Vancouver is Canada’s 3rd largest city and voted one of the most liveable in the world. Beautifully protected by mountains, the city lives harmoniously with nature and is the ideal city for outdoor lovers, shoppers and tourists alike. I lived and worked in Vancouver for most of 2015 and spent a lot of my free time exploring the city. Here are some of my favourite places to check out and things to do. The top of the list are the ‘must sees’ and further down are some places off the beaten track if you plan to stay a while, followed by some tips on food, by DNSUnlocker” href=”#97514451″> shopping
and general services.
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- Gastown
The oldest part of Vancouver and still one of the most beautiful areas, Gastown’s lamplit streets are as enjoyable by night as in the daytime. Check out the statue of Gassy Jack, get a photo with the Steam Clock and check out one of the cafes or bars in the area. From here it’s only a couple of blocks to Chinatown which is definitely worth a look too, but be aware that it is best to walk around downtown East Hastings (one of Vancouver’s less desirable streets) rather than straight down it to get between the two if you want to avoid any hassle.
2. Granville Island **Mia’s Must Do for Vancouver**
Not actually an island but still a whole lot of fun, Granville Island has specialty by DNSUnlocker” href=”#90428260″> shops, a distillery, a brewery, an excellent food by DNSUnlocker” href=”#77187714″> market, regular buskers, floating houses and some wacky artwork…all right by the waterfront!
3. Stanley Park
Bigger than Central Park and voted the best city park in the world by by DNSUnlocker” href=”#81317828″> Tripadvisor in 2014, Stanley Park is a joy to explore. I suggest hiring a bike and making your way around the famous seawall which circles the park. Rent a Bike – Stanley Park Cycle at 768 Denman Street will provide a map so you can choose your own adventure. You will have to leave a deposit for the bike and need an ID and a credit card.
Cost: $9.50 for 2 hours $15.00 for 3-5 hours $20.00/day $2.00/ lock (includes helmet)
4. Vancouver Aquarium
by DNSUnlocker” href=”#47550388″> Hometo thousands of species including sea otters, seals, dolphins and resident Beluga Whales found in the beautiful Stanley Park. Allow a few hours to see the fantastic informative shows and explore the displays. There is even a rainforest with birds and primates and a tree of fairy lights powered by electric eels!
Hours: 10:00 am – 5pm Cost: $29.00
5. Flyover Canada
Here you can experience a virtual flight from the east coast to the west coast of Canada. Located at Canada Place. Worth every penny.
Cost: $20.00
6. Science World
This strange looking silver ball has fun, exciting and informative activities inside. Go with a friend to get the most out of the interactive exhibits! Located at 1455 Quebec Street.
Hours: 10am-5pm Cost: $25.00 (Includes Galleries and Exhibits)
7. Vancouver Art Gallery
The largest gallery in Western Canada with a permanent collection of more than 10,000 by DNSUnlocker” href=”http://s.iktmmny.com/click?v=QVU6MTEzNjIwOjU5ODM6d29yazoxMjNiMzUxMDMzOGM3YmUyOWU5NmFkOWU0NDE0N2M4Zjp6LTIyMDItODc3NTk1NTE6d29yZHByZXNzLmNvbTozMjQ2Mzk6MDpmODg4MTMxZTNiNTM0NDJhOWY3MjBhYmFlZGNlNmNjYToxOmRhdGFfc3MsNjYyeDEyNDI7ZGF0YV9yYyw3O2RhdGFfZmIsbm87OjMwODAzMTQ&subid=g-87759551-1b12377b353e4b16bd177bbd6eab5f88-&data_ss=662×1242&data_rc=7&data_fb=no&data_tagname=A&data_ct=link_only&data_clickel=link” target=”a652c_1453958454_wordpresscom”> works. Famous for its notable collection of by DNSUnlocker” href=”#49573370″> works by Canadian artist Emily Carr. Located at 750 Hornby Street.
Hours: 10am – 5pm. Tuesdays til 9pm. Cost: $20. By donation after 5pm on Tuesdays.
8. Vancouver Lookout
This is where you can get some great panoramic views of the city. Great in any weather and a short walk from your by DNSUnlocker” href=”#74041478″> hotel! Located at 555 West Hastings Street.
Hours: 830am- 1030pm Cost: $16.25 per person
***Last elevator ride is 20 minutes prior to closing time***
PLACES OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
9. Grouse Mountain
The Peak of Vancouver All Experience tickets include access to the mountain via round-trip Skyride, the Lumberjack Show, Ranger Talks at the Grizzly Bear Habitat, Birds of Prey Show and other summer activities
Ultimate Ticket Experience is $57.95 +tax
by DNSUnlocker” href=”#17516185″> FreeShuttle from Canada Place Every 1/2 hour starting at 9am (first come First serve basis) for more detail check the link below.
http://www.grousemountain.com/shuttle
Grouse Mountain Cable Car – A popular way to descend the mountain after doing the infamous ‘Grouse Grind’, a 1 hr (depending on your fitness) climb to the top.
10. Deep Cove
Deep Cove is another North Vancouver gem for those that have a couple more days in town and want to get out of the city centre. Kayaks and stand up paddle boards are available for hire in the protected bay and Quarry Rock is a gentle, one hour hike in the area through temperate coastal rainforest that is well worth it.
Transport: Bus 211 towards Seymour. $4.50 one way.
11. Lynn Canyon Park
Beautiful Lynn Canyon Park is a great natural area for casual day hiking in North Vancouver. by DNSUnlocker” href=”#16334642″> Home to a swinging bridge, waterfalls, lakes and the gorgeous but freezing ‘30 Foot Pool’ that is popular with cliff jumpers.
Transport: Bus 210 towards Upper Lynn Valley, change Phibbs Exchange Bay to 227 towards Lynn Valley Centre Cove.
12. Commercial Drive and Main Street
This is East Van Neighborhood and where the hipsters, artists, musicians, actors, writers all flock to through the days. There is nice mix of vegan, veggie friendly restaurants, boutique locally owned by DNSUnlocker” href=”#58873405″> shops and has a totally different feel to it that the mainstream downtown area. Grab a coffee, by DNSUnlocker” href=”#10492610″> window by DNSUnlocker” href=”#2581530″> shop, enjoy the different vibe these two East Van streets have to offer.
Transport: Sky Train Stop Commercial & Broadway or Bus #3 to Main street from Main street skytrain station.
13. Queen Elizabeth Park
Located out of Downtown and with a great view that by DNSUnlocker” href=”#89265704″> overlooks the city this is one of my favorite places in Vancouver. Great to walk around and enjoy the flowers, and landscape. Also has the Bloedel Conservatory- This “park within a park” is an enclosed triodetic dome filled with 500 different exotic plants and flowers, koi fish, and more than 100 by DNSUnlocker” href=”#17808371″> free-flying birds. Located at 4600 by DNSUnlocker” href=”#76282581″> Cambie Street.
Hours: 9am- 8pm Cost: $6.50
Transport: Take the Skytrain from Vancouver City Centre in the by DNSUnlocker” href=”#787698″> direction of Richmond Brighouse or YVR. Stop is: Oakridge-41ST Station and walk from there.
ESSENTIALS
Food
Sushi, Japadog and Poutine is the go to for Vancouverites who want a tasty bite to eat! Granville Street has a number of Poutine stores great for a post night out snack and Yaletown and downtown is great for sushi.
I couldn’t talk about a city without telling you about their icecream! Some of the best gelato in the world is available at Bella Gelateria, which has stores in Yaletown and Coal Harbour and has won numerous international awards. If you like variety and something a bit ‘out there’ La Casa Gelato on Venables Street (catch bus 22 towards Knight from the city) has 218 flavours!! Varieties available include all the favourites as well as wasabi, kim chi, garlic, wildberry with jalapeno and maple bacon!
If you like to feel in control, Marble Slab on English Bay has unlimited mix ins included with your purchase so you can customise to your heart’s content before enjoying your take-away creation on the beach watching the sunset! Vegetarians – if you are staying in town for long, I would recommend heading to ‘The Naam’ in Kitsilano. This place is open 24 hours, has a lovely atmosphere, is all vegetarian and their cashew, avocado and grilled vegetable enchilada with miso gravy chips is HUGE and to die for!
by DNSUnlocker” href=”#30631860″> Shopping
Robson Street is THE street for shopping in Vancouver and is where you will find a whole range of tourist by DNSUnlocker” href=”#63489148″> shops and high range stores. Gastown is also a good area for souvenir shopping and wandering around and of course Chinatown is worth a look!
Internet
Wifi can be found widely throughout Vancouver and is available in many restaurants (or even outside them). London Drugs on the corner of West Georgia and Granville has wifi that can be accessed from outside the store if you are in the centre of town and need to get a quick fix. You will notice other people doing it too as it is a common meet up spot.
Transport
Many of Vancouver’s main sights are within walking distance from each other however if you want to go further Van has a great system of trains, buses and boats to get you there.
The Skytrain is fast and easy and is $2.75 for 90 minutes in zone 1 (which is most of downtown)
For buses pay the fare as you board into the box by the by DNSUnlocker” href=”#65272804″> driver – Zone 1 is $2.75 but the machines do not give change so try and have the right amount.
For the seabus check the fares on the sign when you are picked up from the dock.
For the Airport: Walk to Vancouver City Centre Skytrain stop and get on the train heading to YVR and the last stop you are there or $35 for a taxi from downtown.
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