By late May, the snow has usually melted, making it the perfect time to start experiencing the alpine trails again. The temperature is usually colder up there than in the city, so bring an extra layer to stay warm! Take the gondola or hike your way up via the Grouse Grind (you will not need to work out for a week after, we promise). There are many levels of hikes to choose from at the top and you can reward yourself afterwards with a meal at the cafe or restaurant!
Experience more of Stanley Park by biking the iconic Seawall. Start at Coal Harbour as there are many rental options and the Seawall has one-way biking traffic. We also love walking inside of the park, particularly past the Rose Garden, Lost Lake, Beaver Lake, and Prospect Point. You'll also walk past the Vancouver Aquarium, which is the perfect way to learn more about all of the incredible wildlife that surrounds us out West. They play an important role in rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife on the coast too. The harbour seals, sea lions, and sea otters are guaranteed to make your day.
Try taking the water taxi from Science World to Granville Island for an afternoon of shopping and great food. Try a famous Lee's Donut and browse the marketplace. Granville Island is also a perfect spot to book a whale watching tour - try Wild Whales Vancouver or Prince of Whales.
These neighbourhoods are for the craft beer lovers. Try Tap & Barrel, Craft Beer Market, Electric Bicycle Brewing, or 33 Acres Brewing Company.
The city of West Vancouver is filled with fun hikes and coastal lookouts. Try hiking Lighthouse Park or Whyte Lake Trail, stop for a coffee in Horseshoe Bay, or try and spot a seal at low tide at Whytecliff Park!
The drive from Vancouver to Whistler via the Sea to Sky Highway is so beautiful. A few places to stop on the way: Britannia Mine Museum, Murrin Park, Shannon Falls Provincial Park, Sea to Sky Gondola, Mamquam Falls, Whistler Village, Blackcomb Mountain. In May, it's likely you will still be able to ski too.
Head over to Vancouver Island to experience the peacefulness and rugged beauty of Tofino and Ucluelet. You'll need to take the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo via BC Ferries (highly recommended to book ahead) and then drive approximately 3 hours. Book a whale watching or bear watching tour to experience the Pacific Ocean closer, eat lunch at the famous Tacofino food truck, and stroll along the plethora of beaches. Tofino can be cool and windy - so bring extra layers. If you're lucky, you may even get to experience storm watching!
A park that has a bit of everything- PNW beaches, old growth rainforests, and mountain hikes! Check out Rialto Beach, Sol Duc Falls, Hurricane Hill Trail (where we got engaged!), and the Hoh Rainforest. Some of the trees here are over 1000 years old!
We love Seattle for a weekend getaway. Check out all that Pike Place Market has to offer, see the original Starbucks, then walk along Alaskan Way to see The Great Wheel, aquarium, gift shops, and restaurants. If you come on a clear day, try the Space Needle! If you appreciate history, Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour is a must - but make sure to book in advance.