5 Reasons to Visit Vancouver This Year (And Why You May Never Want to Leave)
The following is a guest post by Expedia Canada.
Vancouver is one of the best cities in North America, and proudly so. Here at Expedia Canada, we have a soft spot for the glittering city by the shore, which is why we’ve partnered with Inside Vancouver to present you the top five reasons to visit Vancouver this year (and why you’ll never want to leave).
1. Chic Shopping
Stand on Robson Street for a few minutes, and you’ll understand why Vancouver is regarded as one of the most stylish cities in the country. Leather boots, designer purses, pea coats, slacks, nice watches—it’s all here. Treat yourself to a shopping spree and shift in and out of the various boutiques. West 4th Avenue is also worth a visit. The street is full of fashionable stores, outdoorsy supply shops, and home goods centres. There are also quite a few yoga studios, if you want to feel extra good before looking extra chic.
2. Bold Art
Whether you want to gaze upon art inside of a gallery or out in the crisp air, you can see it all in Vancouver. Check out Gallery Row in South Granville, an area full of artist studios and open galleries. In fact, there are 17 art galleries and antique dealers open for business. Featuring one-of-a-kind pieces, you can take home a souvenir you can’t find anywhere else. For public art, make a stop in Stanley Park and keep an eye out for the totem poles. There are nine sculptures, which celebrate the First Nations people of British Columbia.
3. Stomach-Dropping Adventure
While Vancouver has the reputation of being chic, it’s fine to get a little dirty during your visit. There are a number of outdoor adventures perfect for anyone who lives in their hiking boots. Make your way to Lions Binkert Hike, a 16 km trail with a 1,280 m elevation gain. It’s no easy stroll in the park, but that’s a good thing. The Capilano Suspension Bridge is also worth a visit. The 1889 bridge stretches 137 m across and 70 m above the Capilano River. You might want to hold your breath as you look over the rails to the rushing waters below.
4. Overflowing Markets
Life is better with a bag of hazelnuts in one hand and a box of sweets in the other. Granville Island Market is one of the best-known markets on the West Coast. With over 50 permanent booths and about 100 day vendors, you can find a wide array of fruits, nuts, sweets, and meats. Prefer to do some night shopping after your day in the city? Head south to the Richmond Night Market. It’s the largest night market in North America, and is known for its sizzling street cart kabobs.
5. Award-Winning Food
Vancouver foodies have started to make quite a lot of noise in recent years. For exceptional fare, try out hot spots like Blue Water Café and Coast Restaurant. Blue Water Café is one of the top seafood restaurants in the city, and spotlights raw food and overlooked fish, as well as expertly crafted shell fish. Coast is another favourite hangout. The cocktails are always on-point and pair well with their fresh oysters, crab, and lobster.
With excellent eats, treats, and attractions, Vancouver’s appeal is undeniable. Come for a visit, and prepare to fall in love with your new favourite city.
Jennifer Cuellar
Expedia Canada Staff Writer
Article source: http://www.insidevancouver.ca/2015/07/27/5-reasons-to-visit-vancouver-this-year-and-why-you-may-never-want-to-leave/
