In May 2019, Ben and I traveled to Vancouver, Canada. Over the past couple of years, it has become a Zugay family tradition to go on vacation after Ben’s school year ends; Ben submits his students’ grades — and we celebrate with a summer vacation!

A few years ago, we created a plan to alternate between traveling internationally and within the United States from one year to another. So, this year called for an international trip! We decided on Vancouver, Canada after watching a variety of travel videos on YouTube and seeing all of the awesome outdoor experiences Vancouver and the surrounding areas have to offer.

Travel Guide: Things to Do in Vancouver, Canada

We stayed at Pan Pacific Vancouver, because our favorite way to explore a new place is by walking. The hotel it is located near the water with beautiful views of the mountains, it is within walking distance of Gastown, and it is within walking distance of the Seawall.

The photo above was taken from our floor’s dining room, where we had breakfast each morning. As we ate breakfast each morning, we watched seaplanes land in the bay and ranked the pilots’ landings from 1-10.

On our first full day, we decided to walk along the Seawall. The weather was beautiful and sunny, and everything was so colorful and vivid. We walked by gardens, shops, coffee shops, and restaurants.

Ultimately, we decided on bicycle rentals so we could continue down the seawall and toward Stanley Park. The seawall continues all the way around Stanley Park, creating an approximately 6-mile path. Every mile or so, we parked to see the sights!

One day of our trip was rainy, so we decided to visit the Granville Island Public Market. The market has vendors upon vendors, so we had a few small lunches so we could try as many vendors as possible. We filled up on samples and bought a vegan jam we really loved.

The next day, we walked through Gastown. In addition to the Gastown Steam Clock, there is beautiful architecture, there are really fun shops, and there are a huge variety of coffee shops and restaurants.

Ben and I agreed, our favorite day of our trip to Vancouver was our day trip to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Capilano River Regional Park. The scenery was just so beautiful, and the air was so fresh. It was our most nature-filled day, and we loved every second.

Vancouver Vacation Details

• When We Visited: May 2019

• Where We Stayed: Pan Pacific Vancouver

• Places We Visited:

  • Capilano River Regional Park
  • Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
  • Gastown
  • Granville Island Public Market
  • Seawall
  • Stanley Park
  • Vancouver Chinatown