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Oh Vancouver, Canada, how you completely stole my heart! This was truly one of my FAVORITE month’s that we’ve lived anywhere! Vancouver was so magical, especially during the Fall (October specifically)! We were luckily able to witness the fall foliage change and eventually peak, and the weather was temperate enough to go outside and bike ride, take long walks, explore, and just enjoy everything the city and mountains had to offer! We even escaped up to Whistler, Canada one weekend for a little getaway and I have a full Whistler Travel Guide on the blog that you’ll have to check out too. There is SO much to do in the amazing city of Vancouver, everyone we encountered was EXTREMELY nice and friendly, and I can’t wait to return! I’m sharing everything in this blog post including where we stayed, what to do, where to eat/drink, and some other helpful tips.
WHERE TO STAY:
We really wanted to stay somewhere that would encapsulate the “city” yet also had a water view. We went back and forth between a few airbnbs and vrbos and eventually settled on a 2bd/2ba rental in Coal Harbour which was by far the BEST decision we made. We absolutely loved the location, could walk everywhere, had an INSANE view of the mountains, water, and city, and truly felt so safe and comfortable! Highly recommend this location!
WHAT TO DO:
There are SO MANY fun activities to do in Vancouver and a whole lot to see! It truly depends on the time of year you visit, but we were there during Fall which allowed us to explore the outdoors and chase after Fall foliage (the most striking colored leaves we’ve seen- even better than the East Coast!).
Granville Island- take the aqua bus across + checkout the public market
Stanley Park- rent mobi bikes and ride around, especially near the seawall, you can also ride to the totem poles
Capilano Suspension Bridge- we did this when we visited in 2016 (included in my original Vancouver Travel Guide)
Grouse Mountain- great for local skiing and mountain biking
Whistler- see my Whistler Travel Guide
Kitsilano Beach- Vancouver’s best beach + trendy area with shops too
Robson Street- tons of shopping, cutest little street, feels like you’re in Europe or London
Yaletown- trendy little neighborhood
Gastown- another neighborhood, but not my favorite
Ferry to Victoria- this will be on my list for next time!
Aritizia- go shopping here! My latest discovery and it’s the best.
WHERE TO EAT/DRINK:
Carderos- Coal Harbour waterside dining (great happy hour too)
Sandbar- by far my FAVORITE restaurant ever (it’s on Granville)
Breka- the BEST coffee shop with the yummiest pastries (off Robson St)
Banter Room- in Yaletown, fun vibes
The Greek- in Yaletown
Danbo Ramen- always a line but so good!
Rodney’s Oyster House- the BEST SEAFOOD + amazing vibes
OTHER HELPFUL INFO:
Definitely try and walk everywhere- Downtown Vancouver, BC itself isn’t very large and is easily accessible! We also loved renting mobi bikes to get around and explore.