Bar One Canada (@baronecanada)

After your continental breakfast come to choose from The Sheraton Wall Centre’s Cafe One or return again later for craft beers, single malt scotches, and small plate snacks while enjoying the beautiful atmosphere until midnight. 

BONUS: An amazing on-site restaurant experience is not the only two for one perk in Downtown Vancouver! Book using promo code “GrouseMtn” when booking before March 31, 2021 to make sure the fun continues with 1-2 FREE Winter Snow Lift Tickets 

9 Epic Downtown Vancouver Eateries

Vancouver is one of those cities that only feels dangerous at dinnertime, but before your mind jumps to the latest crime podcast, let us explain. With more than 3000 restaurants in this trendy oceanside city, amazing eateries can be found around every corner. Even the most fanatical foodie can feel overwhelmed by so many choices.

With so many great options, how do you choose? You’re in luck! We’ve got you covered with our top 9 not-to-be-missed restaurants in downtown Vancouver, and a special offer to refresh your palate – details at the end of this post!

 

French Fusion with Vegan Options

Catching a bite in Cole Harbour? Experience fine-dining and a snap-worthy backdrop at this iconic Vancouver landmark. The Five Sails waterfront restaurant is conveniently located on Canada Place Pier, mere stiletto steps away from the Hotel Fairmont Pacific Rim… Learn more 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Eugene D (@ecu_photography) on

 

Oysters & Seafood

Making the top 40 in a city boasting 3000+ restaurants is impressive, however, more impressive still is placing among the Top 5 Seafood Restaurants by Vancouver Magazine! Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar has also received awards for Best Upscale Restaurant, Best Dessert, Premier [service and hospitality] Crew… Learn more

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar (@blvdyvr) on

 

Canadian Organic Seafood Cuisine

Hawksworth restaurant offers a contemporary venue which has also helped them achieve the title Best Upscale Restaurant in Vancouver not once, but four times! The diverse culinary techniques and elegant atmosphere makes it just one of the six amazing restaurants located in the Rosewood Hotel… Learn more

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Viranlly (@viranlly) on

French Cuisine with Vegetarian-Friendly Options

Vancouver’s Bacchus Restaurant at the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa is a hidden gem that is complete with a piano lounge and is ranked the 3rd Best Restaurant in all of Vancouver. Spoil yourself with their expansive selection of Canadian specialty cheeses and decadent desserts… Learn more 

Photo Courtesy of the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa

 

Historic Speakeasy Atmosphere & Impressive Wine List

Can’t decide between History Gastown or a Shoppers Paradise? Enjoy the best of both at Fairmont Hotel’s Notch8 Restaurant & Bar. Hoping to take it up a Notch? Stop in for afternoon tea or private dining experience. Learn more

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Notch8 Restaurant & Bar (@notch8restaurant) on

 

The North American Classic  

You may already frequent one of JOEY’s 27 North American locations, however, not all Joey’s are created equal. Recently partnering with DoorDash means this Canadian-based franchise plans to bring their amazing cuisine home to you – or even better, directly to your hotel room. Learn more

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Curiocity Vancouver (@curiocityvancouver) on

 

Oceanview Diningroom, Bistro & Lounge

If you’ve found yourself in English Bay be sure to warm up and take in the oceanview.  Whether it’s a quiet fireside view of the seawall sunset, late-night live music or a 7:00 am British Columbia Classic Smoked Salmon Bagel Breakfast, the Sylvia Restaurant & Lounge has you covered… Learn more

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Nicole Gomes (@chefngomes) on

 

French Cuisine Made with Local West Coast Ingredients

The Tableau Bar Bistro is impressively located in Coal Harbour’s popular boutique hotel: The Loden, voted 2nd best hotel in all of Vancouver. Whether ordering this exquisite room service or sipping an Aperitif immersed in this Parisian atmosphere, patrons are sure to enjoy the very best of French cuisine and local west coast ingredients. Learn more

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tableau Bar Bistro (@tableaubarbistro) on

 

Asia-Italian Fusion with Gluten-free Options

Authentic french toast for breakfast, and “Ital-Asain” fusion for dinner? Only a 25-minute stroll from The Tableau Bistro, La Pentola sustainably offers traditional “nose-to-tail” dishes in this calm and traditional setting and is located in yet another boutique hotel making Vancouver’s Top 5 Best Hotel List: The OPUS

Photo Courtesy of La Pentola

 

Planning ahead? If you were impressed with the international wine selection on these menus then those planning to visit Vancouver this February 22nd – March 1st, 2020 are also eligible to receive ONE FREE International Festival Tastings event ticket at the 2020 Vancouver International Wine Festival when you use promo code “VIWF” with a hotel booking. Our promo to attend Canada’s premier food and wine event will be made available to our subscribers this November 6th – so don’t miss out!

10 Ways to Enjoy Vancouver this October!

It’s no secret that Vancouver offers never-ending entertainment for all ages and lifestyles – especially when the city promotes a natural splendour and dazzle that is so hard to resist!

In order to truly experience Vancouver this autumn, we thought we would dig a little deeper. The findings? Regardless of whether you are a tourist, a resident or perhaps just in need of a few envy-worthy snaps for your social media feed, mark your calendars and get ready to experience Vancouver like never before!

Family Fun

Head Down to Harvestland

The whole family is Willkommen to this traditional Bavarian event… learn more

Video courtesy of Harvestland Festival

Fifth Annual Scarecrow Festival

Have you ever attended a scarecrow festival? Come on down for this family fun event, full of hayrides, scavenger hunts, and lots of activities… learn more

Photo courtesy of Art’s Nursery Garden & Home

Big Day BBQ Tailgate Pop-up

Already missing those summer BBQs? Well, this is the ultimate fall BBQ party! Every Sunday until December 29th, 2019 at The American…learn more

Photo courtesy of The American

Celebrate Diwali

Experience everything from cooking classes to dancing and massive performances at the Vancouver Public Library…learn more

Photo courtesy of Vancouver Indian Boat Parties

Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tours

Discover the natural beauty of Vancouver’s Stanley Park aboard a horse-drawn carriage on this charming 1-hour tour. Sit back….learn more

Photo courtesy of Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tours

Vancouver Fall Home Show

Looking for cozy inspiration this fall? “Leave it to” the Vancouver Home Show — and HGTV’s Bryan Baumler to help you find the latest trends… Learn more

Photo courtesy of Vancouver Home Shows

Halloween Happenings

Gastown Ghost Tour 

Craving some ghoulish fun? This Gastown walking tour takes you to the heart of Vancouver’s paranormal activity… Do you dare to learn more?

Photo courtesy of Gastown Ghost Walking Tour

The Forbidden Downtown & Chinatown

Few may remember how far north prohibition spread, but the speakeasies and bootleggers from Vancouver’s rum-running past have yet to be forgotten – if you know where to look that is…learn more

Photo courtesy of Prohibition City Walking Tour

Dare to Enter Potter’s House of Horrors

Looking for family fun? Potter’s House of Horror is back and they’ve added a second haunted house! Bring your family and friends this Halloween… learn more.

Photo courtesy of Gord Goble/Surrey Now

Fright Nights at Playland

Fright Nights is back again! Leave it to Playland to make sure all your screams come true…learn more.

Photo courtesy of Erik Andersen

___________________________________________________

StayVancouverHotels.com wants to help send you to these fun events! Beginning October 15th, receive up to $125 in FREE Visa Reward Cards when you book your stay (or staycation) at any of our 39 Vancouver properties! Staying for more than a night? Earn an additional $50 for each night of your stay. Limited time offer.