Eric and I agreed to a laid back celebration for our wedding anniversary a couple weeks ago. Homemade cards and a home cooked meal sounded perfect, we had said. I whipped up a killer meal and we were just about in heaven stuffing ourselves silly.
Eric kept asking me when we could open our cards.
“How about at the end of the night?”
“You don’t want to just open them now…? I can’t wait for you to see my card!!!”
“Really? Mine is nothing to write home about…”
After dinner, and more pestering by Eric, we finally opened the cards.
My card was taped closed and it read: “TOP SECRET! Do not open!!!”
Amused, I carefully pulled off the tape so I could open the card. Eric watched in anticipation. The inside of the card read: “We’re going to British Columbia!!!” along with printed pictures of Vancouver, Victoria, and Whistler pasted all over the card. There was a road map with dates and everything all plotted out!
It was just about one of the best surprises I’ve ever had. Tears welled up in my eyes as I lurched across the couch to hug him silly.
We talked about going to B.C. earlier in the summer, but we were both too busy to take time off. I just gave up on the idea and hoped we’d make it next year. Little did I know, Eric was planning this trip for weeks, staying up late at night to plan while I slept. He researched, booked the hotels, read up on restaurants, and planned a few things to do in each city.
“Wait, there’s one condition!! You have to agree to a few things I’ve planned…”
“Ok?”
“Zip-lining, cliff walking, and suspension bridges!”
There’s always a catch!
So here we are, two weeks later, enjoying a wonderful time in the beautiful British Columbia. Can you believe it’s my first time in BC? Eric has only been to Vancouver once on a business trip, but didn’t get to explore much at all. We’re staying in Vancouver first, and soon off to Victoria and Whistler. I’ve passed two challenges with flying colours, although I’m quite scared for the 5 zip-lines I’ll be flying down in Whistler!! If I live to tell you about it, you’ll be hearing about it soon!
Here is a short summary of what we’ve been up to in Vancouver:
1. Hotel: Carmana Plaza
– Condo-style. Comes with complete full kitchen. Great if you like making breakfast or lunch in your own room before heading out. We’re on the 29th floor in a premium suite and have a great view (see above pics). Free wi-fi. Cons: The bed isn’t very comfy, it takes a long time for things to be brought up to the room, and parking is expensive and difficult to locate. The location of the hotel is great though and we’re literally steps from all the shopping on Robson. See detailed room pics in album.
2. Capilano suspension bridge and park
A fun, touristy park that features a suspension bridge, cliff walking, treetop walking, and gorgeous scenery. I have a ton of pics from the trip – so be sure to check them out in the album!
3. Granville Island
This is a must-see! There are all kinds of artsy shops, including a large indoor public market. It was absolutely packed when we went on a Friday, off-season, so get there early as parking can be tricky to find.
4. Shopping
Our hotel is steps to a lot of great shopping on Robson and surrounding areas.
5. Exploring Gastown, Kitsilano, Yaletown districts. Be warned – navigating the city is tricky for a tourist!!
6. Food highlights include Nuba (a lovely Lebanese restaurant), Naam (a 24 hour vegetarian restaurant with huge portions and line-ups), Samosas at Buddha-Full, smoothies and juices throughout the city. Acorn restaurant is still on the list too.
Still planned?
Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
Photography of cityscapes
Stanley Park
Anything we’re missing?
If you’re interested in seeing what we’ve been up to so far in Vancouver, here’s an album I put together below! [Apologies in advance for the uneven formatting – something wonky is going on.]
More to come soon…
What a great anniversary surprise – well done Eric! If you have a couple hours to spare do the Grouse Grind in North Van. It is a great workout – and there’s a Starbucks at the bottom so after you’ve taken the gondola back down you can reward yourself :)
I live in Kits and work at UBC and we always tell people to check out the Museum of Anthropology. It is word class with some amazing works of art. Go!!
The other Victorians who commented covered all the great places to eat here if you’re vegan, but how about things to do? Weekday evenings you can rent kayaks in the Inner Harbour for cheap, either singles or one double. Hike Mt Finlayson or Mt Doug, and this city is super bike friendly with tons of bike paths so you can rent bikes to get around. The shopping on lower Johnson Street (LoJo) is great, as is antiquing on upper Fort Street. Go check out the amazing tea shop Silk Road on Government Street in China Town, their little tea accessories are adorable too!
Hope you enjoy it here, Victoria, Vancouver Island and BC in general are crazy beautiful, and yes I’m totally biased. :)
I just went to those 3 places last month! They were all amazing! Buschardt Gardens in Victoria is beautiful, a must see. Cafe Bliss in Victoria was great, the Thai Noodle Bowl was delish!
What a sweet surprise!! I can’t believe you’ve never been to BC, it’s one of my favorite provinces to visit. Actually, scratch that, it IS my favorite. The suspension bridge experience is one of a kind! I did it with a bunch of high school friends years ago. It wasn’t cool to be scared so I had to suck it up even though I was absolutely terrified. Enjoy your time away!
How exciting! The Foundation makes some really great vegan food. The vibe of the place is pretty low-key, but the food is totally worth it!
I lived in Victoria last year, so I have a few suggestions. Hit up Moss Street Market if you’re around for it. B-Red Bakery is great. Rebar is pretty good for food, as well as Bin 4 Burger. They do a great tofu and black bean burger with a great wine list. OH, and track down some Cold Comfort ice cream!! She does classic ice cream as well as a vegan coconut milk ice cream, and they are SO good. Her products are available at Aubergine’s, Niagara, Peppers, and she usually sells at whichever markets are on.
If you’re planning on going for a run while you’re there (or a walk I guess), do so on Dallas Rd by Beacon Hill Park or Beach Rd. They’re right by the ocean and sooooo nice!
Oh man, talking about Victoria is making me miss it so much! Have fun!
I just moved from Toronto to Squamish (on the way to Whistler)! You will love your visit here…watching a sunset at English beach is stellar, as is all the hiking. Garibaldi Lake hike might be one of my favourites so far…Hope you enjoy the west coast!
Vancouver is my hometown too! I so love seeing it through the eyes of visitors and hearing about your experiences here! I’ve lived here my whole life and Granville Island is still one of my favourite places to visit. I’m so glad you’re enjoying yourself, you have quite the trip planned. Everyone else has given such thorough suggestions… but I have to say, make sure not to miss the seawall, obviously… and the Acorn is on Main Street, which is a very cool neighbourhood to wander around in – lots of cool boutiques to peruse. Hope you guys have a blast!
So excited for you two! I live in Victoria and there is so much to explore and eat over here! Check out Rebar, Ingredients cafe, Habit coffee, Mol:e, and cafe Bliss…They are all Gems! Oh and be sure to enjoy Dallas road and Beacon Hill park….one of the most beautiful spots in Victoria :) Enjoy!
I second so many suggestions:
– aphrodites
– foundation
– rebar (victoria)
– the grouse grind!!
have fun in the most beautiful city on earth! you picked the right time of year to visit! :)
I got so excited when I read this! My sister and I are big fans of your blog and we grew up in North Vancouver! In fact, we went hiking in Lynn Canyon yesterday morning! I’d choose the suspension bridge there over the Capilano bridge any day!
The Naam is my favourite place to eat in Vancouver but Aphrodite’s cafe is a very close second- their pies are to die for. I would strongly suggest that you try and make it there!
While you’re in Victoria there are two restaurants you must try:
1. Rebar
I’ve had their cookbook for years, but only visited their restaurant for the first time this summer. We went two nights in a row. Check out their cookbook while you’re there. (Your blog and their cookbook are the pretty much the 2 sources for every recipe I make)
2.The Noodle Box.
Huge portions and amazing, amazing food. It has an awesome atmosphere, and Victoria is the restaurant’s hometown.
I hope you enjoy your visit!
Aphrodite’s: http://www.organiccafe.ca/
Rebar: http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/317/1344948/restaurant/Downtown/Rebar-Modern-Food-Victoria
The Noodle Box:http://thenoodlebox.net/
Omg those pictures look unbelievable! I’ve been to Vancouver once and I loved it so much! You guys seem to be having an amazing time! Good luck with zip lining! haha as soon as you take off you’ll love it! :)
It looks great! I really hope both of you have an amaing time in BC :)
If you have time – do the Grouse Grind in Vancouver. Amazing exercise but at the top you’ll get a beautiful view over the entire city. If you don’t have time for this – on your way up to Whistler I suggest stopping at the lookout on Cypress Mountain – its maybe 5 min off the highway as you make your way to Whistler.
I haven’t been to Vancouver in years and your photos really take me back! It looks incredible! Thanks for sharing :)
Awwww what a lovely trip and what a sweet hubby! Glad you had a great time.. seems you work so very hard, you probably needed that :-)
we lived in Van and Victoria for a couple of years until recently. Seems like from the comments you’ve got most things covered.. commercial drive is cool and the vegan mexican place there, Main St and foundation, Naan in Kits, Noma in Gastown. Saravhana Bhavan have great and very cheap Indian on West 7th. Terra breads at Granville and the cafe in Main.
Victoria, where do I begin…Mole, Rebar, Bubby Rose’s, there is a great Mexican place in the Mall, a vegan Thai place and great Sri Lankan going down towards cook street village. Then of course Green Cuisine on Market Sq for cheap and healthy self-serve classic veggie fare. Have a great time!!!
What a lovely gift! Next time you’re back to Van you should check out Foundation on Main. I feel like you (and Eric) would like it a lot. They have a great sesame sauce. I hope the rest of your adventure goes well!
Wow,,,what a fantastic surprise and a wonderful, thoughtful husband you have!! Happy Aniverssary to you guys. Great photos and loved reading all the great suggestions from your other followers…it’s been yrs,,,but must get back to this beautiful area :)
If it’s not too late, be sure to check out the Butchart Gardens in Victoria. They are so beautiful!
I’ll agree with Tracy and suggest the Butchart Gardens. It’s a bit pricey, but it really is worth it. Also in Victoria is Sarah’s Place, a wonderful vegan store. The owner is amazing and will make great suggestions regarding what to do!
In Vancouver, don’t forget to check out Edible Flours, the BEST vegan bakery (better than Babycakes!!).
Have a great trip!
I haven’t read through all the comments, but try and hike The Chief in Squamish on your way up to Whistler. The views are amazing, and make the tough trek so worth it!!!
You’re in my lovely city! What a sweetie your Eric is. You’ve covered most of it (and yes, Nuba is fantastic!) but I do recommend a bike ride or walk around our sea wall. It runs around Stanley park and the entire downtown core. Science World is worth a visit (and a walk around Olympic Village), as are the Art Gallery and the museum of anthropology at UBC. Hiking the Squamish Chief or the Grouse Grind – both have awesome views and a good workout. The Grind has a nice restaurant at the top but I’m not sure how many vegan options they have. Whistler is awesome and Victoria is lovely. You will love the ferry ride.
There are also a couple nice wineries on the Island.
If you have time, a visit to New Westminster might interest you as there is a vegan food and products shop called Karmavore. They have a clothing shop at street level and a food shop and bakery below. They also sell vegan cosmetics. There is also a small salon across the street that does all natural mani-pedis.
And I’ve written a post “novel”. Oops. Lol. We have friends in town from Scotland right now and are about to embark on the same routes for the week. Enjoy your time in beautiful BC!!
Yay! I love B.C. and especially Vancouver, because it’s where my beloved friend Stina lives! Granville Island is awesome!! I love the brewery and the farmer’s market. Glad you’ve had a bunch of fun!
You will love being a West Coast girl! Living here in Victoria for the past 15 years…I can honestly say that it is an amazing city with surprises tucked into nooks and crannies that we continue to stumble upon! It is short and sweet – but check out Fan Tan Alley – it is eclectic and a must for a tourist of Victoria! I cannot wait to see my beautiful city captured by your photographic eye on your site! Enjoy every minute of your holiday – and Happy Anniversary!
Looks like you had a really great trip! Nice!!!
GROUSE GRIND GROUSE GRIND!! That’ll get you darn hungry, that’s for sure. Also, if you guys are still in Vancouver right now, and if you love horses, take a trip down to Southlands – I used to keep my horse down there, and it’s very close to the city. No public riding as far as I know, but tons of horses to pat over the fence!
Enjoy the rest of your trip, BC is so gorgeous!
How ironic! I just submitted my medical school application to University of British Columbia (Vancouver) yesterday. Who knows maybe I’ll be visiting Vancouver myself sometime soon :P Glad you enjoyed the trip ^^
Hello – can you PLEASE tell me the name/brand of your high brown boots in the first set of pictures of your trip.
I LOVE them
Thanks
Kerri
Thanks Kerri – they are from Payless last season! Vegan to boot…pun intended. ;)
Angela!
Vancouverite transplanted to Victoria 5 years ago here, also first comment!
The absolute best vegan meal here in town is at ReBar! Right in the centre of downtown. Lots of great things to do as well!!
Enjoy the beautiful cities :)
We ate their last night – so good!! Lucky you for living here, we adore Victoria.
I went to Vancouver at the end of July and I suggest the Grouse Grind (a pretty intense hike… picture a million and five steps carved into a mountain with very little breaks in the vertical climb), Savoury Island bakery/cafe, ziplining in Whistler (for extra excitement, ask the guides to teach your or Eric how to zip over the river upside down!!), walking along the seawall and/or biking through Stanley Park (there’s a bike rental place across the street from the entrance). BC is beautiful and the weather is perfectly moderate… I can’t understand why my grandparents ever settled down in Ontario.
What a wonderful surprise! Happy anniversary. My husband and I are approaching our 5th wedding anniversary and after initially thinking we would stay home or just go to a restaurant, we’re very excited with our new plans. I adore Vancouver and have been lucky to visit twice all the way from Australia. One of my favourite days is when we walked the circumference of the city from gastown past Yaletown around to Stanley Park. Just a beautiful waterfront walk. I agree that Granville Island is inspiring with all that food!
You should totally try “the foundation” vegan restaurant in East Van! I’ve been craving their food since I’ve moved down to LA. *tear*
I’m so jealous! My husband and I went to those three cities on our honeymoon 2 years ago, and we would love to go back! Check out the aquarium in Stanley Park, Butchart Gardens and tea time at the Empress in Victoria, and the Peak to Peak in Whistler. Enjoy!
I live in Victoria! This is so exciting that you will be here! My friend actually texted me saying that she thought she saw you! I guess she did :) Maybe I will see you around! I’ll be sure to say “hi” if I do! Don’t forget to check out Rebar while you’re here!!
My home city – and guess what? I am in Toronto right now! If you like sushi – go to Yamato on Davie St. They have the most amazing deals and it’s sooo good! Artigiano’s coffee is also amazing (multiple locations around the city). The Naam is really good! I have never done the Capilano Suspension Bridge!
Yay! you are visiting my hometown! Two things to do on the North Shore: Go to Deep Cove on and either hike up to Quarry Rock or rent a kayak and go for a paddle. Be sure to stop at Honey’s Donuts (although maybe not vegan?). Also Grouse Mountain! Hike up the Grind then enjoy the view over the city (you can visit the bears, have a drink at the restaurant then take the gondola back down).
Also, have you biked around Stanley Park yet? That is a classic must-do for downtown.
omg youre in my hometown!!!!! welcome to vancouver!
hey welcome to our neck of the woods. Sounds like you are really enjoying yourselves. If you want a hike with scenic rewards try the Grouse Grind. Hike up ride down… enjoy
Welcome to Vancouver! Definitely check out Dr. Sun Yat Sun Garden. It’s not too big but a lovely experience going through a traditional Chinese garden in the city. It’s nearby Stadium Chinatown Skytrain Station. And Stanley Park is really nice too! There is also a horse drawn carriage that goes around the park and an aquarium in the center.
Wow- My heart hurts too looking at those pictures…of the city I spent 10+ years in and my kids were born in Squamish. We moved to Atlanta two years ago..
Enjoy, soak it up and congrats- you have an incredible husband! What a team you guys make. Looks like from what I saw everyone has made amazing suggestions, don’t think I saw Onatah Coffee Shop though- they are in Squamish and make a wonderful pitstop on the way to Whistler. you will really need some yummy nutritious fuel if you climb the Chief when you pull into Squamish- it only takes about 1-2 hrs depending.
WOW, those pictures of the view from your hotel room are absolutely stunning. I keep scrolling back up to stare at them, haha. What a sweet surprise – that was so thoughtful of Eric! I’m super impressed that he was able to keep it a secret and did all of the planning himself. Thanks for sharing your pictures – looking forward to hearing/ seeing more of your adventure :) Enjoy!!
Very cool you are here! I love hearing what a vegan tourist has to say.
There was an article printed in a local paper last week you may find interesting http://m.straight.com/s?fid=22&a=775676&f=latest&s=60
It’s top 5 vegan choices from Vancouver food trucks. I can’t wait to try them all! Also tons of choices on Commercial Drive.
Enjoy the rest of your trip!
Victoria is our hometown and Tatomme (above) is totally right about Rebar and Lady Marmalade. But Pagliacci’s (or Pag’s, as we call it), although delicious, is totally NOT vegan-friendly! Nor is it calorie-friendly! ;)
But if you want my fave hot spots, hit up lower Pandora Street and in a matter of 20 feet, you’ve got:
– a late breakfast at Mole (http://www.molerestaurant.ca)
– espresso next door at Habit (http://habitcoffee.com)
– an AMAZING cashew chocolate milkshake (vegan!) at Cafe Bliss (http://www.cafebliss.ca)
Finally, if you’re looking for the most amazing gluten-free baked goods, there’s only one place in all of Victoria — Origins Bakery (http://www.originbakery.com)
Have fun!
Welcome to Vancouver. You should try Organic Lives located on Granville and Hastings or on 2nd and Quebec. They have some great raw vegan food. There is also a raw vegan place called Gorilla Food on Richards and Pender. Nuba is delicious! I was just there last night.
Hi Angela
I just moved back to Australia after living in Vancouver!
You must do The Grouse Grind and hike The Chief (at Squamish, on the way to Whistler). There is the BEST view from the top of the Chief! It is not that hard, despite what the website and people might say. Jog or bike around Stanley park of course.
I really enjoyed eating at East is East (which is on W Broadway at Kitsilano and there is another one on Main St but I never went there) – The Gypsy Roti Roll is delish! There is a place in Gastown called “Meat & Bread” which probably won’t suit you but just putting it out there that they have THE BEST sandwiches I’ve ever had. Breakfast at Cafe Medina in Yaletown is a must as well. If you are looking for a cheap meal, Fresh Bowl is yummy, just ask for no meat and they will give you extra veggies! And like what another reader said, Urban Fare is a must (2 locations in town and another one down in Yaletown) – as is Wholefoods (not sure if you have that where you live?).
I am so hungry just writing this.
Have fun!
What a great surprise!!
when you are in victoria a great thing to do is whale watching, this is really amazing. Also a wonderful yummy place to eat is called Rebar…fantastic food vegetarian and vegan food. You can also purchase their cookbook there…totally worth it. Have a great trip.
How amazing of your husband!! Wow!!
My honeymoon last year included 2 days in Victoria and 2 days in Vancouver. Stanley Park is a must! Rent bikes!
My favorite thing we did was hike Grouse Grind. It was incredible (and pretty darn challenging!)- that would definitely be my #1 thing to do in Vancouver. Capilano was pretty cool too- but anything after Grouse Grind just didn’t measure up. :)
I’m sure lots of people have mentioned this already – but if you’re a fitness lover, you gotta hike the Grouse Grind! Then explore Grouse Mountain at the top!
And for eats: Gorilla Food, Bandidas, The Foundation, East is East (mmm!), Aphrodites.