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Victoria/Vancouver, BC Honeymoon! Things to do?

posted 1 year ago in Honeymoons
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    1.
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    Buzzing bee
    heather5743    March 10, 2012  

    We just decided to visit Victoria and Vancouver, BC for our honeymoon next year!!    Neither one of us have ever been out of the United States, so we're really excited about it.

    We've been looking up things to do and places to visit, but do you have any thoughts on what we should do or where we should visit?

    We're all about doing adventurous things, as well as hiking and sightseeing!

    Thanks for the help!

     

     
    2.
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    Bee Keeper
    SapphireSun    July 9, 2010   Vancouver, BC

    Both Grouse Mountain and Whistler have ziplines, and Whistler has bungee jumping.  You could run/hike the grouse grind if you're wanting something that's a local hardcore right of passage.

    Here's a website that list some of the trails around here.

    http://www.vancouvertrails.com

    There's always Stanley park, and Granville island for more leisurely activities.

    In Victoria you could visit the Royal BC museum. 

    If your wedding date is correct, it might be a little too cold, but you could do kayaking or white water rafting.

     
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    Buzzing bee
    heather5743    March 10, 2012  

    @SapphireSun:  Thanks!  I was just looking at Grouse Mountain.  That looks like a fun place to go.  That is our wedding date...I was worried it might be too cold for water activities, but we'll see.

    Thanks for all the information!  We appreciate the help!

     
    4.
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    SapphireSun    July 9, 2010   Vancouver, BC

    No problem.  You're definitely going to want some back up plans.  It rains a LOT here in the winter.

     
    5.
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    julies1949      

    You can take the fery from Tsawassen(south of Vancouver off the highway to Seattle) to Victoria, then drive up island to Nanaimo and take the ferry back to Vancouver from there. It makes a nice circle tour.

    The ferry to Victoria takes about 1.2 hours and is a beautiful ride.

    Stay right downtown in Victoria,

    The drive from Victoria to Nanaimo takes about 2 hours. Along the way you could explore the Cowichan Valley- some wineries and good crafts and markets.

    http://www.eatmagazine.ca/ is a good source for foodie information.

     

    Also use www.tripadvisor.com  to get ideas of what to do in each area.

    Use http://chowhound.chow.com/boards/85?tag=board_banner;board_alert to get ideas where to eat in Vancouver and Victoria.

     

     
    6.
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    Buzzing bee
    heather5743    March 10, 2012  

    @julies1949:  We were thinking to take the ferry to Vancouver.  Thanks for the websites for food.  We haven't even looked into food yet, so thanks ahead of time!

     
    7.
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    Helper bee
    09.07.11    July 9, 2011   Vancouver, BC

    Bring an umbrella and rain gear! It rains SO much here that time of year. A good pair of rain boots will be your best friend!

     
    8.
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    Bumble bee
    jayce    December 10, 2010  

    I agree with the above, Vancouver is very rainy in March! Waterproof jackets and rainboots are a must if you're going to spend any prolonged amount of time outdoors.

    If you like hiking, the Grouse Grind in North Vancouver and the Stawamus Chief in Squamish are great, but again, the weather... the trails might be closed due to heavy rain or snow. Lynn Canyon might be a better option. DH and I were there just a couple weeks ago doing some light hiking. I really do not recommend seeing the Capilano Suspension Bridge. It's too crowded and way too expensive for what is really a boring experience.

    Even in a drizzle, it's still fun to rent bikes and ride along the Stanley Park Seawall. You can also rent kayaks, I think there are a few places in Deep Cove, and I hear the Indian Arm is a beautiful stretch to paddle down. Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver, is also really beautiful. Go at low tide so you can walk across the rock bridge to the little island!

    Victoria/Vancouver, BC Honeymoon! Things to do? :  wedding honeymoon british columbia vancouver victoria WHYTECLIFF4372

    You might also enjoy spending a couple of days at the Harrison Hot Springs for a little romantic getaway ;)

    If you want a indoor day, the Stanley Park Aquarium is really neat.

    As for food, tell us what kind of food you like and I'm sure you'll get tons of suggestions!

     

     
    9.
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    Buzzing bee
    Ryansgirl    October 22, 2011   Canada

    Just because I'm so homesick for Vancouver (Richmond to be exact) I'm going to suggest Steveston in Richmond.  It's a quaint area with some cute shops, and the fishermen/women bring in their catches there.  I pretty much spent my childhood in Steveston!  Stanley Park is a must see, that's where the Aquarium is located also.  

    I love just walking along the beaches in Victoria and area.  There's a beautiful lake called Thetis lake which has some nice walking trails around it - it's in Sooke, but it's not far from Victoria, if you're renting a car. 

    http://www.explorevancouverisland.com/Thetis_Lake_Victoria_BC.htm

    My FI said to visit the bug museum in Victoria too - I think he was being sarcastic, but I liked it!!!!

     
    10.
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    Helper bee
    hrev2010    July 10, 2010   Des Moines, IA

    Lots of great ideas already posted. If you want a little more inspiration watch Anthony Bourdin's "No Reservations: Vancouver" I do believe it streams on Netflix. But they go to some AMAZING restaurants, go up to the mountains, etc. I wanted to go so badly after watching it. Hope you have a great time!

     
    11.
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    Bumble bee
    Theresa90405    April 10, 2010   Santa Monica, CA

    Vancouver is such a great city!! We spent a day and a half there for part of our honeymoon. (Spent the rest of the time snowboarding in Whistler.)

    We didn't have much time to do anything. So we decided to just walk around and see the whole city.

    We stayed at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. It was the best hotel experience of my entire life. They upgraded us to "Gold Level" and treated us like royalty. It was really great, old-school service.

    There was a lounge on our floor where they would put out free breakfast every morning and free appetizers every evening. And I don't just mean danishes and coffee. There was eggs benedict, smoked salmon, etc, etc.

    The concierge took care of making our dinner reservations for us. And they also had big umbrellas for us to use as it was raining a bit when we were there. They also have 2 hotel dogs...big Golden Retrievers that hang out in the lobby. You can even walk one if you want. Or have one come to your room to visit.

    http://www.fairmont.com/hotelvancouver

    And we ate dinner at a fabulous steakhouse called Gotham. Again, fabulous old-school service. And the food was incredible. I have never had a better steak.

    http://www.gothamsteakhouse.com/

     

     
    12.
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    Helper bee
    Jillbean    June 12, 2011  

    Definitely hit the Vancouver Aquarium, that place is AMAZING. I was skeptical because I'm not a big museum/gallery/zoo person, but I was absolutely convinced.

     
    13.
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    Bumble bee
    sceeder    June 23, 2012  

    High Tea at the Empress Hotel in Victoria is super expensive but AMAZING. http://www.fairmont.com/empress/GuestServices/Restaurants/AfternoonTea.houtm

    If you are renting a car you can check out Cathedral Grove. http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/macmillan/

    Also China Towns in Vancouver/Victoria. The China town in Victoria is very touristy where as the China town in Vancouver is probably in the worst part of town. But such cool things and amazing deals!

    Check out the tea stores in Victoria. I think Murchies is one of the most famous. http://www.murchies.com/

    Go to Granville Island. Have Rogers Chocolates there. Freaken tasty. http://www.rogerschocolates.com/

    After that have a pint of beer at the Granville Island Brewery. http://www.gib.ca/

     
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    Busy bee
    Firefighter_Bride    August 13, 2011   British Columbia

    You will LOVE Vancouver Island! I'm born and raised here and would NEVER move! :) Make sure you check out the beaches and go for a day trip out to Tofino (west side of Vancouver Island)!

     
    14.
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    Firefighter_Bride    August 13, 2011   British Columbia

    You will LOVE Vancouver Island! I'm born and raised here and would NEVER move! :) Make sure you check out the beaches and go for a day trip out to Tofino (west side of Vancouver Island)!

     
    15.
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    Bumble bee
    sceeder    June 23, 2012  

    @Firefighter_Bride: Tofino! How could I forget Tofino!

     
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    Melini    April 2, 2011   Northern CA

    We went to the local history museum (not sure of its proper name), and it was really one of the most interesting museums I've ever visited.

    We go for the outdoors stuff...climbing mainly.  I don't know what time of year you're going, but the hike to the top of the Chief is great and the views are unbelievable if weather permits.

    There's a cool suspension bridge through the rain forest north of the city.

    Take a ferry to a hippy island (Hornby).

    Whistler.

     
    17.
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    Helper bee
    tall_jenny    August 27, 2011   Victoria, BC, Canada

    In Victoria you should definately check out the parks (beacon hill is the big one) and stuff. The cherry blossoms will be in full bloom by March, as well as all the other spring flowers. Buchart gardens would be great too.

    If you're not so into flowers there is so much to see downtown. China Town is great, as is Government Street. There's a lot of shopping, some great cute boutique stores. The museum is okay but the wax museum is really interesting if you don't mind getting a little freaked out. You could also go see craigdarroch castle or hatley castle.

    For sure stay downtown.

     
    18.
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    Buzzing bee
    heather5743    March 10, 2012  

    These are great!!  Thanks for all the tips!  I'm writing them down now, so when we start planning I already have ideas on what I want to do.

     

    THANKS!!!

     
    19.
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    red_pepper_gal    July 7, 2012   Edmonton, Canada

    Don't forget to visit the breakwater and Dallas Road in Victoria. I second going to visit Murchies - if you don't want to shell out for High Tea at the empress, have a cup of Empress Afternoon Blend at Murchie's. Also on my list - eat ice cream at the Roger's Ice Cream Parlour, have dinner at Spinnakers. (I guess we eat a lot in Victoria. Huh.)

     
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    elliegraye    July 2, 2011   BC Canada

    @heather5743: I live on Vancouver Island and can help you with ideas. You can keep my email just in case, then you can have a contact on the island if you need it, questions, lost lol. 

    Quick questions-Is it March that you are coming? And how long do you think you might spend? If you come to the island (as called here), obviously check out Victoria first. I would rent a car, and have a place booked (B and B, or hotel) in Tofino for sure. I would drive through and see the Carmanah Valley, the west coast of the island. March is rainy though and Gray. If you want to come when it's beautiful and gorgeous, come in June, July, August, or Sept! Camping is really big here and so are the provincial parks. 

    You can order free travel info (little magazine things) on here:

    http://www.vancouverisland.travel/

    Definitely browse through the map of provincial parks on the island here. These are nice places to visit , go for a drive, etc. Although in the winter here (rainy March) they will be damp and rainforesty so bring your rainboots!

    http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/things_to_do.html

    Ferries info (www.bcferries.com)

    I lived in Vancouver for many years and you definitely just want "downtime" to go venture and visit places. Go to Stanley Park and walk the seawall, go to Science World (fun!), Gastown, all the touristy stuff can be nice to see and visit. 

     

     

     
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    elliegraye    July 2, 2011   BC Canada

    @red_pepper_gal:  Yes, the breakwater! (at Ogden Pt). And Beacon Hill Park.

     
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    bebefly    October 22, 2011   Ottawa

    TOFINO.

    It's a must-see.

    Also, maybe do some whale watching?

    Cathedral Grove. It's amazing.

     
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    MissHighHeel    June 2012  

    I AGREE WITH BEBEFLY!!

    sorry, so excited... 

     

    um, TOFINO is ammmmazing. And I loove cathedral grove. always go there when I went to tofino. 

     

    I LOVE TOFINO.

     

    Can't say enough.. 

     

     

     
    24.
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    Buzzing bee
    heather5743    March 10, 2012  

    Thanks for all of these tips!  I'm really excited about our trip!  Now we just have to start planning everything day by day.

    I have a couple more questions:

    1.  Where would you recommend staying in Victoria and Vancouver?  We were going to try to find vacation homes to stay in, but it may be easier to just stay in hotels.  What would you suggest?  We don't want to spend a fortune on the hotels, in case that helps.

    2.  I'm really worried about the rain now.  Would you suggest putting off the honeymoon for a few weeks and go in April?  Or is the weather still not that great in April either?  *Our wedding is March 10th.

     
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    crislen    May 8, 2011   Vancouver, BC

    @heather5743:  Well it is March 14 in Vancouver right now, we are sitting at 10 degrees celcius and it is hard core pouring rain!  If you can hold off visiting I highly recommend coming later in the summer - April can be nice, but it is completely hit and miss.

    If you do come during the summer, and are up for a little Asian food adventure, I highly recommend visiting the Richmond Night Market which runs on the weekends in Richmond during the summer.

    For places to stay, I would check into the bed and breakfasts that are all over Vancouver.  White Rock (another quaint little area with THE BEST fish and chips :D) is a good place to look.

    Or if you want more upscale, definitely stay at one of the higher end hotels downtown.

    For more unique shopping in Vancouver, visit Commercial Drive or Main Street.  Tons of boutique shops and amazing restaurants.  In Vancouver, some of the hole in the wall food places are the best.

    Definitely do Stanley Park, the Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge, wander down Granville Street and Robson downtown, take the skytrain and explore the Richmond malls (which is kind of like the new Chinatown in the Greater Vancouver Area - the existing Chinatown has shrunk, but can still be good - check out the chinese garden down there!)

    I ditto the recommondation for Granville Island - if you are into theatre, there is the Arts Club Theatre down there which has a improv show which is a lot of fun.

    Vancouver has tons of variety - food and cultural and experience wise!  Good luck choosing!

     

     
    26.
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    Buzzing bee
    heather5743    March 10, 2012  

    I am really NOT excited about all the rain.  I've been looking at my weather app over the past month, and it showed rain almost every day.  Boo!

    I'm not sure if we'll delay the honeymoon a few weeks or not.  I might just have to buy some cute/stylish rain gear! Wink

     

    Thanks for all the ideas everyone!  It's been super helpful, and I definitely can't wait to plan it all out!  Even if it does rain the whole time, at least I'll be with my husband and we can just play in the rain!

     

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