My Vancouver and Kelowna Journey: Experiencing the Charm of Canada’s West Coast

My Vancouver and Kelowna Journey: Experiencing the Charm of Canada’s West Coast

English Bay Beach

After checking in, we took a stroll to English Bay Beach, also known as First Beach, located near the western edge of Vancouver. It’s a stunning beach beloved by locals, who come to bask in the sunshine and enjoy the warm sea breeze.

We were lucky to catch a Honda-sponsored event, with open-air performances, food stalls, and artisan vendors filling the lawn, creating a lively atmosphere. Here, you can truly feel Vancouver’s laid-back lifestyle — people walking, jogging, biking, or sunbathing, all enjoying the moment with a carefree spirit.

Gastown

Gastown Steam Clock is located in Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood, where beautiful classical architecture houses trendy and creative shops. The most famous attraction here is the iconic steam clock, the first of its kind in the world. It operates through a complex system powered by steam, whistling on the hour and releasing white steam every 15 minutes, accompanied by the sound of its steam-powered chimes.

Gastown is also home to many modern restaurants, bars popular with young people, and shops beloved by trendsetters. It’s a vibrant community where rich history blends seamlessly with modern trends.

Granville Island

Granville Island is a small island in downtown Vancouver. It was once an industrial peninsula, with abandoned railway warehouses scattered throughout its streets. After redevelopment, the area transformed into a vibrant hub filled with modern artistic energy.

One of the island’s main highlights is the indoor Public Market, where every stall is brimming with fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, and freshly baked bread, along with international cuisines from around the world. I came here specifically for the famous bowl of puff pastry soup, and it certainly lived up to its reputation.

Outlet Mall

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, located next to Vancouver International Airport, opened in 2015. Its prime location offers a unique experience — after parking, you can watch planes flying right overhead, the closest I’ve ever been to an aircraft in flight.

The outlet features a European-style, open-air shopping village design and includes over 60 luxury brand stores, such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Cole Haan, Hugo Boss, Ports 1961, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, and Tumi, all offering great discounts.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Richmond’s Fisherman’s Wharf is located at the southwest corner of Lulu Island. In the past, it was a major hub for fish processing along the lower Fraser River. Thanks to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, fresh catches of shrimp, crab, fish, and shellfish are sold here daily in generous portions at affordable prices. Exploring the fishing boats is quite fun, though unfortunately, by the time we arrived, most of the boats had already packed up.

The wharf isn’t very busy, giving it a slightly desolate feel. However, we were delighted to spot a little sea creature — either a small seal or sea lion — poking its head out of the water, adding a cute surprise to our visit.We chose a seafood restaurant right by the wharf. The atmosphere was great, allowing us to enjoy our meal while taking in the beautiful ocean view.

Lions Gate Bridge

Today, we planned to explore West Vancouver and North Vancouver. The Lions Gate Bridge connects downtown Vancouver with these two areas, and it’s named after the Twin Lions peaks in North Vancouver. Interestingly, the bridge was funded by the Guinness family and designed by the same architect who built the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, giving the two bridges a subtle resemblance.

In the morning, we drove across the Lions Gate Bridge on our way to explore West and North Vancouver. Later in the evening, we visited Stanley Park, where we enjoyed a panoramic view of the majestic mountains of North Vancouver and the full span of the bridge. It was a completely different experience, equally stunning.

Lighthouse Park

Lighthouse Park is located in West Vancouver, at its southernmost point, and is well worth a visit. Facing the vast Pacific Ocean, the crashing waves create a powerful and awe-inspiring sight. The park also offers hiking trails, where the wind is strong and the sound of the waves even louder.

The lighthouse in the park was built in 1874 and is one of the oldest on Canada’s west coast. The point where the lighthouse stands was named by the first person to land there, George, and is called “Point Sound.” The park boasts beautiful natural scenery, dense forests, fresh air, and a blend of history and nature that makes it truly special.

An Unassuming Japanese Restaurant 🍣

Sushi Town is a Japanese restaurant located in the commercial center of North Vancouver. The storefront is quite unremarkable, sitting right next to a McDonald’s, but the interior is cozy with all booth seating.

The food is absolutely delightful, hitting all the right notes. The salmon sashimi is thick-cut and generously portioned. The avocado salad roll, topped with crispy bits and drizzled with sauce, is simply divine. Lastly, the teppan beef is flavorful and tender, served over perfectly seasoned bean sprouts. The best part? It comes with rice, leaving us completely satisfied and content. ❤️

Lynn Canyon Park

Lynn Canyon Park is a lively spot in North Vancouver, attracting many visitors, especially during holidays. It’s a popular destination for hiking and outdoor exercise. The park features a suspension bridge similar to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, though only half its length, with the same breathtaking combination of a deep canyon and towering cedar trees all around.

Admission to the park is free, and there are three hiking trails of varying lengths, each offering unique views and allowing visitors to experience the purity of nature under the sunlight.

Stanley Park

Stanley Park truly lives up to its reputation as the largest urban park in North America. Although it’s part of the city, the park is enormous, occupying a peninsula surrounded by the ocean on three sides. It features a scenic 8.8-kilometer seawall trail.

It’s best to visit in the afternoon, as the sunset adds to the beauty. Photos taken from the northern side of the park, under the Lions Gate Bridge, are even more vivid and impressive than those taken from the bridge itself.

Quails’ Gate Winery

Quails’ Gate Winery is a renowned family-owned winery in Canada with over 60 years of grape-growing experience. Visitors can book tastings or dining experiences through the winery’s official website.

We left Vancouver in the morning and timed our arrival perfectly for a 1 PM lunch reservation at the winery’s restaurant, Old Vines. We ordered two main dishes, and beyond the breathtaking views, the chef’s craftsmanship was outstanding. Highly recommended! 👍🏻

After lunch, we took a short drive to Mission Hill, just five minutes away. However, since Mission Hill is very popular, it was quite crowded and a bit noisy. Personally, I preferred the environment and ambiance at Quails’ Gate.

So, we booked a 5 PM wine-tasting tour back at Quails’ Gate and returned there in the evening to enjoy a more peaceful and relaxing experience.

Mission Hill Winery

Mission Hill Winery is one of the most beautiful wineries in Canada, renowned for its exceptional wines. The winery’s architecture and the surrounding scenery make it well worth a visit.

Okanagan Lake

Okanagan Lake is one of Kelowna’s most famous attractions, with crystal-clear water and picturesque scenery. We absolutely loved our hotel, which was built right by the lake. It was a perfect blend of lively atmosphere and peaceful relaxation.

Summerhill Pyramid Winery

Summerhill Pyramid Winery is located on the east side of Kelowna, just a 15-minute drive from our hotel. The winery’s signature landmarks are its pyramid and giant wine bottle, making it easily recognizable.

Kangaroo Creek Farm

Kangaroo Creek Farm is home to four types of kangaroos, all friendly and interactive, allowing visitors to pet and feed them.
Tip: The farm is only open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Kamloops | A Mountain Town Where Rivers Meet

Kamloops is an important town within Banff National Park. The drive from Kelowna to Kamloops offers scenic views, with turquoise lakes appearing along the way.

Although small, Kamloops is nestled between mountains and rivers, making it fresh and beautiful. It sits at the confluence of the North and South Thompson Rivers and serves as a key junction for Canada’s east-west railway. For travelers heading to the Rocky Mountain National Parks, Kamloops is the perfect stopover.