Venture into the Great Outdoors! (Your May 2023 Guide To Vancouver)

In May we celebrate mothers, the Canadian baseball season begins, we venture outdoors as the weather turns much warmer, and some of us run through the city some 42 kilometers . . . for the fun of it! Now that Spring has officially sprung, it’s time to take full advantage of everything our fair city has to offer. Events and activities are aplenty as we kick off with warmer weather and the opportunity to venture outside. 

MOTHER’S DAY

One single day to celebrate mothers is simply not enough, but at this time of year it’s important that we recognize those who have helped raise and shape us and turn us into the (mostly) functioning humans we are today. Vancouver offers a variety of things to do to celebrate your mom on May 14th. The Pacific Arts Market at 1448 West Broadway holds a mom-centric event featuring mimosas, food, activities, and prizes. Toby’s Social Club on Main street will be hosting the Mother’s Day Comedy Night starring comedian John Cullen. Many restaurants in the downtown core are sporting special menus for the occasion. So, no excuses! Make plans with your mom on May 14th!

CANADIAN BASEBALL SEASON

The Canadian baseball season officially begins in May, with minor league and major league regular season games taking a swing for victory. The Vancouver Canadians, a minor league baseball team play throughout the season in Vancouver at Nat Bailey Stadium (next to Queen Elizabeth Park). Tickets are available online through Ticket Smarter. Learn more.

BMO MARATHON

Not for the faint of heart, the Vancouver BMO marathon takes place on May 7th, drawing participants from all over Canada and beyond as they take part in Western Canada’s biggest running race. With 8km and half marathon race lengths available, the real stretch of the legs (and mind) is the full 42km marathon that has athletes running through Vancouver’s downtown, UBC campus, and along the Stanley Park Seawall. There’s even a kids run that takes place on Saturday May 6th for younger participants. Book your stay with stayvancouverhotels.com and receive a $75 discount on your BMO marathon registration. Learn more

STANLEY PARK

The 405-hectare sprawling park nestled in the heart of the city, with a road along the seawall that loops for approximately 9.5 kms leaves a lot of ground to explore in Stanley Park. Over 500,000 cedar, fir, and hemlock trees fill this natural habitat along with various other vegetation and wildlife. A pool, waterpark, miniature railway, the aquarium, and much more make Stanley Park the perfect way to spend a spring day! Book your stay with Stay Vancouver Hotels and you can even get two half day bike rentals—a great way to explore the park. Learn more.

Whether you’re taking your mother out for a nice dinner or you’re sweating from every pore through a grueling 42km run, always remember to book your stay with stayvancouverhotels.com. The best prices on hotels, and great promotional incentives to choose from, including discounts on the BMO marathon, $100 shopping spree at Pacific Centre, half day bike rentals, and more! Learn more.

The Dine Out Vancouver Festival and Other Culinary Adventures

It’s a new year and so why not try some new food? There’s no better opportunity than the Dine Out Vancouver Festival, taking place at the end of January. On top of that, eight Vancouver local restaurants just received their Michelin Star, and if none of that interests you, we even have a couple of unique dining experiences for you to try. Our recommendation—make sure you’re not hungry before you start reading this handy guide.

Dine Out Vancouver Festival

Dine Out Vancouver Festival has been in operation for over twenty years, and this year runs from January 20th to February 5th. The festival includes over “300 restaurants, wineries, craft breweries, suppliers, and more for a month of dining, food-forward virtual events, and experiences designed to give culinary enthusiasts the opportunity to taste the best flavours of the city.” Now considered to be Canada’s largest food and drink festival, the event offers fixed-price menu deals to encourage community involvement and ushers people to dine out during a season when restaurants are generally quieter. Been thinking of trying a restaurant, but haven’t pulled the trigger yet? Now’s your chance!

New Michelin Star Restaurants

Michelin has long been classed as the gold standard when it comes to gastronomic art, and Vancouver restaurants stand among the best in the world. At a Michelin evening gala event last October, eight restaurants were awarded the coveted Michelin Star, framing them as places for exceptional culinary experiences. The list of restaurants include: 

  • AnnaLena (contemporary)
  • Barbara (contemporary)
  • Burdock & Co (contemporary)
  • iDen & QuanJuDe Beijing Duck House (Chinese)
  • Kissa Tanto (Japanese-Italian fusion)
  • Masayoshi (Japanese)
  • Published on Main (contemporary)
  • St. Lawrence (Quebecois)

Be sure to visit one of these restaurants, and discover just what fine dining is all about!

Dine at the Dark Table

If you’re looking for something completely different in your dining experience, why not try a dinner reservation at the Dark Table? At this restaurant you’ll dine in complete darkness. The concept being that if your sight is removed, your other senses will be much stronger. You’ll choose your menu items when you arrive and then a blind or visually impaired server will guide you into the dining room and ensure you’re comfortable. Following that, you’ll be treated to a multi-course meal in the dark. It doesn’t get much more unique than that. Not recommended for messy eaters.

Eat at the Very Top of Vancouver

Finally, we want to highlight a Vancouver staple that’s still considered to be a unique dining experience despite it being around since 1977. Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant sits 553 feet above the city and completes a full rotation every hour. Diners are treated to beautiful views of Vancouver while enjoying a delicious meal at what’s considered to be one of the best restaurants in Vancouver. 

No matter your gastronomic preferences, be sure to try something different this month and take advantage of Vancouver’s culinary delights. Whether visiting or being a tourist in your own town, be sure to book your stay with stayvancouverhotels.com and receive amazing promotional gifts including free tickets and numerous gift cards to choose from!

Vancouver Exhibitions, Markets, and More!

Vancouver is home to all sorts of attractions and delights, from world-class restaurants to internationally acclaimed concerts, to festivals, exhibitions, markets, and more—Vancouver is eternally a hotbed of activity for all to enjoy. Throughout the summer and, in particular, coming up in August, there’s lots to feast your appetite when it comes to outdoor events. Here’s our recommendations for some of the best things to do in August in Vancouver . . .

THE PACIFIC NATIONAL EXHIBITION (PNE)

Since 1910, the PNE has entertained millions of guests providing exhibits, shows, concerts, the annual summer fair, cultural experiences, and more. The PNE will arrive on August 20th this year and run through until September 5th. As always, the fair will take place at their location on Hastings, next to Playland so visitors can enjoy all the thrilling rides and take in the fair in one glorious location.

Hailed as the longest running and best attended annual ticketed event in BC, the PNE has hosted historic acts, including the Beatles, and continues to entertain every single year and this year is no exception. This year’s concert series includes The Barenaked Ladies, Blue Rodeo, Cake, and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Visit the PNE for some of the best entertainment in Vancouver—fun for the entire family.

GRANVILLE ISLAND MARKET

In operation since 1979, the Granville Island indoor market is home to around fifty merchants and is a massive draw for tourists and locals alike. The mix of vendors changes every week, offering a wide range of diverse selections when it comes to boutique shopping and tantalizing food offerings. The market is open seven days a week from 9am to 6pm and the indoor venue means it’s a great place to visit no matter the weather. The waterfront area outside the market has picnic tables and the surrounding area boasts art galleries and unique shopping experiences aplenty. 

DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET

Formerly known as the Yaletown Farmers Market, the Downtown Farmers Market takes place on Wednesday afternoons from 2pm-6pm in the plaza outside the Vancouver Art Gallery on Hornby Street and runs until October 5th. Here you’ll discover fresh fruits and vegetables, plus vendors selling art, toys, clothing, gifts, crafts, and more, all accompanied by live music. 

RICHMOND NIGHT MARKET

Modeled after Asian night markets, the Richmond Night Market is the largest of its kind in North America. The food vendors alone are enough to warrant a visit, but you’d better bring an appetite. Food is cooked fresh in front of you and the air is filled with delectable smells of crab meat noodles, brazilian pastries, sausage, ice cream, ramen, and more. There are over 70 food stalls and over 100 retails stalls, plus live music and entertainment at the main stage and carnival stalls for everyone to enjoy.

NORTH VANCOUVER SHIPYARDS

The shipyard district in North Vancouver’s Lower Lonsdale is a functioning shipyard, but also plays host to boutique shopping, specialty food, galleries, restaurants, antique stores, and more. Steeped in history and full of shopping excursion possibilities, The Shipyard truly captures the spirit of Vancouver’s North Shore.

With the markets providing so many shopping and dining options, there’s simply no shortage of possibilities when you visit Vancouver. When you do visit, make sure you book with stayvancouverhotels.com for all the best deals in the city! We offer amazing accommodations for your stay and provide exclusive offers including bike rentals, tickets to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, and gift certificates for Amazon, Starbucks, iTunes, and shopping. Learn more!

6 Ways to Get in the Christmas Spirit in Vancouver This December

The festive season is upon us! It’s time to grab those candy canes, string up the lights, and bring the tree indoors! Vancouver is a hotbed of activity when it comes to Christmas so there is lots to see and do.

Whether you’re looking to explore an artisan market or craft fair, take in the festive lights, or sample some delectable seasonal treats, there’s something for everyone in BC’s largest city. Whether you’re a local or visiting from out of town, there’s so much to explore. Here are six ways you can get into the Christmas spirit this December in Vancouver:

Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain

What’s better than visiting the North Pole? Heading there straight after work! Visit the magical winter wonderland at Grouse mountain for some festive fun. Hop on a scenic gondola ride, take photos in a sparkling tunnel or even visit the Big Guy himself! That’s right, Santa has set up a satellite workshop right here at Grouse Mountain. Book ahead to join him for breakfast between December 18-24. The Peak of Christmas event runs from November 25th to January 3rd 2022. Feel like staying a bit longer? Learn how you can get FREE Grouse Mountain Winter Snow Lift tickets with your stay here.

Christmas at FlyOver Canada

FlyOver Canada is a multi-dimensional movie experience at Canada Place where you can virtually fly over Canada from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific and all the way up into the Arctic. During Christmas, the attraction adopts a winter holiday theme that runs through the Christmas season. The Christmas version of the experience features elves and has guests following Santa on his travels across our great country.

This is a great event for a number of reasons. Not only is it a unique interactive experience, but it’s also indoors which means you don’t have to worry about the weather.

The Christmas-themed film runs from December 9th, 2021, until January 3rd, 2022. If you book a stay through Stay Vancouver Hotels, you can receive two free tickets to FlyOver Canada!

Christmas Lights at Granville Island

Granville Island is an amazing place to visit at any time throughout the year, but at Christmas, the entire place is lit up for the season. There’s no charge for admission and there’s a massive selection of unique and wonderful things to see and do. Take some time to explore, sample the artisan foods, and shop at the boutique shops for that perfect Christmas gift.

Gift Big Shop Small

More of an overall campaign than a specific event, Gift Big Shop Small is in partnership with the Vancouver BIAs and encourages consumers to shop at local businesses during the Christmas season. The campaign includes some fun tie-in initiatives and events including media features, and neighbourhood prize draws. Shop local this year and find the perfect gift for friends and family on your shopping list.

The Vancouver Christmas Market

It’s impossible to list things to do at Christmas in Vancouver and not list the Vancouver Christmas Market. This German-themed outdoor holiday market features dozens of artisan food vendors and craft stalls with unique products and gifts for all ages. Located at Jack Poole Plaza, the event also comes complete with live entertainment and a carousel ride. The market is open daily between November 13th and December 24th.

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

Everyone is welcome at the Capilano suspension bridge park and it is a sight to see!  Wander high above the forest floor at the Treetops Adventure or snap pictures in the mesmerizing “Arc de Lumina” light tunnel. Enjoy live festive tunes and even try your hand at the Snowy Owl Prowl scavenger hunt to win a Canadian Rockies trip. 

The event runs from November 20th until January 23, 2022. 

December is all about the run-up to Christmas and getting into the spirit of the season. Without a doubt, there’s something for all ages when it comes to Vancouver events. Stay Vancouver Hotels provides amazing offers where you can stay and receive gift certificates for Amazon, Starbucks, or iTunes, or get complimentary tickets to FlyOver Canada. Learn more here

Vancouver’s Just for Laughs Festival, JFL NorthWest 2019

We are so excited for this year’s JFL NorthWest, Vancouver’s Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, which returns to our city this month from February 14th – 23rd, 2019. Attendees can look forward to 10 days of stand-up, podcast, improv & hilarious sketch performances. In addition to the comedy-packed schedule, JFL NorthWest will also be hosting the 2nd edition of the Vancouver Just for Laughs Film Festival and 3-Day Block Party.

All of the venues will be easily accessible from any of our fantastic downtown hotels – so don’t delay and reserve your room at StayVancouverHotels.com before they sell out!

Continue reading “Vancouver’s Just for Laughs Festival, JFL NorthWest 2019”

Experience Vancouver’s Cherry Pink Spring

Spring has sprung, and Vancouver’s 40,000-plus cherry trees are now blossoming throughout the city – brightening up the streets, attractions and parks with the vibrant hues of more than 35 varieties of cherry trees. From exploring the city’s array of majestic gardens to checking out the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival, here are some of our favourite ways to enjoy the best of spring.

 

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival

The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival takes place from April 3 to 29. Attendees can soak up the beautiful blossoms, lively musical performances, colourful artist demonstrations, guided cherry walks and more. Highlights include the Sakura Night Gala, where Vancouver’s top restaurants come together for an evening of Asian-fusion flavours and Sakura-inspired cocktails; musical performances at the Cherry Jam Downtown Concert; and hands-on workshops on calligraphy, origami and other Japanese arts and crafts at the Sakura Days Japan Fair.

 

Image of the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival's Cherry Dam Concert
Photo courtesy of Matt Brennan

 

Bike and Walk the Blossoms

Locals and visitors can decide whether they want to picnic, walk or bike under a pink canopy using the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival Bloom Map. This interactive map allows viewers to find out what’s currently in bloom, where to spot their favourite blossom variety, and which of the 2,680-plus locations to choose from. For those who want to join a group bike tour, check out the Bike the Blossoms event – a free, cherry blossom bike ride taking place on April 28.

 

Image of Cherry Blossoms in Vancouver
Photo courtesy of Ms Ana Douglas

Explore Vancouver’s Gardens

Considered one of the top Japanese gardens outside of Japan, Nitobe Memorial Garden boasts cherry trees, streams, a reflecting pond and rare authentic tea garden with a ceremonial teahouse. VanDusen Botanical Garden’s tree-lined paths, vibrant flower gardens, peaceful lakes and colourful birdlife are worth a visit alone, and in spring months visitors can view a variety of cherry trees, flowering bulbs, early rhododendrons and more. Next, make your way to Vancouver’s historic Chinatown neighbourhood for Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese GardenBuilt by 52 master craftsmen from Suzhou China, this is the first garden of its kind outside of China, and features delicate blossoms intertwined in a landscape of weathered rocks, peaceful paths and a jade-green pond.

Ready to plan your trip to Vancouver? Check-in to one of our 36 downtown Vancouver hotels, and take advantage of the unique hotel offers only available here.

 

Image of Nitobe Memorial Garden bridge and pond surrounded by cherry blossoms
Photo courtesy of Ruth Hartnup | Flickr