Testimonial: Trip to Vancouver with Points

My advice for great tables (or not) in Vancouver!

For those of you who don’t know me: on the one hand, imagine a super gourmand with a hypersensitive sense of smell. As a result, I exclaim “Mmm!” before a mouthful has even reached my taste buds. My nose is faster than them!

And this guy is also curious and candid: so he goes to the restaurant always unpretentious and tastes with amusement and delight all the best the visited establishment has to offer. Because yes, I almost never open the menu, I want to be surprised, amazed: at what price?! I often don’t know until after dessert.

Joking aside, I pay particular attention to service and atmosphere (I love it when a restaurant makes me feel like I’ve entered a bubble away from the world), and of course to the taste, execution and presentation of dishes; without really knowing anything theoretical about it!

I had the great pleasure of visiting several of the restaurants that made the list of the 100 best restaurants in Canada. And also to a few places recommended by people I met along the way. I like to be guided by local reviews.

• To discover the best-rated restaurants, I often visit Canada’s 100 Best. However, I don’t preach only by this;
• In addition, I often reserve a table, whenever possible, using the Open Table application ;
• Finally, sometimes, when places are very limited, I call on the concierge service of my American Express Platinum Card^® ;
• Otherwise, improvisation and discovery can always do the trick.

For breakfast

Café Medina

Café Medina : opened in 2008, this is a Vancouver institution.

High ceilings, open-plan kitchen and dining room flooded with natural light. The waitress recommends the fricassée (a kind of stew in a pan) which is the most popular dish on the Mediterranean-inspired menu.

And I recommend the tasty espresso! Because “life is too short for bad coffee”.

Chambar

Chambar: Liège waffles are a Vancouver staple.

It was when I came up against a long line at Jam Café (a must-try according to many!), that I decided to open the next door. And this charming restaurant-wine bar offered exactly what I was craving: moist waffles spread with fig marmalade and salted butter caramel. Delicious.

For lunch

Cactus Club Coal Harbor: a local restaurant chain that has nothing left to prove. With more than 30 locations in Canada, I had to go!

Chef Rob Feenie’s signature dish that I was introduced to was butternut squash and shrimp ravioli. I’m not a big fan of shrimp… and it’s won me over! In addition, the view of the harbour and Stanley Park is quite soothing.

For a cocktail, the English Bay branch also offers a breathtaking view of the boardwalk, beach and sea.

Hydra

Hydra: very hip, very chic. Located in the heart of downtown, the terrace is like an island of peace amidst the hustle and bustle.

Having been there in the afternoon, I was alone in this ample, beautifully decorated space, and the owner was extremely friendly: he chatted, offered me a glass of bubbly and recommended a fresh watermelon salad. Simple, but very effective on a hot day.

I settled in for a few hours with my reader, but he told me the evening atmosphere was much more agitated.

For dinner

Miku

Miku: I’d heard it was a must for a Japanese gourmet meal. And I wasn’t disappointed.

BUT here’s the short story. Basically, there are three menu choices. I took the basic one. When I received my appetizer, I found a white hair and immediately turned the plate upside down.

Once is fine. The resumption of the entry arrives, hairless, well no! It was still served with hair. That’s it, I got all anxious, and I thought they wouldn’t believe me, but the restaurant manager was so upset that he offered to pay for the most expensive menu ($135) and all the cocktails I wanted.

I saw aburi-style sushi (flambéed with a torch on top and raw underneath, that’s the specialty), braised beef, tataki, cocktails and a matcha tea dessert.

Despite the terrible start, I left more than satisfied and without a bill!

Bao Bei

Bao Bei: The “or not” in the title of this chapter was unfortunately aimed at this restaurant in the heart of Chinatown, which greatly disappointed me.

Despite all the recommendations, very trendy, the place certainly offers a good menu (they are not the best dumplings!), a nice decor, good cocktails, but I had the feeling that I was not welcome. As if I was disturbing the small group of unwelcoming waiters.

St. Lawrence

St. Lawrence As far as food is concerned, it’s Quebecois revisited, and while well executed and tasty, it didn’t blow me away.

What impressed me most was to see chef J-C Poirier and his team bustling about the kitchen to the rhythm of a completely organic choreography, like a show where every gesture seems calculated to deliver impeccably presented plates.

I had a great time!

Savio Volpe

Savio Volpe: she’s the hostess of the St. Moritz. Lawrence recommended it to me. Definitely my favourite. I do have a weakness for Italian food!

On the one hand, Nathan’s service was extraordinary. He chose the dishes well so that I could taste a nuanced range of their cuisine: tuna crudo drizzled with chive oil and creamy salad with gorgonzola and walnuts, a plate of pork agnolotti, cannoli and pistachio gelato. Luscious!

And the pairing with a chardonnay from the Tantalus vineyards in the Okanagan: yummy.

Other suggestions (if you have more time): Elisa; Ask for Luigi; Torafuku; PiDGin; AnnaLena

For your spending in Vancouver’s restaurants and bars, one of these two cards will earn you 5 points per dollar spent:

• American Express Cobalt^® Card
• National Bank World Elite Mastercard

Hotels in Vancouver

For me, a hotel isn’t just a hotel. So, yes, I know it can be expensive, but when the experience is there, why not?

Being welcomed into a hotel can be like being welcomed into a friend’s home: and I make no secret of the fact that I often become friends with both the hosts and the head concierge! Visiting different hotels is for me an opportunity to discover settings, ambiences, services and ways of receiving guests, which have been designed to make their stay a great one.

For this stay, I first wanted a room with a view of the sea and the mountains: it was at the Pan Pacific that I made my choice.

Next, I wanted to take advantage of my Gold status with Marriott Bonvoy (which I obtain every year with my American Express Platinum Card^®), so I split my time between the Westin Grand Vancouver (converted to a Hilton hotel in 2021) and the JW Marriott Parq.

Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel

A night at the Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel costs $350 to $500; I chose a Premier Room with a king-size bed and mountain and city views.

Located in downtown directly on Canada Place, the hotel is imposing at first sight. I felt like I was boarding a large cruise ship: the elaborately decorated interior is immense.

Everything is done very easily during the check-in, the concierge is very kind.

And the bedroom! Excuse me, the view from the bedroom. Wow.

A view of the skyline, Stanley Park in the distance, and the bay, with the mountains in the background. I can’t even begin to describe the beauty of the sunrises and sunsets: they are simply magical. That’s why I liked this hotel.

Then… The pool was fine, as was the room (but nothing more for the price). Breakfast was excellent and hearty. My only complaint is the carpet in the room: an old smell (subtle, but I have a very fine nose!) dating back to the time when cigarettes were allowed (probably)!

I upgraded to a Premium Suite at The Westin Grand – Vancouver, with a king-size bed, a corner room on a high floor with a balcony, for $285 a night.

At first glance, I couldn’t find anything exceptional about the building. However, the lobby is fine. More and more, I let myself be convinced. On the one hand, the service is excellent: through the chat on the app (where I asked for an upgrade), and at reception. And with Marriott status, we take good care of our customers.

It was when I opened the door to my room that I was won over: a well-lit, super-clean, spacious room with a magnificent view of Vancouver. Furniture that’s right up my alley!

For several hours I enjoyed the pool: I felt like I was in the South, with the Floridian vibe offered by the terrace!

And when I got back to my room, a basket was waiting for me: beer, mignonettes, soft drinks and snacks. Well, thank you!

JW Marriott Parq Vancouver

A night at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver ranges from $450 to $800. With an upgrade, I got a studio suite with a king bed and a water view on a high floor.

Opened in 2017, the PARQ complex is located between the trendy neighbourhoods of Yaletown and Gastown, directly adjacent to BC Place Stadium. Designed by Montreal architecture firm ACDF, the establishment houses two luxury hotels, a casino, restaurants, a gym and a spa.

No matter from what angle you look at this major project ($400 million) for the first time, it impresses! It has clearly been designed in perfect harmony with the stadium that surrounds it, following its shape.

But PARQ is also reminiscent of the natural environment surrounding Vancouver: the curved lines and very shape of the complex evoke a mountain; the glass facade impressively reflects the sky and the buildings.

I don’t know much about architecture, but it looks like a jewel to me!

You enter a spacious lobby, under imposing chandeliers, and thanks to your reservation with American Express’ Fine Hotels and Resorts program, check-in is at noon.

Before arriving at the room, I received courteous and attentive service (a velvet seat for waiting and a bottle of water).

Exiting the elevator on floor 18, you can feel the attention to detail in the elegant carpets and warm, muted lighting.

What about my Studio suite? Beautiful. The lounge area is very spacious, furnished with a large, super-comfortable velvet sofa. A party wall in the center of the studio gives a more intimate feel to the sleeping area, which includes a TV, a king-size bed, a closet, a table and two stylish pink armchairs overlooking False Creek Bay.

Behind two large sliding doors, the luxurious bathroom is revealed. A marble shower, golden decorations and fine bath products. Everything was perfect.

In order to make my experience “profitable”, but most of all very soothing, I decided to treat myself to a massage as well as to room service for dinner using the credits offered.

On the one hand, although the massage is only 50 minutes, the therapist was so efficient that it felt longer. And oh my! She offered to let me use David Beckham’s favorite massage oil!

A tea and snack service in a relaxing lounge overlooking the bay is also available after the massage.

To read more Vancouver hotel reviews:

What to do in Vancouver?

In terms of entertainment, it’s clear that I’ve essentially taken advantage of the culinary scene in the metropolis. If you know me, I’m used to visiting and exploring more. Yes, yes. But feeling the 200 km of walking I’d just done (Traversée de Charlevoix and several summits in Alberta), I stuck to the major attractions downtown… which are as follows.

English Bay and Stanley Park

Locals come to watch the sun set on English Bay beach: a long sandy beach bordered by tall grass, large stones, condo towers (!) and, above all, Stanley Park.

It is the third-largest urban park in North America and welcomes over eight million visitors a year! It’s worth getting around, getting lost, on foot or by bike.

But one thing is certain: the sunset at the end of Vancouver’s downtown peninsula is a must-do. And why not take the opportunity to watch the full moon over the city centre at night?

Canada Place

There’s not much to say about Place du Canada, but it remains a prime spot for watching the skyline at sunset. During the day, you can watch many seaplanes take off and land. In addition, several emblematic sculptures can be found nearby on the promenade along the harbour.

Granville Island Public Market

If you like public markets, it’s a must! The food is very good, and above all it is possible to taste many local products. It’s the ideal place to buy souvenirs, gifts or local handicrafts.

Outside, a public square has been laid out to enjoy the view of the bridges and False Creek Bay. Well, I can’t stand panpipes, so I didn’t dwell on it. But that’s just me!

Charleston Park

A walk in this beautiful park will allow you to enjoy the view of downtown and the various marinas of False Creek Bay. The (protected!) view of the mountains is soothing and if you are lucky (like me!) you can see seals basking on the docks.

This park is a real oasis by the sea!

Grouse Mountain

Looking for a getaway 15 minutes drive from downtown? Grouse Mountain is a ski and hiking area that rises to 1200 meters: it’s the top of Vancouver!

The steep, three-kilometer path to the panoramic view is quite physical: it’s called the Grouse Grind. But be warned: this is a one-way hike: you’ll have to return by cable car, which costs $15. So all you have to do is climb the mountain and you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of Vancouver and its islands, a coffee and a lumberjack show (not my thing…).

You can also observe two grizzly bears rescued from certain death and now in captivity.

Davie Street

I’ll end on an LGBTQ+ note! Although it is very small, the “gay village” consists of one street: Davie Street. All colourful, very lively. The area seems booming: beautiful condo towers are rising, and restaurants and cafés are opening their doors.

Last but not least, a number of perpendicular streets are pedestrianized and occupied by art installations that are well worth a visit. It’s just nice to stroll down this street that looks like Castro in San Francisco.

Leave with your points

For the flight, you could book your ticket with Aeroplan points. In economy, flights start at 12,500 points for a one-way Montreal / Vancouver ticket, according to the points predictor.

How do you earn Aeroplan points? The simplest and fastest way to earn them is to sign up for a new Aeroplan co-branded credit card.

In her guide , Aline explains all the strategies you need to fill up on points.