When we lived in the Seattle area we had some of the most beautiful landscape a very short drive from us.
For our second anniversary of dating we decided it would be fun to take the 3 hour trip up to Vancouver, B.C. So, we hopped in the car and set off for a long weekend.
Here are some of the things we did that I highly recommend if you plan to visit Vancouver.
See a Hockey Game
I will admit you probably have to love hockey for this. Growing up in Michigan I fell in love with it at a young age. I remember vividly in 2002 running through the house yelling when the Red Wings won the Stanley cup. It just so happened that the Red Wings were playing the Capitals at Roger’s Arena the weekend of our anniversary. I call this a win win win, because the Wings walked away with the victory that game.
Eat at Juke Fried Chicken in China Town
If you are like me you are questioning the idea of fried chicken in the north being comprable to the southern fried chicken you can find in the States. BUT let me tell you a thing, good food has no state lines and no boundaries of location. I have had my fair share of chicken in Tennessee visiting family. Juke has the best fried chicken I’ve ever had period. It’s a small stylish eatery with nice cocktails. The vibe is wonderful and the chicken is crisp and juicy.
Take a bike through Stanley Park
We walked but you should definitely bike. The park is large and offers many things to do from a play ground for kids, a pool, a golf course, totem poles, a beach, a navel museum, an aquarium and walking trails. I recommend the bike because you can cover more ground than we did! The views of the Lions Gate Bridge are amazing. You can also look out from Third beach at ships traveling through the Straight of Georgia and the nearer Burrard Inlet. Between all the wonderful views and activities it is a must do for me and your family too.
Lions Gate Bridge 
Siwash Rock 
Map of Park
Drive Out and Hike Lighthouse Park
Smaller than Stanley Park, but in my opinion much more beautiful. This is more of a hiking destination than a – take the whole family for a day of fun – place. By far it was Jake and I’s favorite spot of the trip. It’s an old growth forest with small cabins and a light house. The rocky edges gave a fun place to free climb and look around (please free climb careful and responsibly as to not get hurt or disturb the natural landscape). We sat just above a tree growing out of the rocks and watched three bald Eagles hop from one tree branch to the next for almost and hour. It was majestic.
Point Atkinson Lighthouse 
The Rocky Ledges 
Bald Eagels 
Rocky Edges 
Map of Park
There’s so much more we wanted to see, but due to only being there for a long weekend we are not disappointed with the things we did do. Next time we will stay longer and see more.
Let us know in the comments if you’ve been to Vancouver and what your favorite part was!
Bonus: If you are driving up from Seattle stop at Bagelry in Bellingham, WA. They had amazing fresh bagels and breakfast snacks. With one exception (due to honey) their bagels are all vegan and at the end of the day they donate left over bagels to local charities. I also loved their positive message on the bathroom mirror!
