Earlier this December, we went we West toward the slightly warmer weather for some fun in the…rain to the ever-beautiful Vancouver, BC.
When it comes to natural, breathtaking Canadian beauty, Vancouver’s got it covered, and it’s hard to imagine a more perfect place for a getaway with the girls.
How to Get There
Vancouver is not as accessible as most US cities, but you can take the train, or fly directly into YVR – the international airport that is right outside of the city.
Vancouver public transport is efficient, though, and you can catch a Skytrain from the airport directly to the downtown core (and many other places surrounding the city).
If you’re arriving by car, it’s fairly easy to understand how to get around, though parking is notoriously pricey so if you can skip it, that’s preferred.
Where to Stay
There’s no shortage of great neighborhoods in Vancouver, so no matter where in the city you end up you will have a lot of fun.
From the eclectic vibe of Commercial drive to the upscale west coast feel of Kitsilano, you can either stay in one of these interesting neighborhoods or right in the city center.
We chose the latter, opting for the beautiful Loden Hotel – an award-winning boutique luxury hotel in an awesomely central area that is surprisingly quiet and refined.
We could not have been happier with our accommodations at The Loden. Not only was the entire hotel absolutely gorgeous, with a hip, young elegance that stole away from the stiff feel of most luxury hotels, but the staff was unbeatable.
It’s true what they say: Canadians are exceedingly polite, and the staff at The Loden were certainly no exception – from the concierge to the reception staff, we couldn’t have asked for a better experience.
The rooms at The Loden are to die for – furnished and decorated tastefully yet with a fun flavor, complete with a uniquely open-concept spin with a sliding wall between the bathroom and the rest of the room.
Not to mention the awesome Molton Brown toiletries!
The amenities of the hotel made for a perfect girl’s weekend away. Complete with a car service (though almost everything you’d ever need is within walking distance), you never have to worry about how you’ll get to and from dinner, dancing, or a night out.
What to Wear
What you should wear when visiting Vancouver will largely depend on the month you are visiting. Since we did our getaway in the winter, that meant rain.
Be sure to dress warm with layers in case a sudden change of weather, however.
In the summer, the temperatures can soar – or not. Sometimes, summer feels more like late spring and sometimes it blisters.
Vancouver is the layering type of city.
What to Eat
Because Vancouver is a melting pot of ethnicities and cultures, there’s a ton to eat.
For brunch, we’d highly suggest Tableau Bar Bistro, which is the restaurant in The Loden. A French Bistro with brunch items on their lunch menu, it’s well worth the visit on Saturday and Sunday.
If you are in the mood to try something new for lunch or dinner, Shabusen has some of the best Korean BBQ in the downtown core, with an amazing all-you-can-eat dinner menu.
If you’re looking for more of a laid back pub-style vibe, that will also provide a great local flavor, Steamworks is a Vancouver favorite.
What to Do
Vancouver is full to the brim of things to do, and we wouldn’t be able to do it justice here. What you get up to in Vancouver highly depends on your interests.
If you are outdoorsy, you’ll love the majestic hikes and stunning parks (not to mention kayaking, paddle boarding, and dozens of other outdoor options) Vancouver has available.
If you are heading out on a girl’s weekend like we did, you’ll enjoy the spas and shopping that Vancouver has to offer. Check out the shopping on Robson street – or, if you prefer more of a boutique style experience as we do, you’ll love Kitsilano.
If you’re looking for art, museums, culture, or even just awesome people watching, Vancouver’s got you covered.
Enjoy this beautiful city. We sure did!
