{"id":267392,"date":"2023-12-27T15:41:55","date_gmt":"2023-12-27T23:41:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/?p=267392"},"modified":"2023-12-27T15:42:40","modified_gmt":"2023-12-27T23:42:40","slug":"great-canadian-road-trip-vancouver-whistler","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/great-canadian-road-trip-vancouver-whistler\/","title":{"rendered":"The Great Canadian Road Trip \u2013 Vancouver and Whistler"},"content":{"rendered":"

An art installation in front of the Vancouver skyline seen from the Granville Island Public Market (Janam A. Gupta\/Siliconeer).<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a lifelong dream to cover all of the Western coastline in North America, we decided to take on a series of different road trips from the Bay Area to Whistler, Canada. This road trip covered the Oregon Coast, Seattle\u2019s majestic mountains, and finally our friendly neighbors up north \u2013 Canada. After seeing myself in Vancouver, Canada through old videos that my parents kept, it was time to revisit the friendly neighbors and see why my parents were so in love with Western Canada.<\/p>\n

Little did I know how much I would fall in love with the country. I would often hear about how picturesque Vancouver and Whistler are during the winters, but this time, I got to relive the serene experience, my parents raved about for decades.<\/p>\n

Starting our trip, we left Seattle bright and early and made a straight beeline for Vancouver. Fall foliage and wet roads led our entrance into the Canadian border. Don\u2019t worry we weren\u2019t escaping America.<\/p>\n

Day 1 – Venturing Vancouver<\/b><\/h3>\n

Entering Vancouver – South Granville<\/b><\/h4>\n
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Chicken Burger at Caffe Barney.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Passing the test with flying colors and entering Canada, our first stop was the South Granville borough of Vancouver. This gave us our first taste of Canada, literally. Famished, our first meal in Canada was at the Caffe Barney<\/a> in what seemed like a quiet but upscale neighborhood of Vancouver.<\/p>\n

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Hummus & Pita at Caffe Barney in South Granville, Vancouver.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A good area to grab food and drinks, we indulged in a typical pub affair – burgers, quesadillas, fries, etc. Caffe Barney brought me back to my days in London, except the food was exceptionally American.<\/p>\n

Granville Island<\/b><\/h4>\n
\"\"
Granville Island Market.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Continuing our journey and yet to be awestruck by Canada\u2019s magic, our next stop was Granville Island. Delectable pastries, aromatic coffee, magnificent views of the Vancouver Skyline, and a multitude of local shops, art installations, and eateries littered Granville Island.<\/p>\n

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Bakery with delicious pastries at Granville Public Market.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Situated below the Granville Bridge, Granville Island is like a little village surrounded by water – reminiscent of a coastal town in a major city. It is a little escape from the bustling downtown of Vancouver. Yet, you are always reminded that you are still in the bustling downtown as the glistening skyline emerges from the clouds and surrounds Granville Island.<\/p>\n

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Granville Island Market.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Vancouver Downtown<\/b><\/h4>\n

Having visited Portland and Seattle on this trip, the Vancouver Downtown gave me a very cosmopolitan and modern vibe. The vibrant tech and arts scene showcases the exponential growth and development of the city within the last two decades.<\/p>\n

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Vancouver skyline from Granville Island.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

People with long coats, umbrellas, and boots walk on the clean sidewalks of downtown. This is the first time, I had seen a downtown so clean, with so much space, without any sign of homelessness, crackheads, or hecklers. It felt safe, welcoming, and warm. I guess the Canadian stereotype holds\u2014 even though it was cold and rainy on the day we were venturing around.<\/p>\n

Capilano Bridge<\/b><\/h4>\n

As the sun set and it was time to seize the night, I was looking forward to hitting Vancouver Downtown and experiencing the nightlife. I forgot my family was with me and they decided we had other plans. I am so glad they did because what followed was the most elaborate and festive display of Christmas lights mixed with a sense of thrill.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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The Capilano Suspension Bridge lit up for \u201cEnchanting Winter Wonderland\u201d display.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We checked out the Capilano Suspension Bridge at night. Mesmerized with the \u201cEnchanting Winter Wonderland\u201d on display, we forgot we were about to step on a bridge suspended over a rushing river, with rain and wind. Yes, our adrenaline was rushing as we were crossing through the brightly lit bridge, but we simply couldn\u2019t take our eyes off the variety of colors beaming through the natural forestry wonder, that is Capilano.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
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White lanterns at the Capilano Suspension Bridge \u201cEnchanting Winter Wonderland\u201d display.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Whether it was a forest of trees or a forest of LEDs, we decided that this was the best Christmas display we have seen, ever. Top that off with Hot Cocoa available around the park and the kid inside of me was overjoyed.<\/p>\n

Dinner in Yaletown<\/b><\/h4>\n
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Indian food at Tasty Bistro, Yaletown.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Following our \u201clong\u201d adventure through Capilano, it was time for a nice hot dinner. Heading back into the Cosmopolitan scene of Vancouver, we found ourselves in Yaletown. A bit sleepy compared to the rest of Vancouver, laid a gem for an upscale Indian restaurant.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Missing our staple food and tired of eating burgers and fries, we were craving a nice royal Indian meal. Enter, Tasty Indian Bistro<\/a> in Yaletown, Vancouver. In an upscale environment with a welcoming attitude, cocktails and meals crafted to perfection, our cravings were more than satisfied.<\/p>\n

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Grilled Chicken Platter at Tasty Bistro.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ending the night with some more venturing about, we headed for our Airbnb, located between Downtown and Chinatown. We were blessed with the views of Vancouver Downtown around us as we tasted the city loft life.<\/p>\n

Day 2 – Canada\u2019s Answer to Pacific Coast Highway<\/b><\/h3>\n

Being in California, we are very fortunate to have the Pacific Coast Highway and tend to boast a lot about it. Canada has the \u2018Sea To Sky\u2019 Highway. Being a sucker for scenic drives and twisty roads, the \u2018Sea To Sky\u2019 Highway was the hidden paradise waiting to be discovered. Day 2 started our journey to the 2010 Winter Olympics wonderland – Whistler.<\/p>\n

\u2018Sea To Sky\u2019 Highway<\/b><\/h4>\n

Words are not enough to describe the joyous scene of the \u2018Sea to Sky\u2019 Highway. A spectacular smooth road that winds its way from Vancouver to Whistler. Breathtaking views of the sea, mountains, and enchanting forests give you sensory overload throughout the two-hour journey.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With so much natural beauty to take in, it\u2019s easy to spend an entire day exploring the area and not realize that there might be so much more. Making one stop at Tim Horton\u2019s on the way, this was one of the most relaxing and entertaining drives for me as we had our sights on Whistler.<\/p>\n

Whistler<\/b><\/h4>\n

Home of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler is basically Olympic Valley, in California, on steroids. A bit frazzled by the maze in Whistler, we simply followed the snowy road and took our first stop at the Blackcomb Base. Not interested in skiing that day, we focused more on the snow play and explored Whistler\u2019s different corners.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Lost Lake in Whistler during November.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The next stop was the Lost Lake Park on the other side of the Whistler Village. Ironically, we were lost as we were driving around. With limited patches of snow, our guide was wherever white was and we finally stopped once our car decided to get stuck. We stumbled upon the Lost Lake and were in for a surprise.<\/p>\n

Having seen many lakes that I have lost count at this point, Lost Lake in Whistler was one of the most peaceful lakes I have been to. Surrounded by dense forests and snow-capped mountains, Lost Lake is a marvel that leaves you speechless.<\/p>\n

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The Village at Whistler.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We ended our Whistler tour back in civilization, sort of. Nothing comes close to the vastness of Whistler\u2019s ski village. With a hoard of food options, shopping options, and ample area to play with snow – the hours just flew by. Finally, as we saw the sunset, it was time to head back to where we came from: Seattle, America.<\/p>\n

But there were two more unintended stops.<\/p>\n

Vancouver Gastown Steam Clock<\/b><\/h4>\n

Forgetting to check out Gastown as we had so much on our plate and palate, we made a quick beeline for Vancouver\u2019s landmark Gastown Steam Clock. Illuminated trees, old-school streetlights, and cobblestone sidewalks gave Gastown a very Victorian old-town feeling.<\/p>\n

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Vancouver Gastown Steam Clock.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Gastown is significant because it is considered the birthplace of Vancouver, with its origins dating back to the 1860s when it was a logging settlement. Home to many creative businesses and tech startups, Gastown has a booming travel scene with a mix of trendy shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as a thriving arts and culture scene.<\/p>\n

November in Canada was an unforgettable adventure that fulfilled our wanderlust and introduced us to the beauty and warmth of the country. From the friendly neighborhoods of Vancouver to the picturesque \u2018Sea To Sky\u2019 Highway, we experienced breathtaking scenery, delicious food, and warm hospitality that made us fall in love with the country.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Read more on Siliconeer.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

An art installation in front of the Vancouver skyline seen from the Granville Island Public Market (Janam A. Gupta\/Siliconeer).   With a lifelong dream to cover all of the Western coastline in North America, we decided to take on a series of different road trips from the Bay Area to Whistler, Canada. This road trip…<\/p>\n

Read More<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":267399,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,19,71],"tags":[53647,250,62876,62877,3008,37,16543,62878,62881,62875,62879],"class_list":["post-267392","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle","category-topics","category-travel-lifestyle","tag-british-columbia","tag-canada","tag-capilano-bridge","tag-granville-island","tag-road-trip","tag-travel","tag-vancouver","tag-vancouver-downtown","tag-vancouver-gastown-steam-clock","tag-whistler","tag-yaletown"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/267392","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=267392"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/267392\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/267399"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=267392"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=267392"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=267392"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}