Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia in 2 Weeks

Here are 10 things to do and see in Vancouver (in no particular order):

1 – Get some sun.  Walk, ride, or drive around Stanley Park.  On a beautiful summer day, everyone in Vancouver is outdoors, either at the park, the beach, or just walking around downtown.  If you are a nature lover, or a budding photographer, Stanley Park will surely fill your day with excitement.

2 – Fly in a seaplane.  I have always wanted to take a seaplane, since the first time I saw one take off.  It is so cool how effortlessly they take off and land on the water.  Unfortunately for me, I didn’t get to go on a seaplane this trip.  There is always next time!

3 – Go for a cruise.  During the summer, Vancouver has a very busy cruise port where two huge Alaska-bound cruise ships arrive and depart daily.  If you have never gone on a cruise, an Alaska cruise will surely be an epic adventure.  My first cruise was to Alaska when I was around 10 years old and I still have fond memories of the trip…

4 – Take a hike.  Grouse Mountain is famous for its 1.8 mile long Grouse Grind trail.  For me, an active 23-year-old, “grind” is a bit of an understatement.  The word I would use is the-steepest-longest-hardest-trail-of-your-life.  If you want to see how in-shape you are, see how long it takes you to reach the top of the mountain.  Try to ignore all the in-shape Canadians as they politely pass you by.  It took my family 2 hours and 15 minutes to make it to the top, while times under an hour are common for people who climb this mountain frequently.

5 – Walk along the tree tops.  Take a quick visit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and cross a 460 foot long, 230 foot high walking bridge to the other side.  After making it safely to the other side, walk along the tree tops from mini suspension bridges attached to huge Douglas Fir trees.  Another great place for photography and nature lovers (lots of places in Canada for people like that).

6 – Stop and smell the roses.  If you like rare, exotic, tropical plants and flowers, you will love the VanDusen Botanical Garden.  Whether you are coming or going to the Vancouver International Airport (YVR), a few hour stop here will certainly brighten your day.  The garden is spread out into different geographical regions and by species throughout the 55 acre property.  Remember to bring your camera and sunscreen.

7 – Curious about Native American Canadian culture?  Visit the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia and learn the difference between Haida and Musqueam totem polls.  Take a guided walking tour and learn how life was hundreds of years ago before the “white man” arrived.

8 – Check under the bridge.  Don’t worry, there are no monsters or hideous beasts down here, just the sprawling weekend market and shopping center of Granville Island (not a real island, by the way).  Want to do clothes shopping, grocery shopping, get lunch, and watch a street performer all on the same day?  Then this is the place for you!

9 – Hop on the SeaBus.  It’s actually just a ferry that takes passengers from Vancouver to North Vancouver in 10 minutes.  On the other side, the hustle and bustle of Londsdale Quay (an indoor and outdoor swap meet) is a great place to grab some fresh groceries, homemade cookies, dog treats, and a bite of lunch.  From here you have great views of Vancouver, Stanley Park, and Lions Gate Bridge.

10 – Walk the street.  Just down the street from where the cruise ships dock, you can find the historic Gastown district with nice restaurants, shopping, and tourist activities.  Don’t forget to visit “Gassy Jack” and take a picture of the Gastown Steam Clock which is still powered by steam and lets out a loud Woooooosh every hour.

As you can see, there is a lot to see and do in Vancouver.  If you have any questions, please leave a comment below.