Spring Break Family Rejuvenation Retreat
If you’ve been following The BC Bucket List Family travels for any amount of time, you’ll know I like to cram as many activities into our getaways as possible. I always treat a place as if I’ll never be back and book our time running from one activity to the next. It’s fun and exciting and even though I know it’s not the travel style for everyone, we like it that way. It also allows me to share as much insight about a place with you as I possibly can.
This time, however, I tried something a little different for our family. This time we stayed at the JW Marriott Parq Hotel downtown Vancouver. Booking only one activity for the whole weekend, ensured that we’d have something to look forward to, but also have the opportunity to rest, and enjoy the amenities this incredible accommodation has to offer.
Enjoying the views of the False Creek Ferries, Science World, and BC Place was priority one. I’ve always loved the way Vancouver’s infrastructure and urban vibe is surrounded by the ocean and the most incredible mountains. It’s truly a city that has it all. Book a suite on an upper-level floor to experience this captivating city and seascape.
The JW Marriott Parq has several world-class dining options to indulge in so save your plans for the evening to dine in-house or have it brought up to your room. There are so many reasons to love room service, but for us, in this stage of life, part of the joy is being able to enjoy an incredible meal without having to worry about the kids disrupting anyone else’s evening. They can snuggle up with us on the couch or run their beans out with no added stress to me.
Start the morning off with a workout in the magnificent Fitness Center or a soak at the aqua lounge. Both are located on the 17th floor to allow for incredible views of the city. This open-air relaxation sanctuary provides yoga space, chaise lounges, and food and beverage services.
A farm-to-table breakfast at Honey Salt celebrates all the beautiful bounty of BC. With funky seating, an impeccable menu, and superb staff, you’ll be making this a recurring visit during your trip.
Maybe it’s our shared love of hosting people that makes me look around at the ambiance here and know that the owner and her husband, the head chef, and I would be kindred spirits. Everything caters to gathering with loved ones over regionally inspired dishes that elevate your dining experience.
I could honestly go back up to my room after breakfast and enjoy my book in the stand-alone tub for the rest of the morning but there’s a childhood memory I’m dying to share with my boys and it’s time to head to the Vancouver Aquarium.
At the elementary school I attended, every single kid wanted to be in grade 5 because in grade 5 you got to board a bus, drive to Stanley Park, and sleep in front of the Beluga exhibit at the Vancouver Aquarium. I don’t know how I ever closed my eyes that night, only that I didn’t do it willingly as five majestic belugas with their permanent smiles glided to and fro against the black water.
There are no more whales at the Vancouver aquarium and I could go into all the reasons I’m happy about that, but I will never forget that experience for as long as I live.
I tell my boys that they’re standing where I watched the blubbery family swim gracefully for hours and they beg to be allowed a sleepover with the massive stingrays and sea turtles we find in the next wing. We find Nemo, of course, and spot the shy sloth tucked away in blissful slumber. We laugh at the otters wrestling like brothers and the sea lions barking at each other.
There are 65,000 animals to enjoy and a memorable 4D experience now featuring The Great Salmon Run. The Vancouver Aquarium has received accolades for its commitment to rescue, education, and research and your ticket supports these endeavours. Book ahead of time during spring break to ensure your spot.
At the end of your visit you can walk to the seawall or through Stanley Park to watch the fat, black squirrels, explore the tide pools, and find the Girl in a Wetsuit statue before heading out for dinner.
One BC-owned restaurant we love to frequent with the kids is Bin4 Burger Lounge. The Granville Street location is perfect for families who have had a long day adventuring in downtown Vancouver.
Go for the onion rings appetizer-they are the best! Despite 18 different burgers to choose from, I always flip between the “The Bison Burner” and the “Black & Blue”. The happy hour from 3 pm-5 pm is excellent and you will never leave this Burger Lounge with an ounce of room left in your stomach!
While we only had a weekend to spend, if you’re visiting Vancouver this spring break and you have several days to explore, we highly recommend these other activities as well. For rainy days, the Bloedel Conservatory, Metropolis at Metrotown Mall, Science World, Omnimax, and Fly Over Canada. For gorgeous weather, Granville Island shops, Biking the Seawall, Shopping 4th Street, Prince of Whales whale watching, and Lynn Canyon Park. If you’ve checked these off your list already, DM me for more suggestions!
Connect with the BC Bucket List Family @loewenlifestyle and follow along as we head to Florida this weekend to explore the parks of Orlando, the beaches in Tampa Bay, the shells of Sanibel Island, the scuba diving in Key West, and the sights in Miami. Safe travels everyone!
