The British (Royals) are Coming!
Background
U.K. visitors are now the second largest group of inbound tourists to Canada with numbers up 10% in 2016 versus the same period in 2015.* A recent Travelzoo Canada survey** also showed that 37% of Canadians said they were more likely to visit the U.K. now due to the better value of the British pound against the Canadian dollar. With Kate and William further forging links between the two countries with their visit, it’s a great British love affair long set to continue.
What's in a name
The royal family will start their tour in Victoria, named by the British back in 1843 (and also the name of William’s great-great-great-grandmother). The area is famed for its whale watching and this tour leaves from the same harbour that Will and Kate will land into. The couple then move on to Vancouver, where they stop at Telus Gardens in downtown Vancouver, home to the world-famous Stanley Park.
Where to stay
Travelzoo members can take advantage of some princely prices at this hotel near Stanley Park, which is offering up to half off for travel into March or find a savings of almost $100 with breakfast, parking and a bottle of wine at this downtown hotel.
Where to dine like a king
Of course the royals have the best possible taste, and you can enjoy Vancouver’s best fine dining at Bauhaus with a half price lunch offer. Or enjoy a tasting for two at Sai Woo, lauded for its award-winning design and chic and delicious seven-course tasting menu.
Pampered like a princess
To look as fresh and glowing as Kate, try this gorgeous massage and facial at West Vancouver’s top-rated spa – 60% off a massage and facial.
Stately out of town retreats
After Vancouver, the Duke and Duchess are getting away from the city and experiencing the best of British Columbia. This peaceful seaside resort just an hour from Vancouver is offering 40% off stays this fall. Enjoy the stunning views of the Georgia Strait and the mountains from your room at the Shorewater resort for $69 per night in a beach front room. For a truly deluxe and royal experience stays at Sooke Harbour House, named one of the best in Canada last year (Conde Nast Traveller), are from $129 a night in the fall.
While the Royals are skipping Whistler, Pippa Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge's sister, praised its Four Seasons Hotel in her Vanity Fair column. Two can lunch regally in Sidecut at Four Seasons Resort Whistler, for $49 (reg. $100)
For more ideas on how to get the very best out of Vancouver, see our Travelzoo guide to making the most of 48 hours in the city and use Travelzoo’s hotel search to find additional deals in the Vancouver area for this weekend and into fall.
About the research
*The UK visitor numbers are taken from May 2016 Data on www.DestinationCanada.com **The survey for Travelzoo in Canada was conducted via an online questionnaire by third-party agency Atomik. The questionnaire was completed by 1018 people in Canada in September 2016.