Ports of Call - Cushy Seas

Vancouver is a fantastic destination for a vacation with plenty of activities and sights to see. You can’t beat the spectacular views of snow capped mountains and blue water surrounding the city. Whether you enjoy the outdoors or exploring city life, Vancouver has a lot from which to choose. Here are 10 things to do on your adventure in Vancouver!

1. Stanley Park

There’s so much to do in Stanley Park, a 1000-acre oasis of lush forests, gardens, and trails. Kids will love its playgrounds, wooded paths, Stanley Park Train (currently closed as of 2023), and cooling off in the public water park. Take in the sights and skyline of Vancouver from the Seawall or relax in the beautiful flower gardens. Pack a picnic, explore the beaches, ride your bike, or take pictures and learn about the totem poles.

2. Vancouver Aquarium

Located in Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium is Canada’s largest aquarium with over 30 exhibits. Explore the touch pool, see the penguins and sea otters, or catch a show at the 4D Theater. It’s all included with your admission and don’t forget to take advantage of the plan-ahead pricing for discounts on tickets.

3. Gastown

Explore Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood, which is full of trendy restaurants, shops, and galleries. Take a stroll along the cobblestones of Water Street or see the famous Gastown Steam Clock, which is a clock powered by steam and chimes on the hour. Sit down at a restaurant to enjoy a night in the city or stop for a quick bite to eat at a local pub.

4. Granville Island

This urban oasis is home to an array of art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. Explore the Public Market and browse the unique artisanal goods, fresh produce, and handcrafted gifts. Grab some locally-made craft beer at Granville Island Brewing Co. or check out the Kids Market which offers rotating events, a great selection of toys, gifts, and clothing, and fun entertainment such as an arcade and bumper cars. Stroll along the harbor front of Granville Island to see beautiful views of the Vancouver skyline. Take advantage of the free parking before 11am and grab breakfast from one of the many stalls that offer fresh pastries, tarts, pot pies, donuts, and bagels.

5. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of the most iconic attractions in Vancouver. Spanning the Capilano River, the 450 foot bridge offers breathtaking views of the lush, surrounding forest and the majestic mountains in the distance. You can easily spend a couple hours here exploring Douglas-firs via seven suspension bridges in the “Treetops Adventure” or take a deep breath as you venture out on the high and narrow “Cliffwalk.” Your admission can be used for their seasonal events that turn the park into a magical wonderland, illuminating the trees, bridges, and walkways. Tickets purchased online are discounted and kids 5 and under are free!

6. Lynn Canyon Park

Just a short drive from downtown Vancouver is Lynn Canyon Park. Another great place to explore the great outdoors, Lynn Canyon is a public park, so there are no admission fees, but a $2 entrance donation is requested, and if you drove in, parking is a pay lot. The park features many trails to hike, a 160 foot suspension bridge, and a variety of swimming holes to cool off on the hot summer days. 30 foot pool is a particularly popular spot to swim and sit in the shade. There are also two waterfalls that can be seen from the bridge, and a variety of picnic sites where visitors can relax, enjoy the scenery, and perhaps spot the local wildlife.

7. Take a food tour

Vancouver is a vibrant city filled with a variety of cultures and cuisines. With a diverse population of immigrants and long-time residents, there are many food tours in Vancouver that offer visitors a unique and delicious culinary experience. Many tours offer a variety of specialized tours, such as Granville Island tours, Gastown tours, and brewery tours. Whether you want to sample Canadian classics like poutine or handmade donuts, Canadian cheeses, and freshly caught fish, a food tour is a great way to explore the city’s food scene.

8. Check out the Vancouver Art Gallery

Located in the historic Gastown district of Vancouver, the Vancouver Art Gallery is one of the most iconic art galleries in Canada. It’s home to over 10,000 works of art and houses a variety of mediums and styles, from photography to sculpture and painting. The gallery also hosts a number of exhibitions throughout the year, from historical works to cutting-edge contemporary installations. In addition to showcasing artwork, the gallery offers a range of educational and outreach programs for both adults and children. These include lectures, workshops, and tours, as well as family activities. The gallery is open daily and admission is free for those 18 and under.

9. Grouse Mountain

Just 15 minutes by car from Vancouver is Grouse Mountain. Here, visitors can take in the views on the Skyride, a cable car that ascends 2,800 feet up the side of Grouse Mountain. During the winter, grab your skis, snowshoes, or sleds and enjoy the slopes this mountain has to offer. There’s also an 8,000 square-foot ice skating pond at the top of the mountain. The summer months offer ropes courses, zip line tours, and a challenging hike up the mountain.

10. Take a ride on the Vancouver SeaBus

The SeaBus is a ferry that provides stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. It is a reliable, convenient, and affordable way to travel between the North Shore and downtown Vancouver. The SeaBus runs every 10 to 15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes during non-peak hours and only takes 12 minutes to cross the Burrad Inlet. The SeaBus is a popular choice among commuters, tourists, and locals alike. So, hop on and see Vancouver from a different perspective.

You’ve just arrived in Nassau, the beautiful city capital of the Bahamas! Located on New Providence Island, just south of Grand Bahama Island, Nassau is a city known for its beautiful beaches, incredible snorkeling and diving, and exciting cultural attractions. If you’re tight on time or just want to find best things to do, here are seven activities that can each be done in one day or less.

1. Explore Nassau’s Historic Sites such as Fort Fincastle, Christ Church Cathedral, and the Queen’s Staircase.

Nassau is filled with history and there are numerous opportunities to explore and learn about the city’s colonial past.

Built in 1793, Fort Fincastle was originally built to protect Nassau and the surrounding area from pirates and other threats. Today, Fort Fincastle is a reminder of the once powerful British presence in the Bahamas. Tourists can explore the fort and learn about its history, take in stunning views of the island from atop its tower, and see artifacts from the fort’s past.

Christ Church Cathedral is the first church built in The Bahamas and is an example of Gothic Revival architecture with beautiful stained glass windows. Still in use today, visitors can attend services or simply admire the beautiful building and its grounds.

The Queen’s Staircase, made up of 66 steps that lead to Fort Fincastle, was hand-carved out of solid limestone by African slaves in the late 18th century. Today, it serves as a reminder of the painful history of slavery in the Bahamas.

2. Shop the Nassau Straw Market

The Straw Market is a bustling hub of activity, with hundreds of vendors selling handcrafted items and souvenirs. The market is a great place to find one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs, as well as Bahamian items such as straw hats and baskets, conch shell jewelry, and wood carvings.

3. Experience the local cuisine

When looking for a bite to eat, a must try are the local favorites of conch fritters and Johnny Cake. But with so many restaurants on the island, you might want to consider booking a tasting tour to experience the delicious cuisine of the Bahamas. This will take the guess work out of picking and choosing the restaurant and the meal.

4. Spend a day at the beach

With some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, you’d be remiss to not soak up the sun or head into the water in Nassau. With its picture perfect white sands and turquoise waters, you really can’t go wrong with any of the beaches you decide to visit. But here are a few popular spots.

Cable Beach is located on the northern side of New Providence island. It’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. There are also plenty of beach clubs and resorts along Cable Beach with many activities offered such as jet-skiing, banana boat rides, and parasailing.

Cabbage Beach, located on Paradise Island, just a short distance from Nassau, is another great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and lounging in the sun. The clear waters here offer a great opportunity to explore the colorful coral reefs and marine life.

Junkanoo Beach, located in downtown Nassau, is lined with coral reefs and tropical fish. This is an especially popular spot because of its central location. If you’re arriving to Nassau by cruise ship, you’re basically parked right next to this beach! And don’t forget to check out the sunset while here.

Rose Island is a secluded beach located just a short boat ride east from Nassau. If you’re looking for a peaceful day at the beach, away from the crowds of the city, consider booking a tour to Rose Island. You’ll be able to snorkel, kayak, and just relax!

5. Snorkel

Snorkeling in Nassau is a great way to explore the vibrant coral reefs that make up the Bahamian underwater landscape. The warm waters of the Caribbean Sea are filled with colorful fish, turtles, stingrays, and other marine life. Most of the snorkeling spots in Nassau are easily accessible from the shore, making them an ideal location for beginner and experienced snorkelers, such as Cable and Cabbage beaches. Clifton Heritage Park and Rose Island, in addition to amazing snorkeling, also offer some unique experiences. Clifton Heritage Park, on the Western end of New Providence, allows exploration of an underwater sculpture garden. Rose Island, a shallow reef, also houses shipwrecks you can explore.

6. Tour the Ardastra Gardens & Zoo

Ardastra Gardens & Zoo is the only wildlife conservation center in The Bahamas. It is home to hundreds of species of birds and animals, including macaws, lemurs, and the Caribbean flamingo which is the national bird of The Bahamas. Visitors can enjoy up-close encounters with these animals and learn about their habitats and natural behaviors.

7. Play at Blue Lagoon Island

Just a short boat ride from Nassau, Blue Lagoon is a great place to relax, swim, play in the water, or even swim with the dolphins! One of the most popular activities on the island is dolphin encounters, which give visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with the dolphins. During these sessions, visitors learn about the dolphins’ behavior and natural habitat, as well as ways to help protect them

Category: Ports of Call

Best Things to Do on your Vancouver Vacation

Best Things to Do in a Day in Nassau, Bahamas