POSTPONED: Vancouver Design Tour, New Date TBA

Vancouver always ranks in the top five of the world’s most liveable cities. But, it is more than just its’ beautiful seaside mountain setting that makes it so appealing. To see and understand this city first hand we offer tours guided by local architect historians to give you the complete experience of what makes Vancouver great. Tour the reborn industrial sites of Granville Island +South False Creek, the densely vibrant West End, Strathcona’s historic hipster hood, the stunning vistas of the downtown waterfront and on up to the Main street renaissance. Vancouver simply overflows with memorable, enjoyable and photogenic urban landscapes.

Vancouver is a vibrant design city and is internationally known as a hotbed of innovation in urban design through our widely admired ‘Vancouverism’. Our commitment to being the World's Greenest City is not just political, and you can see sustainability in action at the local level in the plethora of beautiful regional artisanry, art, and design. The combined influences of a profoundly beautiful first nations art, a spectacular natural environment and the multicultural matrix of the Pacific Rim make this a powerful engine of design.

Traveling is inspiring. It is a great way to discover new ideas and gives you time to think in a completely new context. We open our eyes a little wider when we are in a new place. Imagine, four days of design and cultural exploration, surrounded by a group of fun, like-minded people.

So come and join Designers Collective, an Architect and an Interior Designer, for an insider’s look at one of worlds’ most exciting cities. Be prepared for an action packed 4 days! Bring walking shoes!!

Day 1 Arrival Day

Thursday, September 15, 2016

We will be staying at the iconic Hotel Vancouver. The Hotel Vancouver is a quintessential example of the great Franco-Scottish chateau-style railway hotels. These types of hotels had been built by the national railway companies in nearly every major city across Canada since the late nineteenth century.

Day 1 Arrival Day
We will gather at The Hotel Vancouver at 2 pm to start our adventure.
Beginning at the VAG for the Picasso exhibit, we will then visit Robson Square and go for a little stroll of retail therapy along Robson St. After drinks at one of Vancouver’s best cocktail lounges we will return to the hotel for a little down time and prepare for a fabulous dinner at one of chef David Hawksworth’s eponymous restaurants.

Day 2 Full Day

Friday September 16, 2016

We will start the day with breakfast on our own then meet up for our walking tour of Vancouver’s downtown waterfront, which will include Harbour Centre for a 360-degree view of the city. We will visit the Marine Building, Hotel Europe and then stroll Gastown and see our notable steam clock. We will have a Dim Sum lunch in Chinatown and visit the world’s narrowest office building. We will attend the Rennie Art Musem then head back to the hotel to rest and get ready for The Dinner By Design Gala Dinner.

Dinner by Design brings together internationally celebrated designers and local talent to create three-dimensional dining installations that awe, inspire and delight. Designers Collective is pleased to be designing one of the dinner tables. (more info: http://dinnerxdesign.com/)

Day 3 Home Tour

Saturday September 17, 2016

After breakfast, we will meet the limousine that will take us on the Modern Home Design Tour. We will check out 7 fine examples of West Coast Modern Houses. The Vancouver Modern Home Tour takes place each year in coordination with Western Living’s Design Week.

We will have lunch on, and explore, Main St. and then head back to the hotel to unwind or do some shopping. Dinner will be at our wonderful Indian Fushion restaurant, Vij’s, and then we will head over to the landmark Stanley Theatre to see the play, ‘Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery’.

Day 4 Departure Day

Sunday, September 18, 2016

We will meet after breakfast and head out to Stanley Park via Robson and Denman Streets. We will continue our walking tour and end up at the Cactus club for lunch overlooking English Bay. Rain or shine this is a beautiful view. We will then walk to Sunset beach to catch the AquaBus to Granville Island where we will walk through the market and explore on our own. For those who wish to enjoy the view and rest their feet, there will be drinks at the Granville Island Hotel before we head back to our hotel for Departure.

Tour includes the following:
• 3 nights at the iconic Hotel Vancouver, (based on shared occupancy)
• 3 lunches
• 3 dinners
• Tickets to the Modern Home Tours, Vancouver Art Gallery, The Rennie Private Art Gallery, Dinner by Design Fundraising Gala
• drinks/appys at local hot spots
• Iconic Stanley Theatre-To see the play, 'Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery'
• Drivers and taxis
• Goody Bags

Cost is $2100 CAD ($1600 USD)
Or if you are a local and do not want to stay at our hotel, the cost is $1800 CAD
*Airport transportation and airfares are not included.*
*Plans may be subject to change.

Deposit due immediately and remainder to be paid by August 31, 2016