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Vancouver, located on the Pacific coast, is known for its relaxed vibe, delicious restaurants, and incredible natural vistas. Whether you're in town for an outdoor concert or ready for awe-inspiring whale watching, there's plenty of things to keep you occupied in the interim.

Vancouver, located on the Pacific coast, is known for its relaxed vibe, delicious restaurants, and incredible natural vistas. A popular filming location, it’s surrounded by mountains and has thriving art, theatre, and music scenes. Whether you're in town for an outdoor concert or ready for awe-inspiring whale watching, there's plenty of things to keep you occupied in the interim. Grab a bike and tour the city or sit back on a rooftop patio and sip a locally brewed ale -- Vancouver is welcoming, exciting, and the perfect spot for a laid-back vacation.
<h2>1. VanDusen Botanical Gardens</h2>
Nestled in the Shaugnessey neighborhood of Vancouver, the botanical gardens feature plants from all over the world, with an extensive collection of native British Columbia (Northwest Coast) plants. Over 1,200 volunteers guide guests through the lush beds, explaining the history and features of the plants and trees. Native wildlife, including songbirds, ducks, fish, and butterflies, live in the gardens, adding to the natural appeal. With a Bloom Calendar and a cycle of planning based on the seasons, you can see something new every time you visit.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-5283 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/shutterstock_194649113-1.jpg" alt="visiting Vancouver " width="1000" height="667" />

<h2>2. Whale Watching Cruise to Victoria</h2>
Take advantage of the migration of Southern Resident killer whales along the waters of the Pacific with a three-hour whale watching cruise by boat. On this tour organized by Harbour Seaplanes, you'll experience exciting views as you traverse the Strait of Georgia by seaplane. In addition to the sleek orcas, you might catch a glimpse of seals, sea lions, and seabirds, and you can revel in the spectacular vistas of southern Vancouver Island.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-5284 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/shutterstock_632156183-1.jpg" alt="vancouver tourism" width="1000" height="667" />

<h2>3. Vancouver Sightseeing City Tour</h2>
A four-hour sightseeing tour of Vancouver is just enough to introduce you to the city’s unique neighborhoods and notable attractions. Landsea Adventures conducts this overview of Vancouver and is ideal for first-time visitors. Stops include Robson Street, Stanley Park, and Granville Island, with admission to Vancouver Lookout, included for its unbeatable city views. Learn about the history and culture of Vancouver from your guide, who takes you through each stop with detailed explanations. Wrap up with lunch or dinner in one of the city's top-ranked restaurants.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/545388322-1024x683.jpg" alt="sightseeing Vancouver" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">George Rose / Getty Images</span>
<h2>4. Vancouver Aquarium</h2>
One of the largest and most diverse aquariums on the west coast, the Vancouver Aquarium is the perfect way to finish a day of whale watching. With more than 50,000 inhabitants including dolphins, sharks, and sea otters, you're sure to see your favorite sea creature. The fun doesn't stop with the watery exhibits -- there is a range of shows with trained animals and some interactive exhibits, staffed by knowledgeable professional zookeepers, to help you learn about different wildlife and marine conservation. Children enjoy petting the sea stars, manna rays, and other animals in the interactive touch pools, and everyone loves the 4D movie that makes you feel as if you're under the sea. The most unique animals are African penguins, tree frogs, and even piranhas.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-5285 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/shutterstock_224861227-1.jpg" alt="Vancouver aquarium " width="1000" height="662" />

<h2>5. Parq Vancouver Hotel and Casino</h2>
Replacing the dated Edgewater Casino is a new, luxurious destination. The Parq Vancouver is a sprawling entertainment complex, featuring downtown's only casino and two five-star hotels. Full of amenities and entertainment options, the Parq is best known for its 30,000 square foot park with native trees, located six floors above street level. Inside the grounds, guests may play the night away, dance in one of the pulsing VIP nightclubs, or get their sweat on in the modern fitness studio and wellness spa.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-5286 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/shutterstock_1010100847-1-e1537223314333.jpg" alt="Parq Vancouver" width="1000" height="888" />

<h2>6. North Shore Tour Over Capilano Bridge</h2>
The Landsea Tour Company offers a breathtaking experience of Vancouver's natural beauty with their six-hour North Shore tour. Your trip includes hiking to the iconic Lions Gate bridge, where Vancouver Harbor, English Bay, and the Pacific Ocean present unique perspectives. You'll walk the Capilano Suspension Bridge, journeying through the temperate Pacific Northwest rainforest and enjoy the Treetops adventure walkway or the Cliff walk -- your choice. Once you've completed your hike, enjoy free admission to the Grouse Mountain Skyride.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/91936604-1024x683.jpg" alt="Vancouver capilano suspension brudge" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">George Rose / Getty Images</span>
<h2>7. The Liberty Distillery</h2>
For those 19 and over, a tour of the Liberty Distillery established in 2010 is a must-see. The skilled mixologists use hand-selected organic British Columbia grains, carefully fermented then triple-distilled in hand-crafted copper pots for purity. The distillery produces vodka, gin, and whiskey in small batches, flavoring each with infusions and distinction. The distillery is open seven days a week and features a small lounge with signature cocktails created from the fine spirits. Take a distillery tour, try a sample, and purchase a souvenir bottle of Liberty Distillery's best!

<img class="alignnone wp-image-5287 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/shutterstock_1026860485.jpg" alt="distilleries Vancouver" width="1000" height="627" />

<h2>8. The Orpheum Theatre</h2>
For the live theater buffs, a quiet evening at the Orpheum Theatre should be on your agenda. The historic stage is the home of internationally renowned Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. When the symphony is not playing, the Orpheum features regular performances by other musical acts or traveling plays from around the world.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/470645494-1024x683.jpg" alt="orpheum theatre" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">Phillip Chin / Getty Images</span>
<h2>9. Bill Reid Gallery</h2>
Experience the distinct character of British Columbia's native people at The Bill Reid Gallery. It's the only public exhibit hall in Canada dedicated to contemporary Indigenous Northwest Coast Art. Experience unique pieces and awe-inspiring creations. There's plenty to make the gallery unique each time you visit -- it hosts a calendar of special exhibitions and programs that build bridges between all peoples, including Indigenous and settler populations. Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, it's part of several walking tours.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-5288 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/shutterstock_133288463.jpg" alt="Bill Reid Vancouver" width="1000" height="669" />

<h2>10. Granville Island Public Market</h2>
A sprawling indoor market with vendors from all over the world, visitors to Granville Island's public market will find plenty to tempt their palates and wallets. Discover fresh seafood, vegetables, and fruits from local growers, artisan bakers, entertaining performers, and local artists.  Purchase a unique gift for a friend or discover an artsy piece you can't live without.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-5289 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/shutterstock_429455902.jpg" alt="Granville Island Public Market Vancouver" width="1000" height="656" />

Best Things To Do In Vancouver

The landscape near Kelowna combines mountains, chalky cliffs, crystal clear lakes, and vineyards in one silky smooth sip.

The towns that dot Lake Okanagan's shoreline are relatively new players in the wine space, but the industry has grown significantly in just two decades, and with it has come development, additional tourism, and a flourishing farm-to-table movement. Planning a short stay in this previously rural nook of British Columbia is probably the best idea you'll have in a while. The landscape near Kelowna combines mountains, chalky cliffs, crystal clear lakes, and vineyards in one silky smooth sip. It's a feast for the senses, and you'll want to return for seconds.
<h2>1. Okanagan Lake</h2>
Do as the locals do and make your way to Lake Okanagan. Once there, your day could go in many different directions. Perhaps you're in the mood to look for Ogopogo, BC's equivalent of the Loch Ness monster. Or maybe, you've come prepared with your waterproof sunblock, and you're ready to wake surf or flyboard with a jetpack. This is your day at the downtown marina, and you can do whatever you like on this 80-mile-long freshwater fjord.

<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-53748" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/08/shutterstock_526048534.jpg" alt="Colorful, turquoise, vivid lake for countless water sports and lake activities" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>2. Kettle Valley Railway - Myra Canyon</h2>
You can run out of superlatives in British Columbia—places of extraordinary beauty can begin to look commonplace because the entire province is so blessed in the looks department. Whether you zipline through Myra Canyon's Adventure Park or hike the defunct railway tracks, you will see a blue sky, green canopy, and tall human-engineered bridge converge in one pretty picture. It may just take your breath away.

[caption id="attachment_53749" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-53749" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/08/GettyImages-978674750.jpg" alt="Originally one of 19 wooden railway trestle bridges built in the early 1900s in Myra Canyon, Kelowna, BC, it is now a public park with biking and hiking trails." width="2121" height="1414" /> ronniechua / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. Vaseux Lake Provincial Park</h2>
Audubon Society Members and birding fans, listen up! You can't make a winter trip to Kelowna and Penticton without going to Vaseux Lake. Not only is the lake stunning, but it's also been a bird sanctuary for nearly a century. The lake hosts rare migrating Trumpeter Swans, those graceful but heavy waterfowls that need about 100 yards for take-off. You'll also find tundra swans, great blue herons, Lewis's woodpecker, and western screech owls, to name a few.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BC4fwfUtSJO/" alt="Canoeing on VASEUX LAKE between Ok Falls and Oliver BC" caption="the_field_guide" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/explorebcparks/" /]


<h2>4. Knox Mountain Park</h2>
You'll want to venture to the top of Knox Mountain Park for views with an exclamation point. There's a nice breeze at the observation deck, which is perfect if you've been working up a sweat for half an hour, but don't forget to carry your water bottle to stay hydrated. You can drive up if necessary, but the road is closed to vehicles on Sunday mornings. Amenities at the park include tennis and disc golf.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B3yAshIFIen/" alt="The summit of Knox Mountain" caption="atgfotography" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/tourismkelowna/" /]


<h2>5. Arcadia Virtual Reality Lounge</h2>
When the sun sets, and Kelowna's beautiful scenery is plunged into darkness, escape to a virtual world. Think of it as a taster for the Metaverse. Arcadia VR Lounge makes for mind-blowing fun for the young and young at heart. You can choose from over 100 games and play in a virtual space with the friends and family members you take along. An hour session should be enough to immerse you without being tiring.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzC2b9VBAPP/" alt="inside Arcadia Virtual Reality Lounge" caption="arcadiavrlounge" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/arcadiavrlounge/" /]


<h2>6. Big White Ski Resort</h2>
Big White Ski Resort lies southeast of Kelowna and is a must-do if you love skiing. Mixed skill levels are welcome, and the snow conditions and short line-ups are ideal, especially compared to Whistler during the holidays. You'll have the good powdery stuff to work with. There's also tubing and skating, but not much nightlife currently, and you should anticipate some fog.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cbi2G-lhqmv/" alt="woman snowboarding at big white ski resort" caption="andrewjaybw" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/skibigwhite/" /]


<h2>7. CedarCreek Estate Winery</h2>
Kelowna is to British Columbia, what Napa is to California. The climate and conditions are ideal for growing various grape varieties, and no trip to the region is complete without visiting some of the magnificent wineries. CedarCreek is just one example of a world-class estate—even if you don't drink, the venue has ambiance enough to warrant a visit.

[caption id="attachment_53750" align="alignnone" width="2190"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-53750" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/08/GettyImages-997283196.jpg" alt="Rows of grapes lead down to the waters of Okanagan Lake near Kelowna, with the Rocky Mountains, blue sky and white clouds in the background." width="2190" height="1369" /> John Fader / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8. Peachland</h2>
Between Peachland and Oliver, you're spoiled for choice regarding fresh produce. The orchards have an abundance of sweet and juicy stone fruit, including cherries. And wheelchair-friendly Hardy Falls is charming, to say the least, especially when the salmon swim upstream and you get to stroll over seven bridges en route to the mini waterfall.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CdBWai4rJyX/" alt="lake overlooking Peachland" caption="jamesajansen" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/jamesajansen/" /]


<h2>9. Farmers' and Crafters' Market</h2>
Downtown Kelowna is a place for gathering, merrymaking, and tummy filling. Sweet or savory, you'll find something that hits the spot. Be sure to catch the weekend Farmers' and Crafters' Market. It's often held on a Wednesday too, and you can purchase gifts that are cute as a button, as well as artisanal foods to elevate your snacking over the next few weeks or months. Pet an adorable chick, and stick around for the live music.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CeG26KGLMjL/" alt="strawberries for sale at the kelowna farmers market" caption="kelownafarmersmarket" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/kelownafarmersmarket/" /]


<h2>10. Waterfront City Park</h2>
City Park and Waterfront Park connect via a boardwalk, and together with downtown Kelowna a stone's throw away, you can while away a morning or afternoon. Sit down in a shaded spot with a book or earphones, or get your vitamin D. Lean into the casual lake lifestyle, and you'll be able to go home refreshed and ready to hit reset.

[caption id="attachment_53751" align="alignnone" width="2000"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-53751" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/08/GettyImages-690218518.jpg" alt="Promenade along the Okanagan Lake waterfront in Kelowna, BC" width="2000" height="1500" /> pr2is / Getty Images[/caption]

Kelowna is a Keeper: Here's How to Spend Time There

Victoria, British Columbia isn't just your typical Pacific Northwest city; it's one of Canada's most dynamic, beautiful, and diverse cities.

Victoria, British Columbia isn't just your typical Pacific Northwest city; it's one of Canada's most dynamic, beautiful, and diverse cities. It does have world-class artisan coffee, a healthy modern art culture, and a booming international food scene, yes. However, you'll also enjoy incredible urban forests, a breathtaking waterfront view, gorgeous architecture, and several monuments to First Nations people. Victoria's unique blend of local charm, amazing natural views, and multicultural influences make it one of Canada's best travel destinations.
<h2>1. Stroll Down Fan Tan Alley if there's enough room</h2>
Fan Tan Alley bears the distinction of being Canada's narrowest street. It's packed full of colorful, distinct vendors and offers a pathway right into Victoria's Chinatown district. Chinatown should be on your list, as it's full of charming, family-owned shops and amazing food, courtesy of restaurants like the Forum Chinese Seafood Restaurant.

[caption id="attachment_31930" align="alignnone" width="3840"]<img class="size-full wp-image-31930" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/tj-holowaychuk-6sUxro_qpNE-unsplash-1.jpg" alt="A sign advertising 'Heart's Content' can be seen down Fan Tan Alley" width="3840" height="2565" /> Photo by Tj Holowaychuk on Unsplash[/caption]


<h2>2. Floating Homes and Fishing Boats and Fisherman's Wharf</h2>
Fisherman's Wharf is one must-see destination in Victoria. After you've visited the Inner Harbor and the Parliament building, you need to stop by this peculiar piece of Victoria. One view that stands out is the floating homes - Fisherman's Wharf is home to dozens of them. Once you've seen them, you can head towards the fishing boats and buy the freshest seafood you've ever eaten. From the lively harbor and its motley assortment of vessels and the floating homes to whale watching tours, Fisherman's Wharf is an essential destination.

[caption id="attachment_31931" align="alignnone" width="3840"]<img class="size-full wp-image-31931" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/GettyImages-182392791-1.jpg" alt="Floating Home Village Blue Red Brown Houseboats Fisherman's Wharf Reflection Inner Harbor, Victoria" width="3840" height="2555" /> bpperry / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. Go Whale Watching with a Tour Company</h2>
One of the most popular Victoria activities for travelers and locals alike is to go whale watching. With British Columbia Whale Tours, you can take an incredible whale-spotting excursion and see pods of Orcas, Humpback Whales, Grey whales, and many other forms of ocean life thriving just off of Vancouver Island.

[caption id="attachment_31932" align="alignnone" width="3840"]<img class="size-full wp-image-31932" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/GettyImages-171554693-1.jpg" alt="Whale Watching boat tour, Victoria, B.C" width="3840" height="2496" /> BirdImages / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Take a Tour of the Scenic British Columbia Parliament Building</h2>
The parliament building is one of the most postcard-worthy destinations in Victoria. It’s a lovingly crafted architectural work in the classical style. What’s more, it’s completely free to take a tour of the building. There are guided tours that last a little over half an hour, but you can also go on a self-guided tour and traverse the building at your leisure. The Parliament gift shop is a perfect way to finish your trip to the Inner Harbor, a must-go destination for any trip to Victoria.

[caption id="attachment_31933" align="alignnone" width="3840"]<img class="size-full wp-image-31933" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/GettyImages-496608530-1.jpg" alt="Historic parliament building in Victoria with colorful flowers, BC, Canada" width="3840" height="2160" /> bluejayphoto / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>5. Take in the View at the Victoria Waterfront</h2>
At Victoria, there are plenty of places where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Salish Sea. A quick trip to the Inner Harbor affords a look at a lovely part of the town, the sea, and the motley collection of ships that make the harbor their home. Following Dallas Road will take you right along the coastline from one scenic location right along to another, and you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of perspectives on the town and the ocean during your walk.

[caption id="attachment_31799" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/465006626.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/465006626.jpg 1200w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/465006626-768x480.jpg 768w" alt="The Dallas Road waterfront trail" width="1200" height="750" /> KathrynHatashitaLee / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. Gaze at the Impressive Collection of Art at Art Gallery of Great Victoria</h2>
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria contains an impressive, diverse collection of artwork. The exhibits here range from classical to modern art and hail from Victoria, Canada in general, and the wider world. To Talk With Others is a unique, powerful display that provides commentary on the cultural divide between First Nations peoples and European Canadians. Additionally, you can visit unorthodox exhibits devoted to Canadian artists such as Emily Carr, and an authentic Japanese Shinto Shrine - all of this and more, in just one gallery.

[caption id="attachment_31934" align="alignnone" width="2048"]<img class="size-full wp-image-31934" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/20479023876_6fedf2e1c6_k.jpg" alt="" width="2048" height="1360" /> Joe Mabel / Flickr[/caption]


<h2>7. Take a Stroll Through the Gonzales Hill Regional Park</h2>
Gonzales Hill Regional Park is a lovely, peaceful park. Between visiting art galleries, foodie hotspots, and arduous hiking trails, you should take a relaxing stroll around the beach here. You can take a stunning view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and a wraparound view of the waterfront, then take a gentle, uphill walk, snap a great shot of the city, and have a picnic.

[caption id="attachment_31801" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/183350967.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/183350967.jpg 1200w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/183350967-768x548.jpg 768w" alt="An observatory atop Gonzales Hill" width="1200" height="857" /> cnicbc / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8. Enjoy First Nations Artwork at Thunderbird Park</h2>
Thunderbird Park in Victoria is a great destination for some peace and relaxation. What makes the Thunderbird Park special is that it’s filled with authentic and restored First Nations artwork. Totem poles, paintings, carvings, and more await; it’s a great look into the artistic styles of a unique and ancient culture.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-31935" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/shutterstock_391347160.jpg" alt=" First Nations carved totem pole found in the popular tourist attraction, Thunderbird Park" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>9. Learn About Victoria Before it Was Victoria</h2>
The Royal British Columbia Museum is a fascinating monument to millennia of natural history and the First Nations. The Natural History Gallery is an immersive, captivating glimpse into the distant past of a British Columbia undisturbed by human activities. It depicts several scenes, such as the lush coastal forests of the region and the rivers where salmon return in droves every year.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-31936" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/shutterstock_1075906139.jpg" alt="Royal British Columbia Museum consists of The Province of British Columbia's natural and human history museum as well as the British Columbia Provincial Archives" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>10. Take a Nature Walk Without Leaving the City</h2>
Once you’ve had your fill of the city, you can enjoy the great outdoors without even leaving Victoria. A short drive out of Downtown will have you at Mount Douglas Park, a lush urban forest filled with hills and hiking trails. The trails vary greatly in terms of challenge, so any fitness level will be right at home. If you want to take a gentle nature, walk to unwind, that’s perfect. If you want to scale the tallest hill in the park, you’ll get an amazing view of your picturesque destination, including many of the places you already visited.

[caption id="attachment_31937" align="alignnone" width="3840"]<img class="size-full wp-image-31937" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/GettyImages-1169392834-1.jpg" alt="Autumn leaves at Todd Inlet in Victoria, BC" width="3840" height="2732" /> davemantel / Getty Images[/caption]

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