If you’re planning a trip to Victoria, you’ve probably seen Butchart Gardens on almost every list of things to do. But is Butchart Gardens really worth setting aside half a day for? After visiting on a beautiful summer day, my honest answer is absolutely yes. I arrived early, walked through the gardens for hours and…
Victoria is one of those cities that works surprisingly well for a short trip. The downtown core is compact, many of the main attractions are walkable, and in just two days you can experience the Inner Harbour, visit the Royal BC Museum, explore Fisherman’s Wharf, get out on the water and still make time for…
A Vancouver Island road trip itinerary should give you time to experience the island, not leave you exhausted from driving between too many places. I spent one week travelling from Nanaimo to Sproat Lake, Tofino and Victoria. Along the way, I walked among old-growth trees, kayaked beside beavers, explored Pacific Rim National Park, saw whales…
After spending two weeks in Kitsilano, I realized its appeal is not one major attraction. It is the combination of the beach, waterfront walks, local shops and relaxed residential atmosphere. The best things to do in Kitsilano let you slow down and experience Vancouver beyond Downtown. My top recommendation is simple: walk along the waterfront,…
Looking for the best things to do on Granville Island? Start with the Public Market, but leave enough time to explore the local shops, street performers and waterfront surrounding it. I visited Granville Island during my time in Vancouver and arrived by Aquabus, which made the journey part of the experience. For most first-time visitors,…
Vancouver boat tours offer a completely different perspective of the city. From the water, you can take in the skyline, Stanley Park and the North Shore Mountains without navigating traffic or crowded streets. My personal favourite was sailing from Mosquito Creek Marina into English Bay. It was peaceful, social and one of the highlights of…
The Sea to Sky Gondola promises some of the most spectacular views between Vancouver and Whistler but with admission costing more than $80, is the Sea to Sky Gondola worth it? After visiting during my Sea to Sky Highway road trip, my answer is yes, especially on a clear day. I paid $83 plus tax…
Deciding where to stay in Vancouver can shape your entire trip. I spent one week near Coal Harbour and another two weeks in Kitsilano, experiencing both Vancouver’s sightseeing hub and its quieter neighbourhood life. My quick answer: If you only have two or three days, stay in Coal Harbour or Downtown Vancouver. Both are central,…
If you only have time for one mountain experience near Vancouver, should you choose Grouse Mountain or the Sea to Sky Gondola? I visited both while following my Canada road trip itinerary from Quebec to Vancouver and while they may look similar on paper, they offer two completely different experiences. My quick verdict: Choose Grouse…
If you only have 3 days in Vancouver, I’d spend one day exploring the city’s waterfront, one day experiencing the mountains of North Vancouver, and one day discovering more of Vancouver’s neighborhoods and coastline. That gives you the mix that made Vancouver stand out to me: city, ocean and mountains all woven together. I spent…