Tucked away at the top of the Pacific Northwest amidst the trees, mountains and watery byways of British Columbia, Vancouver has long been a hidden gem among the world’s great cities. It’s a city that never has basked in the accolades that it so deserves; a rugged, yet elegant beauty that easily is dismissed.
Perhaps the legendary Canadian gentility and humbleness makes bragging about their home seem uncouth. Or maybe it’s remoteness from the capitals of the world creates an amnesiac effect for travelers. Whatever the reason, Vancouver rarely seems to top the list of luxury travel destinations.
That mistake is about to be rectified now that Parq Vancouver has opened. This entertainment, dining and hotel complex, which first revealed itself on Friday, September 29, rises over the north side of False Creek in downtown Vancouver and casts its green shadow over nearby BC Place.
Parq Vancouver is located in the center of Vancouver’s vibrant entertainment district and is home to two luxury hotels, The Douglas and the JW Marriott; eight restaurants and lounges and a full-fledged casino.
While wining, dining and playing are key components to Parq’s charm, it’s true jewel is The Parq, a 30,000-square-foot green space atop the sixth floor that mirrors the natural beauty of British Columbia. Few views of Vancouver’s stunning skyline are better than this living, breathing rooftop.
Even fewer offer the chance to sit among more than 200 native pines while sipping a fine glass of wine, or savoring a handcrafted cocktail at D/6 Bar & Lounge. If you want to dine among the trees and the stars, then head over to The Victor and sup on a fantastic steak or the freshest of fresh local seafood.
Elizabeth Blau
Kim Canteenwalla
The Parq enlisted Las Vegas’ legendary restaurateur Elizabeth Blau and Kim Canteenwalla, her husband and award-winning chef, of Blau + Associates to craft all eight of the properties restaurants and bars. They have combined the wondrous cuisines of the Pacific Northwest with inspirations drawn from decades of world travel to bring a diverse selection of menus sure to challenge many of the world’s premier culinary cities.
Parq was born from nature and built to meet LEED Gold environmental standards. Heightening this worship of nature is the full-size replica Douglas fir housed in glass that greets patrons in the lobby of The Douglas.
The Douglas joins a world-spanning family of 100 other Autograph Collection Hotels that span the globe and were designed by Vincent Celano and created by Rob Wells. Featuring 178 rooms and 10 suites, The Douglas offers a unique place to lay your head in Vancouver.
“Slow” by the artist Zhang Huan at Parq Vancouver.
Joining its fellow is Vancouver’s first JW Marriott, a stunning hotel that has 281 rooms and 48 suites located between the sixth and 25th floors. The hotel’s elegance and sophisticated design is heightened by Canada’s first Spa by JW.
But, you didn’t come to Parq just to wine, dine and sleep, did you? Then it may be time to hit one of the 600 slot machines, 75 table games, poker room or 11 exclusive salons for a private gaming experience in the casino.
Now that you’ve experienced Parq, it’s time to take an excursion to beautiful downtown Vancouver. There you will start to understand a secret locals and in-the-know travelers have long known: Vancouver is a world-class city and, with the arrival of Parq, the city’s reputation is about to burst through the clouds.
