The Westin Bayshore, located steps from Stanley Park, is among Vancouver’s most historic and fascinating hotels. (Photo courtesy of Westin Bayshore Vancouver)
Some moments are so deeply etched in your memory, you can actually replay the scene as if it was yesterday. I was a 15-year-old French-Canadian teen whose family had recently moved from Quebec to British Columbia. With much trepidation, I headed down the hill from our home to my “new” Westside Vancouver high school. It wasn’t long before a girl rushed by me, stopped, and said, “Hi.”
That was 1973 — the start of what has become a 50-year enduring friendship with Joanne Grainger. Three years later, along came Jennie Rae — the three amigos were born. Our friendship is our collective guarantee that there will always be someone in life who really knows who you are and will be there for you always.
So, what better way to cap off this five-decade friendship — one that includes the fact that each of us will turn 65 — than a totally indulgent staycation? Since we live in different cities, we chose a two-night stay at Vancouver’s iconic Westin Bayshore.
Vancouver Delivers an Ultimate Besties Getaway
This landmark hotel occupies a prime piece of Vancouver real estate, overlooking Stanley Park and Coal Harbour, just minutes by foot to several fabulous restaurants and the attractive waterfront that surrounds Canada Place.
Originally a low-rise hotel, the Bayshore Westin opened in March 1961. In March 1972, it became best known as the temporary hideaway of the legendary, oh-so-eccentric American billionaire Howard Hughes. Despite several unsuccessful attempts by paparazzi to photograph the elusive Hughes, he never ventured out of his penthouse suite for the six months he resided at the hotel. Hughes wasn’t the only household name to lay their heads on Bayshore pillows. Other notable guests have included the late Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles and the late Lady Diana Spencer, who would become Princess Diana.
Our elegant-styled room was showcased by absolutely breathtaking, glittering views of the harbour, the mountains of the North Shore, and the cityscape, a fact that truly made us feel like royalty.
Endless Culinary Possibilities on the West Coast
Bigoli con Anatra, which is made with duck ragu and Parmigiano Reggiano, is a favourite dish at Michelin-recommended Bacaro at the Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel. (Photo courtesy of Bacaro)
Then, there’s the gastronomy we enjoyed without ever thinking about calories … well, at least for this weekend. Nothing quite defines a city like a thriving culinary scene. From farm-fresh ingredients, local award-winning wines, sustainable seafood, and organic meat, Vancouver chefs have a huge arsenal of ingredients to play with — whether the cuisine of choice is west coast, Asian fusion or any number of ethnic cuisines.
While you are at the Bayshore, make sure to book a table at its much buzzed about H Tasting Lounge. A combination of contemporary sophistication and casual chic, the lounge opens up to a poolside patio overlooking Burrard Inlet and the majestic mountains.
Notwithstanding its idyllic locale, people come to H Tasting Lounge for its creative artisanal cocktails, intelligent boutique wine list and west-coast cuisine. I enjoyed a glass of Napa Valley’s Neal Family Vineyards ’16 Cabernet Sauvignon; one that was as spectacular as it was pricey ($36 for 5 ounces). But hey, we were celebrating! When it comes to the shared plates, H Tasting Lounge shines yet again. The culinary team emphasizes sustainable and locally sourced seafood, meats, and produce. The menu is full of bestsellers, such as the fish tacos, which come complete with addictive seashore fries, the seafood linguine, a medley of manilla clams, Salt Spring Island mussels, tiger prawns, Hokkaido scallops, and the pan-roasted pacific sablefish — all winners.
Vacay.ca Contributor Michelle Hopkins (left) toasts to decades of friendship with Joanne Grainger and Jennie Rae during a dinner at Cardero’s Restaurant. (Photo supplied by Michelle Hopkins)
Nestled amid the yachts and seaplanes of Coal Harbour Marina is the much-lauded seafood-centric Cardero’s Restaurant. It is as famous for its expansive views as it is for its nautical-themed decor and curated wine list (which boasts some excellent B.C. wineries such as Burrowing Owl and Painted Rock Estate). Helmed by executive chef Jason Kleinfeld, the menu is an adventurous, surprising, and just-plain-delicious celebration of everything that makes Vancouver a foodie haven. You’ll discover mouth-watering starters like Thai curry prawns, signature wok squid, the flaxiest fresh cedar-plank salmon, and roasted sablefish. If you prefer meat, the spicy Italian pork sausage and kale pizza is sublime.
Located on the upscale lobby of the Fairmont Pacific Rim, Bacaro’s Venetian-inspired carte du jour is as impressive as its sophisticated yet casual décor. Bacaro, which is what Venice’s canal-side bars are named after, is an ode to Venetian culture, cuisine, and hospitality. Start off with the truly magnificent insalata verde, featuring organic greens, fennel, borlotti beans, bergamot vinaigrette, Harry’s sauce, and hazelnut crumbs. Then follow up with one of these crowd-pleasing options: bufala e pomodoro, risotto alla carbonara di Bacaro with sablefish, or bigoli con anatra with lightly spiced duck ragu and Parmigiano Reggiano.
Renew Your Love of Stanley Park
Opened in 1888, Stanley Park was named after the former Governor General of Canada whose name also adorns the most-coveted trophy in hockey. Touted by many — and for good reason — as one of the best parks in the world, this urban oasis is Vancouver’s top attraction. Its famous 9-kilometre (5.6-mile) seawall draws millions of walkers, cyclists, and joggers each year.
But that’s not all that Stanley Park offers. There are beaches, a seaside swimming pool, playgrounds, an 18-hole pitch-and-putt golf course, and miniature train to discover. Plus, the Vancouver Aquarium, totem poles created by carvers from multiple Indigenous communities, and craft-beer favourite Stanley Park Brewing are all nestled in the 1,000-acre park.
Get Pampered with Friends
Lounge around after a visit to the intriguing poolside barrel-room saunas at the Westin Bayshore. (Photo courtesy of Westin Bayshore Vancouver)
What is a girls getaway without a spa treatment? When it’s time to unwind, retreat to the tranquility of Vida Spa, located on the main level of the Westin Bayshore. Upon entering the spa, and private relaxation lounge with double-sided fireplace and dry sauna, stress evaporates as you take in the serene surroundings. Donning our plush bathrobes and slippers, we all blissed out on the Swedish muscle-easing massage.
Picture this scene: On our last night, a cool one at that, we rushed to Bayshore’s latest offering — an outdoor cedar-barrel sauna. It was amazing how good it feels to sweat away your cares in such an Instagram-worthy setting.
In the end, after many conversations curled up in our beds, cup of java in hand, we reminisced about the silly times, the emotional moments, and the wonderfulness of having each other in our lives — something we don’t take for granted. The Westin Bayshore was a luxurious away-from-it-all backdrop, in a city famous for its jaw-dropping scenery, seafood and laid-back vibe — and, in the end, isn’t that just the greatest besties staycation of all?
MORE ABOUT THE WESTIN BAYSHORE VANCOUVER
The rooms and suites at the Westin Bayshore Vancouver have an idyllic location overlooking the Burrard Inlet and North Shore mountains. (Photo courtesy of Westin Bayshore Vancouver)
Location: 16001 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver, B.C. (see map below)
Reservations: Room rates for a weekend night in May start at $368 per night. Visit the website or call toll free at 1-888-627-8634 for more info.
Notable: The cozy rooms are outfitted with plush beds offering fine linens and duvets. Dogs stay for free.
