Vancouver Staycation Guide

You don’t have to roam far to have a relaxing getaway. Introducing our guide to a staycation in Vancouver. —Alice Chen

sleep. Part of the Autograph Collection family, the Douglas Hotel is one of two boutique accommodations in downtown’s Parq Vancouver. From the locally sourced materials to the name (which comes from the Douglas firs that populate the region), the hotel is West Coast to its core, combining nature and luxury seamlessly. Plus, you’ll find delightful amenities such as Aesop bath and body products. When you’re not gambling at the casino or indulging at adjoining hotel JW Marriott Parq Vancouver’s spa, you have plenty of options to dine and imbibe, from Honey Salt’s decadent comfort food to D/6 Bar & Lounge’s handcrafted drinks.

eat. Venture on over to the Fairmont Pacific Rim’s The Botanist to feast on some delicious dishes and decor. The curvaceous space is filled end-to-end with luscious greenery. Menu items include 20-day dry-aged duck breasts, buttery lobsters and wagyu steaks. Helmed by an award-winning team, the beverage game, too, is on point. Sit at the bar before dinner and try an experiential drinks from the Cocktail Lab, like a bird-shaped libation snug in a nest and a smoky concoction encased in a glass box!

shop. A staycation calls for some retail therapy. The Latest Scoop is a one-stop shop satisfying all your shopping urges—stylish clothing, chic homeware, cheeky cards and delicate jewelry. With multiple locations throughout the city, the boutiques carry a carefully curated collection of local and international brands: Matt & Nat, Vero Moda, Rains, Chinese Laundry and much, much more. Treat yo’ self!

do. Take a beat and get out of the city—and what could be more Vancouver than hiking the beautiful trails? Port Moody’s Diez Vistas, named for its 10 breathtaking views, boasts a 15-km round trip, including views overlooking Indian Arm, that terminates at Buntzen Lake. Tip: If you go on the weekend, make sure to go early as it’s a popular destination with locals and visitors alike, and they’ve been known to close the gates when it reaches capacity.

lounge. While it’s still summer, spend the day getting your poolside lounging on with The Westin Bayshore’s H2Oasis experience. For $125 a pop, locals can enjoy access to the hotel’s outdoor pool on weekdays. The experience comes complete with a reserved lounge chair, a welcome basket packed with fun-in-the-sun essentials (sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses), as well as a $25 credit to dine at the hotel restaurant, H2 Rotisserie & Bar, or pool bar.