GETAWAY SERIES: Weekend Up North
With the holidays quickly approaching, Andrew and I were looking for some time to take a getaway because our December was quickly filling up with plans. Thankfully we were able to find time at the beginning of the month to take a little vacation up to Vancouver B.C. We left after work on a Friday for a roughly two and a half hour drive north where our first night was fairly laid back, consisting of eating Thai food and relaxing in our hotel room.
Saturday was going to be our busier day. We started the day walking to the Vancouver Aquatic Center to catch a ferry to Granville Island. The shopping area reminded me of Pike Place Market and we had a great time wandering around checking out the shops and vendors.
After a quick nap at our hotel, we ventured out to what I was most excited for. About a month ago, I sent Andrew a link about the Capilano Suspension Bridge and expressed interest in visiting at some point. We couldn’t really justify going up just for that, so we put the bridge on the back burner, assuming we would check it out in the spring or summer. But, with a weekend plan starting to take shape, it seemed like the perfect time to see the suspension bridge that was only 20 minutes north of downtown Vancouver.
We were able to catch a free shuttle a few blocks away from our hotel and already had our tickets purchased so we didn’t have to wait in line. We arrived around 3:30pm and I was so excited when we walked in. There are a bunch of activities that you can do while there, not just the suspension bridge, but that was our first stop. I’m not a fan of bridges, but I’m happy to report that I conquered the Capilano one! As we were walking across, the sun was starting to set (thanks daylight savings) and it was so beautiful. On the other side was Treetop Adventures, where we were greeted with lights as we walked amongst the trees and Nature’s Boardwalk, a leisurely stroll along the forest floor. When we crossed back over the bridge, the sun had completely set and the lights lining the whole thing sparkled. We finished up with the park’s Cliffwalk and lights. It was truly one of the highlights of our trip.
On Sunday, we drove to Stanley Park and walked around for awhile. We walked along the seawall and stumbled upon Lumbermen’s Arch and Totem Poles. It was such a nice ending to our weekend, being able to leisurely stroll about and explore a bit.
I love taking little weekend getaways with Andrew and I’m so happy with how well we travel together. Vancouver is such a beautiful city and it was nice to enjoy some holiday festivities somewhere new.
