Our family is about to go on our Europe trip and I haven't even published this post. YIKES!!!! In January I recapped the Swifty experience that my daughter and I had in Vancouver in December, see here. To say that it was a once in a lifetime experience just doesn't do it justice. Although the T. Swift experience was clearly the highlight of our trip, we also had an amazing time exploring the city of Vancouver and connecting with my sister in Victoria. Lets dive in for a quick overview of the highlights that you can explore when visiting Vancouver.
Accommodations - Pinnacle Harbourfront Hotel
The Pinnacle hotel is the perfect location if you are exploring Vancouver. You are literally 3 minutes from the waterfront and in walking distance to Robson Street. It was only a 20 minute walk to BC place for the Swift concert and that was high on our priority list because we wanted to avoid transportation at all costs during this busy time. We had a gorgeous city scape view and the room was dated but had everything we needed, including coffee in the room! The staff was wonderful and they had lots of extra specials around the hotel for all the Swifties including a beading/bracelet exchange, photo ops, special drink menu, etc. We ate at the restaurant twice and it was great, nothing special and not a ton of GF options. but it was good for a quick stop, with good prices. I would definitely stay here again.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
This was the highlight of our time in Vancouver. It was high on our list to go see the twinkling lights at the Capilano Suspension Bridge and they did NOT disappoint. We were there over the holidays so it was beautifully decorated and then they incorporated the Swift experience into it to add even more magic. We spent well over an hour walking around and being mesmerized by all the beauty in the woods. It truly was magical! If you are a BC resident the cost of your ticket gives you am annual pass. My sister and her husband went again in February and she said it was beautiful with a Valentines Day vibe. We've also done this in the summer and it's so worth it. We took a bus to get there from downtown, super cheap, runs often and makes the whole experience stress free.
Shopping & Downtown
We did shop and look around Robson Street. It's got all the high end stores, which we didn't explore, and your regular stores such as Sephora, Zara, Aritzia, etc. My teen really wanted to go to Brandy Melville so that was high on our priority list. My sister told her to choose some pieces for her birthday in December and she was thrilled with her purchases. I personally don't get the hype but both of my teens are obsessed.
Walking around downtown is just such a cool vibe, especially if you aren't used to big city vibes. It's full of electric energy and people watching and coffee shops. We loved taking in all the holiday decorations but the one thing we weren't able to fit in was skating at the Robson Square Ice Rink which is something that was on our wish list, next time.
Vancouver Seawall
Of course you need to take the time to walk around the Seawall when in Vancouver. I took advantage of our location and got our each morning to enjoy the views. Once was a solo morning run, once with my sister and the third time was a walk with a friend. Weather its foggy and mystical, or you experience the sunrise, or you are taking it in midday views, it's a sight to see and enjoy. We didn't rent scooters but next time I think that would be super fun to do with a teenager.
Good Food
We took advantage of trying out new coffee shops our favorite being Perfecto Cafe, Sushi at Kamei Royale Japanese Restaurant, and a classic favorite Cactus Club Coal Harbour.
Victoria, BC
We took a fairy to Victoria, BC to visit my sisters family for a couple of short but sweet days. It was a bit gloomy there upon our arrival but we went for a gorgeous hike and a nice meal out, and most importantly we got to see them. Taking the fairy is always fun and although it was cold, we enjoyed walking around on the deck and also just chilling on the fairy.
What I Wore
It wouldn't be a post without mentioning my outfits. I was very careful to plan things that could be paired together and simply. My faux leather shacket was super handy to have during the day when the temps were nice, and it was a great layering piece. This is what I packed:
- T.Swift Concert Outfit see here
- Bottoms: leggings, black overalls, jeans and black skirt
- Tops: T. Swift Crewneck, black long sleeve, beige sweater, white bodysuit
- Shoes: running shoes, sparkly boots & Blundstones
- Other: Sports bra, long sleeve top for running
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| Exploring the city on concert day: T.Swift crew neck, jeans and Blundstones. |
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| Sweater, my knitted sparkly skirt and sparkly boots. Can you have too much sparkle for dinner? |
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| T.Swift concert outfit! |
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| Travel Day on the ferry: Smash & Tess overalls, black long sleeved shirt underneath & leather shacket. |
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| Dinner out: Black faux leather skirt, sweater & sparkly boots. |
And that's a wrap on our mother-daughter trip this winter. We had the best time and I am eternally grateful for the privilege that I have to do something like this. Have a wonderful week and see you on Thursday for our Ageless Style link-up, we will be styling our graphic tees.
