Uncover a year-round paradise in Vancouver

11 October 2024

Nestled between the stunning Pacific Ocean and majestic mountains, Vancouver is a city that promises both urban charm and outdoor thrills. Known globally for its liveability, Vancouver offers a mild climate, eclectic neighbourhoods, and a vibrant arts scene. Picture wandering through independent boutiques, exploring bustling farmers’ markets, or dining in world-class restaurants. It’s one of those places that is charming in all seasons, so we’ve picked out some of our favourite luxury experiences for whenever you choose to visit.

Uncover a year-round paradise in Vancouver

Winter - book a box at Rogers Arena to watch the Canucks

The National Hockey League normally runs from early October to early April, so come to Vancouver in winter and you can splurge on seats in a box to watch the mighty Canucks in action. The buzz surrounding a game can be felt on city streets even miles away from Rogers Arena. The build-up is accompanied by the smell of beer, popcorn, and hot dogs from the concession stands and rock ’n’ roll blasting from the sound system, and you can stroll around the concourse to take in sights, including the Luc Bourdon Wall of Dreams and a display of hockey pucks honouring British Columbia’s hockey history. And when the puck drop happens, you can’t help but get caught up in the emotion and excitement emanating from around 18,000 passionate fans.

Spring – book a hotel suite overlooking Stanley Park’s cherry blossoms

As Vancouver’s rainy season evaporates, spring delights city dwellers and visitors with milder temperatures and the glorious sight of around 40,000 cherry trees bursting with pink and white blooms. One of the best places to see Vancouver’s cherry blossoms is Stanley Park, which has rows of trees near the formal rose garden and the Japanese Canadian WWI war memorial. On a peninsula at the northwestern edge of downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park also has gorgeous beaches, paved and dirt trails to explore, a water park, a miniature railway, and around half a million cedar, fir, and hemlock trees. Vancouver’s oldest park, it’s been ‘greenspace’ designated for nearly 130 years.

Summer – soar over the city on a private floatplane tour

While San Francisco has its trolley cars and Venice its gondolas, Vancouver has flying Beavers and Otters. Beavers are small, single-engine 1950s-era prop-powered floatplanes that buzz in and out the Strait of Georgia throughout the day. Along with slightly larger Otters, they are used for various flightseeing tours. These can range from a 30-minute trip circling the skyline and surrounding coastal islands, to a hop over to British Columbia's capital city. Or you can go to a tiny lake deep in the Canadian wilderness for backcountry fishing and camping, or on an action-packed excursion to Whistler.

Autumn – head into the forest to see the salmon run

Running from late August into December, the salmon run sees these majestic fish swim upstream to spawn in small creeks. As they battle their way upstream, fighting powerful currents and leaping over cascading waterfalls, the glistening salmon make for a spectacular sight. From your Vancouver base you can get a private vehicle to witness this phenomenon by an experienced guide who will be able to talk you through not just the salmons incredible life cycle but all about the flora and fauna in the temperate rainforests around the city, if you really want to clear your head you could also do some forest bathing at the same time.

To book your Vancouver holiday, call your Travel Counsellor today.

5 standout destinations for summer 2026

20 March 2026

Summer 2026 is shaping up to be a season where travellers are mixing the familiar with the less obvious. The big names are still popular for a reason: they’re easy to reach, reliable in terms of weather, and offer plenty to do. But there’s also a growing shift towards destinations that feel a bit more manageable in peak season, whether that’s smaller islands, lesser-known coastal towns, or places that reward a slower pace. With short-haul travel across Europe continuing to expand, it’s easier than ever to combine both. Below are five destinations to have on your radar: two well-known favourites, and three that offer something slightly different without taking you too far out of your comfort zone.

5 European villa escapes with Oliver’s Travels

20 March 2026

A villa holiday offers a level of space and flexibility that’s hard to find in a hotel. Instead of shared facilities and fixed schedules, you have your own place to relax, cook, and spend time together, whether that’s around the pool, on a terrace at sunset, or over a long dinner outside. Oliver's Travels specialises in handpicked villas across Europe, with properties ranging from stylish coastal homes to restored country estates. Many sleep anywhere from six to 14 guests or more, making them ideal for families or groups travelling together, and your Travel Counsellor can find the best one for you and your needs.

How to spend 48 hours in Copenhagen

20 March 2026

Denmark’s capital is a city that’s easy to settle into quickly. Much of the centre can be explored on foot, the harbour is never far away, and the food and bar scene makes it easy to plan your day around where to eat next. In two days, you can cover the highlights while still leaving time to enjoy the restaurants, bars, and local experiences that make the city such a good choice for a short break.