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.

Canyons, culture, and cuisine in Chihuahua, Mexico

08 August 2025

When you think of Mexico, it’s likely that places such as Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen come to mind, but away from the tourist hotspots lies a region that stands out for its diverse landscapes, cultural heritage, and historical landmarks. Chihuahua, the largest of Mexico’s states, offers something for every type of traveller, and this guide to the region’s highlights will give you a glimpse of what makes this destination so extraordinary. Ready to discover a new destination to tick off your bucket list?

Five unforgettable routes with Rocky Mountaineer

04 August 2025

Few travel experiences combine luxury and natural beauty quite like the Rocky Mountaineer. This world-renowned rail journey takes you through some of the most spectacular landscapes in Canada and the US, offering panoramic views and exceptional service along the way. Whether you’re gliding past the towering peaks of the Rockies or the red canyons of the Southwest, every moment on board is sure to leave you in awe. With bookings now open for 2027, there’s never been a better time to plan your adventure with your Travel Counsellor.

Canada’s best national parks for summer adventures

28 July 2025

For those who love the great outdoors, Canada’s national parks are nothing short of extraordinary. With 37 national parks and 11 national park reserves, the country offers an endless array of natural wonders, from dramatic mountain ranges to peaceful coastlines. Each park has its own unique charm, making it easy to see why so many people return year after year. To help you plan your next adventure, we’ve highlighted five parks that truly shine in summer and early autumn - perfect for wildlife spotting, scenic hikes, and moments of pure stillness surrounded by nature.