You’ve hit practically all the spots you can hang out with your girls in your city- from the most glamorous restaurants to the quaintest of antique stores.
If you’re wondering where next to take your adventures with your girl crew, why not try a weekend trip out of town? And when you’re juggling possible destinations around, be sure to include Vancouver in that mix.
Why? Vancouver has every ingredient that makes for a typical girl’s trip; exciting eateries, wine tasting, exciting nightlife and a good selection of shopping spots. Few destinations combine the trappings of a big city and the outdoor fun as well as this Canadian gem. So what can you expect to enjoy with your girls on your visit to the V?
1. Pamper Up
The whole point of getting away is to spoil yourself after a week of hard toiling. Vancouver has several spots where you can get a soothing massage with a cherry on top. At Willow Stream, you will get your choice of treatment, enjoy a dip in their outdoor pool and order something delectable thereafter. Other spas offer a complimentary glass of wine post-treatment.
2. Foodie
Vancouver is known for the great options it offers for brunch. You can start at Catch 122 to delight your palate with the best of local specialties. Follow your Canadian exploration with a European expedition as you indulge in Belgian waffles, among other treats at Chambar. Nemesis and Revolver are the brunch spots in Vancouver coffee lovers will adore.
When it comes to dinner, you will have a wide array of options. If you feel like Italian, The Nook has got you covered. You and your girls can stuff yourselves with wood-fired pizza and great pasta there. Parlour also serves excellent pizza, but pass by Giardino if you’re looking for the quintessential Vancouver dining experience.
3. Glamping
While you will undoubtedly want to book your stay in one of the iconic hotels or a cozy Airbnb in downtown Vancouver, be sure to spare a day or two for an overnight outdoor experience. A night beneath the stars full of wine and laughter is one of the reasons you should make glamping a part of your Vancouver experience.
Many sites in BC will allow you to enjoy the scenic mountains and lakes without you having to endure the discomfort of actual camping. You will find numerous luxurious tented camps within the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on the island itself. You can also choose from many luxuriously furnished cabins that can house groups of up to ten.
Besides waking up to breathtaking scenery, you can engage in a plethora of outdoor activities. You can start with an energizing morning run or a yoga session amid the tranquil greenery. Later on, you and your crew can take on forest trails that weave through verdant rainforests; go fly-fishing or horseback riding.
4. Wine Tasting
One of the best times to visit Vancouver for a girls’ weekend is spring. This is when you can savor fresh bounty from the numerous wineries spread across British Columbia. Plus, the weather will be perfect for a stroll through the lush vineyards that carpet Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island’s renowned wine-producing region.
When it comes to the wine itself, you can look forward to dipping your tongue in Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and various kinds of Chardonnay. Your wine tasting tour guide will also provide you with a wealth of information about the process of growing grapes and producing world-class wine.
If you and your girls want to sample the other alcoholic delights Vancouver has to offer, why not embark on a craft beer tour as well?
5. Stay Out
Still, feeling energetic after a day of sightseeing? Vancouver may not be known for its nightlife, but it has several great spots to let your hair down. If you have a weakness for live music, The Roxy will provide your fix. If you prefer a more mature setting for your nightcap, Twelve West is the place to be.
6. Retail Therapy
No visit to Vancouver can be complete without an afternoon of shopping on Robson & Granville Street. Although it has lost a bit of its luster over the years, you can still snag a gorgeous wearable souvenir from the boutiques here. A more popular shopping destination with tourists in Vancouver these days is Gastown. This is where you’ll find Nettle’s Tale, Latest Scoop and other stores where you can get unique trinkets to remind you of your time in the V.