Everything You Need To Know About The Vancouver International Wine Festival

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!

Photo Courtesy of Archives – California Agriculture

The “Tasting Room”

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)

 

Photo Courtesy of vanwinefest.ca

Tips To Remember

 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: 

  • Thursday, Feb. 27, 7:00 – 10:00 PM ($95 value) 
  • Friday, Feb. 28, 7:00 – 10:00 PM ($105 value) 
  • Saturday, Feb. 29, 2:30 – 5:00 PM ($95 value) 
  • Saturday, Feb. 29, 7:00 – 10:00 PM ($115 value) 

 

Surprising Reasons to Book Early

Photo Courtesy of Sea to Sky Gondola Instagram

 

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

Image Courtesy of JFL Northwest

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.

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

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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.

Best Hotels To Stay In Downtown Vancouver

The great thing about staying in downtown Vancouver is how easily accessible everything is: from dining, to entertainment, attractions, culture & luxury – all within a short radius. And of course, we also have gorgeous panoramic views of the North Shore mountains, an impressive 400-hectare natural West Coast rainforest (called Stanley Park) & the majestic waters of Vancouver Harbour & English Bay – truly breathtaking!

We understand that it’s not always easy to know where all of the sweet stays are in relation to the local happenings around town. That’s why we’ve selected a few of our favourite neighborhood recommendations for downtown Vancouver to help you out.

Continue reading “Best Hotels To Stay In Downtown Vancouver”

Top 3 Vancouver Running Races in 2019

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!

Continue reading “Top 3 Vancouver Running Races in 2019”

Discover Downtown Vancouver and Beyond

When visiting Vancouver,  the downtown core offers plenty of perks: it’s incredibly walkable, and guests have the advantage of world-class restaurants, tourist attractions and shopping right at their doorstep. As an added bonus, Vancouver is also home to a number of diverse and vibrant communities located a short walk, bus or taxi away from the city centre. From hip Main Street to lively Commercial Drive, discover downtown and beyond through these unique Vancouver neighbourhoods.

 

Chinatown shop
Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver/ Nelson Mouellic

Chinatown. Chinatown is one of Vancouver’s most distinct and historic neighbourhoods, with a universal appeal to locals and tourists along with a growing number of emerging chefs and entrepreneurs. Ever since the first wave of Chinese immigrants settled around Vancouver’s Carrall and Pender streets between 1886-1920, the area has been teeming with life for over a century, featuring a myriad of Chinese-owned and operated shops, authentic markets and busy diners serving up mouthwatering dim sum. Several trendy new restaurants have popped up in recent years in the revitalized community, like award-winning Kissa Tanto and cocktail destination, Juniper. Meanwhile, Chinese eateries continue to thrive: be sure to taste some of the traditional pastries served at family-run New Town Bakery, such as egg tarts and chewy fried sesame balls (jian dui); and don’t miss the savoury lunch and dinner plates at Chinatown BBQ, which dishes out delicious barbecued meats in a warm, inviting setting.

Main Street shops and cafes
Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver/ Nelson Mouellic

Mount Pleasant. Deservedly named as one of the North America’s 15 coolest streets by Cushman & Wakefield in 2016, Main Street is the beating heart of Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant community. Over the past 20 years, the neighbourhood has transformed into a vibrant arts district – complete with quirky independent shops, innovative eateries and hipster cafes aplenty. Check out Front & Company, one of Vancouver’s most popular consignment stores, for both new and used fashion gems; and wander in to the variety of antique shops that line the street for rare vintage finds. Take a break from shopping at 49th Parallel Roasters Café, one of the city’s finest coffee establishments where you’ll find meticulously crafted pour-overs and lattes spiked with housemade, date-sweetened almond milk. Grab a bite at one of the many cool and casual bistros, like Asian-fusion hotspot East is East or contemporary vegetarian favourites, The Arbor and The Acorn.  

Image of Commercial Drive intersection
Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver/ Nelson Mouellic

Commercial Drive. Commercial Drive is applauded as Vancouver’s most culturally rich neighbourhood. Also known as Little Italy, The Drive proudly represents more than 60 years of Italian heritage in Vancouver – and is also home to a more widespread global community with residents from all over the world. Here, you’ll see an old school Italian deli sandwiched between a family-run Ethiopian restaurant and modest Salvadorian café, epitomizing the best of the city’s multiculturalism. The one-of-a-kind district boasts a full 22 blocks for visitors to explore, with more than 300 unique merchants open for business. During a day on The Drive, patio-hop between some of its best sun-splashed terraces, like those of Latin-influenced Havana and beer lovers’ paradise, Biercraft. In between stops, hit up eclectic vintage stores and quaint boutiques like The Found & The Freed and Doctor Vigari Gallery; and when night falls, take in a local slam poetry show at Café Deux Soleils or live jazz music at the Libra Room.

 

Visitors who book a stay at one of Stay Vancouver Hotels’ participating properties through the Discover Downtown Package will receive a $25 Amazon Card; free room upgrade; free parking; and free WIFI.

Gear Up for the BMO Vancouver Marathon

The BMO Vancouver Marathon is only weeks away, returning to Vancouver on May 6, 2018. Ranked one of the top destination marathons in the world, the scenic 42.2-kilometre route takes runners past the city’s picturesque beaches, natural parks and along Vancouver’s seawall (the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path).

The event, which first launched in 1972, is Vancouver’s only marathon event – drawing some of the world’s top runners from more than 65 countries. The race begins at Queen Elizabeth Park at 8:30 am, and finishes in downtown Vancouver at West Pender Street (between Bute and Thurlow streets). In addition to the full marathon, the event includes a half marathon, an 8-kilometre run, and a kids’ run.

Image of runners at the BMO Vancouver Marathon

For visitors and locals who want to soak up the electric energy of the post-run fun, make your way to the downtown finish line where you’ll catch live music, delicious eats, a street festival and more.

Runners and their cheering fans who book a stay with us between May 1 to 10 will receive a $25 Amazon gift card, plus a chance to be entered to win free entry to the BMO Vancouver Marathon! For more information on our 36 downtown Vancouver hotels, and unique offers only available at Stay Vancouver Hotels, click here.