Welcome to Vancouver. With its magnificent oceanfront setting and stunning mountain backdrop, this exciting city is nothing short of spectacular. A place where you can swim at the beach and explore one of three local mountains in the same day, where the cuisine is world-class and the nightlife dynamic – vibrant Vancouver is brimming with amazing experiences for every kind of traveller.
Spring in Vancouver is a sight to behold. With the milder weather, the city turns a lush green and the trees explode into colour. Watch the vivid cherry blossoms bloom throughout the city’s streets and parks, enjoy watersports along the waterfront and shop the local markets for some seasonal specialities.
Summertime in Vancouver brings warm sunshine, cool ocean breezes and a wide array of outdoor activities and cultural festivals. Soak up the sun on one of the city’s glorious sandy beaches, go on an exhilarating water adventure, stroll or bike along the Stanley Park seawall or head to Grouse Mountain to explore the stunning natural surroundings and seasonal activities.
In the fall, Vancouver’s temperate climate lends itself to relaxed walks amidst the lustrous fall foliage and to exploration of some of Vancouver’s top galleries and museums.
It’s no surprise that Vancouver is consistently voted one of the world’s most liveable cities. Few places allow you to explore in the morning, shop after lunch, ski or board the local peaks at dusk, then come back down again to dine and dance the night away in one of the city’s hippest nightlife districts.
Vancouver is a haven for any foodie. Home to a thriving restaurant scene, award-winning breweries and cosy independent coffee shops, a wealth of tantalising options await, whatever your budget or tastes.
Vancouver’s acclaimed chefs use the region’s best seasonal ingredients and combine them with traditional techniques and multicultural influences to create a delicious West Coast fusion cuisine. Pair it all with internationally acclaimed wines from British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley and local craft beers to get a unique taste of the city.
Hop over the water to Granville Island for a fabulous foodie tour, where an experienced guide will usher you through the maze of food stalls at the bustling market with plenty of tasting stops along the way.
Vancouver has also recently been named as the Craft Beer Capital of Canada, so be sure to sample some of the local brews.
Thanks to its stunning location, the city manages to effortlessly combine the buzz of a chic urban centre with the rejuvenating spirit of the great outdoors.
For a peaceful retreat from city life, head to the least crowded of Vancouver's beaches, Spanish Banks. Named to commemorate its discovery by Spanish explorers in 1792, the beach is located right by the University of British Columbia and is the perfect place for skimboarding once you learn the optimal tidal conditions.
Lush Stanley Park is the city’s beloved emerald heart with nearly 1,000 acres of evergreen forests, cricket pitches, rose gardens, totem poles and beaches. Stanley Park’s seawall (8.8km / 5.5 miles) makes for an excellent walk or cycle route, providing some of the city’s best sea-to-sky mountain views.
For an altogether wilder experience, make the short hop over to Vancouver Island where an abundance of wildlife awaits. At sea, there’s several species of Cetaceans that inhabit the coastal waters with Pacific Gray, Minke, Humpback and Killer Whales all passing through along with porpoises and Pacific White-sided dolphins. Back on dry land, in the mountainous rainforests, Black Bears meander gracefully through the undergrowth in search of berries and (in Autumn) Salmon. Ask your Travel Counsellor about responsible wildlife spotting tours that can take you out to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
To book your Vancouver adventure, call me today.
There are so many great reasons to experience certain destinations in the shoulder seasons – that sweet spot between a region’s peak season and off-season. Think fewer crowds and queues for major attractions, better-value flights and other travel, and a more authentic experience of the destination. We’ve put our heads together to share a few of our favourite places that can be just as good or even better outside of high season.
Discover a slice of paradise that’s perfect for everyone at Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort. Nestled on Portugal's serene Algarve coast, this resort offers the ultimate combination of luxury and entertainment, ensuring both kids and adults have an unforgettable stay. With spacious accommodation overlooking picturesque scenes and separate zones catering to privacy, relaxation, and family fun, Anantara Vilamoura is the epitome of a luxury haven.
Explore the USA with Aer Lingus with seasonal flights from Dublin. Experience the hustle and bustle of New York, the sandy beaches of Miami, or the art and culture of San Francisco. Whether you are looking for a fun-filled family holiday or a romantic getaway, the USA has something for everyone.
