Share This

Vancouver: a city where outdoor activities are offered in abundance; Capilano Suspension Bridge, Stanley Park & the Seawall, cycling, boating and more, but what happens when the weather turns a little wild?

Fortunately, there’s plenty to #eat #drink #explore & #shop undercover. Here are a few ideas to get you started so grab that brolly and let’s go!

Bloodies @ Cardero’s

Cruise ships, seaplanes and all manner of boats make Vancouver’s waterfront a magnet, even in inclement weather. Park yourself by the window at Cardero’s and indulge in scrumptious Jumbo Shrimp Bloody Marys.

Sea salt, celery salt & cracked pepper rimmed glasses containing double vodka shots, jalapeños and the usual condiments are filled with delicious clamato juice. Top it with its namesake shrimp and you have a meal in itself.

Is it still raining? Then order moreish steamed dumplings, bowls of mussels or for a lighter option, the spinach and strawberry salad is incredible. Cardero’s you’ll find is excellent come rain or shine.

Cardero’s: 1583 Coal Harbour Quay, Vancouver.

FlyOver Canada

If there’s one thing not to miss in Vancouver, it’s FlyOver Canada. A virtual bird’s eye flight capturing the country’s diversity through the seasons complete with wind, mist, heat and scents. The opening scene from Hudson Bay, Manitoba was filmed during the dead of winter when temperatures drop to minus 50°C.

The journey flies over 10,000-year-old icebergs off Newfoundland; through Niagara Falls mist; over freshly cut wheat fields in Alberta to end up in beautiful British Columbia. The ride is 8 minutes, the shortest 8 minutes you’ll ever experience! FlyOver Canada knows that so they offer 1/2 price to go again. Do it, it really is just as good the second time.

Here’s the official teaser from the opening in 2013 to give you an idea.

Flyover Canada: Canada Place, Vancouver.

Miku’s Sushi!

Miku Restaurant is not just another sushi place and for true sushi lovers, it’s important to stress – you can not miss it! You’ll be craving the signature salmon sushi with charred jalapeños and kewpie mayo long after you leave the Emerald City.

Miku Restaurant: 200 Granville Street #70, Vancouver.

Vancouver Art Gallery

Outgrowing itself 3 times in its 80-year history, the Vancouver Art Gallery is on the move again. As the collection grows, so does the gallery’s commitment to past, present and future British Columbian artists. The vast Asian population in the region is applauded through the Institute of Asian Art. IAA exhibitions focus on cross-culturalism, traditions and identity.

Vancouver Art Gallery: 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver.

Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar

Step back in time to an era where steak tartare and caesar salads are prepared tableside. Sink into a leather banquette and sip on a dry martini. Now peruse the steak menu feeling confident whatever you order will be perfectly cooked before you behind insulated glass on open coals.

Hy’s Steakhouse has been around for 60 odd years. Think rich mahogany beams, soft leather and low lights. Don Draper and Roger Sterling wouldn’t be out of place here. Non-steak lovers are catered for too so don’t miss out on this memorable experience.

Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar: 637 Hornby Street, Vancouver.

Bill Reid Gallery

You may have encountered the Bill Reid Rotunda at University of British Columbia’s Museum of Anthropology, but visit Bill Reid Gallery as well. The Raven’s Call, a virtual exhibition, details Bill Reid’s artistic journey from radio announcer to carver in the forests of Haida Gwaii. Here he connected with and developed a deep understanding of his heritage and identity. Gold and silver jewellery, sculptures in bronze & stone, a towering totem pole and other work are on display.

Bill Reid Gallery: 639 Hornby Street, Vancouver.

Grain Tasting Bar

The Hyatt Regency’s Grain Tasting Bar may not top your list of funky bars, but we think you’ll be surprised. Fitting with the regional theme encountered throughout Vancouver, Grain Tasting Bar promotes local brewers, wineries and distilleries offering the best of British Columbia.

Tasting flights are particularly good value with your choice of 3 craft brews for (CAD) $7, 3 whisk(e)y, vodka or gin cocktails for $14/15 and 3 red or white wines for $16/17. Liberty Distillery’s vodka, gin and whisk(e)y are part of the line-up, remember them from Granville Island Market?

Grain Tasting Bar: Hyatt Regency Hotel, 655 Burrard Street, Vancouver.

Robson Street and Pacific Centre

If the bug bites and retail therapy is required Robson Street is your go-to. Stretching from downtown to the city’s West End you’ll find all the Men’s, Women’s and Kid’s brands you need along with cosmetics, footwear, fragrances and more. Robson Street is also dotted with restaurants, wine bars and coffee shops.

Robson Street.

Pacific Centre is the largest mall in Vancouver and it’s mostly underground. The whole day could be spent here should your wallet allow it. Department stores, independents and designer brands converge with a food court all far from the storm outside.

CF Pacific Centre: 701 W Georgia Street, Vancouver.

Accommodation

For spectacular deals, check out our personalised accommodation booking page right here! There’s no need to leave our site. Simply enter Vancouver, start sliding and the perfect accommodation will be offered live. Hotels, B&Bs, serviced apartments; they’re there for the taking.

When Vancouver’s weather turns wild, it’s still a place we love….
Here’s a Google Map for all locations.