Take Me Back to Vancouver
Me in Vancouver Canada (Circa early 2000’s)
In the early 2000’s, we owned a homebrew shop and one of the perks was attending a yearly home beer & winemaking conference. The trade association usually picked pretty cool cities to host the conference and one year it was held in Vancouver Canada. This was one of our first international trips and our first exposure to the beauty of Canada. When the Radisson hotels asked us to be a part of their Discover Your Canada campaign, I immediately started reminiscing about our fabulous trip and thinking about the reasons my husband needs to take me back to Vancouver Canada again!
Hint, Hint – Make sure to read to the bottom to enter to win a Radisson e-certificate giveaway good for one night stay from our sponsor Radisson Hotels!
The Scenery
Image Courtesy Pixabay
From the downtown city skyline, miles of water views and the mountains surrounding Vancouver, there are picture perfect scenes everywhere you look! Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy easy access to mountain biking, hiking, golfing, fishing, and tons of other outdoor activities. In the winter, there are several snow skiing options within a 15-30 minute drive from Vancouver. Whether you like fast paced nightlife or leisurely strolls by the water, we found Vancouver to be very walkable and enjoyed exploring neighborhoods such as Chinatown and Gastown (the original town site of Vancouver). There is a neighborhood for everyone’s taste! In fact, walk score has named Vancouver the most walkable large city in Canada.
Chinatown Vancouver
The Food
The one thing I remember most about our trip to Vancouver is picking up a love for Salmon. Prior to our visit, I would have told you I didn’t like Salmon. What I learned was, I didn’t like Midwest salmon. There is nothing like enjoying fresh caught Salmon during Salmon Season in Vancouver. We were dining at a wood fired restaurant on the waterfront one evening and our server talked me into trying their cedar plank grilled salmon special. This meal was truly a turning point in my culinary life. Before we left Vancouver, I enjoyed Salmon “100 different ways” and I highly recommend visiting Vancouver during Salmon season.
You don’t have to be a Salmon lover to enjoy the culinary scene in Vancouver. There are hundreds of great restaurants, fresh seafood year around, breweries, brewery tours, food trucks, casual and upscale dining. In Chinatown you can find some of the best dim sum around. Vancouver is a foodie’s delight.
The History
Vancouver is filled with historical sites and landmarks. As mentioned above, Gastown is the original town site of Vancouver. Here you’ll find cobblestone streets, historic brick buildings, and an antique steam clock. This is one of the few functioning steam clocks in existence. In the mid 1800’s the owner of a pub installed a steam clock to draw attention to his establishment. The pub quickly became known as steam clock tavern. Today a replica stands in the area with a steam driven whistle and electrical powered clock.
Vancouver also features many other historical sites and districts such as Stanley Park, Chinatown, and Library Square. You’ll enjoy hundreds of old architectural buildings throughout the city with influences from various cultures and building styles.
Where to Stay
The Radisson Hotel Vancouver is conveniently located just 6 minutes from the airport. The Radisson Vancouver offers free shuttle to and from the airport and features an indoor pool, Fresh Restaurant & lounge, and apartment suites for those looking for a longer stay. Hop on the Canada line at the Aberdeen Station located across from the hotel and head into Vancouver. With easy access to local transportation including bus, ferry, & train, you can explore on your own terms. Or ask the hotel to set you up with a local tour.
We especially love Radisson’s flexible 6am check-in and 6pm check-out policies. This makes a world of difference when arriving early at a destination with little kids.
Radisson Vancouver Lobby
*SPECIAL DEAL*
During Radisson’s Discover Your Canada Campaign you can receive up to 20% off your stay at the Radisson Vancouver (or your stay at other Radisson hotels in Canada!) Book your stay today!
GIVEAWAY
*RADISSON DISCOVER YOUR CANADA GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED*
WINNER: Pam (Comment #52) Randomly selected by Random.org Number Picker. Thank you to everyone who entered!
We are hosting a Giveaway for a one night e-certificate to ANY Radisson in US or CANADA.
To enter the Giveaway: 1. Sign Up for Our Newsletter if you haven’t already (upper right hand corner or popup box) and Like our Facebook Page 2. Visit http://Radisson.com/StayCanada rel=”nofollow” 3. Comment on this blog post below. Good Luck!
*Sharing is Caring! Please share this Giveaway with your friends and followers on Social Media using the share buttons to the left or the top of the post! Thanks in advance!
*Winner will be drawn at random from the comments after October 3rd. All reservation and certificate information will be handled by the Radisson hotels. Some restrictions may apply. Must be 18 or older. Void where prohibited.
What are you waiting for? Plan your Canada Vacation today!
Many thanks to Radisson for sponsoring Today’s Post and inspiring me to getaway to Canada! I’m ready for my husband to take me back to Vancouver!
Feature Image courtesy of Pixabay. photo credit: chinatown via photopin (license)
photo credit: wild salmon grilled on a cedar plank via photopin (license) Photo Credit: The Gastown Steam Clock via photopin (license)
