If you’ve decided to avoid all the highway traffic and long lineups at the border and opted to stay city in the city this long weekend (or you’re visiting Vancouver for the first time), we have you covered with a few must-do activities to relax, unwind and enjoy the beautiful sights and tastes of the city.
The Best Brunch
The ultimate rite of passage for all true Vancouverites is finding the perfect brunch spot for that perfectly priced avo toast. This city has a ton of options but our number one pick goes to Chambar - they offer some exceptionally unique dishes that are inspired by Belgian cuisine. With a relaxed atmosphere and chic decor, it’s the perfect spot to start your day and tip back a mimosa or two while you’re at it. Pro tip – try the paella and the fricassee with braised short ribs, fried eggs, potatoes, and apple smoked cheddar - you won’t regret it.
Location : 568 Beatty St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2L3
Website: https://www.chambar.com/
Killer Day Hike
Vancouver is as famous for its hiking as it is for it’s beaches. There’s a hike for every fitness and experience level within a short drive of the city, and we are going to give you three outstanding treks to choose from.
Quarry Rock
Off the shores of Deep Cove in North Vancouver sits a beautiful view point known as Quarry Rock. A hiking trail which is also part of the easternmost section of the Baden Powell Trail leads to this point offering scenic views of Indian Arm and the mountains around Belcarra.
Difficulty: Beginner
Duration: 1.5 hours
Stawamus Chief
The Chief, as it’s known, towers high above the town of Squamish and is a popular hiking destination that offers scenic views of Howe Sound and several mountains in Garibaldi Provincial Park. This hike is the quintessential Vancouver activity. Get your Instagram stories ready.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Duration: 6 hours
Crown Mountain
The hike to Crown Mountain behind Grouse Mountain is difficult, so come prepared with plenty of snacks. If you get a clear day, you will be able to see the most stunning view Vancouver has to offer. Views of the Pacific Ocean, North Shore mountains, and the city itself await you at the summit. The peak resembles a crown and towers above several of the other nearby mountains. What makes this trail so difficult is you have to hike down a very steep traverse into Crown Pass before hiking back up the steep side of Crown Mountain, then return along the same route. It’s a double whammy on nature’s Stairmaster. Make sure you bring proper hiking gear as this time of year there can be quite a lot of snow!
Difficulty: Difficult
Duration: 7 hours
Top Secret Cocktails
Hidden behind an old accounting firm called “Zottenberg & Sons Accounting”, Key Party has recently opened up a lounge with heavy 1970’s vibes, right by The Rumpus Room. Explore an array of unique cocktails from the Spiced Sunrise to the French Tickler. We will let you explore the rest - after all, we do want to keep it a secret.
Location: 2303 Main St
Website: http://www.keyparty.ca/
The Ultimate Coffee Experience
If there’s one thing Vancouver does well, it’s coffee. Located in the historic neighborhood of Gastown lies a quaint coffee shop called Nelson the Seagull. They offer a little bit of everything, and even have a bakery in the back - their fresh bread is must-have. Our pick for food is the poached eggs with smoked salmon finished with a freshly pulled espresso, beans ground right in front of you. Sit back, enjoy, and let the afternoon pass by.
Location: 315 Carrall St
Website: http://www.nelsontheseagull.com/
All hiking information has come from https://www.vancouvertrails.com/.