Vancouver is a major city in British Columbia in Canada, bustling with diverse ethnicities and a dense population. Its stunning natural beauty and diverse attractions offer an abundance of experiences for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation. Shoutout to our friends who were kind to host us for our 2-day adventure in Vancouver. We visited Vancouver in the summer of 2022 and were greeted with a warm welcome, treated to traditional home-cooked cuisine, and explored two must-visit destinations of Sea to Sky Gondola and Harrison Hot Springs.
Day 1: Sea to Sky Gondola
On Day 1, our friends suggested we explore the Sea to Sky Gondola, an aerial tramway that is wheelchair and stroller accessible from the ground to the summit.
Our friends had the Baby Trend Range Jogger Stroller, the perfect companion for busy parents on the go. This versatile and reliable stroller offers a seamless blend of functionality, comfort, and style, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for both you and your little one. The Sea to Sky Gondola is located about an hour's drive from Vancouver, the most scenic drive you'll ever see along the Sea to Sky Highway. Once you arrive, parking is available at the base of the Gondola.
The cable car ride up and down is a thrilling journey, giving you stunning and panoramic views of Howe Sound, the majestic coastal forest, and the surrounding mountains. Each Gondola can accommodate up to 8 people. The Gondola is a 10-minute ride to reach the summit.
At the Summit, there is an array of awe-inspiring adventure activities to choose from including the spectacular Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, numerous hiking trails, rock climbing, access trails to backcountry routes, and much more.
The Suspension Bridge is not for the light-hearted since it is approximately 100 meters long however it is worth the visit giving you majestic views of the high alpine ranges and the backdrop that goes thousands of feet below. The bridge is also wheelchair and stroller accessible and is open year-round with a day pass or an annual pass.
The Summit Lodge also offers a variety of dining options including delicious sandwiches, tacos, and more. The numerous scenic viewpoints allow you to dine with unforgettable views of the breathtaking landscape. We decided to carry our own food including baby food, some sandwiches, and non-perishable snacks in our Matein Lunch Backpack with an insulated cooler compartment to keep the food fresh for a long time.
After we returned back home, we invited some friends over for a cookout in the backyard including some delicious Indian snacks. Most were my school friends whom I met after a gap of many years. Everyone had a gala time indeed.
Day 2: Harrison Hot Springs
The next morning, we all decided to drive to Harrison Hot Springs. The village of Harrison Hot Springs is a small resort community located at the southern end of Harrison Lake known for its hot springs and natural beauty abound. Two other couples decided to join us so we were four couples and two kids altogether. We decided to spend the day at this picturesque location with a picnic potluck. We prepared some food at home and decided to carry some snacks.
We embarked on a scenic drive from Vancouver to Harrison Village, taking in the picturesque landscapes along the way. Arriving at Harrison Hot Springs, you're greeted by the soothing scent of mineral-rich waters and the promise of pure relaxation. There are two hot springs. The "Potash" with a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius and the "Sulfur" with a temperature of 65 degrees Celsius.
In July, Harrison Springs hosts an annual celebration of world music and art for 10 days featuring free outdoor beach concerts, ticketed evening performances, and much more. It was a busy Sunday afternoon at Harrison Springs when we arrived. After driving around for a few minutes we were able to find a parking spot on the street. We found a nice spot near the water, arranged our beach chairs, and were just awestruck by the spectacular landscape of Harrison Lake and the surrounding mountains.
Rio Beach folding chair offers the ultimate blend of comfort and convenience, allowing you to soak up the sun and enjoy the beach like never before. Its ergonomic design provides exceptional support, while the sturdy construction ensures stability on various terrains.
There is a Harrison Hot Springs Public Pool where you can indulge in the therapeutic waters to melt your worries away and rejuvenate your senses.
The village of Harrison Hot Springs offers plenty of shopping and dining options for families and individuals alike. Although the place was packed with people of all ages, young families with kids, large groups of friends like us, people who
brought their older parents for a day out, etc., we managed to click a few selfies for our blog. Kids were busy playing in the dirt, couples taking a leisurely stroll along the sandy beach of Harrison Lake, and families laughing their hearts out while enjoying the serene atmosphere and captivating mountain views.
For a more active adventure, you can bring your own or rent a kayak or paddleboard and glide across the crystal-clear waters of Harrison Lake. One of our friends had a couple of inflatable kayaks by Intex Excursion Pro Kayak Series. The inflatable boats are a little trickier to handle than the regular ones but this one offered the ultimate combination of portability, durability, and performance, allowing us to explore waterways with ease. We managed to get wet while trying to paddle our way in the water. After paddling for a while, we just laid back and let the waves guide us through the water. It was all good fun.
As the afternoon wanes, consider joining a boat tour to discover more about the history, wildlife, and natural wonders of the area. Expert guides will regale you with stories and insights, enriching your experience. We were all too tired after our kayaking adventure and decided to pack up and head back home. We had tons of food leftover from the potluck so we decided to skip dining in a restaurant.
In the evening, you can treat yourself to a well-deserved spa treatment at one of the wellness centers in Harrison Hot Springs. Unwind with a soothing massage or enjoy a pampering facial, allowing your body and mind to reach a state of pure bliss. Harrison Hot Springs offers a variety of dining options, ranging from cozy cafes to upscale eateries, ensuring that your taste buds are satisfied.
We spent the best two days in Vancouver in the company of amazing friends and experienced the best amongst Vancouver's must-visit destinations. Vancouver truly is a gateway to breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences, ready to be discovered by all who seek them. The next day our friends drove us to Seattle which is about a 2-hour drive from Vancouver to spend the day in Seattle and then drop us at the airport. I will describe our Seattle day out in my next blog. Stay tuned!
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