Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world. Vancouver is bustling with people yet seems to sustain its exhilarating natural beauty. There is not another place where you can sun tan or snowboard, only two hours apart. There is not another place where you can shop the streets of downtown and come out to see famous Hollywood actors, producers, and directors filming the next blockbuster. Whether it be winter or summer, make Vancouver your next destination.
There are many things to do in Vancouver, more than I could list, so most that I do list are the ones that I have enjoyed or taken part in. Also it is important to understand that when I am talking about Vancouver, I am talking about the Great Vancouver Area which includes many other nearby cities. It is highly unlikely that you will just visit the city of Vancouver and not visit anywhere else.
So let’s begin!
1. Downtown Vancouver
Downtown Vancouver isn’t the biggest downtown of a city in the world but it is definitely memorable. Two main streets are Robson and Burrard. You can find stores for teenagers like American Eagle, Hollister, and Aritzia
If shopping isn’t for you, you may want to visit some sights that are located in downtown. There are numerous museums for adults and kids. Museums are also divided into different disciplines of art. There are galleries for First Nations art
Also, be sure to visit the B.C. Provincial and Supreme courts along with the Court of Appeals. I know, I know, why should you visit courts when you go on vacation? Well, the B.C. courts are located right across the street from the Vancouver Art Gallery. The B.C. courts allows visitors of any age to visit. And best of all, you can sit in on whatever case you like. You can watch how the Canadian legal system works. Not to mention the difference legal and wardrobe styles of the Canadian prosecutors and judges. I sat in on a trial and I learned a lot. And remember, not all courts in the world are open to complete strangers. This is definitely a privilege.
Stanley Park is one of the biggest parks in the province. The beautifully preserved park is home to joggers, cyclists, and hosts events for kids year long. I guess you could compare it to the Central Park in New York. Smaller, but still the same quality.
English Bay is where the beaches are. In the summer everyone goes to downtown to shop and eat and when the sun is at its full potential, the people take off their clothes and sunbathe.
2. Yaletown is my favorite spot to go in the city. Yaletown is a small neighborhood, but very distinctive, because everybody lives in a high rise. The high rises are absolutely stunning and around Yaletown is a marina. Usually the people who live in Yaletown are 20 or 30 year olds or seniors. Yaletown doesn’t have any schools so people who live there have it easy. Some great aspects of Yaletown are:
- Cleanliness. The town is very clean and proper. There aren’t many cars and most people who live there bike or go on the skytrain.
- Traveler’s note. Because Vancouver has a beautiful natural backdrop, it is important to know that Vancouverites are encouraged to take the “skytrain. Think subway above the ground, suspended in air. It is quick, cheap, and though crowded, it does the transportation work more “green” than cars.
- Great boutiques and markets. Yaletown has some great small businesses, restaurants, and markets. Yaletown is more affluent than most of the other places in Vancouver so all the marketplaces provide organic foods and fair trade coffees and teas.
- Yachts. Because of the marina nearby, many people who live in Yaletown have yachts.
- The best stroll you’ll ever have. Enjoy the urban and natural beauty of Yaletown as you stroll around the town with its residences.
Some places near Yaletown are also must-sees as well.
- Science World. This is one of the sci-tech museums and activity centers in Vancouver. They have shows and activities all the time and it is definitely a must-see for the kids.
- BC Place and GM Place. Got time to watch a hockey game? BC and GM place a two big stadiums for Vancouverites to watch concerts or gaming events
3. Gastown is another one of my favorite spots in Vancouver. Gastown is also, very small. Some great aspects of Gastown are:
- History. Gastown holds the history of old Vancouver. The buildings are brick made and the ground is still cobblestone.
- Boutiques, bars, and fancy restaurants. Some of the best food is in Gastown.
- Close to our next destination
4. The City of North Vancouver
Once you reach Gastown, the skytrain will be at the last station. However, the skytrain line becomes the seabus line. Because downtown Vancouver and North Vancouver is separated by an Inlet, it is necessary to take the seabus.
In North Vancouver are many activities. You can go to the quayside or go hiking up in the mountains. A tourist hotspot is the Capilano Suspension Bridge, a wood bridge, that swings and rocks when people walk on it. You could go hiking on Grouse Mountain or enjoy some of the preserved Indigenous art and architecture that is in North Vancouver.
Now, going back down south, to Vancouver. Now I am talking about the city of Vancouver [not downtown].
5. Whistler is even more north than North Vancouver. If you want to ski or snowboard during the winter, this is the most famous place in Canada. If, however, you decide to go to Whistler during the summer, you will encounter another sport: extreme motor biking or cycling.
6. UBC. The University of British Columbia is located in Westside Vancouver. UBC is one of the best universities in Canada and one of the best in the world. Some places within UBC that are stunning and should be visited are: The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, The “Lookout” to North Vancouver, The Japanese Garden and the Asian Studies Centre.
7. Granville Island. If you like art and public markets, Granville Island has some of the biggest art markets and shows in Vancouver.
8. Metrotown. If you do get a chance to travel east, you’ll reach the neighboring city of Burnaby. Burnaby is a residential city however it has the 2nd biggest mall in Canada. If you haven’t shopped your heart out on Robson and Burrard, Metrotown will satisfy you.
9. Richmond. Richmond is south of Burnaby and the entire city is like a suburb. However they host an annual Summer Night Market where you can buy Asian goods among other things, they have small pier with extremely great food, and also other shopping malls. Richmond consists of mostly Asian people, so if you are ever hungry for that Chinese food again, you know where to go.
10. White Rock. South of Richmond is White Rock which is next to the border between the United States. White Rock is like Yaletown where people who live there usually live there for leisure and do not have kids attending school. White Rock has some of the best beaches, parks, and piers available.
There are, like I have said, too many places to talk about in Vancouver, however the places that I have listed should give you a spectacular idea of what Vancouverites are about. Anyways, the next questions are: where to stay and what to eat?
Thanks for reading and if you do decide to go to Vancouver, I hope you have a great and safe trip.
Stay tuned for Global Traveler: Top 10 Places to Live in Vancouver and Global Traveler: Top 10 Places to Eat in Vancouver!
