Discovering Vancouver: My Unforgettable Trip With Destination Vancouver

A Warm Welcome to the West Coast

Following a smooth and stress free flight with Air Canada we landed in Vancouver and were greeted by Discover Canada Tours, the transportation partner for our stay. Our lovely driver, Ian, was friendly, full of local knowledge, and kept us entertained with his unique sense of humour!  It’s easy to see why Discover Canada Tours is such a popular choice for day trips and custom itineraries across Western Canada.

We checked into The Sutton Place Hotel, a refined, European-inspired boutique property in the heart of downtown. I absolutely loved this hotel — elegant rooms, warm service, and just steps from Robson Street. It’s a brilliant option for anyone wanting luxury, comfort, and convenience.
That evening, we enjoyed a delicious welcome dinner at COAST Restaurant, famous for its fresh West Coast seafood. A perfect way to kick off the trip!

Day 1: Mountains, Markets & Holiday Magic

We started the morning with breakfast at The Sutton Place Hotel before heading out for a scenic drive through Stanley Park — a 1,000-acre rainforest oasis. Even from the coach, the ocean views and towering trees were breathtaking.

Next up was Grouse Mountain, Vancouver’s iconic year-round playground. The Skyride gondola whisked us through the clouds and into a snowy alpine wonderland. We enjoyed a private eco-walk through the forest — a magical, almost otherworldly experience. Although the resident Grizzly bears, Grinder and Coola were hibernating, standing outside their den and seeing them snoozing on the webcam was still fascinating! If you want to have a nosy, check out this webcam link; https://www.grousemountain.com/web-cams/bear-den-cam, it's quite relaxing seeing them all snuggled up and they occasionally have a big stretch, very cute!

Lunch at Altitudes Bistro was hearty, cosy, and delicious… and yes, the portions are huge so maybe avoid tight trousers!

Our adventure continued at the enchanting Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. The famous suspension bridge, surrounded by misty evergreens, felt like something straight from a fairytale. I could have stayed there all day — especially when the resident eagles swooped overhead to say hello. A moment I’ll never forget.

Back downtown, we wandered through the Vancouver Christmas Market, a festive mix of twinkling lights, German treats, mulled wine, and holiday cheer. Impossible not to feel festive!

Day 2: Sky, Sea & the Flavours of Vancouver

We began the day with breakfast and a site tour at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, the city’s largest hotel and a fantastic choice for groups, families, or anyone wanting a modern, well-equipped base.

Then came one of the absolute highlights of the trip: a panoramic seaplane flight with Harbour Air. Taking off from the harbour and soaring above the mountains, ocean, and skyline was jaw-dropping — a quintessential Vancouver experience and one I’d recommend to anyone visiting the city.

After landing, we hopped on the super-convenient SkyTrain to Yaletown, then boarded the colourful Aquabus for a scenic ride to Granville Island. There, we met the lovely Maggie from Vancouver Foodie Tours for a guided tasting through the famous Public Market. From creamy cheeses to pickles and donuts, it was a foodie’s dream.

Later that afternoon, we wandered through the VanDusen Botanical Garden’s Festival of Lights, where millions of sparkling bulbs transformed the gardens into a magical winter wonderland. Stunning — and perfect for families, couples, or anyone feeling festive.

Dinner that evening took us back to Yaletown for a MICHELIN-recommended feast at Moltaqa Moroccan Restaurant. Aromatic spices, warm Moroccan hospitality, and beautiful décor made it feel like a quick escape to Marrakech.

Day 3: History, Hotels & High-Flying Views

We headed to the Pan Pacific Vancouver for a luxurious breakfast and a tour of this stunning waterfront hotel — perfect for cruise passengers or travellers wanting those postcard-worthy harbour views.

Hot chocolate in hand, we joined Forbidden Vancouver  for their Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour. Dramatic storytelling, local legends, and a peek inside some of the city’s most historic buildings made it a fun and immersive way to learn about Vancouver’s past.

Next up was Flyover, where the new Awaken Canada experience took us on a breathtaking “flight” over some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes.

Lunch at the Fairmont Waterfront offered delicious food, serene harbour views, and a look at their rooftop beehives and gardens — a beautiful blend of luxury and sustainability.

We rounded off the afternoon with a quick visit to Gastown’s Steam Clock and then enjoyed sweeping views from the Vancouver Lookout before our final group dinner: the MICHELIN-recommended Ophelia in Olympic Village. Amazing tacos, fantastic margaritas, and beautifully presented dishes full of authentic Mexican flavour — the perfect finale.

Final Day: Wildlife Wonders & Last-Minute Shopping

Before heading home, we enjoyed a private morning tour at the Vancouver Aquarium, home to more than 65,000 animals. From playful rescued otters to mesmerizing jellyfish, it’s a fantastic attraction for families and animal lovers of all ages.

We finished with a relaxing lunch at Nook in Kitsilano, known for comforting Italian classics and a friendly, laid-back vibe, before squeezing in a little last-minute retail therapy at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet near the airport — the perfect stop for anyone with a bit of time before their flight. Just make sure you’ve left some room in your suitcase!

Thank you to Michael and Natalia from Destination Vancouver and of course not forgetting the lovely Kev from Air Canada for a truly unforgettable trip, it really was very special and I had the best time!

If this has sparked your wanderlust and you're thinking about planning your own Vancouver adventure, I’d love to help. As a travel counsellor, I can create a personalised itinerary tailored to your interests, budget, and travel style — making the whole process seamless, stress-free, and exciting.

✨ Get in touch and let’s start planning your perfect Vancouver getaway!