Andrea Caesar, Sales Associate Eastern USA at Tourism Vancouver, has been a member of the Meetings & Conventions team since 2009. Andrea, like many locals, makes the most of her time and our beautiful city. Whether it’s an evening after work or a weekend, you’ll find this former competitive swimmer racing to the great outdoors.

Read how Andrea describes her perfect day in the city.

As a born and raised Vancouverite, I know there is nothing locals love more than lacing up their cross-trainers and seeking the shade of the North Vancouver trails. It’s the perfect way to discover the spectacular beauty of Vancouver’s natural westcoast forest and breathe the fresh air of the North Shore mountains, while experiencing Vancouver through the eyes of a local. Pack a water bottle and start your day at the bottom of the Grouse Mountain parking lot. This is where you begin the 3.3 km climb from the base to the peak using a local favourite, the BCMC Trail – I promise the view is more than worth it! A locals tip: the Grind is famously beautiful as well, but hiking the BCMC promises the same breathtaking views with less hiker congestion.

Can you say rewarding? This hike takes approximately an hour and a half and ends in the old-growth forest of the Vancouver Mountains alongside Grouse Mountain. Spend the morning exploring the top of the mountain, visit with the Grizzly Bears in their Endangered Wildlife Refuge, ziptrek across the peaks of Dam Mountain and tour ‘The Eye of the Wind’, Grouse Mountain’s own natural wind turbine. Enjoy a cold refreshing beverage and a bite to eat overlooking the city in Altitudes Bistro. When you’re ready, head down the mountain on the famous Grouse Mountain skyride.

If you’re a thrill seeker (like me) take the time to visit Capilano Suspension Bridge on your way back into the city. Located only 5 minutes from Grouse Mountain, the Capilano Bridge stretches 450 feet across and 230 feet above the Capilano River. Enjoy a unique blend of adventure and culture while the history of the bridge is outlined by Capilano’s very own entertainers.

As the sun goes down on this peaceful northshore setting, you realize this has truly been a perfect Vancouver day!