Best Spas in Downtown Vancouver

"The moment you step through the double doors and enter the stately, yet intimate, wood-and-wainscoting lobby, it’s clear that the Wedgewood was conceived of as a European-style small hotel. Lit by an elaborate chandelier, the reception area is understated and elegant. From the formally dressed doorman outside, to the always-incredible flower arrangements that provide a focal point in the Bacchus Lounge, the Wedgewood evokes an air of civility and attention to detail that we’ve come to expect from Relais & Chateaux-affiliated hotels."

"Described as “an oasis of excellence in the heart of a vibrant city”, this hotel displays unique European elegance in the heart of Vancouver. The lounge oozes luxury with its stylish furniture, Venetian light fixtures, and old-fashioned fireplace. Expect to be well taken care of by its charming staff who leave no room for discomfort."

"After a day of shopping at Robson Street’s high-end shops, the Wedgewood Hotel and Spa provides a great place to relax. Deep bathtubs and city vistas from the balconies are among the highlights here. For an elegant fine-dining experience, try the on-site restaurant, Bacchus, known for its excellent European wine offerings."

"Reignite the spark in your relationship with a getaway to this Forbes’ Five-Star hotel. The combination of the grandeur of the Twenties with contemporary design remains a feast for the eyes and will set the tone for a memorable romantic adventure. Located in the heart of Vancouver, there are a host of activities to take part in leaving no boring moment in sight."

"Art Deco luxury soaked in a glamorous history with some of Canada’s finest dining and cocktails. From its grand marble staircases to extensive all-Canadian art collection there’s a satisfying sense of luxury at every turn."

"Rosewood Hotel Georgia combines the grandeur of the Roaring 20's with contemporary elegance in the heart of Vancouver. Imbued with legacy and luxury, the hotel represents Vancouver's most stylish r..."

"For the guy in need of a little self-care, Absolute Spa is the place to go as they feature an entire separate men’s menu. There are also treatments catering specifically to couples, moms and teens as well, making it a great spot to enjoy yourself, or to treat a loved one. From facials and microdermabrasion, to massage and body treatments, manicures and pedicures, wax and water spa therapies, you’re sure to be in bliss."

"Absolute Spa feature luxurious therapies, a co-ed relaxation lounge and complimentary spa cuisine for both men and women. Absolute Spa is located in the iconic and conveniently located, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. The decor is stainless steel mixed with leather, with a brand new 3000 square foot expansion with a co-ed relaxation lounge and cuisine."

"Tranquility Organic Spa has luxurious massage pedicure chairs and services that refresh your mind, body and spirit. Tranquility's owner is originally from Manhattan and has a true passion to offer people a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city life. Tranquility Organic Spa takes pride in their hygiene and excellence of standards for the cleanest and safest manicure and pedicure soak environment one could hope for."

"A little different than your usual spa fare, floating allows you to be suspended in a sensory deprivation tank filled with water saturated with Epsom salts, which lets you float effortlessly. The weightlessness combined with silence and body-temperature water surrounding you provides a stress-free environment where you can quiet your mind, rest your body and heighten your senses. Locations in Gastown, Kitsilano, Surrey and Langley let you visit the one that’s convenient for you."

"This unique spa transports you to a Middle Eastern-inspired setting and boasts a Hammam and Gommage paired experience. Beginning with a cleansing steam treatment, you then relax in an exfoliation session featuring black Moroccan soap to refresh the skin. You can then follow up the treatment with a massage, facial or body masque."

"Sense is a Vancouver spa designed for the sake of stimulating the senses and restoring both the mind and body. Found in the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Sense is an intimate and elegant luxury retreat offering a full appetite of therapies and treatments from massages to facials. Open every day of the week, Sense offers a blend of services and memorable experiences from facials to massages, and all the way down to your fingers and toes with pedicures and manicures."

"The Vancouver Art Gallery is the fifth largest art gallery in all of Canada. The VAG has rotating exhibitions, along with its permanent collection that boasts over 9,100 items. Art junkies will be impressed by the 200 major works by the Group of Seven, Emily Carr and Mark Chagall, which are all housed in the VAG."

"Located in Vancouver’s former main courthouse, the Vancouver Art Gallery is the largest art museum in Western Canada. Francis Rattenbury designed the neoclassical building in 1905, and it features marble imported from Vermont, Tennessee, and Alaska. In 1980, it became a Canadian National Historic Site."

"On June 13, 1886, there was the Great Vancouver Fire, which took many buildings with it. The Hastings Mill Store was left untouched, leaving it to be Vancouver's oldest building. It wasn't originally at this location, but was built in Gastown and was saved from demolition and put on a barge to it's current location."

"The oldest building that is still surviving in Vancouver is the Hastings Mill Store. It was once located on the South shore of the Burrard Inlet. Built in 1865 and dedicated to Captain Edward Stamp, Hastings Mill Store was used as a sawmill company under Edward’s possession."

"Founded in 1966, the BC Sports Hall of Fame houses a wealth of materials that shed light on and celebrate the rich history of British Columbia’s sporting world. The museum sits within BC Place in Vancouver and educates the public on British Columbia residents and their exceptional achievement in sports. Each year, a few select individuals are inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame."

"The BC Sports Hall of Fame is a must visit for sports enthusiasts visiting Vancouver. Located inside BC Place, there'd plenty to do and see inside the museum. This isn't your typical exhibition where you are not allowed to touch things, instead it's fully hands on with a rock climbing wall, virtual soccer and a host of other fun things to do."

"Sports fans can check out the BC Sports Hall of Fame & Museum at BC Place. Attractions include interactive exhibits such as a rotating climbing wall, 14 meter timed running track, and bubble hockey. Other galleries focus on women in sports, the Winter Olympics of 2010, and a Hall of Champions gallery."

"The Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia is a must-see for anyone who wants to learn more about native peoples of the world, including British Columbia’s Northcoast Indians who are known as First Nations. Founded in 1949, the museum houses 38,000 ethnological items and more than 500,000 archaeological objects. Wonderful examples of huge totem poles, used by Northcoast natives to tell stories, can be found here as well as implements used by all indigenous peoples in their daily lives."

"The Museum of Anthropology is home to the world’s largest collection of works by acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid, including his famous cedar sculpture, The Raven and the First Men. The museum allows you to explore traditional and contemporary art from Northwest Coast First Nations and other cultures across the world, including magnificent carvings, weavings and contemporary art. Explore the Museum’s Multiversity Galleries where more than 10,000 objects from across the globe are on show."

"But with courses going online and very few students staying in residence, there’s never been a quieter time to stroll the grounds of this world-class university. Parking is even easier with the main competition reduced to sun worshippers heading to Wreck Beach. There are more squirrels than students traversing the grassy areas off the principal pedestrian arteries, East Mall, Main Mall and West Mall so it’s safe to wander without feeling too old."

"Gastown, named after 'Gassy' Jack Deighton - a Yorkshire seaman, steamboat captain and barman who opened the area's first saloon in 1867 - Gastown is where Vancouver began. A self-guided walk will reveal the area's colourful history."