’twas 48 Hours in Vancouver before Christmas

Posted by TravelKorner on December 19, 2014 in Destination - Canada, English | Leave a comment

by Rod Raycroft

You’re arrived in  Vancouver. Relax afterall you’re in good company, as nine million visitors a year cannot be wrong. Vancouver the largest city in Western Canada can truly be called world class.

Not only did Vancouver host a world exposition 1986 and the Winter Olympics in 2010, Conde Nast Magazine readers selected it as Canada’s favourite city in 2012. The city seems designed to be a pure delight for travelers wanting to combine a desire for the great outdoors with top urban explorations.

But combine the city with Christmas and shopping, then diversity is the magic word that best describes Vancouver: from unique shops to massive malls both offering items from kitsch to cultish and chic to charming.

The First 12 Hours: Arriving and Familiarizing

After landing at Vancouver’s International Airport the best way to reach downtown hotels is the Canada Line (Airport-Waterfront Station in 26 minutes for $5).

Insider Tip: Buy a Zone 1 FareSaver packet of 10 at the Seven-Eleven store in the airport ($21).

Still need accommodations? A single room starts at $148 per night with shared bath and deluxe rooms with bathroom are from $188. If you want a bit of seasonal bling, the Fairmont Vancouver rooms start at $319 per night.

Both hotels are within walking distance, of most of the trendy shops and restaurants. Just a walk among that big-city atmosphere of skyscrapers and shop windows decorated for the season will get you in the mood. First stop, the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, there’s a perfect treat for everyone on your list here, Buy yourself some mints as sugar boosts for your weekend shopping walkabout.

Head to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza to stroll through festively decorated outdoor Vancouver Christmas Market where illuminated wooden huts showcase imported and locally produced gifts. Before surrendering to food temptations at the market, book a table at the Top of Vancouver Restaurant in the Harbour Centre Tower, absolutely the most romantic view in the city no better way to start your weekend. Their Salmon Fillet is stuffed with crab and baby shrimps and served with a roasted red pepper sauce ($39).

Insider Tip: To save time visit the Pacific Center Mall, where out of town visitors who spend over $200 receive a free gift (conditions apply).

Day two: Discovery and Immersion

Start the morning at Granville Island for a relaxed stroll through the many small shops and enjoy a fresh squeezed fruit juice from one of the numerous stalls in the market hall. Shops on the island represent the work of more than 3000 artists from across the province. Definitely visit Kites & Puppets for the perfect children’s gift or those young at heart. A glove puppet like the Fairies of the Season ($29.99), is 14 inches tall, is fully costumed including shoes, and can accommodate even an adult-size hand.

Once you’ve crossed over the bridge you’re close to two of Canada’s top fashion designers, Nicole Bridger’s flagship store and RozeMerie Cuevas’ JC Studios, where image consultants will be there to assist you every step of the way.

Looking for new perspective on the traditional gift for a guy? Send him to the Absolute Spa, while you shop! Located in the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, the spa offers treatments just for men, like the Gentleman’s Facial or the Professional Sports Foot Care. It’s not primping; think of it as getting him ready for Hollywood celebrity spotting at clubs and restaurants like, Bar None, Blue Water Café, Cin Cin, Gotham Steakhouse, and Tojo’s.

For a unique item under the tree, Revolucion has a pair of Sock-it-to-me ($12), these are not the socks mom gave him last Christmas. Or if he’s more of a gadget guy, pick-up a state of the art Stewart Stand stainless steel wallet, to protect his credit card RFID theft ($70).

Insider Tip: Fitness buffs check out Pixie Hoops, see how an old toy is the new cardio-workout, stabilizing your core and working the shoulders. Deals can be found online for their pop-up shop
on Saturday, December 15^th.

The Last hours: Relax and Enjoy

Treat yourself to a final stroll through the historic Gastown, to purchase any last minute items from countless souvenir shops. Enjoy breakfast at one of the trendy restaurants, pop into one of the many galleries – for those interested in local artists visit Hill’s Native Art.

Insider Tip: The Vancouver Airport is full of great shops, for those last minute items visit Gallerie Vancouver in the domestic terminal.

Finally, remember to drop some coins in Santa’s kettle and enjoy the spirit of the season, best wishes to all!

INFO BOX:

ACOOMODATIONS: Victorian Hotel, 514 Homer St, T (604) 681-6369, http://www.victorianhotel.ca Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, 900 West Georgia St, T (604) 684-3131, http://www.fairmont.com/hotel-vancouver

GROUND TRANSPORT: Canada Line, http://www.translink.ca Vancouver Taxi (604) 871-1111, http://www.avancouvertaxi.com

DESTINATIONS: Tourism Vancouver, Visitor Centre, 200 Burrard St, 604.683.2000, http://www.tourismvancouver.com Gastown, Water St, (604) 683-5650, http://www.gastown.org Granville Island, 1661 Duranleau St, (604) 666-6655, http://www.granvilleisland.com

SHOPPING: Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, 1017 Robson St, (604) 688-4100, http://www.rockychoc.com Vancouver Christmas Market, 650 Hamilton St, (604) 561-7597, http://www.vancouverchristmasmarket.com Pacific Center, 701 West Georgia St, http://www.pacificcentre.ca Kites & Puppets, 13-1496 Cartwright St, (604) 685-9877, http://www.kitesandpuppets.ca Nicole Bridger, 2151 West Fourth Ave, (604) 730-1129, http://www.nicolebridger.com RozeMerie Cuevas’ JC Studios, 164 West Fifth Ave, (604) 688-5222, http://www.jcstudio.ca Revolucion, 1062 Mainland St, (604) 662 4427, http://www.revolucionstyle.com Hill’s Native Art, 165 Water St, T (604) 685-4249, http://www.hillsnativeart.com Pixie Hoops, 957-1396 Richards St, http://www.pixiehoops.com Gallerie Vancouver, Vancouver International Airport, Gate C27, (604) 303-7734

ENTERTAINMENT: Absolute Spa, 900 West Georgia St, (604) 684-2772 ext 2, http://www.absolutespa.com Bar None Night Club, 1222 Hamilton St, (604) 689-7000, http://www.donnellygroup.ca/locations/night-clubs/bar-none

RESTAURANTS: Top of Vancouver, Harbour Centre Tower, 555 West Hastings St, (604) 669-2220 http://www.topofvancouver.com Blue Water Café, 1095 Hamilton St, (604) 688-8078, http://www.bluewatercafe.net Cin Cin, 1154 Robson St, (604) 688-7338, http://www.cincin.net Gotham Steakhouse, 615 Seymour St, (604) 605-8282, http://www.gothamsteakhouse.com Tojo’s Restaurant, 1133 West Broadway, (604) 872 8060, http://www.tojos.com