Imagine walking across a breathtaking bridge suspended two hundred and thirty feet above a river gorge and adorned with a million glittering lights.. walking through a traditional German Christmas Market, sipping on hot chocolate, and shopping for that perfect holiday keepsake from one of its 90 jolly merchants… an evening stroll in the garden of twinkling lights at Van Dusen…or fly like Santa and take an exhilarating trip to the North Pole with Fly Over Canada! 

As if there wasn’t already enough to draw you to Very Merry Vancouver during this most magical time of the year! 

But now Stay Vancouver Hotels is enchanting tourists with an online advent calendar that is giving away attraction prizes every single day, with the chance to win a grand prize of a luxurious, experience-packed stay in Vancouver that will promise memories or a lifetime. Prizes include: 

Festive Favourites Market Tour of Granville Island, which will be buzzing with festive foods, Christmas decor, and one-of-a-kind artisan shops, as the perfect place for friends and families to share in the holiday spirit! 

Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience. Go beyond the mask and see Ancient Egypt’s most iconic king like never before. 

Family packs to PNE Winter Fair The event runs for ten festive nights and will feature a nightly Christmas-themed concert series, a classic Canadian Winter Ice Pond with live musical performances and large indoor skating rink, magical holiday theatre shows that will be a favourite for the little ones, a winter market, tasty food and beverages, and a sparkling walk-thru WinterLights display! 

Family passes to Santa’s winter wonderland at the Peak of Grouse Mountain and its awe-inspiring views of the city and the ocean below.  

An underwater winter wonderland and holiday traditions at the Vancouver Aquarium including popular daily Scuba Claus dives. And so much more! 

And the shopping! Visit the world-class Cadillac Fairview Pacific Centre mall, with a prize SHOP! Card® for use at CF Pacific Centre.

More than twenty, must-see holiday attractions and events are giving away tickets and gift packages as part of the Very Merry Vancouver promotion. Not to mention hotel partners giving away accommodation as well. 

VeryMerryVancouver.com is now welcoming online visitors to try and win those daily holiday prizes and encouraging those online visitors to visit Vancouver in person during the holiday season.  

Already renowned for its natural beauty, cosmopolitan diversity, unbelievable food, and shopping, Vancouver is now also sure to become known for one more thing – a perennial favourite for visitors seeking to enjoy the best of the holiday season with all that Very Merry Vancouver has to offer.

Link: www.verymerryvancouver.com 

Whether you exercise for health reasons (mental or physical) or that wonderful rush of endorphins, it’s still important to get those exercise hours in when visiting a different city. If you’re going to be heading to the Vancouver area, you’re in luck! Western Canada’s biggest city has numerous opportunities to get your sweat on, and even better, it’s a beautiful place to work out. Here are 5 of the best places to hike, bike, and run in Vancouver:

1) The Grouse Grind

Operational since May 2017, the Grouse Grind has become a staple for hikers and runners wanting to prove their mettle against a trail that’s as challenging as it is steep. Located in North Vancouver, this trail has a 300 meter elevation and climbs 2.5 kilometers up Grouse Mountain. Rugged terrain, shifting weather, and a beautiful forest atmosphere round out this challenging trail that is not for the faint of heart. Like really, if you have heart problems, give it a miss. Remember to snap your picture at the top with your climb time! And then enjoy the gondola ride down (it’s mandatory as downhill hiking isn’t allowed due to the steep terrain).

2) Jericho Beach (by UBC)

Enjoy the sprawl of the University of British Columbia with this charming run or ride around the extensive campus—which is a self-contained city within a city. The trail takes you along the waterfront of Jericho Beach and then around the outskirts of the campus passing the Museum of Anthropology, the UBC Botanical Garden, and the Greenheart TreeWalk. 

3) Stanley Park Seawall Loop

It’s impossible to talk about the perfect running and biking route in Vancouver and not mention the seawall around Stanley Park. This 9.25 km loop is a runner/cyclist’s dream, winding around the outside of Stanley Park along the waterfront. There’s lots of opportunities to modify your route, take a forest trail, run along a beach, or even take a step further and head to English Bay after your workout and enjoy the restaurants and shops of this picturesque beach community. 

4) Pacific Spirit Regional Park

Close to UBC, the Pacific Spirit Regional Park sports unpaved bike and running paths that cut through beautiful forested areas. Located on the west side of Vancouver, the trail network spans more than 750 hectares of forest and is accessible year round. There’s no specific recommended route, simply because there’s so many trails to choose from. Be sure to check out a trail map and plan the best route to suit your wants and needs.

5) Yaletown (Kitsilano Beach)

If you’re looking for a more city-centric trail for running or biking, you can visit the upscale locale of Yaletown. This waterfront path leads you along the waterfront from the Yaletown Ferry Dock, through parks, across the Burrard Street bridge and through Kits Beach. You can enjoy breath-taking views along False Creek and pass by Vancouver landmarks including Science World. 

Bonus fun for Après Run!

In June, you can also see the world famous Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival. taking place at False Creek and surrounding parks as racers from around the world partake in North America’s flagship dragon boat festival.

If you’re a jazz enthusiast, be sure to check out the 36^th annual TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival. Taking place from June 24th to July 3rd. The 11-day festival features 700 artists and 200 performances at 19 venues, along with more than 60 free shows. 

If you’re heading into town, for business or pleasure, be sure to book with stayvancouverhotels.com for the best deals in town! You can get bike rentals and gift certificates for Amazon, Starbucks, or iTunes, receive a flight voucher, or grab a $75 GC to spend on shopping at the CF Pacific Centre. Learn more.

Ever known for its artistic creativity, Vancouver comes alive even in the winter months with something for everyone to enjoy! This February take in several outdoor and cultural events right in the city’s downtown centre. Thinking about making it a staycation? Learn more about our special offers below!

VMF Winter Arts 

As the twinkle of holiday lights fade and we eagerly await spring’s blossoms, VMF Winter Arts arrives to brighten the city! From February 11-27, the second annual festival transforms downtown Vancouver into a free, all-ages, open-air gallery and celebration featuring augmented reality (AR) art, light installations and a licensed outdoor Hub with live entertainment, art, food and drinks. Learn more: winterartsfest.com / @winterartsfest. 

Plus, rain or shine all-year-round, explore over 300 murals across Vancouver! Download the free VMF App for a self-guided tour through the city’s various neighbourhoods to discover amazing murals by local (and international) artists while discovering local cafes, shops, restaurants, and breweries. (Bonus: visit from August 12-21 to experience the annual Vancouver Mural Festival celebrations!) vanmuralfest.ca / @vanmuralfest 

Vancouver PuSH Festival 

This international performing arts festival showcases local, Canadian and international artists and has been known to attract up to 20,000 attendees in years past! Enjoy groundbreaking, contemporary works of dance, theatre, multimedia and music in Vancouver theatres in January and February. This year the festival features a dozen different works from around the globe. Learn More.

Chinese New Year 2022

Link: https://unsplash.com/photos/Oh15EWXAMvI

This year, on Tuesday, February 1st visit the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden to welcome the Year of the Tiger! Several organized events have already taken place during the last week of January, however, this not-for-profit garden welcomes visitors during their regular opening hours to take and appreciate in this time of year. Learn more

Robson Square Ice Rink

Link: https://www.tripsavvy.com/guide-to-robson-square-in-vancouver-3371137 or alternate image https://604now.com/things-see-vancouver-winter/ 

Vancouver is welcoming back a traditional favourite. Enjoy old-fashioned winter fun at Robson Square’s outdoor rink and take in all this pacific west coast winter magic has to offer. This season you can even enjoy the warmth of the brand new indoor skate and rental cafe too! Learn more

Grouse Mountain

Really earn that Downtown Apres Ski and head out of town and enjoy a day at Grouse Mountain on us!  Enjoy skiing and snowboarding, snowshoe tours and terrain parks, Grouse Mountain has it all! Night-skiing runs daily until 10 pm and there are two express lifts for intermediate and advanced terrain. Learn more about our special free pass offer here.

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. 

If you’re wondering what’s happening this June in Vancouver, we’re all about embracing the warm weather and patio season. Now has never been a better time to be a tourist in your hometown. 

Source: Google.com

For your complete list of patios to try Vancouver this Summer 2021 (and to vote for your favourites!) be sure to visit @patiovancouver!

The City has also issued an exciting number of Temporary Patio Permits through their Temporary Expedited Patio Program (TEPP) These next few patios only scratch the surface. Find the link to the full list (plus bonus staycation discounts) in the link below.

Prestons

Source: www.instagram.com/prestonsvancouver 

Exciting news! As of June 1, 2021, Prestons Restaurant + Lounge is now open for breakfast and dinner service! Prestons uses local and seasonal ingredients to create a menu that is innovative and refreshingly local.

Their goal is to bring you food from the farm to your table using fresh and locally grown ingredients in all of their recipes. “What we don’t make in-house is sourced from local artisans to bring you the quality and flavour of the West Coast.” Yes please!

Forage Restaurant

One of the most sustainable dining choices in Vancouver and located in the Listel Hotel, Forage is a Farm-to-table bistro presenting creative, area-sourced plates. They pour local beer & wine on tap and are one of our top choices for a night out!

Bonus: Make your visit a discounted Listel Hotel Staycation when you enjoy this Patio Vancouver $50 Visa card. On select Patios in Vancouver, receive an additional $20 in value at the restaurant!

Modern Handi Indian Cusine

Offering Tandoori fare, seafood, vegetarian dishes, and countless other awesome and authentic meals, Modern Handi has been a popular fixture since 2018 and made the list of recently approved patios. This establishment is fond of noting they are not about fast food, but rather good food fast! Sign us up!

Capo and Spritz

In Canada, we’re known for our wine and beer, in Italia it’s the wine and an Aprol “Spritz” (Aprol or Campari!) Anyone wishing they were drinking up in this Medditerean EU gem this summer, can be more than transported there for a couple of hours to Sicilian shores when visiting Capo and Spritz!  This neighbourhood pizzeria is a neighborhood classic. Italian-trained Chef Lucais Syme uses a 36-hour fermented sourdough to create your masterpiece while you enjoy the hospitality and wine direction of restaurateur Dustin Dockendorf. Mamma Mia!

Mahony

Source www.instagram.com/discovermahony

This pub with a patio has one of the best views in town. Situated right in the Convention Centre and in False Creek just about every seat, in both locations, is waterfront. Both their Downtown Vancouver and Stamps Landing locations have fully covered and heated patios.

The Victor

As it’s said “to the Victor belongs the spoils” and at this incredible spot, they promise you’ll be spoiled for choice. The Victor boasts a contemporary play on surf and turf with fresh-caught Pacific Northwest seafood, a sumptuous selection of specialty steaks, and an elevated sushi and raw bar experience.

TC Lions Pub

British pub fare in the heart of Vancouver. Minutes from Waterfront station, TC Lions Pub boasts the best traditional British Fare in Coal Harbour. Come meet their friendly staff and try out their authentic European-style patio. 

Thierry Patisserie

And you thought this was just a chocolate shop? Headed by Chef Thierry Busset, Chocolatier and Patissier from Auvergne, France, this renowned cafe has long since had patio space to enjoy their cakes, and tarts… and eclairs…croissants…chocolates… flavoured ganache….on y va!

H Lounge

Secret Gardens and Seawall dining, H Tasting Lounge, located at The Westin Bayshore, enjoy a luxurious and special evening (or lunch) dining in one of these translucent globes.

Bonus:  Enjoy this Patio Vancouver $50 Visa card on select Patios in Vancouver and receive an additional $20 in value at the restaurant

For your complete list of patios in Vancouver for Summer 2021! You can vote for your favourites at @patiovancouver!

What else is happening?

Why not cycle some of these stops and countless others? Take advantage of our latest Cycle and Staycation Bike rental, or Stay and Shop promotions and be sure to check the ever-growing patios Vancouver-wide @patiovancouver. Shopping and cycling not your thing? Why not grab 4 FREE free tickets to Wings And Wizards? All the deals live at www.stayvancouverhotels.com

 

These little guys are staying home too — and they’re loving it. The city may be less busy and eventful however our friends at the Vancouver Aquarium are a true testament to the time Dory coined “just keep swimming”

Let’s meet the crew bringing smiles from their home to ours on the Vancouver Aquarium Live Cam

Adorable Otters

 

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A post shared by Vancouver Aquarium (@vanaqua)

 

Did you know adult otters spend more than 30% of their day grooming their fur? While these adorable fluffy creatures are friends of ours, these foragers’ favourite meal in the wild consist of clams, mussels and crabs. Good thing for separate tanks here!

 

There are actually 3 otters cams:

• Baby otter cam (that’s right! As if they weren’t cute enough)
• Sea Otter Cam 
• Underwater Otter Cam

 

Mesmerizing Jellyfish

 

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A post shared by Vancouver Aquarium (@vanaqua)

Did you know that Jellyfish actually have no brain, heart, bones or eyes? (natgeokids.com)

There are more than 2000 types of Jellyfish that have been documented on Earth, and right here in Vancouver, we have more than 30!

 

Jellyfish are nothing short of unique and Vancouver’s Jellies require specialized, circular tanks, or kreisels, which mimic the open ocean environment. Tune into the live Jellyfish Cam here

Playful Penguins

 

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A post shared by Vancouver Aquarium (@vanaqua)

Staff were quick to note a pandemic silver lining this past spring when they found themselves benefiting from the addition of these extra volunteer staff members, who could now freely wander the facility as a paying guest would. 

 

Vancouver’s resident penguins are actually native to Africa and are a registered endangered species. Since the early 1900s the number of penguins in South Africa has dropped 90%. Waddling among the rockwork, Vancouver Aquarium’s habitat has been inspired by Boulder Beach in Cape Town which is their natural environment.Tune into the live penguin cam here.

 

The Vancouver Aquarium is Canada’s only dedicated marine mammal rescue facility. Enduring COVID-19 with more than $1 million dollar per month expenses, the Vancouver Aquarium risked closure this past spring however has continued to survive largely due to generous community donations. Learn more about donating to this marine mammal rescue facility here

 

BONUS: If you feel like getting out of the house and enjoying a full blow family fun, Downtown Vancouver staycation, book using promo code “GrouseMtn” before March 31, 2021, to make sure the fun continues with 1-2 FREE Winter Snow Lift Tickets