SureStay Hotel by Best Western North Vancouver

Experience the Titanic exhibit in Vancouver

1/28/2019 2:08:01 AM

Photo by LubomirKasl.

Whether you’re looking to celebrate Halloween, spend quality time with the family, or dive deep into some history, Vancouver has a ton of events to choose from!

Fright Nights at the PNE

Do Halloween big this year by exploring eight different haunted houses at the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver. It’s bigger and better than the year before with 20 thrilling rides including Bug Whirled, Dizzy Drop and Tea Cups. But it’s not all horrors, have some laughs at a comedy show by The Monsters of Schlock. With Halloween just around the corner, this is one event you won’t want to miss. Fright Nights run until Oct. 31 and tickets can be purchased for a specific day to avoid disappointment.

Ghost Train in Stanley Park

For a more family fun event, head over to Stanley Park for the annual Ghost Train ride. The Ghost Train takes riders on a journey through mystical and magical worlds to get everyone in the Halloween spirit. In addition to the train, explore a haunted maze, arts and crafts, exhibits by the Stanley Park Ecology Society and a pumpkin patch. Be sure to bring the family along anytime from Oct. 11 to Oct. 31 for a spooky, yet fright free, adventure of Stanley Park. More information and tickets for the Stanley Park Ghost Train can be found online.

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

Ever since the news broke that a “Titanic II” will be setting sail in 2022 along the same route the original ill-fated Titanic once took - this exhibit became a must-see. Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit is a major international travelling exhibition that contains 121 authentic artifacts recovered from the wreckage. The exhibit runs until January 11 at Lipont Place. Dive deep into the artifacts, recreations, and stories of the Titanic, and consider if you could be a future passenger on Titanic II in 2022. Read more information and purchase exhibit tickets online or at the door.

To make the most of your trip consider staying nearby all the top attractions in North Vancouver Best Western Capilano Inn. Not only is it central to everywhere you want to be, you also won’t want to miss the chance to try a pannekoeken, or Dutch-style pancakes, breakfast at the De Dutch Restaurant. It’s just one of the unique amenities that will help your trip be memorable.

Make the most of your Halloween with haunted houses, family fun in Stanley Park, and while you still can, a glimpse into the world of Titanic. Book your stay in advance so you’re free to plan the rest of your trip!

Plan Your Week in Vancouver this Summer

1/28/2019 2:08:01 AM

Photo by Yaletown BIA

You could have plans every night this week because there’s a lot happening in Vancouver. Spend time outdoors watching live theatre, regular theatre, or shopping the finest local goods.

Theatre Under the Stars

From July 4 to August 18, you can catch live theatre productions of the musicals 42nd Street and Cinderella in Vancouver’s Stanley Park. Theatre Under the Stars is an outdoor theatre that captivates a new audience every night. Be sure to check out the calendar to find out which of the two shows you will be seeing and purchase tickets. All shows start at 8pm, except for fireworks nights when shows will start at 7pm. The fireworks nights - making your outing extra special - are July 28, August 1 and 4.

Outdoor Movies

Snuggle under the stars at a beach, gallery, or by the water and catch a movie. Most movies start at sunset and require you bring your own lawn chairs and blankets.

Every Tuesday from July 3 to August 21, Second Beach in Stanley Park will turn into an outdoor theatre with pre-show activities like games and giveaways. If you get hungry, food trucks and classic movie treats will be close by to satisfy any snack cravings. Check out Evo Summer Cinema’s movie schedule online to find out which movies will be playing.

For the middle of the week, take to the city. The outside of Vancouver Art Gallery will transform with a four-storey inflatable screen for an outdoor movie night. This free event runs every Wednesday evening from July 4 to August 29. See a list of movies scheduled to play here.

If you missed movie night on Tuesday and Wednesday night, you can still catch a free outdoor movie as the Waterfront Cinema series returns to Canada Place in downtown Vancouver. See a full schedule of the movies playing and the movies run every Thursday night from July 12 to August 30.

Farmers’ Market Mornings

Stroll through farmers’ markets in Lonsdale Quay on Saturdays and in Ambleside Park on Sundays. Both markets start at 10am and run until October, giving you enough time to feast your eyes on an array of local foods and crafts. More information, including the vendors participating, is available online.

To help curb any morning blues, consider staying in North Vancouver Best Western Capilano Inn and Suites which is close to all the events listed. The hotel is minutes away from must-see attractions, but still priced affordably so you can make the most out of your stay in Vancouver.

You’ve got a busy week ahead of you, filled with fresh air and quality entertainment, so be sure to plan your accommodation as you plan your week in Vancouver.

Explore the North Shore!

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Vancouver’s North Shore has a natural beauty all its own, a timeless appeal that makes it the perfect place to visit for nature lovers and those looking for a relaxing getaway alike.

SHIPYARD NIGHT MARKET

North Vancouver has an intimate relationship with the water, perched on the calm waters of Vancouver Harbour with a gorgeous, sparkling view of the Pacific Ocean. We like to spend as much time as possible by the shore, taking in the immense beauty of this amazing spot.

That’s why every summer, you can head down to the Lonsdale Quay for the Shipyard Night Market! Taking place every Friday night, you can listen to live music (and dance if you feel like it), shop from local artisans producing one-of-a-kind goods, taste AMAZING local foods and otherwise just revel in the beauty of this place. It’s a wonderful experience every year and we hope you’ll visit!

Find out more here.

TASTE OF THE BAY

Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver isn’t exactly a secret – acting as a portal to Vancouver Island as the home of a BC Ferries terminal, many folks visit Horseshoe Bay on a frequent basis. However, most people experience this undeniably gorgeous place in transit, and miss out on the hidden charms of stunning village community.

Taste of The Bay aims to change all that by showcasing the restaurants and food services of the bay, inviting you to take part in a series of tastings and open houses. Come try the freshest seafood you’re ever likely to eat, served by the chefs of classic restaurants like Troll’s, Olive & Anchor, and the Bay Moorings Restaurant! There will be fun games and delights like face painting, making this a perfect family-friendly activity. Tickets and details available here.

If you’re visiting Vancouver’s North Shore, book a room at the Best Western Capilano Inn & Suites, North Vancouver. Featuring comfortable rooms at a great price, we’re also more than happy to let you know where to visit when you’re here! Just ask the front desk and they’ll be happy to share with you all the secret spots the locals love. Book your room today!

Dine out in North Vancouver!

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Vancouver has one of the most vibrant food cultures in the world. That’s because it has access to ALL the food cultures of the world! Our status as a port city means that we get the best of everywhere. And there’s no better time to experience it than during Dine Out Vancouver!

For the uninitiated, Dine Out is a food festival that happens across the city. Restaurants agree to offer a 3-course, prix fixe meal that gives customers an exciting opportunity to get great food for an even better value. Here are some of the restaurants on the North Shore that we’re excited to hit up!

BRAVO CUCINA RISTORANTE

The North Shore’s favourite Italian restaurant, Bravo Cucina provides an intimate location with atmosphere brick walls, classic white linens and candlelight. The perfect setting for a romantic dinner or a family feast, North Vancouverites have been visiting Bravo for years. Their dine-out menu includes an entrée choice of arctic char with caramelised Onions & vermouth beurre blanc, pumpkin ravioli w/gorgonzola & blue cheese sauce, braised radicchio, and beef short rib with cabernet reduction & veggies mirapoix, served on Rosemary Mashed Potatoes! Honestly, I’m tempted to go three times to try all of them!

CAFÉ ÇA VA

French cuisine has long been synonymous for fine dining. West Vancouver’s Café Ça Va is no exception, ably winning Vancouver Magazine’s “2017 Restaurant Award” for its sumptuous meals and relaxed but elegant atmosphere. Enjoy mussels in a tomato chorizo broth, followed by butternut squash ravioli in a sage brown butters sauce with roasted pumpkin seeds, and enjoy a dark espresso with a red wine poached pear for dessert. Simply divine.

Those are some of our favourites, but there are plenty of other options – check out Dine Out’s website to find a truly memorable eating experience!

Book a room at the Best Western Capilano Inn & Suites!

Hit the slopes in North Vancouver!

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Vancouver’s North Shore is Metro Vancouver’s portal to winter wonderlands!

While Vancouver is maybe most famous for its proximity to Whistler when it comes to skiing and snowboarding, the North Shore has three, count ‘em, THREE mountain resorts with fantastic winter sports! Come explore our backyard wonderlands!

GROUSE MOUNTAIN

Located in the heart of North Vancouver, Grouse Mountain does it all: it’s a beautiful park, a ski resort, and even a kind of community centre for locals! A short, scenic gondola ride from the base of the mountain takes you to the Grouse Mountain village, where you can set out on a new adventure! Go alpine skiing, snowboarding, and even snowshoe spelunking through a formation of snow caves! There’s also an old fashioned skating pond which is ESPECIALLY romantic as the sun sets. You can also taking in an educational show at the Theatre in The Sky, a high-def movie experience that shows incredible footage of local wildlife. Grouse Mountain is where locals play – come see why we make it home!

CYPRESS MOUNTAIN

The mountain of choice for locals who love skiing, Cypress has great slopes and also features Nordic ski trails for people who want to get fit in a winter paradise! Cypress recently invested 1.2 MILLION into snowmaking technologies so you know you’re going to have a great ski experience any time you visit!

MT. SEYMOUR

Located in Mt. Seymour Provincial Park, Mt. Seymour ski resort is truly stunning. A slightly longer drive, you can still make it to Seymour from North Vancouver in under half an hour – that’s a small time investment for such gorgeous skiing! Mt. Seymour has all sorts of training camps and classes too, if you want to get a taste of the slopes but aren’t yet comfortable strapping planks to your feet to fall down a mountain!

Best Western Capilano Inn & Suites North Vancouver offers incredible comfort and value, all while just a short drive from the most stunning vistas and ski experiences you will ever hope to see. Book a room today!

5 things to do this summer on Vancouvers North Shore!

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Vancouver really has it all. A cosmopolitan metropolis, it is also nestled against mountains AND the Pacific Ocean. That means you can be enjoying a five star restaurant or life changing concert one minute, and be blazing down a mountain trail on a bike or serene in untouched nature the next.

North Vancouver, or “the North Shore” is where Vancouverites go to play outside. Here are some of our favourite things to do while out in the sun.

STAND UP PADDLE BOARD IN DEEP COVE

Real outdoor warriors may opt to Kayak around the coast, but if you just want to get out and enjoy the water without a lot of stress and effort, stand up paddle boarding is for you, and North Vancouver’s Deep Cove is just the place to do it. Calm waters and green scenery make this the ideal place to get your sea legs, and the availability of rentals means you don’t have to spend a lot of coin to do it. If you REALLY want to do it like locals do, you can try yoga on your board!

EAT A DONUT

Okay, this isn’t really an outdoor activity, but Honey’s Donuts in Deep Cove makes a one of a kind deep fried confection that really complements a day in the sun. Careful – they are habit forming.

THE NORTH VANCOUVER ALE TRAIL

North Van just joined the BC Ale Trail, a coalition of breweries that pair local brews with the best biking and hiking in the region. Check out here for details on how best to build a thirst for the best beer in the area.

THE GROUSE GRIND

Grouse Mountain is a local’s favourite, a combination ski-hill, community centre and network of hiking trails that offers the best of outdoor activity close to home. Grouse Mountain is maybe most infamous for the Grouse Grind – a 2.9 km hike directly up the mountain that is affectionately known as “nature’s stairmaster.” If you can take it on, you join an esteemed club of the truly courageous.

CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE

Combining a fantastic walk in the woods with the sweaty palmed excitement of vertigo, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is a perfectly safe way to experience incredible views while perched atop some of BC’s most scenic terrain. A must visit.

Looking for accommodations on the North Shore? Stay at the Best Western Capilano Inn & Suites. We’re conveniently located to some of North Vancouver’s most popular attractions, and offer the best value in the area. Book your room today.