Vancouver, a gorgeous west coast town surrounded by mountains located in British Columbia,  is among one of Canada’s must visit cities. Whether you’re an outdoorsy person or prefer the city life, Vancouver has an attraction for everyone. 

Places to go

Stanley Park: As you enter Stanley Park, you won’t feel like you are in a city at all anymore. You are surrounded with ginormous trees and the ocean. You can walk, run, or bike the trails to explore the park. At Stanley Park there is lots to see, such as the Lost Lagoon, Beaver Lake, Prospect Point, and the totem poles. This park is so close to the city that you can go to and from the park as you please or spend all day there before heading back downtown. 

Vancouver Aquarium: Located in Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium has over 50,000 aquatic creatures that are a must see. They have both indoor and outdoor exhibits to enjoy. If you’re feeling really adventurous, visit the “Discover Rays” exhibit where they allow you to pet a ray! The aquarium is also very eco-friendly, cares a lot about animal conservation, and does animal research. If you’re an animal lover, definitely go visit!  

Grouse Mountain: This mountain is every winter lover’s dream. Grouse mountain has 33 runs for all the snowboarders and skiers out there. For those who don’t want to hit the slopes, there’s ice skating, sledding, snowshoeing, and hiking. Even just riding the gondola up to the top is worth it, as the views are breathtaking and I had my camera out every chance I got. I suggest going on non-peak hours and not on holiday weekends. I made that mistake and ended up waiting 1-2 hours to get on to the gondola. Although they did give out free hot chocolate while I waited in line which was a plus. 

Capilano Regional Park: If you’re looking for a fun filled day that will cost you nothing, I suggest heading to North Vancouver to go hiking at Capilano Regional Park. I recommend starting at the Cleveland Dam and working your way down through the trails. You can also stop and picnic at the Capilano Salmon Hatchery. 

Rogers Arena: For all the sports lovers out there, go catch a Canucks hockey game if they are playing at home. Great atmosphere and as always good beer. They even turn you beer in to an adult sippy cup so you can’t spill, it’s great!

Vancouver Brewery Tour: If you like beer and meeting new people, then this is the activity for you! This tour takes you to three craft breweries where each person gets their own flight at each brewery! You get to try a variety of beers and learn how they are made. Each brewery had a different vibe and atmosphere. They also give you a beer journal to write down which breweries you went to, which beers you tried, and your thoughts on the beer.  

Vancouver Lookout: Pick a clear, sunny day and head 553 feet above Vancouver for an amazing 360 degree view of the city. The view of the mountains will take your breath away. Pro tip: if you can, go at the beginning of your trip and you will gain a good sense of direction of where you want to go and what to see in the city. 

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: This park is filled with 7 suspension bridges, boardwalks, and a cliff walk overlooking scenery you don’t want to miss out on. The bridges do sway a bit more than I thought they would, but even if you’re afraid of heights, I suggest facing your fears to experience this park. From the end of November to the end of January, the park has a winter festival called “Canyon Lights” where they create a world of festive lights in the trees. There is even a free shuttle that you can catch to take you from downtown Vancouver to the park and back. 

Places to eat/drink

Pint Public House: This is a sports bar located right near Rogers Arena. I HIGHLY recommend going during their happy hour if you like beer. If you buy 1 pint, you get 1 pound of wings for FREE! Basically you get free dinner, plus the wings are delicious. 

Cactus Club Cafe: The inside of this restaurant looks fancy, but is actually decently priced and you don’t need a reservation to go. I would ask for a seat by the floor to ceiling windows as you can eat while watching planes take off and land in the harbor. And the food is very tasty! 

Tap Shack: The Tap Shack is a hidden gem that is off the beaten path. But don’t worry if you are walking along the water, there is a lamp post that will gladly tell you that you are at the right place as there will be a sign with a growler on it! Tap Shack has a casual vibe and overlooks the water. There is also an outdoor patio you can eat/drink on. You can order flights of wine or beer to quench your thirst and try a new drink. The food is also very appetizing and I recommend trying the mushroom soup and the curry dish. 

De Dutch: This restaurant is along the water and has a European vibe. They serve authentic Dutch food for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. They have a variety of choices to choose from (I had about 5 items I wanted to order and it was a hard choice because they all looked so yummy!). 

Steamworks: Located in Gastown, this brew pub is the only steam generated brewery in Canada. Steamworks has a huge establishment with plenty of room. I would highly recommend visiting this pub while exploring Vancouver.   

Transportation

Compass Pass: This is the best way to get to every part of Vancouver for the cheapest price. This pass works for Vancouver’s train and bus system. Both systems are easy to navigate to get you to where you need to go. I also recommend taking the Canada Line (train) to get from the airport to your accommodation. 

Bike: In Vancouver, you are able to rent bikes and explore the town. Definitely a cheap and efficient way make your way through Vancouver. 

Walk: Walking takes longer than biking or transit, but many attractions in Vancouver are within walking distance if you are willing to walk. I love walking as I can stop and go as I please and take my time to appreciate and learn about the cities I travel to. 

If you love Canada as much as I do, check out my other blog on my time I spent in Novia Scotia, click here.