A Native’s Information to The Better of Vancouver
Vancouver is a metropolis that holds a particular place in our hearts. It’s not simply one other cease on our map of 120+ international locations visited; for a time, we known as it house. We spent years exploring its various neighbourhoods, discovering our favorite espresso retailers, and studying the most effective mountain trails to flee to on a Saturday morning.
We’ve been again many occasions since then, most not too long ago simply final 12 months, and every go to reaffirms why we like it a lot. Once you go to Vancouver, you’re seeing one of many few locations on Earth the place you may ski within the mountains and calm down by the ocean in the identical afternoon. The unimaginable pure magnificence is all over the place, and it’s what drew us to shifting there within the first place.
We all know how overwhelming it may be to have a look at a map of a brand new metropolis and surprise the place to even start. This information is our reply to that. It’s not a listing of each potential factor to do. It’s a curated information to the experiences we consider are genuinely price your time, primarily based on our firsthand data.
So, for those who’re in search of a information that goes past the essential vacationer guidelines, you’re in the precise place. Let’s get into the most effective issues to do in Vancouver.
High 5 Issues to Do in Vancouver (If You’re Brief on Time)
We all know that not everybody has weeks to discover a metropolis. In the event you’re planning a fast journey or simply wish to hit absolutely the highlights, these are the 5 experiences we at all times inform our associates to prioritize. Every of those will probably be detailed additional down on this information.
Cycle the Stanley Park Seawall: A traditional Vancouver exercise with unimaginable views of town skyline, mountains, and the Pacific Ocean.
Discover Granville Island Market: A bustling hub of native artisans, contemporary meals stalls, and improbable locations to eat. It’s a feast for the senses.
Experience the Gondola Up Grouse Mountain: For the most effective panoramic views of town and surrounding nature, a visit up the “Peak of Vancouver” is important.
Stroll By means of Historic Gastown: Uncover Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood in downtown Vancouver with its Victorian structure, cobblestone streets, and well-known Steam Clock.
Cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge: An exhilarating stroll by the treetops of a coastal rainforest, positioned simply minutes from town.Outside Adventures in Vancouver
Outside Adventures in Vancouver
Vancouver’s largest draw is the wild, pure panorama that surrounds it. You might be by no means quite a lot of minutes away from a dense forest or the saltwater of the Pacific Ocean. This easy accessibility to the outside is what really defines town. We’ve spent numerous hours exploring these trails and waterways, and listed below are our prime picks for getting outdoors.
Cycle the Stanley Park Seawall
That is the quintessential Vancouver expertise. The ten km paved path loops round Stanley Park, providing views of town middle, the North Shore, and the long-lasting Lions Gate Bridge. Contained in the park, it’s also possible to discover the Vancouver Aquarium. The seawall path continues previous English Bay in direction of extra stunning seashores. We lived proper on the entrance to Stanley Park, and we cherished biking the Seawall.
Our Tip: Hire your bikes from the retailers on Denman Avenue. Go early to keep away from crowds, and you’ll want to experience counter-clockwise.
Cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge
A brief drive from downtown, the Capilano Suspension Bridge stretches 137 metres throughout a deep canyon. It’s a preferred spot, however the thrill of strolling excessive above the Capilano River is simple. The park additionally features a Cliffwalk and a Treetops Journey course that takes you thru the higher cover of the coastal rainforest.
Native’s Different: Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. For a much less crowded and free various, head to Lynn Canyon Park. Its suspension bridge might not be as excessive or lengthy as Capilano’s, however it’s simply as scenic. The park additionally options nice climbing trails and swimming holes. It’s a real native favorite.
Hike the Grouse Grind (The Actual Deal)
This isn’t an off-the-cuff stroll within the woods. Affectionately generally known as “Mom Nature’s Stairmaster,” the Grouse Grind is a gruelling 2.9 km path that goes straight up the facet of Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver. We’ve executed the hike, and it’s a severe problem, however the feeling of accomplishment on the prime is definitely worth the burning thighs. You might be required to take the Skyride gondola again down.
Native’s Different: Quarry Rock. For a a lot simpler hike with a terrific reward, head to Deep Cove and hike the Quarry Rock path. It’s a preferred alternative that solely takes a number of hours.
Take the Gondola Up Grouse Mountain
If the Grind feels like a bit a lot, you may nonetheless get the identical unimaginable views by taking the Skyride gondola each methods. On the prime, you’ll discover panoramic lookout factors, a grizzly bear refuge with two resident bears, Grinder and Coola, and some locations to seize a chunk or a well-deserved beer. We did the Zip Line the final time we have been there, and it was superior.
Different Viewpoint: Cypress Mountain. Whereas Grouse is known, we frequently choose the views from the Cypress Mountain Excessive View Lookout in West Vancouver on the street as much as the ski space. It’s free to entry by automobile, affords a sweeping panorama of town and harbour, and is usually a lot quieter.
Go Whale Watching within the Salish Sea
Seeing orcas and humpback whales of their pure habitat is an expertise that stays with you. A number of tour corporations function out of Granville Island and Steveston, providing half-day journeys into the Strait of Georgia. We at all times suggest selecting an operator that’s dedicated to moral wildlife viewing practices.
Kayak or Paddleboard in False Creek or Deep Cove
Paddling affords a very totally different perspective of town. For nice city views, you may lease a kayak and discover the calm waters of False Creek, paddling previous Granville Island and Science World. For a extra serene expertise, make the journey to Deep Cove and kayak surrounded by lush forests and mountains.
Loosen up on Kitsilano Seashore
Identified domestically as “Kits Seashore,” that is considered one of Vancouver’s hottest spots to unwind. On a heat day, the seaside is stuffed with locals enjoying volleyball and swimming within the large out of doors saltwater pool. It’s a terrific place to people-watch and benefit from the view of the downtown skyline throughout the water.
Close by, you’ll additionally discover Jericho Seashore and Sundown Seashore, that are additionally nice spots to calm down.
Vancouver’s High Sights and Neighbourhoods
Past the gorgeous pure landscapes, Vancouver is a metropolis of distinct neighbourhoods and world-class points of interest. It’s price spending time exploring the city facet of town to get an actual really feel for its tradition and historical past. We’ve spent years wandering these streets, and these are the locations we at all times discover ourselves returning to.
Eat Your Means By means of Granville Island Market
Granville Island isn’t only a market; it’s a bustling hub of exercise. Housed in previous industrial buildings beneath the Granville Bridge, that is the place you’ll discover an unimaginable array of contemporary produce, native seafood, and artisanal meals stalls. All the island can be house to theatres, craft studios, and breweries. Some name it a vacationer lure, however we are saying it’s a vacationer attraction for a motive.
Our Tip: Whereas the entire market is a feast, we by no means go away with out getting a contemporary, heat doughnut from Lee’s Donuts. It’s a Vancouver establishment. We additionally suggest trying out Granville Island Brewing for an area pint.
Discover Historic Gastown
As Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood, Gastown has a personality all its personal. Stroll the cobblestone streets previous the long-lasting Gastown Steam Clock. It’s simply accessible from the principle transit hub at Waterfront Station. We cherished taking our time to admire the Victorian structure, and browse the numerous unbiased boutiques and artwork galleries. It’s a terrific place to discover a distinctive memento.
Whereas everybody gathers to observe the Gastown Steam Clock whistle on the hour, the actual enchantment for us is the environment and the improbable restaurant scene that comes alive at night time.
Wander By means of Canada Place
With its iconic white sails, Canada Place is without doubt one of the most recognizable buildings on Vancouver’s skyline. It serves as town’s essential cruise ship terminal and conference centre. It’s additionally a terrific place to begin for a stroll alongside the waterfront, providing improbable views of the harbour and the North Shore mountains. The FlyOver Canada attraction, a simulated flight throughout the nation, can be positioned right here.
See Canadian Artwork on the Vancouver Artwork Gallery
Positioned simply off Robson Avenue, the Vancouver Artwork Gallery is housed in a former courthouse and is the biggest artwork gallery in Western Canada. Its assortment focuses on BC artists, together with Emily Carr. It is a good place to take a look at on a wet day.
Take a look at the Retailers on Robson Avenue
In the event you’re in search of town’s essential buying hub, Robson Avenue is it. Stretching by the center of downtown, that is the place you’ll discover a mixture of main worldwide manufacturers, flagship shops, and native boutiques. It’s the most effective space for people-watching and absorbing the energetic downtown vibe. We used to do that on a regular basis after we lived simply off of Robson St.
Uncover the Dr. Solar Yat-Sen Classical Chinese language Backyard
Tucked away in Chinatown, this backyard is an oasis of tranquility. It was the primary full-scale classical Chinese language backyard ever constructed outdoors of China, and each ingredient is designed with concord and stability in thoughts. It’s a very peaceable place to spend an hour, particularly if the downtown hustle begins to really feel a bit a lot.
Go to the Museum of Anthropology
Positioned on the attractive campus of the College of British Columbia (UBC), the Museum of Anthropology is a must-visit for anybody within the historical past and tradition of this a part of the world. It homes an in depth assortment of artwork and artifacts from across the globe, with a particular emphasis on British Columbia’s First Nations. The magnificent constructing itself, designed by Arthur Erickson, is definitely worth the go to alone.
Quirky & Distinctive Issues to Do in Vancouver
When you’ve checked off the principle sights, it’s time to discover the experiences that give Vancouver its distinctive character. These are the locations and actions we’ve found over time that supply a distinct perspective on town, removed from the standard vacationer crowds.
Hunt for Avenue Artwork in Mount Nice
The neighbourhood of Mount Nice is sort of a large out of doors artwork gallery. Due to the annual Vancouver Mural Competition, the partitions and alleyways round Major Avenue are lined in unimaginable, large-scale murals by native and worldwide artists. The easiest way to see them is to easily wander on foot and let your self get a little bit misplaced.
Courageous the Clothes-Non-obligatory Wreck Seashore
Positioned close to the UBC campus, Wreck Seashore is considered one of North America’s most well-known clothing-optional seashores. To get there, it’s a must to descend a protracted flight of stairs (Path 6) by a ravishing forested ravine. The environment is famously laid-back and welcoming. It’s a novel Vancouver expertise, however be ready for the steep climb again up the steps.
See Totem Poles Being Carved
Whereas Stanley Park has its well-known assortment of totem poles, you may have a distinct type of cultural expertise on Granville Island. Contained in the First Nations Market, you’ll usually discover carvers from the Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh nations at work of their studio. It’s an opportunity to see a dwelling custom in motion, not only a completed product on show.
What to Do in Vancouver by Season
Vancouver has a fame for being wet, however its delicate local weather means there’s at all times one thing to do open air, year-round. We’ve skilled town in each season, from crisp fall days to lengthy summer time evenings, and every one affords a very totally different vibe. Right here’s a breakdown of what to anticipate.
Winter in Vancouver (December – February)
Winter in Vancouver is delicate and moist within the metropolis, however gloriously snowy on the close by mountains. Town is alive with festive lights, and it’s the right time for cozy indoor actions or hitting the slopes.
Go Snowboarding or Snowboarding: You’ve got three wonderful ski hills (Cypress, Grouse, and Seymour) only a brief drive from downtown. We’ll always remember the sensation of doing an evening run on Cypress, wanting down on the blanket of metropolis lights twinkling beneath.
Browse the Vancouver Christmas Market: We spent a memorable night right here a number of years again, sipping mulled wine and shopping the normal stalls. It’s an effective way to get into the vacation spirit.
See the Competition of Lights: The VanDusen Botanical Backyard places on an unimaginable show, remodeling its grounds right into a magical winter wonderland with over 1,000,000 lights.
Spring in Vancouver (March – Might)
Spring is when Vancouver bursts into color. The rain begins to ease up, and town’s many parks and gardens come to life. It’s a ravishing, refreshing time to go to.
Hunt for Cherry Blossoms: Vancouver has over 40,000 cherry timber, and they’re a spectacular sight. I keep in mind one April we have been driving by a neighbourhood in Kitsilano and needed to pull over, fully amazed as a result of the road was an ideal cover of pink blossoms.
Discover Stanley Park’s Gardens: The well-known Rhododendron Backyard and the Rose Backyard in Stanley Park start to bloom, making a stroll or cycle by the park much more scenic.
Summer time in Vancouver (June – August)
Summer time is, no doubt, Vancouver’s peak season. The times are lengthy, heat, and customarily sunny. All the metropolis strikes open air to the seashores, patios, and parks.
Have a Seashore Day: One in every of our favorite easy summer time pleasures is to seize some takeout and have dinner on Kits Seashore whereas watching the sundown. It’s a traditional Vancouver night that doesn’t value a factor.
Get pleasure from Bard on the Seashore: This annual Shakespeare pageant takes place in enormous tents in Vanier Park. One of the best half is the open-backed stage, which makes use of the mountains and ocean as a pure backdrop for the performs.
Eat on the Richmond Night time Market: Only a brief Canada Line experience away, this large market is a whirlwind of unimaginable Asian avenue meals, leisure, and buying.
Fall in Vancouver (September – November)
The air will get crisp, the leaves begin to change color, and the comfy season begins. The summer time crowds have thinned out, making it a beautiful time to discover town.
Witness the Salmon Run: We as soon as went to the Capilano River Hatchery in October and have been fully captivated by the sight of salmon preventing their manner upstream to spawn. It’s a strong show of nature proper on town’s edge.
Stroll By means of Fall Colors: Parks like Queen Elizabeth Park and Stanley Park supply stunning shows of autumn foliage in opposition to the evergreen backdrop.
Get Misplaced in a Corn Maze: The farms in close by Richmond and Langley supply the traditional fall expertise, with corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and hayrides.
Day Journeys from Vancouver
Among the best issues about utilizing Vancouver as a base is how straightforward it’s to discover the encircling area. Town’s doorstep is filled with unimaginable mountains, islands, and scenic drives. We’ve taken numerous journeys out of town, and these are a number of of our favorite day journeys that we suggest to everybody.
Take the Ferry to Victoria
A visit to British Columbia’s capital metropolis seems like a mini-vacation in itself. The journey begins with a scenic 90-minute ferry experience from the Tsawwassen terminal. We at all times seize a espresso and head straight for the outer decks to observe for whales and dolphins—we’ve been fortunate sufficient to identify orcas greater than as soon as. When you arrive in Victoria, you may discover the charming Internal Harbour, admire the grand Parliament Buildings, and stroll by the colorful houseboats at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Drive the Sea-to-Sky Freeway to Whistler
The drive from Vancouver to Whistler alongside Freeway 99 is an attraction in its personal proper. We expect it’s some of the stunning drives in all of Canada. The freeway hugs the shoreline of Howe Sound, and each curve within the street reveals one other unimaginable view of the ocean and mountains. There are many locations to cease, together with the Sea to Sky Gondola simply earlier than Squamish, which affords breathtaking views from its suspension bridge and viewing platforms. Whereas Whistler itself deserves an extended journey, a day journey offers you a terrific style of the world-famous, pedestrian-only mountain village.
Discover the Waterfalls at Shannon Falls Provincial Park
Positioned simply off the Sea-to-Sky Freeway earlier than you attain Squamish, Shannon Falls is a formidable sight. The waterfall cascades 335 metres down a sequence of granite cliffs, and it’s significantly highly effective after a very good rain. It’s a simple journey that delivers an enormous reward. We love stopping right here on our method to or from Whistler to stretch our legs. The stroll from the car parking zone to the viewing platform is brief and straightforward, making it an ideal, fast immersion in nature.
Sensible Ideas for Planning Your Vancouver Journey
Just a little little bit of planning goes a great distance. Right here is our recommendation on the place to remain, the most effective methods to get round, and our favorite spots to eat and drink, all primarily based on our years of expertise dwelling in and travelling again to town.
The place to Keep in Vancouver (By Neighbourhood)
Choosing the proper neighbourhood makes an enormous distinction. Downtown Vancouver is handy, however areas just like the West Finish and Kitsilano supply a extra native really feel. Vancouver’s districts have very totally different personalities.
Downtown: If it’s your first go to and also you wish to be within the centre of all of it, that is your finest guess. You’ll be inside strolling distance of Canada Place, Robson Avenue, and lots of different points of interest.
West Finish: This was our previous neighbourhood after we lived within the metropolis. It’s a quieter, extra residential space nestled between downtown and Stanley Park. We cherished that we might stroll to the seawall in just some minutes.
Yaletown: A stylish, upscale space identified for its transformed warehouses, stylish boutiques, and wonderful restaurant scene. It’s a terrific spot for those who’re in search of good nightlife.
Kitsilano: If you would like a extra laid-back, beach-town vibe, “Kits” is a good alternative. It’s a bit farther from the downtown core however has a improbable seaside, an enormous out of doors pool, and plenty of wholesome cafes.
How one can Get Round Vancouver
Vancouver is a comparatively straightforward metropolis to navigate, and you’ve got a number of good choices.
On Foot: The downtown core is compact, protected, and really walkable. It’s our most popular method to discover town’s central neighbourhoods.
Public Transit: TransLink runs a wonderful and built-in system of buses, the SkyTrain (gentle rail), and the SeaBus ferry. We’ve at all times discovered the SkyTrain to be essentially the most environment friendly method to get from the airport (YVR) instantly into downtown.
Biking: Vancouver is considered one of Canada’s most bike-friendly cities, with a community of separated bike lanes. Utilizing the Mobi bike-share system is an effective way to cowl extra floor than strolling.
By Automobile: We’d advise in opposition to renting a automobile for those who’re solely staying within the metropolis. Visitors will be heavy, and parking is pricey and tough to search out. Nevertheless, a automobile could be very helpful for doing a number of the day journeys we talked about.
The Finest Time of Yr to Go to
Whereas there’s no unhealthy time to go to, the climate can play a giant position in your expertise.
Summer time (June – August): That is while you’ll get the most effective climate—lengthy, sunny, and heat days. It’s good for seaside days and climbing, however it’s additionally the busiest and most costly time of 12 months.
Shoulder Seasons (Might, September, & October): Personally, we predict September is the best month to go to. The climate is usually nonetheless stunning and summer-like, however the summer time crowds have gone house.
Winter (November – February): That is the rainiest season, however it’s the most effective time for offers on flights and accommodations. Plus, for those who’re a skier or snowboarder, the native mountains are lined in snow.
Our Favorite Locations to Eat and Drink
Vancouver is a improbable meals metropolis. You can spend weeks consuming your manner by it, however listed below are a number of of our go-to spots.
For Seafood: For one thing contemporary and informal, you may’t beat the fish and chips from Go Fish, positioned close to Granville Island. For a extra traditional sit-down meal, Blue Water Cafe in Yaletown is an establishment.
For Informal Eats: Vancouver’s meals vehicles are wonderful and various. You could find them scattered across the metropolis, particularly close to the Vancouver Artwork Gallery.
For Sushi: Town is known for its unimaginable sushi. We’ve had many nice meals at Tojo’s Restaurant, which is understood for creating the California Roll.
For Craft Beer: The neighbourhoods of Mount Nice and East Vancouver (nicknamed “Yeast Van”) are filled with superb craft breweries. We love exploring this space and attempting flights at locations like 33 Acres Brewing Firm.
Steadily Requested Questions About Vancouver
Listed here are the solutions to a number of the commonest questions we get about travelling to Vancouver.
Vancouver is known for its unimaginable pure setting. It is without doubt one of the few main cities on the planet the place the mountains meet the ocean, providing a novel mixture of outside journey and vibrant city life. It’s also well-known for its large city rainforest, Stanley Park, and its position as a significant hub for the movie trade, usually known as “Hollywood North.”
Three days is sufficient time to get a terrific style of Vancouver and see its essential highlights. In a protracted weekend, you may comfortably discover Stanley Park, go to Granville Island, and wander by key neighbourhoods like Gastown. Whilst you gained’t see all the pieces, it’s an ideal period of time for a primary introduction to town.
Whereas what’s “finest” is at all times up for debate, Stanley Park is broadly thought of Vancouver’s primary attraction. Its sheer measurement, scenic seawall, lush forest trails, and proximity to downtown make it a must-visit vacation spot for practically each customer to town.
Sure, you may completely get by in Vancouver with out a automobile. The downtown core could be very walkable, and town has a wonderful public transit system (SkyTrain, buses, SeaBus) and a terrific community of motorbike lanes. We solely suggest renting a automobile for those who plan on doing a number of day journeys to locations like Whistler or Vancouver Island.
Our Tackle Vancouver
Vancouver is a kind of uncommon cities that really has one thing for each sort of traveller. You’ll be able to spend your morning climbing a mountain path and your afternoon discovering a brand new neighbourhood, all earlier than sitting all the way down to a world-class dinner. It’s a spot that holds a whole lot of nice recollections for us, and we hope this information helps you exit and make a few of your personal.
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