(love/places): vancouver

vancouver is quickly becoming my favourite Canadian city. I recently took 3 days there on the end of a business trip - I've only been there for business and wanted some time to explore the city for "pleasure" (am I a child? every time they ask me the purpose of my trip at the airport I smile a little when I have to say "pleasure" haha. oh dear)



anyway, arguably the best part of my trip was the hotel. i found The Loden while doing some internet research (which i never really do before i travel but may reconsider) and figured that if 190459386356 people liked it, well then i probably could, too. the reviews weren't wrong. from the minute you walk into the lobby you feel taken care of. the customer service was top notch, and the decor gave me some serious style inspiration for my home! not to mention the fabulous guest suites. i could go on for days. next time you're in Vancouver, you must stay there!

i didn't do too much shopping while i was there, but did stop in at Holts for a little fun. While i'm partial to the Bloor st location here in toronto, the vancouver location has been recently redesigned and is quite open and bright. it's a great experience, as long as you avoid the sunglasses wall - an anxiety inducing spectacle of screaming, yes screaming, young girls putting their feelers all over my coveted marcs. i'll wait for those 'til i get home, thanks.




no trip to vancouver would be complete without spending at least a little time in Stanley Park. while i have been running along the sea wall, i had never ventured deeper into the park to the aquarium. you just can't go wrong spending an afternoon with otters and sea turtles and zebra fish, oh my!

my favourite new discovery of the trip was Urban Fare, an amazing grocery store and cafe. we don't really have an equivalent here in toronto, but it's got the feel of a whole foods mixed with summerhill market and a splash of trader joes from the U.S. i stocked up on their yummy trail mix/chocolate confection to bring home with me.



on the last night i had to visit the palm trees at English Bay. pure happiness. ♥