Hey there travel lovers! Today, we are taking you on a whirlwind journey to one of Canada’s most stunning cities – Vancouver. Get ready to pedal through lush greenery, soak in ocean views, and savor mouthwatering Turkish cuisine.
Our day started with an early morning drive from Anacortes, WA. As we drove across the border and eventually into Vancouver, we quickly noticed how clean the city was. The Fall foliage was starting to show its colors and gave us a burst of energy-we were excited to be out of the AZ heat!
We headed to the e-bike shop to pick up our rental and head to Stanley Park, a lush urban oasis nestled on the edge of the city. The air was chilly and crisp, and the scent of salt water filled our lungs. It is hard not to appreciate the park’s diverse ecosystem, unique flora and various wildlife such as geese and black squirrels. I had never seen a truly black squirrel before. We tried to get pictures, but they were fast and evaded our paparazzi intentions.
Weaving through the scenic Seawall, we were treated to breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the city skyline. Stanley Park’s pristine beauty was peaceful and welcoming on this holiday weekend. After our invigorating bike ride, it was time to satisfy our hunger pangs at Istanbul Doner.
The aromas of grilled meats, fragrant spices, and freshly baked bread greeted us as we stepped inside this charming eatery. We knew right away what we wanted to eat: Iskender Kebab. We fell in love with it while visiting Turkey in October 2023, and have been talking about it ever since. Finally, we found someplace that serves it! We took our to-go bag and headed to a patch of green grass and ate it right then and there. As we relished each bite, we couldn’t help but talk about the intricate dance of flavors. Whatever spices they use are sure to make your mouth happy!
After our satisfying meal, we ventured back into the city. I was so impressed with the vast amount of eateries from all around the world. There were restaurants for every flavor of food you could ever want, from Asian to Ukranian. The scents wafting through the streets was outstanding. This would be a great city to do a food tour!
Vancouver’s unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty made it so special and now one of our favorite cities. From historic Gastown to the vibrant streets of Granville Island, there was so much to see and do. People were exercising everywhere, families were out bike riding and we even passed a festival.
After our stroll through the incredible food market, and purchase of goat and fig cheese and cerigenoles olives, we reflected on our day of adventure and discovery as we drove through Chinatown. We would have spent more time there but most the stores were already closed due to the holiday.
Vancouver, with its stunning landscapes and culinary delights, has left an indelible mark on us. So, there you have it, a day trip to Vancouver filled with bikes, bites, and boundless beauty. Until our next adventure, stay curious and keep those wheels turning!
