Canada was our first sisters’ trip abroad. This trip kick-started my jet setter lifestyle. I traveled to at least one new country annually in the following years. We went in July 2013 and spent 6 days 5 nights there. We also visited Seattle for several days afterwards since it was only a short bus ride away. For a list of unmissable attractions in Vancouver check out my other post. Below is a recap of my own personal experience in Vancouver.
Journey
Chicago (ORD) → Vancouver (YVR)
Total Flight Time: 4 hrs 29 mins
Culture
In many ways I found that Vancouver was quite similar to cities in America which comes as no surprise since we’re neighbors after all. Navigation wasn’t a problem at all since communication was in English. I must confess I am terrible at distinguishing between Canadian and American accents so I couldn’t tell for sure who was an actual local.
From a Chicagoan point of view, a major difference I did notice was the abundance of green space in Vancouver compared to my hometown. Nature seemed closer and more accessible from the city limits. Overall it didn’t appear to be too crowded.
Memories
- Enjoying exceptionally fresh air at Lynn Canyon Park
- Snacking on a super tasty rotato at Richmond Night Market
- Riding a water taxi for the first time- AquaBus to Granville Island
- Eating a phenomenal meal at Banana Leaf
- Getting chased by bees on Grouse Mountain- I looked like a mad woman
- Savoring a delicious hot dog at the OG Japadog stand
- Spotting ultra cute seals on our sea safari with Sewell’s Marina
- Drinking a Japanese cream soda float for the first time – sooo good
- Observing cute grizzly bears playing at Grouse Mountain
- Waking up in the middle of the night itching from what appeared to be bed bug bites (freaked out; dealt with a not-so-friendly hotel manager; switched accommodations in the wee hours; suspected some creep of following us) total nightmare to say the least
Last Impression
Despite the bed bug fiasco, this was actually one of my top favorite vacations. It was short and sweet! I loved the overall vibe of Vancouver and came to the conclusion that my ideal home is a smallish city surrounded by beautiful nature. I most definitely will be visiting again in the future!
I hope you enjoyed reading about my experience in Vancouver!
For additional content on Canada, check out these 10 photos that will inspire you to visit Vancouver.
Have you taken a trip to Vancouver before? How did you like your experience there? Let me know in the comments!
