If you are visiting for your first, or hundredth time, Vancouver has so much to offer! See below for some of our recommendations of places to visit around Metro Vancouver if you are here for an extended stay.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge (similar vibe to Capilano , but free)

Stanley Park (Bike Rentals available near the park to help explore)

Granville Island Public Market

Van Dusen Botanical Garden

Whytecliff Park - Kate's favorite park and spot of our engagement!

Pack your bathing suits, a perfect way to spend a Vancouver summer day is at one of its' many beaches! Kits and English Bay are the two most popular beaches in the city. Jericho Beach is our favourite, but a bit out of the way. The more adventurous could consider Wreck Beach at UBC...

With the three north shore mountains (Cypress, Grouse and Seymour) at the edge of the city, there is a near endless amount of hiking right outside of the city. Here are a few of our favorites, but for more options head to https://www.vancouvertrails.com/

Eagle Bluff

St. Mark's Summit

Dog Mountain

Mt Seymour

We definitely do not consider ourselves foodies, but do enjoy a good meal. Here are a few restaurants that we have enjoyed during our time in Vancouver. Of course this is small highlight of the amazing food options that are available!.

Pub food/Casual dining: Cactus Club, Tap and Barrel, Mila (Vegan), Down Low Chicken Shack

Up -Scale: Chambar, Savio Volpe

Japanese: Marutama Ramen, Kingyo Izakaya, Sushi Yama

Mexican: La Tacqueria, Sal y Limon

Craft breweries are bountiful in Vancouver. They are roughly divided into two main districts in the city, which set up brewery crawls nicely. They are located in the Mount Pleasant Area (our favourites include 33 Acres and Brassneck) and East Van (our favourites there are Strange Fellows and Parallel 49 (sweet patio!)).

If you can't make it out to the breweries but want to sample the best of BC's craft beers we would highly recommend the Alibi Room in Gastown. Large beer selection and amazing food!

For those that would prefer a bar or cocktail over a brewery, check out Keefer Bar, the Cascade Room, the Three Brits or Grapes & Soda.

As many of you are traveling from out of province to our wedding, you may be looking to extend your stay. There are so many amazing places within a day's drive from Vancouver. Here is a quick highlight of some destinations that you might consider.

Sea to Sky Region (Whistler and Squamish)

Heading north of Vancouver along Howe Sound is one of Canda's most scenic drives. Including destinations such as Whistler, Squamish and Pemberton, this region is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts as it offers world class hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and more. For the less adventurous there are also opportunities for beach days or to get pampered at the Scandinave Spa in Whistler. A trip to Squamish can easily be done as a day trip too.

Sunshine Coast and the South Gulf Islands

For a more chill and relaxing time consider the Sunshine Coast or South Gulf Islands (Salt Spring Island being the most popular and developed of the islands). Life moves a little slower in these areas and they are a perfect place to unwind.

Vancouver Island

Known as "the Island", Vancouver Island is absolutely HUGE! There are so many destinations that it would be hard to tackle in one trip. Areas to consider on the Island include the greater Victoria region, the Cowichan Valley and Tofino/Pacific Rim National Park.

The Okanagan Valley

The Okanagan Valley is a stunning arid valley in the interior of BC. The valley is characterized by wineries overlooking large warm lakes. Kelowna is the main urban centre of the Okanagan. Other towns include Osoyoos, Penticton, and Vernon. There is tons to do in the Okanagan, including winery tours, biking an old rail trail, beaches, river floats, boating, hiking, and mountain biking.

Note that as an arid region, the Okanagan is prone to wild fires and smokey conditions in the summer. This past summer was a particularly bad fire season for the region. Fire and smoke conditions are hard to predict and can change quickly in the summer. Despite this, travel to the area does generally go smoothly in the summer, so we would still recommend the Okanagan as a destination if it appeals to you.