LeRefuge

The Perfect Trip To Vancouver, Victoria & Whistler

British Colombia has definitely been the destination of the year! With traveling limited due to the pandemic many of us have decided to explore our home country instead of seeking adventures elsewhere in the world. After my vacation, I can say that I have fallen in love with Vancouver!

Vancouver

Coffee Shops & Brunch

My favorite coffee shop in Vancouver! It is such a cute space and the perfect spot for a breakfast. Be sure to try their PB & J toast. It may sound like a boring choice but it's the best one I've had!

Best place in the city for waffles! They launched their fall mini waffles flavors recently. They will run from September 1 until November 30! Head over to orders.nerowaffles.com to place your order for pick up at the Seymour location.

The coolest looking coffee shop and pastries! If you are looking for a spot that will impress your friends and family, this is the one! Be sure to try out the cruffins!

Busiest brunch spot in town! Be sure to reserve a spot 2 weeks in advance to not have to wait in line with everyone else!

Located in Little Italy, this is the spot for a classic italian meal or brunch!

If you are looking for funky donuts and a bomb fried chicken sandwich this is your go to coffee shop for sure! Be sure to go off eating hours as seating is very limited, especially with the pandemic!

Dinner & Drinks

If you are looking for a typical Italian meal, this is the spot for you! Often times, on weekends they will have live music performed by a piano player

My favorite spot we went to! They have an exquisite list of cocktails and menu to die for!

Activities/Places to Visit

This park is located about 30 minutes away from downtown Vancouver. If you are looking for a place to walk or bike by the water and see stunning views this is the perfect spot!

  • Gastown

Victoria

Coffee Shops & Brunch

My favorite coffee shop we went to in Victoria. Reminded me of a classic Montreal Coffee Shop. I got their salad with fried chicken, but honestly that chicken was so good I would go back for their chicken sandwich instead haha!!

Reservations Required! Literally a girl's dream! Stunning venue, great tea service, a must in Victoria!!

Dinner & Drinks

You have to go here during sunset! We stumbled across this restaurant while walking around and it has such a stunning patio, perfect to watch the sunset. Their passion fruit mojito and mini burgers were to die for and reminded me of Mauvais Garçon, one of my favorite restaurant in Montreal.

A cute speakeasy perfect to grab a drink before dinner or enjoy s drink with tapas.

Activities/Places to Visit

This stationery store has a location in Vancouver and Victoria. If you love stationery, this boutique is a must visit in Victoria

For everyone that loves photography, this is a beautiful spot! It is similar to Jardins Botanique in the sense that their are gardens representing different themes such as Japanese, Italian, Roses Garden...

When I saw they had one in Victoria after seeing the hour long line there was at their Vancouver location I was so happy! Plenty of crazy flavors perfect for ice cream lovers!

  • Hatley Park National Historic Site
  • Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse

Whistler

Coffee Shops & Brunch

A very popular bakery located in Whistler Village. Be sure to go early in the morning as there is often a long line. It is one of the only bakeries in Whistler and, therefore, very popular.

  • Ecologyst Coffee Shop

Located right beside Purebread, this local shop has a coffee counter in the back that also serves liege waffles and toasts from another local bakery with locally made jam.

Dinner

A must in Whistler. This restaurant was amazing and so impressive. The kitchen is right behind the bar so you can see how they make all the food. As well, all the taps and drinks were incredible! 

  • RMU Blackcomb

This after sky bar located at the bottom of Blackcomb is perfect for a drink and snack by a fire pit to keep warm in rainy Whistler.

Activities/Places to Visit

When I was looking for things to do in Whistler, pretty much everything involved hiking and cold weather. This being said, I saw a picture of the view of this farm and we had to go check it out! If you are looking for a stunning place to take pictures and look like you went to Hawaii for the day, this spot is a must.

  • Green Lake Water Access

While on the road to North Arm Farm, we passed by the stunning Green Lake, named after the turquoise color many lakes have in BC. If you are not a fan or have difficulty hiking, this is a cute spot to take photos.

Now this one is for the hiking fans! Joffre Lakes is located about an hour and a half away from Whistler and consists of a 4h30 hike to a glacier. As well, you will cross through 3 different lakes of different sizes where you can take beautiful pictures of the turquoise water! It is important to purchase (reserve) the free pass 24h in advance on their website. Unfortunately for us, it was raining the day we decided to go. Therefore, the view was not the best and we decided to not hike to see more smog at the top haha. Be sure to try and go on a day that is sunny as it is very high in altitude thus, if there are many clouds, even without rain, it will probably be raining in the provincial park.

For those with a fear of heights, this isn't an activity for you! A gondola brings you to a platform 2,900 feet high. At the top there are many hiking trails, a suspension bridge as well as a restaurant, bar and coffee shop.

Bon Appetit & Safe Travels!

By

Megan Chartrand-Robichaud

October 28, 2021