Surrounded by mountains and dotted with beaches, this remarkable coastal city on the Burrard Peninsula—the third largest metropolitan area in Canada and one of its most diverse—offers unparalleled vistas and plenty of natural, cultural, and culinary attractions for tourists and business travelers, alike.
Vancouver is a city that is always in motion, and it can feel like there are new restaurant and bar openings every week. You’re bound to discover new hot spots on every trip, in-between visits to forever favourites.
To help you narrow down the options and build out the perfect itinerary, we put together a list of the new and iconic destinations and addresses to bookmark, and book, before your next trip west.
SEE & DO
You’ll definitely want to leave time for exploring or revisiting iconic attractions like Stanley Park, Kitsilano Beach and the Granville Island Public Market, where, on a Saturday morning, you might see vendors selling everything from handcrafted pottery to mushroom jerky.
Slightly further afield, the VanDusen Botanical Garden offers a meticulously-landscaped introduction to the region’s local and seasonal flora, and Grouse Mountain is the city’s most popular tourist attraction year-round.
Published on Main, which received its inaugural MICHELIN Guide star in 2023, is perhaps one of the buzziest reservations in town. It’s the rare restaurant that works as well for date night as it would for celebrating a milestone anniversary or birthday.
You’ll be in good hands with the 10-course tasting experience curated by Executive Chef Gus Stieffenhofer-Brandson, but you can also choose your own adventure with the masterful a la carte menu. Every dish is a visual delight and a flavour bomb, and the service is truly exceptional without being overbearing or fussy.
Other hot reservations in the city: Fiorino, a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand restaurant on East Georgia Street, where dishes are served family style; Suyo on Main Street, which offers modern Peruvian, fresh ceviche, and award-winning cocktails; and Maenam in Kitsilano, another MICHELIN-recognized hot spot which specializes in Thai dishes made with seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients.
DRINK
Meo, which opened in March, is the buzzy, new cocktail bar from the team behind local favourite Kissa Tanto. Reservations are essential at this moody Chinatown boîte, but you’ll be glad to be inside on a drizzly Vancouver night, sheltered from the elements in a cozy banquette. Our waiter tells us that the Turkish Sbagliato and Cosmo Fizz are crowd favourites, but you won’t go wrong anywhere on the curated drink and food menus.
Botanist Bar, located on the second floor of the Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel, was recently awarded #24 on the list of North America’s 50 Best Bars. The cocktails, and mocktails, there masterfully embrace distinctive ingredients like cherry blossom, douglas fir, kombu, and candy cap mushrooms.
STAY
For luxury travelers seeking an elevated escape in Vancouver, the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver is a premier destination that combines sophisticated comfort, world-class hospitality, and a deep connection to the city’s natural beauty. Nestled between the vibrant neighborhoods of Gastown, Yaletown, and False Creek, this luxurious property offers a sanctuary where guests can both recharge and explore all the city has to offer.
Upon entering the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver, you are immediately welcomed into a tranquil yet energizing environment. The hotel’s 281 rooms and 48 luxury suites are designed to reflect the natural beauty of Vancouver.
The Spa by JW on the 17th floor offers a self-care haven like no other, making it a standout feature of the hotel. This quiet oasis is designed to nurture the mind, body, and soul with its carefully curated spa treatments. Whether you indulge in a full-body massage or relax on the Mind-Sync Harmonic Sleep Lounger, the spa offers an unparalleled retreat above the city.
Food and drink offerings at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver are as exceptional as its accommodations. With world-class restaurants and lounges on-site, guests have access to a wide variety of gastronomic delights. The Victor, the crown jewel of Parq’s dining options, offers an elegant yet contemporary twist on surf and turf, featuring fresh Pacific Northwest seafood, premium steaks, and an elevated sushi and raw bar. For a more relaxed, farm-to-table experience, Honey Salt provides soulful, locally sourced dishes that evoke the comforts of home cooking with a refined edge.
With its unparalleled combination of luxurious amenities, exquisite dining, and top-tier hospitality, the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver is more than just a place to stay—it’s a journey into the very best of Vancouver’s luxury lifestyle. Whether you’re visiting for business, relaxation, or adventure, the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver promises an enriching and unforgettable experience.
Conveniently situated steps from the waterfront and Canada Place, and just a short walk to Stanley Park and downtown, the Fairmont Pacific Rim is a five-star accommodation option in Vancouver with unforgettable views of Coal Harbour and the North Shore Mountains.
The luxurious, contemporary rooms boast plenty of high-tech features: you can order room service and sundry amenities via an in-room tablet, watch TV in the tub, and choose from multiple lighting options for each space. In the hotel, there’s a lively lobby bar, a Taschen library, and an outdoor heated pool and hot tub with a view. And when you’re ready to explore the city, there are bike and e-bike rentals and loans available for guests, with helmets and locks thoughtfully included.
