A Vancouver Staycation – The Ultimate Checklist

Whether you live in Vancouver or further afield in British Columbia, summer is the perfect time to revisit the city with fresh eyes. Staycations let you take a step back from the daily grind and really rediscover what makes your home region so special. With that time off work and plenty of tourist attractions you might otherwise have overlooked, the luxury hotels in Vancouver aren’t just for overseas vacationers, they’re for the locals too.

So to truly dive into a staycation in Vancouver, what should a local do to prepare? Whether planning a relaxing solo vacation or treating your partner and children to high end Vancouver family accommodation, here are some top tips for making the most of your holiday home close to home.

Vancouver Dining

A Vancouver staycation is the perfect time to revisit some of the foodstuffs that the city is famous for. Afterall, Vancouver is quickly emerging as one of the American continents best cities for food and this is in part because of its diverse diaspora and its fertile surrounding forests and ocean.

Some of the most famous foods in Vancouver include the Japadog, a hot dog with Asian influences in its teriyaki sauce, wasabi and kimchi toppings. Thanks to the large Asian population of Vancouver, sushi is also a favorite in the city, especially the BC Roll which was invented by local chef Hidekazu Tojo all the way back in 1974. When it comes to seafood, Salmon candy is a popular snack that was born from a great bit of lateral thinking (seafood as dessert? Who’da thunk it!). Salmon candy leverages Canada’s famous maple syrup to glaze pieces of salmon for a burst of contrasting but perfectly matched flavors.

Vancouver Museum Scene

Rainy day in Vancouver? Don’t sweat it! The city is home to a vast collection of world-class museums that can take up a whole week, let alone a day. Some highlights include the Vanier Park museum trio consisting of the Museum of Vancouver exploring the human history of the area, the Vancouver Maritime Museum and the HR MacMillan Space Center. All three can be visited with a combined admission pass.

Theatre And Entertainment In Vancouver

Vancouver is an incredibly creative city and provides plenty of opportunities for entertaining evenings out. From classical operas at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre to gigs at the historic and culturally significant Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver is teeming with big hitting local shows and broadway busting touring performances. For fringe performances, the Jericho Arts Center is a must-visit to see newcomers on the theater scene whilst the Roxy, China Cloud and the Biltmore Cabaret are great for intimate music gigs.

The Great Outdoors

To one side, staycation have the Downtown Stanley Park whilst on the inland side of the city, Whistler’s snow capped ski resorts tantalize the adrenaline junkies. In short then, Vancouver is teeming with some of the best outdoor experiences right on the doorstep of the city. Make sure to revisit the Capilano Suspension Bridge from which you can really appreciate the grandeur of Vancouver.