Adrian & Zoë
Things To Do
A List of Restaurants We Love!
Vancouver has some really great food so we've put together a list (& map) of some of our favourites to help you on your way. https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=17CAUiTQF01wn9a-gjG3eixJZRwml7dDe&usp=sharing Check out Trip Advisor as well for most recommendations!
Cycle (or walk) the Stanley Park Seawall
Vancouver's Stanley Park is surrounding by a 10km seawall that offers incredible views of the North Shore Mountains and Howe Sound inlet. If you're interested in exploring the park, you can do so on bike or on foot! (Spokes Bicycle Rentals, on W Georgia Street, offers great bike rentals and will set you off at the start of the Seawall in Coal Harbour).
Catch a Hockey Game at Rogers Arena!
Canada's National Hockey League (NHL) season runs from October to June so it's a perfect time to catch a game while you're in town! Check out the Canuck's website for game schedules and tickets.
Vancouver Christmas Market
At the Vancouver Christmas Market, holiday cheer is around every corner. Enjoy gourmet food, authentic German drinks, and festive sweets that keep your heart warm and belly full. The Market has something for everyone – from family Carousel rides to treasured moments amongst friends; our holiday festivities are yours to enjoy. In 2022 the attraction is open between November 12th and December 24th.
Granville Island Public Market
The charm of Granville Island lies in its unexpected mix of uses. The famous Public Market, open daily from 9 am to 7 pm, is home to more than 50 independent food purveyors and contributes to the Island’s appeal as a renowned culinary destination. A fun way to get to Granville Island is by taking the Aqua Bus, otherwise there is ample public transit or parking on site!
FlyOver Canada
FlyOver Canada is a must for those who haven't been here before! Not to give too much away... FlyOver Canada is a virtual ride across the country located at Canada Place, Downtown. Great idea for a rainy day and friendly for all ages and mobility levels.
Science World
You know that iconic geodesic dome on Vancouver’s skyline? Yeah, that’s Science World! Science World features interactive, hands-on exhibits and galleries that nurture the process of discovery and inspire connection with our natural, physical and built environments. If you’re coming with the kids, Science World is a must do on a rainy day!
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Appreciate beatiful BC's nature from three breathtaking perspectives - Capilano Suspension Bridge, Treetops Adventure and the exciting new Cliffwalk. Check out their Canyon Lights Christmas display that starts November 19. A free shuttle is available from Canada Place (check out their website for more details)
Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain is one of the North Shore Mountains and is about a 30-minute drive from Downtown Vancouver. You can't drive to the top of Grouse Mountain, but there is a gondola that will get you to the top. In November, the local mountains may not have enough snow for skiing yet, but there is plenty to do regardless! Check out the website link to see what’s on!
Visit Whistler
Whistler is under a 2 hour drive away from Vancouver and has endless activites to offer. Whether you're interested in going for the day, or a night or two, Whistler is not one to miss. For those without a car, there are two bus companies that leave from Downtown Vancouver that can get your there: Whistler Rides and Epic Rides. Interested in skiing? The Whistler-Blackcomb Mountain generally opens around US Thanksgiving (November 24, 2022). We recommend checking in closer to, to see when the ski hill is scheduled to open!
Sea to Sky Gondola
The Sea to Sky Gondola is about an hours drive outside of Vancouver (near Squamish) along the famous Sea to Sky highway. The 10-minute ride to the top takes you 885m above sea level where sweeping views of the Howe Sound and coastal mountains will welcome you from every direction. At the top, you’ll find three main viewing platforms: the southwestern-facing 5,000 square foot Summit Lodge Viewing Deck, the Chief Overlook Viewing Platform that jets out to overlook climbers on the backside of The Chief and the windsurfing and kiteboarding action at The Spit, and The Spirit Viewing Platform which includes interpretive information on the surrounding landscape and its significance to the Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) First Nations people.
Visit Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island, off Canada’s Pacific Coast, is known for its mild climate and thriving arts community. There are plenty of places to explore on the island (especially if you have a car!). On its southern tip is Victoria, British Columbia’s capital, and its boat-lined Inner Harbour, neo-baroque Parliament Buildings, grand Fairmont Empress Hotel and English-style gardens. If you’re interested in visiting Victoria (or other parts of the Island), BC Ferries will get you there. Please note, this isn’t a day trip recommendation, the trip by car and ferry, or bus and ferry, takes approximately 4 hours each way from downtown Vancouver. Alternatively, the trip is a 35 minute flight on one of the Seaplanes!
Prince of Whales - Whale Watching Adventures
Many varieties of whales pass through the waters of Vancouver's west coast including humpbacks, orcas, grey whales and minke whales. Each pass through the seas at slightly different times of the year but overall whale watching season is considered to run from March to October. That said, humpback whales are most common from April to November in the Strait of Georgia. If you’re interested in whale watching while you’re here, we suggest reaching out to “Prince of Whales” closer to November to see how the 2022 season has been. They have tours leaving from Vancouver & Victoria.
Vancouver Art Gallery
The Vancouver Art Gallery is recognized as one of North America’s most respected and innovative visual arts institutions. The Gallery’s innovative ground-breaking exhibitions, extensive public programs and emphasis on advancing scholarship all focus on the historical and contemporary art of British Columbia and international centres, with special attention to the accomplishments of First Nations artists and the art of the Asia Pacific region—through the Institute of Asian Art founded in 2014. Check out what the current exhibitions are here: https://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/exhibitions-and-events
VanDusen Botanical Garden
VanDusen Botanical Garden is a botanical garden situated right here in the City. It is located at the northwest corner of 37th Avenue and Oak Street. In the winter months, they host the "Festival of Lights" to get you into the Christmas spirit! More information here: https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/festival-of-lights.aspx
Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tours
Step aboard one of the old-fashioned horse-drawn vehicles and meander in comfort through the natural beauty of Stanley Park, Vancouver’s thousand acre wonderland. A professional guide fully narrates the tour which highlights Deadman's Island, Vancouver's Harbour, Lions Gate Bridge, a Coastal Red Cedar Forest, and includes stops at the Totem Poles, the Girl in a Wet Suit Statue, the S.S. Empress of Japan Figurehead, and the Rose Garden. This one is only for those arriving into Vancouver early as it finishes up for the season on November 13th.
Vancouver Art Gallery
Located at Georgia and Howe and backing onto Robson Square, the Vancouver Art Gallery is a beautiful building. On Tuesdays, admission is by donation!
Local Hike: Pacific Spirit Park
Is it a rainy November day in Vancouver? Are you looking for a local forest walk? Pacific Spirit Park is a great way to stretch your legs and not get totally soaked! Located on the west side of the city of Vancouver and offers a network of trails contained in more than 750 hectares of forest. The trails in the park are popular with local residents and accessible year-round. There are multiple ways to access these trails, so read for more information on access to these trail heads! For more information on the trail click below: https://www.vancouvertrails.com/trails/pacific-spirit-regional-park/
Local Hike: Dog Mountain Trail on Mount Seymour
The Dog Mountain Trail is a short hike from Mount Seymour in North Vancouver that offers a spectacular view of Vancouver on a clear day. While the trail has minimal elevation gain and is only about 5km return. Check Mount Seymour conditions before going, the trail will be snow covered in November but still accessible for hiking with boots or snowshoes! For more information on the trail click below: https://www.vancouvertrails.com/trails/dog-mountain/
Local Hike: Lynn Canyon Loop
Lynn Canyon loop is a trail in North Vancouver, generally considered an easy route. There are three major attractions along this trail including the suspension bridge, twin falls, and the 30 foot pool. This trail is open year-round and beautiful to visit anytime! For more information on the trail click below: https://www.vancouvertrails.com/trails/lynn-loop/
Local Hike: Burnaby Mountain
Located east of downtown Vancouver and home of Simon Fraser University, Burnaby Mountain has several trails that are popular with hikers and mountain bikers. The majority of the trails are on the east side of the mountain, just off of North Road near the Coquitlam boundary and they have different ratings according to their difficulty. This is a year round hiking trail, so check weather conditions before heading out! For more information on the trail click below: https://www.vancouvertrails.com/trails/burnaby-mountain/