Locstion: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Visit: December 2019
Canada is both similar and quite different than the US. Although they are about the same size, the US has around 10x the population. That being said, the (small) population of Canada is very centralized into it’s three biggest cities: Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver; together making up a 1/3 of the total population. We’d heard amazing things about Vancouver, and it’s proximity to Los Angeles (only about a 3 hour flight) made it possible to visit for a weekend and see some of the highlights.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
There aren’t a ton of internationally recognized tourist attractions in Vancouver, so we didn’t feel rushed to get around to see a bunch of churches or museums, which is a nice break compared to our European trips. What Vancouver has, in spades, is outdoor sites and great food!
As expected in the winter, the weather in Vancouver is neither warm, nor sunny, but it does lend itself to great Christmas vibes.
What to do:
Christmas Market: Reminscent of European versions of the same, the Vancouver Christmas Market (located near the convention center) has everything you need to enjoy the holidays: mulled wine, hand-crafted goods, local food and lots of activities for little ones.
Christmas Market 
Hand-made goods 
I Love Xmas! 
Under the mistletoe
Sea Plane Tour: The weather was not nice enough for this to be worth it for us, but the bays and mountains that surround Vancouver would be beautiful on a sunny day. Definitely something to check out next time we visit.
Sea Planes across from the Fairmont 
Bay views 
Sailboat on the harbor 
City views
Capilano Suspension Bridge: Located about 30 minutes outside of downtown, the bridge is an attaction year around, given the majestic views and tall pines all around it. But at Christmas, it’s at a whole other level. Lights decorate the pathways on both sides of the bridge and the bridge itself is also decorated with lights. On the far side, you can even sit around a fire pit and sip on a glass of wine. Not to be missed!
Christmas lights everywhere! 
Capilano Suspension Bridge 
Totem poles 
Ready to overcome our fears
Where to eat:
There are lots of amazing restaurants all around Vancouver, but many are located in downtown and the Yale Town neighborhood. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Rodney’s Oyster House: Local hangout, with very European/NYC cozy vibes. Great oysters (obviously) (1228 Hamilton St., Vancouver, BC V6B 6L2, Canada) (www.rohvan.com)
- Blue Water Cafe: Classic seafood restaurant specializing in locally caught fish. (1095 Hamilton St., Vancouver, BC V6B 5P6, Canada) (www.bluewatercafe.net)
- Elisa: Steakhouse owned by the same restaurant group as Blue Water Cafe. Definitely a hot spot, but great food and good vibes. (1109 Hamilton St., Vancouver, BC V6B 5P6, Canada) (www.elisasteak.com)
- The Botanist: High-end, multi-course fine dining, with a nod toward local vegetables and other locally sourced ingredients. Located in the Fairmont Pacific Rim, so extremely convenient if you are staying there. (1038 Canada Pl., Vancouver, BC V6B 0B9, Canada) (www.botanistrestaurant.com)
Rodney’s Oyster House
Tartar @ Elisa 
Perfect steak @ Elisa
Table setting @ The Botanist 
Scallop & Sunchoke @ The Botanist 
Duck @ The Botanist 
Foie Gras two ways (amazing!) @ The Botanist
Where to stay:
JW Marriott Parq Vancouver ($200 – $300). A modern business/luxury hotel on the water. Everything you’d expect, but no surprises. (39 Smithe St., Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3, Canada) (www.marriott.com)
- General Rating (Price Neutral): 81 (Exceptional)
- Four Star Rating (Price Included): 76 (Great)
Fairmont Pacific Rim ($400 – $500). Super modern and luxurious. Great restaurants and a stunning lounge area. The Fairmont brand is a Canadian company, so there are actually three in Vancouver, but this was our favorite. (1038 Canada Pl., Vancouver, BC V6B 0B9, Canada) (www.fairmont.com)
- General Rating (Price Neutral): 88 (Exceptional)
- Four Star Rating (Price Included): 81 (Exceptional)
Recap:
Overall we really loved Vancouver. We’ll probably stay at the Fairmont Pacific Rim when we come again. The food scene is memorable, the people are super nice, and it’s only a short flight if you are on the west coast. Definitely recommend a visit!