So my trip is over and I have visited Vancouver, BC for the 2nd time in 10 years. And so the verdict is in… Did I like Vancouver? Is it like I remember it!? Are there things to do in Vancouver? My review of Vancouver is…
GO! If you have never been to Vancouver you will want to go at least once in you life. In my opinion, Vancouver is probably one of the best cities in the world in terms of lifestyle, outdoor activities and scenery and they’re awesome things to do in Vancouver. The people are extremely friendly, I mean I had people just flat-out ask us for help even though we never asked (by we I mean me and my boyfriend, Roman). The scenery will make you want to stay. Vancouver is fairly hilly with mountains off to the east. It’s also not a crowded city, at least doesn’t have that feel. Walking on the sidewalks of Vancouver you really feel that this city is quite live-able and most activities are very accessible. No wonder it’s constantly ranked as one of the best cities to live in!
For tourist, the city is a breeze. Fly into Vancouver International and get into downtown by riding the SkyTrain that connects the airport to the neighborhoods of Vancouver and downtown Vancouver itself. It was reliable, automated and pretty cheap. We paid tickets from the airport to downtown but it seemed that you could get on the train without paying as the barriers were always open. We found this a bit odd because people could take advantage and just walk right on through!? What was amazing was that we still saw citizens pay as well as tourists! We were kind of shocked because here in Chicago, if the entrances were unguarded and left freely open people would certainly take advantage. See what I mean about Vancouverites being nice! Some things to do in Vancouver are: Robson Street has most of the shopping, Burrard is fairly busy as well as Georgia which takes you to Stanley Park. Walk south to get to Granville Island, Davie Street, Kitsilano Beach and English Bay. North is Vancouver Harbor, Waterfront, Canada Place, and a scenic trail to Stanley Park. Chinatown and Gastown are on the eastern part of the city. West is entirely covered by Stanley Park.
I had a personal list of some activities things to do in Vancouver. Well, I didn’t get to all of them but I did see and do some amazing things while in Vancouver. I didn’t realize that 3 full days is still not enough to see all the things to do in Vancouver! It’s a bigger city than you realize…
But first lets talk about the food. It was simply… AMAZING! If you love Asian food than you will love Vancouver and is one best things to do in Vancouver. We saw countless Vietnamese, Japanese, Thai and Chinese restaurants. I guess that shouldn’t really be surprising given that like 20 something % of Vancouver is from Asian descent. Most of our meals we ate at some sort of Asian restaurant. Of course if you wanted to try some Canadian, American, Mediterranean, etc.., Vancouver has a wide variety. We did have some street food and you will be surprised to see a lot of food carts. To get food I would walk up and down Robson Street, anywhere near Stanley Park, near Waterfront, Burrard Street and in Gastown.
Shopping is all over the city but the main shopping is down Robson Street. This is where you will find your brand names and souvenir shops. You will find your usual souvenirs with Canada or Vancouver written across it. I try to avoid souvenirs like that. I always look out for something unique that I know could be useful because I don’t want just a bunch of crap lying around my apartment.
Below are the TOP things to do in Vancouver. The ones crossed I actually did on this trip:
Whistler
A tiny town that hosted the 2010 Olympics. A lot of shopping and beautiful hotels with some of the best mountains in Canada. Skiing, biking, hiking, shopping, etc.. I would recommend only spending about a day or two and exploring the city as well as Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain. Whistler is kind of expensive but the city has greatly improved because of the winter Olympics in terms of restaurants, hotels, and activities to do. Whistler is open year round.
Whistler/Blackcomb Mountain
One of the premiere things to do in Vancouver (or if you’re staying near Vancouver)! Peak 2 Peak goes from Whistler Mountain to Blackcomb Mountain with views overlooking the entire region. The gondola takes you over a valley that is 1,400 feet from the ground at its highest point. Make sure to take the chairlift all the way to the top of Whistler Mountain. Once at the top you get a panoramic view of the area as well as a view of the famous statue of Ilanaaq, a 2010 Olympic Mascot. On both mountains there is a restaurant and a gift-shop. We took the gondola up to Whistler and then crossed over the Blackcomb and took those chair lifts down. It’s a great way to see both mountains and both lifts start in Whistler.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPdFEggCk3s#t=11
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zv5BOP63HQ8
Stanley Park
Free and huge! This park is a fantastic and one of the top things to do in Vancouver. Located within walking distance from Downtown Vancouver it has trails, a theater, an aquarium, restaurants, beaches, totem poles, and a hotel. We walked the outside eastern trail. Plenty of bicycle riders that have their own lane as well as roller skaters. This park is huge so it could take you a couple of hours just to finish a sliver of the park. We eventually had to cut back and ended up stumbling upon a hotel and theater right in the middle of the park.
Sea to Sky Highway
Highway 99 goes from Vancouver to Whistler and is one of the best drives in North America and perhaps the world. It’s only about a 2 hour drive from Vancouver to Whistler and you get to see beautiful mountains with huge cliffs overlooking the sea as well as some of the biggest mountains in Canada. One of the top things to do in Vancouver!!
SkyTrain
Vancouver’s answer to the subway, metro, etc… Fast, automated, comfortable, nice, cheap, etc… it’s a must! We took the Canada Line from Vancouver International Airport to Downtown Vancouver. What’s really cool is that there is no conductor, and they run every 5-10 minutes and they are clean. SkyTrain is one of the easiest things to do in Vancouver and is super fun.
Lions Gate Bridge
This bridge stretches from Stanley Park to North Vancouver. It is a huge suspension bridge and cruises sail underneath it almost everyday! You can take pictures and view this bridge from the eastern part of Stanley Park. It’s one of the things to do in Vancouver that is simple because you will need to cross this bridge for many other activities.
Starbucks Run
Even know Starbucks is a Seattle company, Starbucks is everywhere in Vancouver. It’s actually a great place to get free WiFi if you’re a Non-Canadian and can’t use your phone. We got some Canadian and Vancouver Starbucks mugs. It’s definitely one of the top things to do in Vancouver and if you go in the summer the weather is delightful to sit outdoors!
Canada Place
Where all the cruise ships leave. They also have a hotel and a convention center. Canada Place is also called Waterfront and can be accessed if you walk north on Burrard Street. Also a great place to watch water planes land. Gastown is east and Stanley Park is off to the west.
Downtown Vancouver
This is the financial part of Vancouver but where all the major hotels are. Come to Vancouver and you will most likely be staying here. Some things to do in Vancouver? Robson Street is a great choice to find food and souvenirs. David Street is home to the gay scene. Burrard Street runs North to South and has great views overlooking Waterplace and Vancouver Harbor. Georgia Street seems to be the major street cars use to go to Stanley Park; eventually it turns into Highway 99 and is the road used to go to Whistler. Gastown was surprisingly quaint and old fashion! I loved it because it really did feel like you’re in some 19th century city.
Davie Street
The gay street of Vancouver. Some things to do in Vancouver gay street? We walked up and down and it was mostly just gay bars and gay friendly establishments. Not as major as Chicago but certainly still fun. Also some small and reasonably prices restaurants.
Gastown
Where Vancouver started; it’s the oldest neighborhood in Vancouver. The feel of Gastown really does feel you’ve stepped back to the 19th century. Lots of great places to souvenir shop.
Granville Island
The posh part of Vancouver; known for it’s artsy upscale cafes, bookstores, and quaint stores. Gastown and Granville Island are great day things to do in Vancouver.
Capilano Bridge
Vancouver’s famous suspension bridge. I actually drew a picture of this bridge back in 2007 (I enjoy drawing). Cost to get in is around 30 Canadian Dollars for adults. Along with the suspension bridge there is also a cliff-walk and treetop adventure, where you get to explore the woods of the surrounding area. There is a free shuttle that takes you from Downtown Vancouver. Ask your hotel for a route schedule.
- Grouse Mountain
Vancouver’s highest point. It’s the best place to see Vancouver from above. Didn’t get to see it this time but worth it if you have time! I know there are free shuttles from downtown Vancouver just like the Capilano Bridge. Ask your hotel for information.
- Lynn Canyon Park
Capilano’s free brother. Lynn Canyon Park offers scenic landscapes, waterfalls, and even a suspension bridge. A bit of a way to get to and there isn’t a free shuttle. Lynn Canyon is out of ther way compared to Grouse Mountain so you might have to pick or choose which one you want to do but both are great things to do in Vancouver.
- Kitsilano (“Kits”) Beach
One of the most famous beaches in Vancouver. Known to offer panoramic views of downtown. I got close to this beach but was unable to see it!
- Queen Elizabeth Park
Pretty flowers and an observatory; all for free of course!
- VanDusen Botanical Garden
Next door to the Queen Elizabeth Garden, it is exactly how it sounds! Beautifully, maintained flowers and trees! Queen Elizabeth Park and VanDusen Botanical Garden are easy things to do in Vancouver!
So there you have it, some interesting things to do in Vancouver. Bottom line, Vancouver is a must on your travel plans. Some of the friendliest people, great outdoor activities, relatively good climate, great eating, always a better view around the next corner and the list goes on. Overall I have nothing really bad to say about Vancouver. It was named one of the Top Cities to visit for 2013 by Lonely Planet and I can really see why. Vancouver #FTW!
Make sure to look out for my next post/s on Alaska and my cruise… until then!
images by: shawnvoyage
