Vancouver Magic: The Adventure Before the Adventure

Sometimes the best trips happen when you give yourself a little extra time to explore. For us, that meant adding a couple of days in Vancouver, Canada before boarding our Alaskan cruise—and it turned out to be the perfect decision. With summer sunshine, ocean breezes, and no shortage of beautiful sights (and delicious bites), our quick stop in this coastal city was packed with adventure, unexpected surprises, and plenty of moments worth remembering.

Where We Stayed

We checked into the Carmana Hotel and Suites in downtown Vancouver, a high-rise that doubles as an apartment building. Our spacious room came with a full kitchen, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city, and a private balcony perfect for catching sunsets—and the occasional surprise fireworks show.

Day One

Our journey started bright and early—2 a.m., to be exact—and included a near sprint through the airport to make our connection. By the time we landed in Vancouver, we were more than ready for lunch. After dropping our bags at the hotel, we headed straight to Cactus Club Cafe, a waterfront spot with incredible views of seaplanes taking off and landing. 

Fueled up with scallop and prawn ceviche, poke bowls, and some much-needed caffeine, we set out to see what adventures Vancouver had in store for us.

Our first stop? Gastown—a spot that came highly recommended by locals and Jeff’s coworkers. This historic neighborhood charmed us instantly with its cobblestone streets, unique shops, inviting restaurants, and the sound of live music drifting through the air. And then there was the steam-powered clock—a quirky, must-see landmark we didn’t even know existed until that moment. Watching it puff steam into the air felt like stepping back in time.

Following the music, we found ourselves at Guilt & Co., where a pianist was playing on their patio. It was the perfect excuse to pause for a snack and a drink before continuing our evening. We made one last stop for dinner at Steamworks Brewing Co., where trying poutine was non-negotiable (and every bit as delicious as we’d hoped)

With happy hearts and full bellies, we strolled back to our hotel just in time to watch the sun melt into the horizon from our balcony—a perfect ending to a day well spent.

Day Two

Waking up refreshed, we were ready for a big day of adventure. After a quick breakfast at Mangez Mangez Cafe, we hopped in a car to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park—just a short drive from downtown, but it felt like stepping into another world.

The ticket price is a little steep, but honestly? Worth every penny. The highlight, of course, is the iconic suspension bridge swaying high above a canyon with rushing water below. Crossing it was thrilling and just the right amount of nerve-wracking. On the other side, we wandered through the treetops, scanned for wildlife and soaked in the forest views. After a quick lunch, we braved the Cliffwalk—a narrow path hugging the rock face, perfect for those who like their adrenaline with a side of scenery.

If you’re scared of heights like me, my advice is to take it slow and enjoy the moment. The views make every shaky step worthwhile.

From the park, we strolled down the road to Pipeline Trail for a little extra nature time. It turned out to be one of the best decisions of the trip. We stumbled upon a quiet, breathtaking spot that felt like pure tranquility. Jeff, of course, had to dip his feet in the icy water. I decided to keep mine warm.

Pro tip: You can take the park’s free shuttle back downtown—an easy way to save on a rideshare. Back at the hotel, we cleaned up for date night and headed to Hello Nori, a one-of-a-kind sushi bar where you sit in a large square and each roll is made fresh in front of you, one at a time. Six rolls later, we were officially spoiled. 

Not ready to call it a night, we wandered to Black & Blue for a drink at the bar (they also have a gorgeous rooftop). Then it was on to Gerard Lounge at the Sutton Place Hotel—cozy, classy, and the perfect last stop. 

At least, we thought it was the last stop… until we stepped onto our balcony back at the hotel and were surprised by a full drone and firework show lighting up the Vancouver skyline. Talk about ending the day with a bang. 

Final Morning

With just a few hours left in Vancouver, we made our way to Stanley Park and the Vancouver Seawall. The walk was nothing short of stunning—sparkling water on one side, lush greenery on the other, and views of Vancouver Harbour dotted with sailboats. We watched a rowing team glide past and even spotted a couple of curious seals popping their heads above the surface.

It was the perfect, peaceful send-off before boarding our Alaskan cruise. Spending those extra days here turned out to be one of the best decisions—we left with full hearts, great memories, and a camera roll overflowing with photos. Now… on to the next adventure.