Vancouver BC History
“Not considering this opening worthy of more attention, I continued our pursuit to the Northwest, being desirous to embrace the advantages of the prevailing breeze.” –– Captain George Vancouver
Good thing for us the prevailing breeze sent the Captain to Vancouver in 1792. Gold is what brought people in droves to the tiny European settlement. In the mid-1800s the Hudson Bay Company set up a trading post on the Fraser River east of what is now Vancouver serving the throngs of prospectors.
Vancouver Wilderness
Rapids and romance
Begin your action-packed adventure by escaping to the rugged wilderness just outside of Vancouver. Less than a two-hour drive away, you’ll discover Chilliwack River Rafting, offering five-hour expeditions through the Chilliwack River Canyon. Go for The Canyon, a class 3 to 4+ tour, with rapids like Carousel, Double Whammy, and Godzilla. Or go a bit tamer with The Classic on rapids like Fisherman’s Drop, Allison Pool, and Trailer Park. The trip back finds you back in town for the perfect happy hour, or continue the adventure at Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa to pamper those hard-working muscles in five hot mineral pools. Afterward, enjoy a unique gourmet dinner at The Copper Room where guests can dine and dance––there’s even a separate dance floor for children.
Romantic Escape to Victoria BC
Wild indulgence in Victoria
Surprise your sweetheart with the perfect romantic escape to Victoria on Vancouver Island, only 90 minutes away by ferry, a 40-minute ride from downtown Vancouver. When you step off the ferry you’ll feel like you just arrived in Europe.
Be sure to indulge in Afternoon tea at The Empress, guaranteed to make you feel like royalty. Opening over 110 years ago, the Fairmont Empress knows a thing or two about royalty and tea. Originally opened as a terminus hotel for the Canadian Pacific Railway, this hotel serves more afternoon teas in Summer than most hotels in London with an average of 400 people being served per day. With a following like that, they must know a thing or two about the brew.
Up the romance with a horse and carriage ride around the charming streets of the old city. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, Victoria became the busiest seaport north of San Francisco and you can still see signs of her glory days. take an enchanting stroll through Butchart Gardens, over 100 years in bloom. A highlight includes taking a boat tour of Brentwood Bay where you can explore the history of wildlife including seals, herons, eagles, and otters.
Where To Eat and Drink in Vancouver
Wine Tasting and Regional Dining
Vancouver is literally a foodie dream incorporating fertile valleys filled with abundant vineyards and a vast agricultural land perfect for discovering new delicacies and varietals. Begin in Richmond only a half an hour to the south of downtown, and sample some award-winning ice wine at Lulu Island Winery. They had us at ice. Marvel at the secret to ice wine which transforms hard, icy marbles into wine through a grape crusher then a press.
The perfect way to work off all that tasting is with a visit to one of the most luxurious restaurants in town called Le Crocodile Restaurant which features fare like Seared foie gras and seared scallop appetizers with cantaloupe, Sablefish and tempura lobster over tagliatelle in saffron beurre blanc sauce and Caribou with roasted lobster tail and pea couscous. Don’t worry, reindeer isn’t gamey at all.
Round out your foodie experience with some local wine tasting. The British Columbia Wine Institute has some great resources for planning your trip. Don’t want to plan anything fancy, but still feel like tasting, check out Vancouver Urban Winery for great selections. Round out your day with an upscale-casual dinner at The Cabin along beautiful Crescent Beach in Surrey.
