In and Around Vancouver!
Located in False Creek, underneath the Granville Street bridge, Granville Island is home to an eclectic selection of restaurants, bars and theatres including the Granville Island Stage and Waterfront Theatre. There is also a wide selection of local artisan workshops and craft studios, a public market with endless stalls of fresh fruit, baked goods and gourmet food.
Getting there:
- Boat – Aquabus from False Creek inlet (downtown side) to Granville Island
- False creek inlet is a 5-minute walk from the hotel
- For directions to False Creek from the JW Marriot Parq Hotel click here
- Walk – seaside walk along the seawall from False Creek
Located in the downtown east side, Gastown offers a mix of local designer studios, art galleries, restaurants, authentic heritage architecture. There is a wide selection of places to eat from farm-to-table restaurants to vegan comfort food. This neighborhood is also home to some of the city’s best cocktail bars and live music.
Getting there:
- Walk – for directions from the JW Marriot Parq Hotel click here
Vancouver Seawall and Stanley Park and Vancouver Aquarium
The seawall is longest waterfront path in the world (a total of 28 km in length). The most popular section is a 10km loop around Stanley Park in Vancouver’s West End. A good starting point for this loop is on east side of Stanley Park drive by Coal Harbour. This loop takes you through lush coastal forest, beaches, vistas and landmarks. To explore the seawall, you can walk or rent a bike from one of the many rental shops in the area. While in Stanley Park, make a stop at the Vancouver Aquarium and visit with over 65,000 marine species!
Getting There:
- Bus: #19 from the JW Marriot Parq Hotel
- Taxi: ask to be dropped off in Coal Harbour along the seawall!
Skiing/Snowshoeing at Cypress Mountain / Mount Seymour / Grouse Mountain
Vancouver’s North shore is home to three Mountains that offer a range of winter activities from downhill skiing to snowshoeing and Nordic skiing. Lift tickets, or day passes at the Cypress Nordic Centre should be purchased in advance. The views from these mountains are truly unparalleled, with cypress offering views of Howe Sound, and Seymour and Grouse providing a bird-eye view of the Burrard inlet and the city of Vancouver. There is also a gondola that you can take to the top of Grouse Mountain if you aren’t interested in skiing or snowshoeing!
Getting there:
- By car
- By bus
Located in the eastern end of Downtown Vancouver, this is North America’s third largest Chinatown. The neighborhood was established in the 1800s and has become a vibrant center for traditional restaurants, markets, temples, and gardens. Be sure to check out the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and try some traditional dim-sum at Jade Dynasty or one of the other many restaurants in the area.
Getting there:
- Walk – for directions from the JW Marriot Parq Hotel click here