We Love the Spring and, We #LoveVancouver

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…

Visit the Local Gardens

Source: TripSavvy

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.

VanDusen Botanical Gardens include restaurants, patios and even a full -sizes Elizebethian maze.

Speaking of Queen’s named Elizabeth, visit another of our monarch’s namesakes with a trip to Queen Elizabeth Park.

The Many Murals

Source: Fintan Magee 

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  

Imagine Van Gogh  

Source: Meeting Professionals International 

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

Check out the monuments

Instagram @seaside_signs

There are certainly silver linings to this past year of enjoying a little hometown tourism without the crowds and well, tourists!

Take advantage of 2 FREE half day bike rentals and go on a self-guided Downtown Vancouver  Biking tour.  Discover what exactly is up with the many unique statues and sculptures we’re so used to driving right by.Learn More.

What else is happening?

Source: #LoveVancouver

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.

Monuments of Downtown Vancouver | March 2021

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.

Gassy Jack 

1 Water Street, Gastown

Instagram @adventuresinmiddleagedt

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)

Gastown Steam Clock

305 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B9

Instagram @celticcrusade

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.

Angel of Victory

601 West Cordova Street

Instagram @seagrovephotography

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] 

Terry Fox

Terry Fox Memorial Plaza

Instagram @Vancouver.moments

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.  

Digital Orca

Jack Poole Plaza

Instagram @poonigroup

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.

Inukshuk 

English Bay (Bidwell and shoreline walk)

Instagram @seaside_signs

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.

Lord Stanley

Stanley Park, Vancouver BC

Instagram @rbrtlee

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. 


Don’t get downtown enough? Head to our homepage to see the latest deals on Downtown Vancouver staycations

Spring Break 2020 Activities in Vancouver

Spring Break: March 16th – 27th, 2020

 

It’s no secret a lot of people in Vancouver are already enjoying early bird summer fun by this time each year because of the beautiful attractions available in the area. So when it comes to the school holidays, there are tons of exciting activities that are designed to entertain both residents and tourists — of all ages. 

 

Leave it to Vancity to line up almost too many fun activities to keep us all busy this Spring Break 2020. Whether you are a parent looking to join in on the fun or you’re simply looking for an entertaining week for your children while you’re at work, Vancouver is the ideal place to be for the spring break holiday. You have to check these out:

Kids-Zone Fun

Vancouver Art Gallery

Photo courtesy of Dóra Varga-Lencsés and vanartgallery.bc.ca

There are both drop art activities (every Sunday!) and advance booking workshops available for kids at the Vancouver Art Gallery this coming spring break holiday 2020. Learn more: vanartgallery.bc.ca

Admission: Free for children under 12 years old 

 

Spring Break Movies

Photo courtesy of familyfuncanada.com

Entertain your kids (and let’s be honest, Frozen II kept us all entertained) with these must-watch child-friendly matinee movies! Take note that some of these shows are available only during the morning time slot of the school holiday break.

Admission: Varies, please visit familyfuncanada.com  to learn more.

 

YMCA Day Camps

Photo courtesy of Greater Vancouver YMCA

YMCA Vancouver offers spring break camps for children of all ages. It is crucial to book ahead of time as these camps are typically fully-booked. There are tons of activities designed to keep kids active and laughing during these, typically 4-day long, day camps.

Admission: Varies. Please visit ymca.ca to learn more

 

Adults & Adolescence

 

Celtic Fest Vancouver

Photo courtesy of wildernesscommittee.org

This event is ideal for anyone skipping town to Vancity this March — but not willing to skip St. Patrick’s Day: Celticfest has you covered! There are themed activities designed for adults in line with the celebration.

Note: Due to recent health concerns, events for 2020 may be smaller compared to the previous years. Please visit www.celticfestvancouver.com for details and updates.

 

Shen Yun

Video courtesy of Shen Yun (Youtube)

This is the perfect show for just about anyone – whether or not you’re into the arts. Tickets are available for show dates running March 13 to 22, 2020. The event is scheduled to take place at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Expect a world-class performance from these elite theatre actors. Learn more at Shenyun.com 

Admission: $95 – 239

 

All Ages Family Fun 

 

Playdome 2020

Photo courtesy of BC Place

The best place for children (and adults who are kids-at-heart!) is the Playdome 2020. This Indoor carnival is well-known for providing endless fun and excitement to its guests of all ages. It will take place at BC Place and the same is only available during the spring break holiday. 

Admission: Guest Passes start at $11.00. Learn more at bcplace.com 

 

Flyover Canada

Video courtesy of Flyover Canada

Flyover Canada hosts a spectacular feature show during the spring break holiday. The theme changes every year to ensure that there is always something new and exciting that attendees can look forward to. 

Admission: Visit flyovercanada.com for pricing and promo codes 

 

Indeed, Vancouver has a lot in store for us this coming spring break 2020. If you are traveling to the city for the upcoming holiday, be sure to book your stay with us to receive exclusive discounts.

Take note that the list mentioned above is not exclusive. There are still other entertaining activities designed to keep both residents or tourists busy this spring break! 

 

Spring Sneak Preview

Planning your April 2020? This April 14th the Canada WNT will be playing Australia at BC Place! Tickets on sale now Visit canadasoccer.com  for details.

Photo courtesy of Canadasoccer.com