Unexpected Love Story: Me and Vancouver
Have I been sleeping on Canada?
As a self-proclaimed travel enthusiast and lover of culture, my recent trip to Vancouver revealed that I may have overlooked America’s international neighbor. I’ll admit, while Canada was on the destination list, it was never high on my list. I always imagined there were flashier, more exciting destinations. But a dear friend’s wedding brought me there, and in just four days, Vancouver made me a believer.
I landed late Thursday evening with little expectation, but the moment I looked out from the condo with the city lights shimmering across the water, I felt that familiar travel thrill. The first night was simple: a stroll along the seawalk to Tap & Barrel for wings, pizza, and fries. Nothing fancy, but the atmosphere was lively, and the view set the tone.
Friday was the wedding day, but before that, we explored a bit of the local food scene. We had breakfast at Hunnybee, where I devoured an egg and avocado sourdough sandwich. As someone who isn’t a huge breakfast fan, the sandwich overly delivered. For lunch, I gave in to my guilty international pleasure: McDonald’s. And let me just say, Canada does McDonald’s better. Clean service, fresh food, and they even had Fruitopia, a childhood favorite that evoked so many nostalgic memories.
The wedding itself was stunning. An experience full love, laughter, and wine flowing in perfect pairings. It left me so grateful to witness it all.
Saturday was all about exploring. Coffee, shopping downtown at the Pacific Centre, wandering Robson Street, and of course, discovering hidden gems through conversations with locals.
Vancouver radiates activity: runners at midnight, endless bike paths, and overall people embracing movement. But the highlight? Biking through Stanley Park. Renting bikes from Spokes, we rode from the park to the beach, soaking in mountain views and the salty air. At one point, a stranger helped push me up a hill (lol), and later, a mother and son guided us through detours. Those small kindnesses embodied Vancouver’s spirit and reminded me of the warmth of the city.
Our final stop was Cactus Club Café, where the food, drinks, and views were unforgettable. Ordering sushi, calamari, fresh bread with truffle butter, fish tacos, and truffle fries. Not a single bite was left behind. Sitting on the beach afterward, mountains behind me and waves at my feet, I felt both full and light. It was one of those sacred moments where the simplicity and beauty of it all expanded my heart.
Overall, Vancouver surprised me. Its welcoming people, delicious food, natural beauty, and cultural richness exceeded my expectations. Add in the favorable exchange rate for Americans (hello, built-in discount), and it’s hard not to recommend. There’s still so much I didn’t get to do, which only gives me an excuse to return.
This trip reminded me why I fell in love with traveling in the first place: the unexpected beauty, the kindness of strangers, the expansion of the heart. So, if Vancouver isn’t already on your list, add it. You won’t regret it.
