Travel Guide: 48 hours in Vancouver
If you’re planning a weekend in Vancouver, I’ve got you! Just returned from a fabulous trip up north with Fairmont Pacific Rim and I can’t say enough good things about the city. Keep scrolling to see my favorite activities and eats, deets on the hotel, and over 40 Vancouver recs from the EDP fam.
Vancouver Travel Guide
First, let’s talk about Fairmont Pacific Rim - the hotel Caroline and I stayed at during our trip. Fairmonts have become the hotel of choice lately because their hospitality is top notch and you always know what to expect no matter what city you’re in. When I’m traveling there’s comfort in knowing I have a place that feels familiar, you know what I mean?
LOCATION:
The location of Fairmont Pacific Rim is in the heart of downtown with beautiful views of the Vancouver Harbor. It’s a few minutes walk to great shopping and restaurants and only a few minutes drive to Gastown (the cutest neighborhood for walking around and popping into great boutiques). I particularly loved being able to walk to the harbor along the water and watch the seaplanes take off. Also, HUGE PERK ALERT: there’s a hotel car that will drive you to and from local spots (for free!) which comes in REAL CLUTCH since there’s no Uber in Vancouver. Needless to say we became bff’s with the car concierge!
VIBE:
You can check out a room tour on my Vancouver highlight on IG. This is probably one of my fave Fairmonts I’ve stayed in because it has a sort of mid-century modern vibe in the rooms and the rest of the hotel feels new and fresh. It’s also a hot spot for locals who work in the area to eat/drink (keep scrolling to see all the yummy food and drink options at the hotel) which means the hotel is buzzing all day long; LOVED that energy. Per the usual the spa is phenomenal and the pool area was fab - it was a little too cold in November to enjoy the pool but it looks like it is probably a V good time in the summer.
Fairmont Pacific Rim Vancouver
Vancouver outside of Fairmont Pacific Rim
Fairmont pacific rim EATS + DRINKS
You know a hotel is good when you could potentially be there for a few days and never leave the hotel for food or drinks - ammiright? Fairmont Pacific Rim has some incredible eateries and even more amazing cocktails. Caroline and I, the lushes that we are, have decided that all Fairmonts in general have the best cocktails of any hotel group. Their cocktail programs are OUT OF THIS world (Canada properties may be #1 in my book).
BOTANIST: Botanist actually came as a top rec from the EDPfam, so I was pleased to find out it was on the 2nd floor of our hotel. I would highly recommend stopping in for a cocktail - not only are they delish but they are chemist-like libations that are truly a presentation like you’ve never seen before. The food represents the botany of the Pacific Northwest region, where locally sourced ingredients are coupled with contemporary techniques.
LOBBY LOUNGE + RAW BAR: did someone say Sushi? We feasted on insane sushi one night and it did not disappoint. Great to pop in for a small or very indulgent bite. Also if you’re just drinking the vibe is great because there’s live music playing almost every evening.
GIOVANE CAFÉ: No joke, I still crave the proscuitto and fig pizza from Giovane’s. I actually ordered it via room service one day for lunch and it was out of this world! Tons of EDPfam also recommended the Banana Coconut Latte - TBH I was on the Starbucks Gingerbread latte train during our trip (it’s no longer available in the US) but Caroline really enjoyed the Banana Coconut Latte at Giovane’s.
Fairmont Pacific Rim - Sushi
Botanist at Fairmont Pacific Rim Vancouver
Fairmont Pacific Rim - Cocktails
Where to Play, Eat + Drink in Vancouver
Getting around: as I mentioned above, there’s no UBER or ride-sharing service in Vancouver so keep that in mind. Taxis are available but you need to call them for pick up. And if you’re staying at Fairmont Pacific Rim you can use the hotel car for free! A few spots we hit on our trip:
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: HOLY NATURE! Coming from LA you just don’t see nature like this every day. We went SUPER early before the park got crowded (highly recommend) and every turn is just stunning. Also if you can time your visit in late November through January you’ll catch the canyon light displays that go up for winter. It’s TRULY magical! Check my Vancouver highlight on IG to get a sneak peak of the beauty.
Sky Helicopters: a bit pricy but the ride is glorious. It was my first helicopter ride and although I was a bit nervous at first it was easy peasy. We saw breathtaking views of Vancouver from the city to the snow-capped mountains; definitely an experience I’ll never forget.
Gastown Area: We really enjoyed this part of town because there’s a ton of great boutiques like The Latest Scoop and Oak + Fort plus great restaurants. I mean, you can even go to my fave The Old Spaghetti Factory. Definitely do go out of your way to eat there but if you’re someone who grew up on OSF you’ll understand the nostalgia. I do suggest stopping in to La Mezcaleria for some Mezcal and delish Mexican food.
Christmas Market: If you’re headed there during the holidays you must stop into the Christmas Market. It’s just filled with festive goodness and tons of mulled wine!
Capilano Suspension Bridge
EDPfam VANCOUVER RECS
EATS
S-Wich - best sandwiches
Sopra Sotto - great Pizza
Acorn- amaze vegetarian
St Lawrence - yummy French food
Nicli Antica - pizza!
Sun Sui Wah - Dim sum you can’t miss!
BARS
Keefer Bar - bar owned by the guys who own my wedding venue!
AREAS
Alberni St.
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