The Westin Bayshore in Vancouver has decked its halls for the holidays with Christmas-themed decor throughout the property. (Adrian Brijbassi photo for Vacay.ca)
Who says holiday merriment has to end after December 25? The Westin Bayshore’s festivities carry on into January thanks to a number of activations designed for families.
Among them is the fabulous LEVEL UP games zone that transforms the Grand Ballroom into a gamer’s wish come true. It has Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch devices, plus classic arcade games. Non-virtual fun includes a mini curling rink on a synthetic surface, pop-a-shot basketball, and a pickleball court. Classic Christmas movies like “The Grinch” are shown nightly in the LEVEL UP theatre. The games area is open until January 5 — ideal for families during the winter school break.
Gabriel Brijbassi, 6, enjoys the mocktail version of the H Tasting Lounge’s Roller Skating to Church, a specialty milkshake served in a skate. (DeNon Brijbassi photo for Vacay.ca)
Throughout the hotel in downtown Vancouver are immaculate decorations that turn it into a Winter Wonderland on the shores of Burrard Inlet. The holiday spirit comes in the form of potent spirits at H Tasting Lounge. The stylish bar features a mix of signature holiday cocktails and mocktails, including the unforgettable Santa’s Mailbox, a concoction of whisky, Champagne, maple syrup and tonka bean — delivered in a reindeer-inspired glass mug that comes inside of the drink’s namesake postal vessel.
Mocktail versions of the cocktails are also fun. The drink called Roller Skating to Church is a Latin American-inspired milkshake that is served in a tall glass placed within a glittery skate. The boozy version is made with Diplomatico rum and sherry.
Santa’s Mailbox is a cocktail served in a reindeer-shaped mug and comes with an envelope addressed to Santa. (Adrian Brijbassi photo for Vacay.ca)
More fun for kids includes complimentary Saturday cooking classes at H2 Kitchen and Bar, and a pop-up donut station in the lobby. The additional activations enhance the hotel’s perennial amenities, such as:
- the steamy outdoor pool and Scandinavian-style saunas housed in attractive wooden barrels;
- the Vida Spa, which features Ayurvedic treatments as well as traditional massage and facial offerings, and RMT options;
- Peloton + WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio that includes a high-tech space for spin classes;
- And H Tasting Lounge also has its popular dome dining series, called Winterlust. Up to six people can dine on the bar’s menu offerings while enclosed in a cozy globe on the exterior of the lounge.
As always, the best part of the Westin Bayshore is its eternally beautiful location overlooking Stanley Park and its surrounding waters. The hotel is along the north side of Vancouver’s seawall, making it one of the most coveted locations in the city.
The circa 1961 Westin Bayshore features mountain, ocean, and Stanley Park views from its west-facing tower. (Adrian Brijbassi photo for Vacay.ca)
Guests can easily walk or bicycle into Stanley Park, exploring its trails, beaches, and attractions like the Vancouver Aquarium, totem poles, and holiday train ride. It’s splendid any time of year, especially so at the most joyous season of the year.
Other noteworthy festivities in Vancouver for 2024:
The Vancouver Ferris Wheel debuted in December 2024. (Adrian Brijbassi photo for Vacay.ca)
Soar Over Canada with Santa: FlyOver Canada’s popular 4D theatre at Canada Place offers a Christmas-themed film until New Year’s Day. “Soar With Santa” is an immersive experience that sends ride-goers, with feet dangling, over the Arctic Ocean, across Newfoundland’s stunning scenery, and through Canada, culminating back on the west coast in the trails of Santa’s sleigh.
Ferris Wheel: The Ferris wheel ride outside of the Vancouver Art Gallery debuted before Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour concerts began on December 6 and have remained as a lovely addition to the city’s downtown. An initiative of Destination Vancouver, the Ferris wheel adds additional colour and sparkle to the city. It is steps from the glitzy 76-foot-tall Christmas tree. The rides cost $7 each.
Christmas Market: Running until December 24, the annual Christmas market outside of the Vancouver Convention Centre features artisan crafts, food kiosks, and a charming carousel. Ticket fees are $19.99 (kids six years old and under can enter for free).
MORE ABOUT THE WESTIN BAYSHORE
LEVEL UP runs until January 5, 2025 at the Westin Bayshore. The games zone features new and classic games. (Adrian Brijbassi photo for Vacay.ca)
Location: 1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver (see map below)
Room Rates: A night in the first week of January 2025 starts at $262, according to a search of the property’s booking engine. Explore the Westin Bayshore website for additional information. LEVEL UP: Wristbands are required to enter the games zone. Inquire at the hotel about how to purchase one.
Vida Spa: The spa includes one-hour use of the hotel’s fitness facilities prior to a minimum 60-minute treatment. Guests can also enjoy the spa’s lounge, which is a comfortable space with fireplaces and room-length sofa seating. The treatments offer a variety of wellness options customized to your body’s needs. View the options at the Vida Spa website.
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