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.

Why Mare Ayia Napa Is a dream for food lovers

02 July 2026

For many travellers, great food is what turns a good holiday into a memorable one, and Mare Ayia Napa has made dining one of the standout parts of the experience. Set on Cyprus' south-east coast, just minutes from Cape Greco National Forest Park and the lively centre of Ayia Napa, this beachfront resort pairs relaxed Mediterranean living with an impressive variety of places to eat and drink. With eight restaurants, five bars, international branded beverages, and an all-inclusive package that goes well beyond the expected, there's always something different to look forward to. Even your arrival feels considered, thanks to a stocked mini fridge waiting in your room.

Why California is the perfect USA holiday for every type of traveller

26 June 2026

California has a habit of exceeding expectations. Many people picture the Hollywood Sign, the Golden Gate Bridge, or palm-lined beaches, but there's far more to the Golden State than its famous landmarks. Stretching for almost 900 miles along the Pacific Coast, California is one of the most diverse destinations in the USA. Within a single trip, you can drive spectacular coastal roads, hike through ancient forests, sip wine in world-famous vineyards, visit iconic cities, or spend time in national parks that feel a world away from everyday life.

Travel Counsellors explore the best of New Zealand

22 June 2026

New Zealand packs an extraordinary amount into a relatively small corner of the world. From island vineyards and geothermal landscapes to glacier-fed lakes and dramatic alpine scenery, every region feels different from the last. On a recent trip, some of our Travel Counsellors travelled from Auckland in the North Island to Lake Tekapo in the South Island, experiencing some of the country's most iconic sights and gaining first-hand insight into what makes a journey through Aotearoa so special.