Vancouver Travel Guide

You cannot avoid the outdoors in Vancouver. They have been woven into the city’s culture. Start a morning with a hike up Grouse Mountain (only fifteen minutes from downtown) and choose your difficulty. While a variety of more pleasant trails exist, as well as a gondola, the “Grouse Grind” trail is a local favourite, which ascends 2,800 feet in just under two miles giving it its nickname- “the natural Stairmaster.” Once at the top, have a coffee at the lodge, check out the wildlife refuge (full of grizzlies and barn owls), and in winter, ski or snowboard the small resort, day or night.

Of course, serious shredders already know that Whistler Blackcomb, voted the best ski resort (in the world), lies two hours North of the city and makes an excellent add-on trip in summer or winter while visiting Vancouver.

Another local favourite is an afternoon in Stanley Park where a multitude of hiking trails exist within the dense evergreen forests of the park. The park is a preserved jewel next to the urban city centre and allows for a quick escape from city life. Make the most of it by renting a bike for a self-guided jaunt around the 5.5-mile Seawall path, which circumnavigates the entire thousand acre park. Make sure to bring enough water and to pack a picnic for a stop (or perhaps you fancy a swim?) at Jericho or Locarno beaches. The cold water is a refreshing reward.

Looking to take advantage of the city blessed by a stunning coastline? Book a cultural, guided tour of the park by a first nations guide. Book with Talaysay Tours who outfit you with sea kayaks for half day tours on the Sunshine Coast. Look out for salmon, sea lions, and perhaps, a porpoise or two.

Vancouver’s long native history stretches back more than 8,000 years. The city, now more than ever in its modern history, is celebrating its first nation natives. The Museum of Anthropology greets visitors with a stand of totems by the modern industrial entrance. Inside, the works and cultures of the First Nations are spotlighted and complemented by rare artefacts from a plethora of other global cultures. For closer looks at historic and modern native art, Hill’s Native Art Gallery and the Reid Gallery display some of the best artists in British Columbia, if not all of Canada.

Vancouver Art Gallery is the largest in Western Canada and displays a wide variety of art from historic to modern in a variety of mediums. The museum is always rotating exhibitions from internationally recognized artists like Murakami and Kin-Wah.

Spend an afternoon getting lost in the Vandusen Botanical Garden’s Elizabethan maze composed of over 3,000 pyramidal cedar trees. After, stroll the Stone Garden modelled after Japanese zen gardens or tour the Korean Pavilion. Looking for a more exciting spectacle? Venture to the Capilano Suspension Bridge to walk among the tops of 300-year-old Douglas Fir trees or cross the gorge chasm by way of a precarious looking (but soundly safe) bridge.

As a city that prides itself on its diverse immigrant cultures, Vancouver brings world cuisine to Canada’s stunning west coast. Asian venues dominate the city from Filipino delights to authentic Indian and Chinese staples. Always, the city leads with its west coast sister cities’ farm fresh and healthy fair—it’s natural environment and outdoor lifestyles a constant reminder for sustainability.

Miku may be one of the city’s most popular sushi restaurants, specialising in Aburi sushi. An extensive sake list keeps guests warm as they look out the floor to ceiling windows at the harbour. Take advantage of more of the city’s seafood specialities at Boulevard Kitchen and Oyster Bar, which prides itself on being “Fresh. Local. Inspired.” Seasonal tasting menus are creative and ever-changing, but regulars stick to their favourite seafood tower, which can be ordered for two or four.

For quicker, less formal bites, Dinesty Dumpling House serves some of the city’s best Taiwanese specialities. Their soup dumplings never disappoint. The Ramenman also delivers a quick but satisfying meal. The restaurant is packed all day with a line out the door, get in line before you get hungry smelling the chicken broth wafting from the kitchen.

Vegetarians will find thoughtfully presented, delicious, and filling meals at The Acorn in the main street neighbourhood. Who can say no to beer battered halloumi and memorable takes on classic vegetable appetizers? Inside the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel, Botanist offers one of the city’s best dining atmospheres with a lounge, an outdoor terrace, a craft bar, and an extravagant dining space. From the pastry chef’s bread, the sommelier’s extensive list, and the chef’s local ingredients, everything is top notch. This is a beautiful experience not to be missed.

The city by the sea is home to the headquarters of major active brands Arc’teryx and lululemon athletica. Both contain flagships stores Downtown and are worth a stop if you forgot any athletic wear for your Pacific Northwest outdoor adventures, or, to replace your raincoat that doesn’t seem to be keeping you dry on a rainy day.

Brooklyn Clothing Co. in Gastown is one of the best and most extensive men’s stores holding over a thousand pairs of jeans from top companies like Naked and Famous as well as G-Star. The store also carries Canada’s favourite luxury coat brand, Canada Goose, perfect for a chilly add-on trip to Whistler or Banff.

Immerse yourself in the pages of Dwell Magazine at Old Faithful Shop in Downtown. The clean lines of Scandinavian design are complemented by a garden of greens potted in gorgeous ceramics. Most customers spend a full hour daydreaming and finding ways to ship the store’s incredible interiors to their own home.