Concierge Recommends: Vancouver Activity Guide for Spring & Summer 2012

Posted on April 17, 2012 in Guides, Uncategorized

“What is there to do in Vancouver today?”

This is a question our Concierge Team at the Pan Pacific answers a few dozen times EVERY day. For the full scoop on what to do this Spring and Summer in the city, the Team has put together a handy guide of fun outdoor activities that are ideal for tourists as well as locals.

If you have any questions about the activities below (even if you’re not a guest of the Hotel), be sure to drop by the Concierge and chat with our helpful team. Believe me, they know their stuff!

** indicates attractions fun for kids

Vancouver Activity Guide

• Explore the delights of Granville Island Public Market, many arts and crafts shops, artisan galleries, fresh produce and the famous Kids Only Market.

• Visit our beautiful Stanley Park. While in the Park you can visit the famous Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park. Encounter Beluga Whales, Dolphins, Otters and other sea creatures big and small. Make sure to visit their Amazon and Arctic exhibits and let your kids enjoy the interactive displays and maybe finish the day with a 4D movie inside the Aquarium.

• Explore Vancouver on foot. Many sights and lovely neighborhoods are within easy walking distance, like Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest and most historic part or Robson Street, our Rideo drive for shoppers. Don’t miss the public Art Gallery a magnificent building. Enjoy the exhibits of local artist Emily Carr and many other artists as well as special exhibits. Finish your visit in the delightful Gallery Café for a light snack or dessert. www.vanartgallery.bc.ca

• Enjoy the stunning views over Vancouver from the top of Grouse Mountain – the Peak of Vancouver. Make sure to visit the Grizzly Bear Habitat, catch a Lumberjack show (summer) and a tour of the “Eye of the Wind” turbine at the top; the world’s first and only wind turbine that allows you to stand on top of the tower in a clear glass viewPOD. **

• Get a bird’s eye view of Vancouver on a Seaplane Tour. Various tours are available year round or take a short helicopter flight leaving from the top of Grouse Mountain (summer). **

• Take an Indian Arm Luncheon Cruise or Sunset Cruise with Harbour Cruises and see the city from the water to get a different perspective. Enjoy spectacular scenery, right in our own backyard. **

• Feel more curious about Vancouver? Go on one of the fabulous guided Vancouver City Tours, where you will learn lots from the very knowledgeable and professional tour guide or take one of the 3 Hop-On-Hop-Off tour buses available in Vancouver. The closest pick up point is conveniently located right in front of the Pan Pacific Hotel.   Just visit the Concierge Desk for all the details.  **

• Go Whale watching and view the majestic Orca Whales. Tours are available from Vancouver & Victoria. Visit our concierge for more information. (Summer months only).  **

• Rent a bicycle and ride around Stanley Park – you can also turn it into a picnic outing with delicious lunch boxes especially prepared by our culinary Department, Bike tours are available in the summer book with the concierge desk

• Take a Seaplane to Victoria on Vancouver Island. Spend the day exploring and visit the world famous Butchart Gardens. Return by ferry back to Vancouver, to enjoy the sunset as you sail through the Gulf Islands

• Wondering about shows in town, just visit www.ticketmaster.ca for upcoming entertainment or just visit the Concierge Department.

• Make it a point to explore some of Vancouver’s lovely neighborhoods:  Visit Kitsilano along 4th Avenue west of Burrard for independent shops and delicious restaurants. Visit the colourful West End by walking along Denman and Davie Streets. Find high end boutiques and Art galleries on South Granville or enjoy bargain shopping on Main Street’s funky boutiques and second hand antique stores from Broadway to 30th. Make sure to include our trendy Yaletown district for great dining, boutiques and people watching.

• Explore the city’s fascinating beginnings at the Museum of Anthropology, located at the University of British Columbia campus.

• Take a trip to Whistler and visit some of the 2010 Olympic sites. Take a stroll through the picturesque Swiss style village or a gondola ride up the mountain for gorgeous mountain views. Make sure (if time allows it) to visit the one-of-a-kind Lilwat First Nations Cultural centre while in Whistler. www.slcc.ca

• Rent a speedboat from Granville Island and enjoy the beautiful views of the Vancouver skyline and the Georgia Strait.

• Kayak from Deep Cove to Indian Arm or join a guided tour of Indian Arm and the Burrard Inlet. Departures from Deep Cove in North Vancouver.

• Go Salmon fishing in Howe Sound.

• Enjoy the marvelous and delicious Italian Opera Buffet at the Pan Pacific on Saturday nights or enjoy a cocktail from the cascade lounge with spectacular view of Stanley Park and the North Shore Mountains.

• View the Romanesque architecture of the Vancouver Public library, inspired by the Roman Coliseum.

 

• Go to Lynn Canyon and enjoy its natural splendor. The park is free to use and it has a suspension bridge, a picturesque creek that fills into a 30-foot pool, a waterfall, many trails and the ecology centre for a great learning experience. ** www.lynncanyonparkguide.bc.ca

• Take the Train for a Scenic day trip to Whistler and back to Vancouver. May through October only. www.whistlermountaineer.com **

• Enjoy Broadway performances in majestic Stanley Park at the outdoor Theatre under the Stars (Tuts). www.tuts.ca (summer)

• Enjoy Shakespearean performances within the open tents of Bard on the Beach during the summer evenings. The location is beautiful Vanier Park with stunning ocean views.

• Enjoy the local Beaches; including Third Beach, which is Stanley Park’s nicest. Another choice would be Kitsilano Beach or English Bay (near Stanley Park) . A bit further away from Vancouver, down in White Rock, Crescent Beach and White Rock Beach are arguably the greatest beaches in the area because the water is warmer and the area is delightful for a nice restful afternoon adventure. **

• Vancouver is a Seafood Lover’s Paradise. Don’t miss the spectacular Pacific Northwest cuisine offered, especially the several different kinds of wild salmon from our region. Our Concierge team would be happy to make reservations for you.