Spring has sprung Vancouver! March 20 marked the end of winter 2021 and a season of new, outdoor fun to come. So, what is there to do right now in downtown Vancouver? Let’s get outside…
Although the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden remains temporarily closed, the VanDusen Botanical Gardens are open and blooming! Touring this 55-acre landscape, which hosts 7,500+ plant species in the heart of Vancouver means an opportunity for multiple entertaining visits.
It’s no secret there are beautiful murals covering our city streets and brightening the most surprising corners and allies all across town, but did you know there are now more than 250!? Find them all by following the maps created for each neighbourhood at vanmuralfest.ca
Let’s face it… spring or not we may have to plan for rain. We should plan for rain. Imagine Van Gogh is here and, luckily, our sold out staycation package is back too! Book a stay in one of our 38 participating downtown Vancouver hotels for later this summer, and get access to half price tickets to see Imagine Van Gogh Immersive Exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The original immersive exhibition from Europe featuring more than 200 of the Dutch artist’s paintings. Learn more.
Retail Therapy – Stay and Shop
Who’s not a fan of some retail therapy? We are! Put the fun in spring cleaning by going out with the old and in with the new spring fashions! Spend a weekend shopping in Downtown Vancouver and get a $50 CF SHOP! card® for CF Pacific Centre with ANY Booking.
The $50 CF SHOP! card® is accepted by all retailers at CF Pacific Centre. Use the promo code “StayandShop”
We’d like you to let us know by participating in the ongoing #LoveVancouver event! Get out and explore Vancouver this spring. Tell us what are your favourite spots?. #LoveVancouver neighbourhoods here.
There are certainly silver linings to this past year of enjoying a little hometown tourism without the crowds and well, tourists!
Let’s take a self-guided Downtown Vancouver Walking tour and discover what exactly is up with the many unique statues and sculptures we’re so used to driving right by.
This fellow holds the number one spot in his namesake neighbourhood for more than one reason! His statue is located where his saloon, Deighton House, used to be. Jack had a successful business and the gift of gab to boot (hence his nickname “Gassy” Jack)
An old classic just metres from Jack is the famed Gastown Steam Clock. Many don’t know that this steam power clock is mostly only antique in appearance having been built in 1977.
We all know it, it catches any eye passing Waterfront Station — but what does it represent? Rectified in 1921, with the depiction of an angel carrying a fallen soldier its memorial to WWI seems to be a given, but why here? It was commission by the CPR (Canadian Pacific Railway) in honour of more specifically their many worker who tragically sacrificed their lives for both King and Country [Canada]
National hero and icon Terry Fox is depicted as he runs his Marathon of Hope in an incredible and moving set of four statues which increase from life size to eventually a larger-than-life figurine, accurately representing what Terry became to the nation. The statues of this athlete are placed appropriately in front of BC Place in what is known as Terry Fox Memorial Plaza.
Terry lost his leg to cancer before beginning his cross country run in 1980, and tragically lost his battle with the disease in 1981, at the age of 23.
Erected in 2009 to commemorate the workers of Burrard Inlet and Coal Harbour this Orca marries the timeless nature our now digital and modern city is famously wrapped in.
This aluminium and stainless steel killer whale was designed by artist Douglas Coupland and can be found next to the Vancouver Convention Centre.
As with the rest of the list, there is more than meets the eye with this too. This very Canadian, Inuit symbol was built of granite in a traditional human likeness, standing 6 meters high and weights a cool 31,500kg.
When did it arrive? Just in time for Expo 86! Learn More.
Stanley Park, the Stanley Cup… Who was Stanley!? Frederick Stanley, or Earl of Derby and Lord Stanley of Preston, was the Governor-General of Canada from 1888-1893.
Fun Fact: in honour of International Women’s Day we’d like to note that while Lord Stanley’s sons were hockey fans, his daughter Isabel broke the social norms of the day as both a fan and a player as well. It was Isabel Stanley who reportedly encouraged her father to award the top amateur team with the Stanley Cup award. Learn more.
With so many wonderful spots to stop we couldn’t get to them all! There are hundreds of monuments scattered across our beautiful downtown Vancouver.Tag us in your favourites at @stayvancouverhotels on Facebook and Instagram and let us know which ones we missed.
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”
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)
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
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
Staycations and family holidays typically need to include just that: the whole family. It’s becoming much easier to travel with our four-legged family across the globe and downtown Vancouver is no exception. There are no less than 16 pet-friendly hotels in the heart of downtown Vancouver working hard to make sure your whole paw-se has a great stay!
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is so pet-friendly they have not one but two hard-working Labrador Canine Ambassadors: Ella and Elly. These ladies don’t live at the hotel but attend work with their owners 5 days a week.
Your pet will be just as pampered even receiving complimentary FirstMate kibble and more upon arrival to make sure everyone has a perfect visit.
Two pets maximum, two floors, and a ton of fun. Hotel Belmont proves once again to have something for everyone. Hotel Belmont owns the hashtag #hotelhouseparty for combining the best of every household comfort, with the ultimate hotel house paw-ty experience: bowling, arcade games, and snacks from “the living room” to the “basement” and no home is complete without your pet! Read full Hotel Belmont Pet Policy Here
Pets are allowed in select rooms and according to BringFido.com, rates are great and well-behaved dogs may be left unattended. Unfortunately, it is impawsible to bring a cat along too.
The Loden hotel makes sure your pet is just as welcome as their own: plush pet beds, food bowls, and even a Loden leash! There are absolutely no limits on the size or weight of your pet. Learn more about their flat $50 per pet fee and two dog maximum. Learn about the Loden’s Pet Policy
$50 pet fee per pet, per stay (no limit to the size/weight).
Fairmont Waterfront
Photo courtesy of @ScoutGoldenRetriever (Instagram)
Have you met Scout the Golden Retriever? A patron of Fairmont Waterfront, Scout has partnered with the hotel to share his first-class experiences from welcome treats (ingredients provided), designated walking areas, doggie sitting services, emergency vet clinics and more. Read the full Fairmont Waterfront pet policy here
While the limit may be two 50-lbs dogs, the fees for your furry companion are as low as $35 per night for the first 6 nights and charged at a monthly rate of $100/month. Hyatt Regency asks guests to phone ahead as this service is subject to availability. Learn more at Bringfido.com
Pets are both welcome and complimentary at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel! The hotel has a limit of one pet per room and urges visitors to call ahead for more details. Learn more about the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel Pet Policy here
The Sutton Place hotel welcomes any dog weighing 45 lbs or less and requests that your pet is never left unattended. All pets meeting this size criteria are welcome. The Sutton Place Hotel charges a one-time fee of $40. Read the full Sutton Place Pet Policy here
Another pooch pampering experience, the Georgian Court provides your pet with a treat on arrival and offers pet beds, bowls, food, and water for both use and purchase during your stay. Staff are happy to assist in arranging pet-sitting or setting up reservations at pet-friendly restaurants
The Georgian Court hotel charges $20 per day with a $100 per week maximum. Additional pet species such as cats and birds are welcome at the hotel’s discretion. Read the full Georgian Court Hotel pet policy here
$20 per night or $100 per month
The Listel Hotel
Courtesy of Roberto Nickson (Instagram)
Enthusiastically welcoming all 4 legged guests, the Listel Hotel provides use of a food dish and pet bed. The hotel asks that pets are not left alone in their room, and to inform staff if they will be left alone. Pets are asked to stay on their leashes when in public spaces. Read the fill Listel Hotel pet policy here
2 blocks from an off-leash dog park, greeted by resident fish, and complete with amenities such as treats, beds, and bowls, Hotel Blu is another purrfect pet-friendly pick. Read Hotel Blu Pet Policy here
Contact for pet fees and pricing
Pan Pacific Vancouver
Courtesy of Pan Pacific Vancouver
Eager to please their guests, Pan Pacific’s pet package is pawsitively packed with luxury and amenities including a dog bed, walking maps, treats, and a doggy bag. Maximum 2 pets per suite or room Read the Pan Pacific Vancouver Pet policy here
$40 pet fee per stay + $15 for an additional pet (per stay)
Pinnacle Hotel Vancouver Harbourfront
Courtesy of Pinnacle Hotel Vancouver Harbourfront
What is more luxurious than a luxury hotel doggie bed for your four-legged friend? You pup will receive the use of a plush memory foam pet bed, complete with a deep cleaning treatment before and after use. Pinnacle Hotel Vancouver Harbourfront asks guests to call ahead to ensure the purrfect package is booked. Read more about the Pinnacle HotelHarbourfront Pet Policy here
Last but not leashed: “Dogs are always welcome at OPUS Vancouver. In fact, we tend to treat our four-legged guests even better than our two-legged ones! Pampered pooches can expect: Complimentary in-room “pup tents,” bowls, and locally sourced treats.“
All those options, but where to begin? Tell us about your furbaby-friendly trip experience at any of these 17 hotels (and send us your pictures for a chance to be featured!)
Hallowe’en 2020 falls on a Blue Moon. That’s right Downtown Vancouver, it’s more than just an expression. A blue moon is the second full moon in a calendar month, and this isn’t the only reason Hallowe’en 2020 is special. This year will occur on a:
Plus there is that whole pandemic spook factor… (we’ll just hope that will recur approximately never.)
With all those spooktacular factors aligning on the very year, we all could use an extra excuse for some light-hearted and distracting fun this Haunted Season, it begs the question: Is there a safe way to celebrate this tradition in 2020?
Luckily for us, safe Hallowe’en fun in Downtown Vancouver occurs far more frequently than an average blue moon.
Gastown Ghost Tour
Photo courtesy of Gastown Ghost Walking Tour
Craving some ghoulish fun? From the Great Fire in 1886 and unsolved murders to the chilling tales of George Vancouver and Gaoler’s Mews, this Gastown walking tour takes you to the heart of Vancouver’s paranormal activity… Do you dare to learn more?
The Forbidden Downtown & Chinatown
Photo courtesy of Prohibition City Walking Tour
Few may remember how far north prohibition spread, but the gangsters, speakeasies and bootleggers from Vancouver’s rum-running past have yet to be forgotten – if you know where to look that is…learn more
Dark Secrets of Stanley Park
Photo Courtesy of Forbidden Vancouver
Think you know Stanley Park? Are you familiar with the Hidden Cemeteries, Historic Totem Poles, Notorious Crime Scenes, Legends of Ancient Wars, Deadman’s Island, and something strange beneath the seawall?
While the haunted houses won’t be open, complimentary masks will be limited, rides will be open and Playland will make sure all your screams come true…learn more.
Looking for COVID-19 modified things to do in Vancouver this September 2020? Our team, in conjunction with Tourism Vancouver and Vancouver Attractions, we have uncovered 17 things to do in Vancouver this September 2020 to not only rediscover our beautiful west coast city at this time but to experience it with more exclusivity than ever before!
Bonus: We’ve included a few exclusive staycation discounts below
Discover What’s New
The annual marathons might be postponed but that doesn’t mean you can prepare for one! The following events are only available for a limited time:
Attend* MOV’s traditional Drum Making Workshop with Derrick Whiteskycloud*Hosted in MOV’s Largest event venue and complete with physical distancing measures plus required sanitizing upon arrival.
Classic Family Fun
The following are currently open however must be booked in advance …which could be a very welcome adjustment in these previously crowded summer hot spots!
While some attractions are operating at reduced capacity and with additional procedures are in place, these outdoor attractions are just waiting for you visit
Did you know that Vancouver once had more neon lights that Las Vegas? Did you know that the largest Copper mine in the British Empire is a short drive from Downtown Vancouver? Check out both this September and remember visitors must book ahead to tour some of these popular spots:
Bonus Get a $100 credit for Vancouver’s top attractions at vancouverattractions.com click to save before you book. Stay safe in Vancouver and enjoy this unique time in our city.
Do you have a Vancouver event or attraction to share?Let us knowfor a chance to be featured.
We’re all certain about one thing right now: nothing is very certain. While store hours, safety protocols, back-to-school, and our summer plans all remain variable at this time, there is no denying that there is something unifying in knowing that we’re all in this together.
It’s in this silver-lined spirit that, in conjunction with Vancouver Attractions, we have uncovered more than one way to not only rediscover our beautiful west coast city at this time but to experience it with more exclusivity than ever before! Below are 14 family-friendly ways to safely enjoy Vancouver this August.
Family Favourites
The following famous family favourites must be booked in advance however for many of us, this is a very welcome adjustment in these previously crowded summer hot spots!
That’s right! These popular summer tourist attractions are also open however at reduced capacity and additional procedures are in place. Does this mean an opportunity to experience some of the most iconic West Coast views in the middle of summer, without the crowds and photo-bombers? Yes.
Bikes, Carriage Rides and Golf — Oh my! | Stanley Park
Can you believe that 60,000 aquatic species only make up a fraction of this park’s fun!? If you’ve spent any time in the park lately, you may have noticed that with the traffic closures and increase buzz of socially distant visitors, there is an almost a “small-town” feel and an increased sense of community present as these countless, safely spaced gatherings share perhaps a new appreciation of our beautiful city’s iconic park. Rent a ride and cycle down to these attractions, all with new safely protocols in place:
Anthropology, Natural History, and a Copper Mine | Museum Madness
Did you know that the once largest copper mine in the British Empire is only a short (and beautiful!) drive from downtown Vancouver? Again visitors must book ahead to tour some of these popular spots:
Bonus Get a $100 credit for Vancouver’s top attractions at vancouverattractions.com click to save before you book. Stay safe in Vancouver and enjoy this unique time in our city.
Do you have a Vancouver event or attraction to share?Let us knowfor a chance to be featured.
With the world-wide focus on COVID-19, we at StayVancouverHotels have everyone’s health and safety top of mind. We understand the necessity of prioritizing travel safety and travel flexibility. Please refer to our partners at Tourism Vancouver for the latest updates.
The number of tourists who travel or spend a holiday in Vancouver keeps on increasing every year. It is not a surprise why the city’s tourism industry is flourishing. There are many reasons why people love to keep on coming back to this wonderful destination.
One of the most anticipated events of 2020, Vancouver International Wine Festival, will again kick off the new year. More commonly known as the VanWineFest, this event holds the record of being Canada’s premier wine and food show, pouring more than 750 wines from more than 16 countries, in only 8 short days. (Now who said math class wouldn’t be useful!) These wines will, of course, be accompanied by the most welcome of chaperones: their respective winemakers and vineyard owners.
Rated the “#1 Food, Wine & Hospitality Event in Canada” by New York’s BizBash (for the past 6 years in a row!) this year’s celebration will take place starting from February 22 to March 1, 2020.
We have something special for our valued guests like you. Book your stay with us and enjoy a FREE admission ticket to one of the world’s largest wine and food festivals. More details are available at the end of this post!
Knowing The History
The popular Vancouver International Wine Festival was inaugurated in 1979. During that time, the festival was organized to last for only two days. In its first public event, only around 1,000 people attended the festival. What makes this event even more meaningful is the fact that it was created in typical Vancity Style: for fundraising purposes. Since then, the VanWineFest has grown to raise more than $9.2 million and latest reports now boast an average of 25,000 admissions to the festival!
There is a theme or feature each year – This year France is the feature country!
One of the popular areas in the festival is, of course, the Tasting Room, where all the magic happens. In this area, you can see several brand owners and wine producers who will showcase their products to everyone. All attendees have a chance to have a taste of their share of the 750+ wines available for display.
The best part of all, however, is that several of these wine products are sourced from 15 other countries. As such, if you are going to be there, you will also get an opportunity to check out the top brands from the participating wineries abroad. Most of these wineries are award winners and considered senior leaders in the industry.
Where else can you visit with award-winning wineries and winemakers from across 5 different continents, while trying their finest wines in only 10 consecutive days …without a private jet? (Seriously, we’re interested if you know! You can find us in the tasting room)
If you are traveling to Vancouver for this iconic festival, be sure to arrive at least one day before the scheduled event. Not only will you have more time to prepare for the line up of activities prepared for all attendees, you’ll be in Vancity! This foodie paradise has more to see and do than can possibly be achieved in 10 days’ time — wine fests aside! However that’s not the only reason: as much as possible, try to avoid being late for this event so that you can still catch all the highlights and avoid line-ups.
Whether attending from Kits, Kelowna or out-of-country entirely, another thing to keep in mind is that if you do plan to stay in downtown Vancouver, you’ll want to book your stay ahead of time. Each year this Wine Festival brings in thousands of travelers to the city.
Until February 13th, you can still save on select downtown hotels using promo code VIWF. If you book a hotel with StayVancouverHotels.com, you will receive a FREE International Festival Tastings event ticket for the most anticipated Vancouver International Wine Festival ever:
Can you believe it’s already been a decade!? If you can make it to Vancity a few weeks before the Vancouver International Wine Tasting event don’t think for a minute February isn’t a perfect month for tourism! Celebrating 10 years since the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic games the city has countless events going on – including Vancouver’s Annual Just for Laughs festival and the grand re-opening the Sea to Sky Gondola
Check out the countless other fabulous Vancity events this February 2020 events here.
Remember! If you do plan to attend the Vancouver Festival this year, be sure to use promo code VIWF to receive a free ticket when you book your downtown Vancouver hotel stay. Offer ends February 13, 2020 – Click here to book.
For those of you still in “staycation” mode, summer may be ending soon, but that’s no reason to not get out and enjoy all of the wonderful offerings that Vancouver provides. Spending those remaining summer days having fun on amusement rides or experiencing live theatre entertainment, is a win-win for everyone!
This September, go check out the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) – an icon of Vancouver entertainment, culture & events for over a century. The PNE hosts the popular summer fair each summer, yet the true spectacle is their selection of amusement rides at Playland.
Once you’ve had your carnival thrills, explore Vancouver’s Fringe Festival – every theatre lover’s dream come true. Featuring over 700 performances by approximately 100 artists, the festival is expected to draw over 40,000 attendees again from September 5th – 15th this year.
Check out some of our favourite rides at Playland, along with some highlights happening at the 35th annual Vancouver Fringe Festival.
