The young and hip are often the first to discover new vacation hotspots. If you’re a hot 20- or 30-something and are tired of the same old, same old, it’s time to find a vacation destination worthy of your attention. The good news is that your search is over. We’ve found the perfect spot and it may be right in your backyard: Vancouver!
Before you scoff at the idea of a city in Canada becoming the next “It” destination, you should know that the city is full of cool things to do and see. Vancouver is more than worthy of your attention! Here’s why the Northwest is awesome:
1. Whistler in the winter
The Whistler Blackcomb Resort is a ridiculous way to spend a week! Everywhere you turn there’s something new to do. Here are some of the things you can do in the region:
- Snowmobiling
- Tubing
- Snowshoeing
- Ziptreking
- Heli-Skiing and boarding
- Sleigh Riding
- Snowcat Tours
- Spa Treatments
- Cross Country Skiing
It’s hard to believe after reading this list that it doesn’t include everything there is to do in Whistler! Even more amazing is that there is just as much to do when the weather turns warm!
2. The Vancouver Wine Scene
Unlike Napa Valley, you’ll have some breathing room touring the wine country of Vancouver. Because it’s lesser known it’s also less crowded! If you’d like an intimate tour of wine country, you’ll find it here in Canada. From tastings to pairings and samples, the small wineries of the region will welcome you like family and treat you like a king. If you’re traveling with a group, rent a party bus to tour the region. If you’re traveling with your partner, drive yourselves and follow the colored road signs of the wine routes.
3. Kitsilano
If you’ve not heard of Kitsilano, don’t worry, you aren’t alone! The area was incredibly well-known among the hippie culture of the 1960s. Today, Kitsilano is filled with funky book stores, ethnic restaurants and book stores. If you are looking for a chilled way to spend an afternoon and evening, this is the place you’ll find it. Any smart tourist knows that the best way to get to know a city is to spend some time rubbing elbows with the locals. Spend some time in Kitsilano, make some friends and find out where the locals hang.
4. Granville Island Market
Foodies from around the globe flock to the popular Granville Island Market. The public market is filled to bursting with colorful stalls offering locally caught fish, cheese and dairy items, fresh fruits and vegetables, spices, breads and even tokens and trinkets. Almost all of the local chefs will shop at the Granville Island Market for their daily ingredients so stop by and see where your food comes from. You’ll be impressed with the quality and knowledge of the vendors selling their goods.
5. Stanley Park
Stanley Park is the most popular park in the city. The park is perfect for those that love the outdoors, and even those that don’t. The park is full of bike trails, hiking trails and smooth places perfect for roller blades and skateboards. The park is full of people every day of the week. If you don’t feel like exercising on your vacation, walk through the park instead, soaking up the artistic atmosphere and laid-back vibe.
The Northwest is a great place to head if you’re looking to discover the next hottest vacation destination. No matter what type of vacation you’re looking for, laid-back or adventurous, you’ll find it in Vancouver.
Lee Parker is a journalist and blogs for whistlerhotels.org a site where you can find Whistler BC hotels. They even have a Whistler accommodations map. She enjoys finding new unique travel destinations!