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.

Top 5 Unique Experiences in Vancouver

With so much to do in Vancouver, there’s no reason to ever get bored! You can go hiking, participate in a race or marathon, visit museums or landmarks, check out sporting events, and so much more. However, if you are looking for something uniquely Vancouver, we’ve got that too!

Here are 5 of our favorite unique activities to experience in Vancouver as the weather continues to warm up.

Continue reading “Top 5 Unique Experiences in Vancouver”

Best Vancouver Day Trips by Car

Vancouver is situated in a prime coastal location of British Columbia that boasts a remarkable number of neighbouring, tourist-friendly municipalities. From mountainous Squamish and Whistler to the relaxed seaside town of White Rock, day trip destinations are aplenty and can easily be reached by car. Here’s a round-up of some of our top picks:

Image of Sea to Sky Gondola patio
Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver/ Sea to Sky Gondola / Photographer: Paul Bride

Sea to Sky Gondola

A cruise along the breathtaking Sea to Sky Highway – renowned as one of the most beautiful drives on the planet – is an awe-inspiring attraction in and of itself. But this legendary route from Vancouver to Whistler is also filled with exciting stops at just about every turn. After an approximate one-hour drive from the city, pull over at the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish and take the scenic 10-minute ride up the mountain to the Summit Lodge. Here, you’ll find yourself at 2,900 feet above sea level, where visitors can opt to take in the astonishing panoramic views with a glass of wine in hand, explore the many hiking trails or take a walk along the suspension bridge.

Image of girl exercising on The Chief mountaintop in Squamish
Photo courtesy of 604 Now

The Chief

Conveniently situated next door to the Sea to Sky Gondola lays the base of the towering Stawamus Chief Mountain, known locally as The Chief. This enormous cliff face spans 702 metres above Squamish and is recognized as one of the largest granite monoliths on the continent. The Chief is home to a wildly popular hiking route that is split into three distinct summits, providing an intermediate-level trek complete with chains and ladders to help get climbers to the top. Also offering many rock climbing options, The Chief is the perfect day trip destination for lovers of outdoor adventure.

 

Image showcasing view from Cypress Mountain
Photo courtesy of Inside Vancouver

 

Cypress Mountain

West Vancouver’s Cypress Mountain is only a 30-minute drive from downtown Vancouver and serves as a year-round hot spot for family-friendly activities. When blanketed in snow during wintertime, it’s a skier’s paradise – and once the sun starts shining, visitors flock to the mountain for hiking, cycling, picnics and wildlife watching. Whether you opt for a challenging hike or bike ride in the rugged wilderness, a quiet afternoon perusing low-key trails or a peaceful setting to have a bite to eat and take in sweeping views of the city, Cypress has something for everyone.

 

Image of dock in White Rock
Photo courtesy of Explore White Rock

White Rock

For those searching for a leisurely day trip to kick back and relax, the Greater Vancouver suburb of White Rock provides just that. The area enjoys a welcoming beach town atmosphere and blissfully mild climate as a distinct part of the Lower Mainland that consistently sees sunshine, and offers a variety of activities for all ages. White Rock hosts an array of waterfront restaurants and local boutiques, making it ideal for a day of shopping and dining. After dinner, grab an ice cream cone for a stroll down the seawall and accompanying pier, taking time to breathe in the fresh salt air and appreciate the striking ocean scene.

 

Ready to hit the road? Visitors who stay at one of Stay Vancouver Hotels exclusive properties will receive an Esso Gas Card valued at $25, and those who book a three-night stay will receive a $50 gas card. To learn more, click here.

Family-friendly Vancouver

Families visiting Vancouver with young children can rest easy. With hundreds of year-round events, popular and lesser-known attractions, interactive museums and fun-filled parks to choose from, there’s no shortage of things to do to entertain kids and parents alike. So let’s take a look at some of our favourite family-friendly experiences, and start planning your itinerary:

 

Image of False Creek and Science World

 

Science World. Located in False Creek, the Telus World of Science’s silver geodesic dome has been attracting families since it first opened for Expo ‘86. Families can take advantage of a wide-range of offerings, including interactive displays (like playing a life-size piano with your feet), rotating exhibits and live science demonstrations. And don’t forget to catch a show at the larger-than-life OMNIMAX Theatre. At five storeys high and 27 metres in diameter, the theatre boasts a sensational wrap-around sound system – leaving movie-goers feeling like they’re right in the middle of the action.

 

Bloedel Conservatory. This huge glass bubble is is one of the best kept secrets for escaping from a rainy Vancouver day, and it’s also one of the largest domed greenhouses in the world to boot. The indoor attraction is located at Queen Elizabeth Park, and is home to 120 exotic birds, 500-plus tropical plants, and a beautiful network of fountains, gardens and sculptures. Afterward, take a walk through the 52-hectare park and soak up the gorgeously landscaped gardens, or stop for a bite to eat at Seasons in the Park.

 

 

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. A quick 25-minute drive from downtown Vancouver, Capilano Suspension Bridge boasts a number of attractions throughout the park, including the iconic suspension bridge (towering 230-feet high and 450-feet long above the Capilano River), Treetops Adventure (a network of suspension bridges amidst the coastal rainforest), and Cliffwalk (a cantilevered walkway jutting out from a granite cliff face). History, culture and nature are presented in unique and thrilling ways throughout the park, making it a must-see stop for family members of all ages.

 

Brittania Mine Museum. Take off with the kids for a trip along Highway 99, and soak up the Sea to Sky Highway’s majestic mountain and waterfront views. Along the way, you’ll pass by Shannon Falls and a number of top visitor attractions, including the Brittania Mine Museum. Here, kids and wannabe kids of all ages can hop aboard the underground train and uncover authentic mining tunnels, explore 10-acres of historic buildings, or take a fun and interactive guided tour to learn about mining and the history of Britannia. While you’re at it, roll up your sleeves and head to the gold panning station – you never know what you’ll find! For those who want to continue their Sea-to-Sky journey, don’t miss the scenic Sea to Sky Gondola for panoramic views and a network of hiking trails before making your way back to Vancouver.

 

Visitors who book through Stay Vancouver Hotels between now and May 15th will receive a $50 VanPass voucher for a single night booking, or $75 for a multi-night booking – gaining access to 20 of Vancouver’s top attractions and sightseeing tours. To book a stay with us, or view the full list of featured attractions, click here.