Vancouver

3 days did not do this city justice. The surrounding mountains bring a humility to the city, where function defines fashion. The laid-back vibe combined with the enthusiasm of sunny days reminds me of the best parts of the west coast married with the jubilance and appreciation of fair weather from the east coast. Had I budgeted more time, Vancouver Island definitely would have been my next stop.

Saturday

• Lynn Canyon and its suspension bridge

• Grouse Mountain and its Grouse Grind Hike

• Revel Room Jazzy Bar

Sunday

• Ferry to & from Granville Public Market

• Railspur District

• Sunset Beach

• La Belle Patate for poutine

• Biked the perimeter of Stanley Park

• Window shopped on Robson Street

• Dinner at Alibi Room

Monday

• Brunch at Jam Cafe

• The Paper Hound Bookshop

• MacLeod’s Books

• Shopping in Granville on Alexandra Street

• Museum of Anthropology

Funny story to conclude: On last-minute shopping trip on Alexandra Street, I picked up a beautiful sweater at Oak and Fort. It wasn’t until I was in a taxi en route to the Museum of Anthropology that I realized I bought it in an XL, not an XS by mistake. The store has locations in both the US and Canada, only with different inventory. A creative solution: a friend was traveling to Vancouver the very next week and made the return for me.