Winter Hot Spot: Win the West Coast Getaway You’ve Been Waiting For

Let’s face it: winter is not coming; winter is here. And no matter what sports team you cheer for during the season or area code you shout out proudly at parties, Vancouver starts looking pretty darn good to the rest of the country this time of year. 

In fact, our mild winters feel downright tropical for the savvy Canadian traveller, which makes Vancouver’s hip Burrard Hotel—with its lush, evergreen palm gardens and inviting heated courtyard—the perfect place to stay and experience it all. 

The VITA girls took over the Burrard last week for a little staycation to discover for ourselves this upbeat oasis in the heart of downtown. —Kelsey Klassen

Photography by Lou Lou Childs

Fun facts: 

The Burrard Hotel has been the budget-friendly choice of Vancouver visitors since 1956! This groovy lady underwent a glam retro facelift in 2010 and has been turning heads with her mid-century modern chic ever since. 

The hotel boasts 72 extensively renovated (and pet-friendly!) rooms, so your North Shore Mountain ski squad or girls-night extravaganza can sprawl out in comfort at the end of the night. Meanwhile, amenities like in-room espresso machines and high-speed wifi, as well as a stylish lobbyside café, help you get each day off to the right start.

You can also spend your day exploring the city’s award-winning restaurants, art galleries, and world-class shopping mere metres from the front door. And free retro cruiser bikes are available for those who want to venture further afield and see the seawall, explore historic Granville Island or hit up some of the city’s incredible craft breweries. 

But the star of the show is in the Burrard’s own backyard. Literally. A soaring West Coast forest and garden awaits, nestled against a cozy covered firepit and courtyard area (complete with vintage chairs and a sporty ping pong table, for the competitive types). There’s no hint of winter’s chill when gathered with friends at this Vancouver hot spot. 

Which is why we’re giving you the inside track on a long-weekend stay of your own.