Vancouver

With airfares still low, I was able to find a very good fare to Vancouver to visit family. Hopped onto a United flight to YVR. I checked into the Vancouver Marriott Airport hotel. It's always a hit and miss for me about getting upgrades with Marriott. I usually find better luck with the former SPG properties. On this trip, I was given a corner suite which worked out well with my relatives who was staying at an Airbnb nearby. The hotel is within a plaza of other restaurants, so it is easy to get around and get food if you're in need of an airport hotel.

Despite the vacation down time, I didn't take many pictures on this sojourn.

Activities

Billz Beez Berryz - Hung out on a farm picking blueberries at 14291 Triangle Rd, Richmond, BC V6W 1B2, Canada. It was early in the season so many u pick farms are not ready with fruit but this particular one was allowing folks in.

Steveston Harbour - Visited this cute port town and walked around the area. There are a number of coffee shops, restaurants, and fish market (if you get there early in the day).

Aberdeen Centre - Being by the airport, I was in the smack dab middle of an asian neighborhood. The centre has all asian centric shops, market, restaurants, and bakeries.

Costco - I'm always a fan of visiting Costcos outside my home market. I am always interested in getting local products.

Richmond Night Market - When I first visited the night market almost a decade before, it was more of a farmer's market. It has evolved to a trendier hipster version.

Playland - a summer amusement park in the city, it is slightly a step above a circus but it isn't something that would take more than a half day to explore. I'm always a sucker for carnival treats and discovered Canada's Beaver Tails.

Shipyards - Visited another area of Vancouver. Shipyards is a mix use residential commercial area. I don't know the history but from what I can see, it seems to be a former port. The area is very family friendly.

Grouse Mountain - A lovely nature park, it reminded me of the parks in upstate New York. You could easily hike for a few days in the park to see all the features and waterfall.

Gastown Steam Clock - Located at 305 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B9, Canada, it is a popular tourist attraction with folks standing around to watch the clock. Having grown up with grandfather clocks, I was not overly intrigued but there is a Starbucks at the corner.

Granville Island Public Market - I always enjoy passing through Granville Island. I have some favorite eateries and they haven't changed. I didn't look at the produce as I was leaving soon.

Dining

Pho Hoa & Jazen Tea - Due to my late arrival into Vancouver, I opted to order Uber eats. It was one of the few options open at the time and it was edible. I ordered the Vietnamese sandwich hoping that it would be a good option.

Pajos - popular fish and chips restaurant in the Steveston Harbour area. The lines can get long but if you avoid the rush hours, it is pretty manageable. There aren't many spots under shade so be prepared to get some sun. 

Wushiland Boba - Fancy taiwanese based chain, the drinks were good but pricey. There are a number on the west coast.