Toasting the Moon in Vancouver

Travel for 2 cost breakdown (at the time of writing this post):

EXchange Hotel Vancouver: $150 per night
Roundtrip Flights from SFO (non-stop): $315 pp
Food/Entertainment/Transportation/Souvenirs: $1000
GRAND TOTAL FOR 2 TRAVELERS – 4 days: $2230

***At this time, we are not endorsed by any outside affiliates. That said – when booking our trips, we have had a lot of success with Hotels.com, Skyskanner, and Tripmasters.

Booking

Toast the Moon always recommends using a passport. We also recommend TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry, because who wants to waste their vacation time in an airport line, am I right? Traveling around the United States is not difficult, but changes are in the air. Please be advised that as-of October 1, 2020 – basic drivers’ licenses will no longer be valid for identification in airports. Sign up for a passport or Real ID now to avoid complications later!

Vancouver – Too Beautiful for Photos

After living in the San Francisco Bay Area and exploring Portland and Seattle, Noah and I really believed that we understood the Pacific Northwest. We didn’t envision Vancouver being much different than Seattle. I mean, honestly, they’re basically neighbors.

My pre-conceived notions of Vancouver were so wrong. Certain Canadian qualities create a world of difference. We have nothing to say against Seattle, Portland, or San Francisco – they are all fantastic cities! But, the quality of the air, the quality of life, the sustainable growth, the diversity of the people and food, and the adventure opportunities truly stand out in Vancouver above its American counterparts.

I’m going to geek out for a moment on the food. They grow/farm EVERYTHING! Considering how far north it is, it’s truly remarkable that they are able to grow and harvest the produce that they have available. When you pair that with the seafood, the dairy, the meats, and the culture, it is a dangerous cocktail! It’s a great reason for them to have Stanley Park and that 8.8 km Seawall to work it all off!

From street food like Japadog to the best Kaiseki menu we’ve ever explored at Miku Vancouver to the authentic Belgian cuisine at Nero to the myriad of options and delicacies at the Granville Market – the opportunities to explore food are endless!

Then, when you’re full and looking for adventure – check out Stanley Park, the heart of the city, Grouse Mountain for ski trails/mountain adventure/recreation activities, and Capilano Suspension Bridge park for a vertigo-inducing adrenaline rush! All of these are within 30 minutes via shuttle from city center!

The opportunities and things to do in Vancouver are vast and overwhelming. I just wish we would’ve had a longer stay. Next time, Vancouver, next time!