Here is your personal urban explorer itinerary for the West Coast

Before you settle into your new seasonal routine, consider a West Coast getaway and experience a fall fling with Vancouver. You’ll not only capture all those glorious autumn feels with various activities and attractions, but endless Instagram-worthy moments, too.

Whether you seek family-friendly experiences or are looking to fulfill your ultimate couples bucket list, the city is buzzing with everything from world-class hotel stays and colourful culture, to an award-winning cosmopolitan culinary scene and outdoor adventures—there’s never been so much to see and do in and around Vancouver.

The city welcomes you to re-connect—safely and responsibly—and rediscover the vibrancy of Vancouver. Getting re-acquainted has never been so much fun.

If you’re wondering what to include in your urban explorer itinerary, Destination Vancouver has unpacked a few of their favourites.

Leisure activities and adventure

Discover some of Vancouver’s most spectacular scenery and exhilarating outings, with vantage points that will take your breath away and take you to great heights.

On Grouse Mountain, the Skyride aerial tram will whisk you 1,130 metres (3,700 feet) above Vancouver. You can also visit grizzly viewing at the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife, Kids Tree Canopy Adventure, Peak Chairlift ride, mountain ziplines, and the challenging vertical 2.9-kilometre trail—the Grouse Grind. (Check trail schedule for open/closures).

On Mt Seymour, a leisurely 2-kilometre, hour-long trek along the Goldie Lake Interpretive Trail takes you through temperate rainforest and wildlife viewing opportunities. Ride the Eagle Coaster on Cypress Mountain down a winding track with forested vistas and exciting bends.

Enjoy a sensory delight as you cross the easy sway of the Capilano Suspension Bridge, 70 metres (230 feet) above the Capilano River. At Treetops Adventure, seven suspension bridges in the trees take you high above the forest floor. Raise your adrenaline on the Cliffwalk, a series of narrow suspended stairs, bridges and walkways.

The Sea to Sky Gondola provides an awe-inspiring adventure. Ride to the summit for sweeping views of Howe Sound, Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief, the world’s second-largest granite monolith and climbing mecca.

Attractions, arts and culture

Continue your adventure from great heights, but here, from a virtual perch. Fly Over Canada transforms Sept. 27 to Oct. 31 to HowlOver Canada. Feel the sensation of soaring over the nation’s most iconic sites with a band of spooky sidekicks.

Hockey action returns! See the puck drop live and be one of the first fans back to Rogers Arena to cheer on the Vancouver Canucks. Regular season starts Oct. 26 for their home opener against Minnesota. Visit BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum and bring any Canucks, Whitecaps, Lions, or concert/event ticket from BC Place or Rogers Arena to receive 50% off admission.

In Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium’s 65,000 amazing animals have been waiting to see you. There’re more than 30 unique exhibits, including a new Marine Mammal Rescue exhibit and new 4D experience movie, Octopus: Blue Planet II. You’ll be cheek to fin exploring our planet’s oceans.

Achieve your culture quotient with visits to: Vancouver Art Gallery, tours and family programs; improv comedy at Improv Centre on Granville Island; the Stanley Theatre, Queen Elizabeth Theatre and Arts Club Theatre for plays, musicals and more. East Vans’ The Cultch, for cutting edge professional performances, community arts and educational initiatives.

Dining al fresco and dreamy digs

There’s not a definitive end to patio season in Vancouver, but a chill in the air is no reason to give patios the cold shoulder—most have heaters, otherwise, pair your favourite meal with a cozy sweater. Choose from tranquil or lively views.

Waterfront: award-winning Dockside Restaurant overlooking False Creek in the Granville Island Hotel; marina-side Cardero’s in Coal Harbour; Miku overlooking Burrard Inlet, pioneer of flame-seared sushi (Aburi) in Canada; Sylvia’s Restaurant, beachside English Bay dining at historic Sylvia Hotel. Shop more than 50 independent food purveyors at Granville Island Public Market and head outdoors.

Rooftop: Vancouver Art Gallery’s 1931 Gallery Bistro, overlooking Robson Square. Reflections: Garden Terrace at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia; LIFT in Coal Harbour with two-level terrace; Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House, with 50-plus kinds of fresh fish.

Streetscape: Gastown’s Rogue Kitchen & Wetbar, 100% craft beer offerings; Flying Pig, farm/sea-to-table product at Olympic Village; Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar, Yaletown with caviar menu; Yaletown Brewing Company, Vancouver’s original brewpub.

Pamper yourself with a hotel stay and spa retreat. It’s nothing but sweet deals and sweet dreams when you bed down within any of these top spots: the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa (Stay and Get Rewarded); Shangri-La Hotel and CHI, The Spa (Member Exclusive, 20% off stays); Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and Absolute Spa (Take your Time offer); The Sutton Place Hotel and Vita Spa (Fall into Savings, up to 50%); Rosewood Hotel Georgia and Sense, A Rosewood Spa (Suite Sojourn, 25% off select suites).

For more information, visit destinationvancouver.com, email [email protected] or call 604.682.2222.

This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.