With travel restrictions lifting across the country, it’s only natural for wanderlust to start kicking in again. Though you may not be able to travel right now, no one’s stopping you from planning your next big trip when life gets back to normal. Many Canadians are itching to explore their own backyard this summer as an alternative to international travel — according to a poll conducted by Leger Marketing on behalf of Toyota Canada, 65 per cent of Canadians now have a greater appreciation for travel within Canada.
Vancouver, British Columbia: a stunning coastal city to discover
Vancouver is a tempting destination with endless outdoor activities, fresh Pacific Ocean air and an exciting city vibe. Slice’s travel expert Laura Reid knows the city inside out, so she’s sharing a weekend travel guide (filmed pre-COVID), breaking down everything from where to stay and what to do.
Even though Canada’s vaccine rollout is well on its way, it’s important to know that, even if you’re vaccinated, you can still carry the virus, not to mention we’re still dealing with the threat of new variants. Also, there are many places where region-hopping isn’t a welcome idea — and with good reason — as countries around the world grapple with getting their numbers down. For that reason, it’s best to keep your wanderlust in the planning stages for now.
Related: 20 best Canadian national parks to explore this summer.
Where to stay in Vancouver
In the travel guide, Laura stayed at the Douglas Hotel in the downtown area, where she enjoyed the location because of its proximity to restaurants, shopping and other attractions. The luxurious hotel is inspired by Vancouver’s intricate balance between nature and city, featuring a one-of-a-kind sixth floor park for a memorable experience right in the heart of the hotel. If you’re looking for something a bit more laid-back, there’s a variety of hotels, hostels and Airbnb’s in the downtown area that will have you steps away from attractions like Canada Place, Gastown and Stanley Park.
Related: Watch Laura Reid’s Koh Phi Phi travel guide.
Things to do in Vancouver
After settling into her hotel, Laura set off for the Vancouver Seawall, a wall that runs alongside Stanley Park which boasts the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path. The pathway is perfect for a stroll or bike ride with breathtaking views of the coastline. Laura also recommends checking out English Bay where you can see Vancouver’s most famous landmarks, play beach volleyball and even rent a kayak. Plus, the evening brings an incredible sunset view that people flock to the beach to see. Pre-COVID, Laura went to a Yuk Yuks show and took her chances at the Douglas Hotel’s casino.
Places to eat
Laura chose to skip the English Bay Cactus Club — one of the more popular restaurants in the city that usually has a long wait. Instead, she opted for an affordable spot called The Three Brits for lunch and drinks just across the street. For an Instagram-able brunch, head over to Honey Salt and try Laura’s favourites, the cinnamon bun tower and avocado toast.
Related: Watch Laura Reid’s Tokyo travel guide.
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