Wedding season is upon us and that opens the door for weekend getaways to celebrate the bride’s bachelorette party. Vancouver is a city that will keep you dressed well, fed, quenched and fit! If this is your first time in Vancouver, you’re going to want to make it count and fit in as much as you can before heading home to face reality.
Start by booking a room on the Orchid floor at the Georgian Court Hotel. This floor is a women’s only floor and has everything you need to look and feel fabulous. Don’t worry about forgetting your curling iron or straightener at home; the rooms are equipped with them.
While you and your girlfriends get ready, read through your favorite fashion magazines that are thoughtfully placed in your room. The Georgian Court will be easy on your budget and is close to everything in Vancouver as it’s right off of Robson Street.
Stuffed Apricots at Edible Canada — Photo courtesy of Edible Canada (Facebook)
Start your day off with brunch at Edible Canada in Granville Island. The local flavors will give you a taste of Vancouver and the foodies in your group will love the store at the back of the restaurant where they can find delicious treats to bring home. While you’re at Edible, take advantage of being at Granville Island and stroll through the shops. After you've finished shopping there, hop on the water taxi and make your way back downtown.
If the weather is favorable, why not spend the afternoon at the beach? Our favorite is Locarno and Jericho, but English Bay and Third Beach are very convenient if you don’t want to leave the downtown core and the views are pretty lovely.
If you’re feeling slightly more active, rent some bikes, ride around the Seawall and make your way around Stanley Park. Depending on how much of the Seawall you cover, you may come across some pubs and restaurants that are right on the Seawall and offer the perfect opportunity for a cheeky drink.
The sun sets over English Bay — Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver / John Sinal
If shopping is on your mind, head to Gastown where you'll find one-of-a-kind pieces that your friends back home won’t have. Robson Street is another popular shopping strip where you will find familiar brands. Besides, you need an outfit to go out dancing later in the evening, right?
When dinner time rolls around, Rodney’s Oyster Bar is a fun place to go that’s lively and energetic. The boisterous servers will get your evening started on the right foot. The oysters there are some of the best in Vancouver. For something less casual, Pourhouse Restaurant is a refined (but not stuffy) environment with excellent dishes that are comforting and indulgent. The cocktail list there is very solid, too.
For groups of gals that prefer to sit, chat and enjoy top-notch cocktails, the Keefer Bar will not fail to impress. The unique tinctures and concoctions they mix are ridiculously good – almost too good! Ladies that like to cut a rug should check out Fortune Sound Club. This club is in the heart of Chinatown and attracts well-known DJs from around the globe.
Craft cocktails at The Keefer Bar — Photo courtesy of The Keefer Bar (Facebook)
After a fun day and night out on the town, wind your weekend down at YEW restaurant + bar in the Four Seasons Hotel for brunch. And, if you’re not ready for the fun to stop, they have 50% off all bottles of wine on Sundays.