Many of you are traveling across the globe to celebrate with us in Canada, which means so much to us.

To make sure you get the full Canadian experience before, during and after our wedding, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite things to do in and around Vancouver.

So, what have Vancouver, Squamish & beyond got to offer?

Vancouver

  • Stanley Park - Cycle or walk around the famous sea wall

  • Granville Island Food Market - Vancouver’s Borough Market

  • The local beaches - Kitsilano, Jericho and Spanish Banks

  • Capilano and Lynne Canyon Suspension Bridges

  • UBC Museum of Anthropology

  • Three local mountains for hiking - Grouse, Seymour and Cypress

Day trips from Vancouver

1-2 hour drive or short ferry.

  • Bowen Island - A 20 minute ferry to a small nearby Island 

  • Sea to Sky Gondola - (a great en route activity to the venue)

  • Deep Cove - Small town on the sea inlet, Kayaking & coffee shops

  • Bunsen Lake - beautiful lake to swim and walk around 

  • Golden Ears - provincial park with walks, hikes and camping

Overnight trips from Vancouver

2-3 hour drive or ferry.

  • Whistler - Famous for skiing but great for hiking in the summer

  • Pemberton - An hour past Whistler, this is the place if you want some time in the mountains, you will likely see a bear

  • Salt Spring Island - The most popular Gulf Island (2 hours-ish ferry), cycling, food and beaches

  • Sunshine Coast - Small towns of the coast, food, beaches & sunsets

  • Victoria (Vancouver Island) - The capital of British Columbia

  • Seattle - Drive over the boarder for all that USA goodness

Longer trips from Vancouver.

4+ hour drive, short flight or ferry.

  • Banff and Jasper (The Canadian Rockies) - All the turquoise lakes and insane hikes your heart desires

  • Tofino (Vancouver Island) -  A surfers paradise, beach shacks, coastal hikes, seafood and whale watching

  • Portland (Oregon, USA) - Known for its parks, cycle paths, microbreweries and coffeehouses.

Squamish

  • Sea to Sky Gondola – Ride up for panoramic views, hiking trails and suspension bridges.

  • Shannon Falls – A short walk to one of BC’s tallest waterfalls, just off the highway.

  • The Chief – A challenging hike up the iconic granite monolith with epic views at the top.

  • Alice Lake – Local lake surrounded by forest, hikes & dips.

  • Smoke Bluffs – A network of short trails and climbing routes with views of the town and mountains.

  • Downtown Squamish – Small but charming.

  • Britannia Mine Museum – Never been. Maybe you can.

Vancouver Eats

  • Jam Cafe - Massive portions, massive calories, massive queues. A Vancouver breakfast institution

  • Osteria Elio Volpe - excellent Italian food with good vibes.

  • Sushi Nova - Any Sushi in Vancouver is great, but Sushi Nova is our go to.

  • The Red Accordion - A quintessentially charming Canadian converted home serving farm-to-table food and cocktails, found amongst downtown’s skyscrapers.

  • Earls, Joeys or Cactus Club - Found all over Vancouver, something for everyone.

  • Ramen Danbo - The best ramen

  • La Belle Patate - Poutine! 

  • Homer St. Cafe & Bar - Excellent downtown brunch spot.

  • Per Se Social Corner - Italian cuisine & Spanish tapas.

  • Tap & Barrel (Olympic Village) - On Granville Island next the famous market, nestled on the water amongst the boats. Burger and beer vibes.

  • Local - A stereotypical Canadian bar with a big outdoor area and great views in one of the best locations in Vancouver. The Local Burger is a winner

  • Maenam - Delicious Thai food with a (not-too-extortionate) tasting menu.

  • Rain or Shine - Incredible ice cream

Vancouver Drinks

  • Viva Cafe & Bakery - a local fave, right next to the beach.

  • Lumine Coffee - the best coffee & pastries in Vancouver (in my - Jonny’s - humble opinion.

  • Craft Beer Market - Set in a 1930’s Salt Building serving draft beers and bar food.

  • Batch Kitsilano - Drinks with views perched on the beach, a real crowd pleasent.

  • Micro Breweries - If you wander around Mount Pleasant they are very pleasant and very plentiful. Our favorites include 33 Acres, Brassneck and R&B.

  • The Cider House - Does what it says on the tin.

Squamish Eats & Drinks

  • Howe Sound Brewing - Self-explanatory

  • The Buvette - Big fat massive sandwiches

  • Sunflower Bakery - Array of baked good.

  • Fox & Oak - Doughnuts!

  • The Copper Coil - Craft beer & BBQ food

  • Purebread - Quite simply an overwhelming variety of delightful baked good

  • Backcountry Brewing - Beer (Backcountry)