This striking city is jam packed in more ways than one. Its natural beauty astounds from every angle with a mountain range on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. And it has a diverse and multicultural scene with some of the best Indian, Japanese, and Cantonese food on the Western seaboard. Mix all that with stylish locals, and you’ve got a chic, activity-packed trip ahead of you. Want us to help you pack?
Women
Granville Island Days
For a summery day in the metropolis, try a mix of softer feminine cuts, natural materials and slick urban shapes. Pair a white and warm nude-colored cotton and silk slip dress ($ 175 by local brand Aritzia) with this octagon-shaped resin and wood bangle ($ 18) and white denim jacket ($ 34.95). Considering the dress’s midi-length, wear it with brown and black wedge sandals ($ 59.99) for a stroll through the Granville Island Public Market, or switch to pretty flats like these nude and black lace espadrilles ($ 49). Into a more casual look? Wear these eco, patchwork jeans in light blue ($ 238) with a relaxed black print tank ($ 25) or a dressier coral silk top with a romantic tie in the back ($ 198).
Gastown Cocktails
For bar- or club-hopping in the city’s Gastown district, slip on cool silk crepe drawstring shorts in a jazzy cobalt blue ($ 110). Wear them with these simple white heels ($ 89.99 by Calvin Klein) and this white, rounded-collar blouse with blue placket ($ 80 by Everlane). Jazz up the modern, spare look, with fun accents, like this woven floral clutch ($ 78). Dresses are always an easy option for travel. This bright lime green floral shift highlights tanned legs ($ 29 by Canadian brand Joe Fresh). Or update your Little Black Dress with this crochet number ($ 330), which will transition easily from day to night. Finish with black sandals with a sturdy heel and secure ankle strap ($ 81.46 at Asos) to last you into the wee hours.
Men
Ferries by Day
Spend the day at the accessible Stanley Park—be sure to check out the totem poles installed on over 1,000 acres—or hop a ferry to Vancouver Island for an adventure-filled day trip. Keep your look casual in a light orange v-neck tee ($ 15.99), orange espadrille-sole slip-ons ($ 79.90), gray cotton short ($ 96), and slate-colored hoodie ($ 108 by BC brand Lululemon). Throw a few more daytime selections into your carry-on like a short sleeve button down in a sun-faded stripe ($ 50). Complete the look with neutral options like this wood watch ($ 140) and natural belt with black pattern ($ 49.50).
Brews by Night
Those hankering for a taste of the local microbrew scene should head to the Alibi Room. Throw on these chinos in an unconventional, bright olive hue ($ 69.50) or lightweight selvedge jeans by Canadian brand Naked & Famous ($ 148). On top, pull on a linen-blend crewneck tee from hip local boutique Plenty ($ 77), an artsy slash t-shirt with blue and black design ($ 40), or a slouchy pocket tee in gray ($ 30). Got reservations at one of Vancouver’s swankier eateries? Opt for this chambray button-down that has a handsome utilitarian look ($ 64.50). For footwear, check out these plimsoll updates in blue leather by PF Flyers ($ 89.99).
Where to Stay
When it comes to top-notch accommodations, Vancouver’s got plenty. If you’re open to spending $ 250 a night (or more), the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, centrally located with an old school vibe, and Fairmont Pacific Rim are both fantastic options.
Those traveling on a budget should try the Greystone Bed & Breakfast housed in a charming Craftsman (it’s about a 20 minute drive into downtown). Be on the lookout for deals at the posh, modern L’Hermitage, which occasionally runs packages and offers perks like free bicycles.
Photo credits: Women Day: Courtesy of Aritzia LP; Bloomingdale’s By Mail Ltd., dba bloomingdales.com; Gap Inc.; Nordstrom, Inc.; Aritzia LP; Nordstrom, Inc.; Assembly New York; Gap Inc. Women Night: Courtesy of Lisa Charles Watson/Joe Fresh; asos.com Ltd; Everlane; Anthropologie; Aritzia LP; Calvin Klein; www.lagarconne.com. Men Day: Hudson’s Bay Company; Zara; Nordstrom, Inc.; Club Monaco US, LLC; Macys.com, Inc.; SATURDAYS SURF NYC LLC.; lululemon athletica. Men Night: Brooklyn Industries, Inc; PF Flyers; Odin New York; J. Crew; dutil. Denim Shop; Odin New York; Club Monaco US, LLC; Plenty