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…
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.