There are places that I visit once, soak in, enjoy, and store in my memory banks. Then there are places we go back to over and over again. For me, the best example of this kind of relationship is the one I have with Vancouver, Canada. Not only do I love Vancouver, but I’ve been going there for years and still visit once a year. Here are my top tips for what to do, see and eat in Vancouver, Canada.
The West Coast city offers a mild climate, cosmopolitan atmosphere and incredible attractions, both urban and natural lie within reach.
Beautiful Vancouver!
In offering suggestions about what to see and what to do, I’m going to make some assumptions: that you haven’t been before or at least in a long while, and that you’re staying downtown, as that’s where most of the hotels are. If you drink coffee, I’ll throw in some great cafes to try too. I’m also assuming you’re not renting a car, since it’s not really necessary if you plan to just enjoy the city.
Getting Into Town
Taxi fares from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) are set by zone. Make sure to ask for a zone-based flat rate and check that the driver uses the correct zone map for charges.
For two people and given the exchange rate, it makes sense. It’s ~$37 CAD (~$27 USD) from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
Public transportation is available from the airport to downtown via the Skytrain Expo Line or Canada Line.
Where to Stay
Generally, the easiest place to stay in Vancouver, Canada is somewhere in the vicinity of downtown. Downtown Vancouver is heavily residential, sustaining a lot of dining and nightlife in the and around the city’s cosmopolitan center.
Pro Tip: Do you Pruvo all your hotels stays? If not, do what I do and let Pruvo monitor your reservations for price drops. It’s free and it’s the easiest way to save money on all your hotel rooms.
I’m a Hyatt loyalist, and often stay downtown at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver. Sometimes I use World of Hyatt award nights. At times when it’s off-season, I grab a cash night. Each year Hyatt gives me an anniversary free night certificate to use at any Hyatt category 1-4 hotel. This Regency is a category 4 hotel so it’s a great use of that free night.
I feel pretty strongly about this hotel, its location, and its lounge and consider it one of my home Hyatt hotels!
King room at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver
What to Do and See in Vancouver, Canada
Stretching out from downtown, it’s easy to experience the city’s natural beauty. I walk a ton, so this A-list has a lot of walking in it.
1. Stanley Park. No matter what the weather, it’s always a walking city. I’ve been there in the winter with snow and sleet and still walked all over the city. Walk and you’ll feel like a local. The park is huge with many walking routes. If you walk the perimeter of the park all the way to English Bay, it will take a few hours. There are shorter routes to the bay. They are all beautiful.
Seawall loop in Stanley Park
2. Granville Island. You can walk there from downtown or take a bus. People often compare Granville Island to the Pike Market in Seattle. I think Granville has better offerings, space is nicer, and I find it more fun. There are lots of great eateries in the market, and I insist you try chai tea from Granville Island Tea Company. It’s my favorite of all chai beverages.
Granville Island is my kind of fun!
3. Robson Street is an active shopping distict with trendy stores and shops. The real action starts from the corners of Burrard and Robson streets. Walk Robson west all the way to Denman and then turn left and head to the Bay. Great urban walk.
Robson street offers a shopping and dining epicenter!
4. Yaletown. This area gets better each year as it continues to develop. Wherever you are downtown, walk to Davie Street and head east all the way to the water to find Yaletown. Once there, take a stroll along the body of water known as False Creek.
Yaletown walk in the fall–stunning!
5. Grind it out on Grouse Mountain. Grouse mountain provides the setting for a rigorous and gorgeous uphill hike outside the city. I finish the Grind feeling exhausted and often covered in dirt…….my kind of outing. Finish ‘The Grind’, and come home with bragging rights.
All the way up and all the way down gives you bragging rights!
6. Cineplex Odeon. If you’re in the mood for a movie, there’s a terrific art cinema in the Kitsilano area of Vancouver. I go there all the time when I’m in Vancouver. You can walk here from downtown. The cinema is well served by the bus routes, too.
Where to Eat in Vancouver, Canada
Food in Vancouver largely centers around the city’s various Asian and other immigrant communities.
- Stepho’s Souvlaki Greek Taverna – I go for the great lamb and mussels. You might have to wait in line, but you can also do takeaway.
- Sura Korean Cuisine – great Korean bar-b-que joint!
- Sylvia Hotel – this is a lovely historic hotel on English Bay. The restaurant is quite good and it’s also a great spot to pop in for drinks and people watching from a spot by the window.
Drink Up!
If you’re staying downtown and need a caffeine fix, I’d recommend two places. One is JJ Bean Coffee Roasters. You’ll find locations around Vancouver.
The other is Caffè Artigiano, which you’ll also find in various locations. These are the two best cafes. If you do head out to Kitsilano or the Mount Pleasant neighborhood, try Elysian Coffee Roasters or 49th Parallel. I prefer Elysian but many the locals in Vancouver do like 49th Parallel.
If tea is your thing try the O5 Tea Bar for their rare teas from all around the world. If you like beer, Red Truck, 33 Acres, Big Rock, and Andina will not only serve you a great pint but also a great meal!
A great chocolate place is called Mink Chocolate. If you like chocolate, even a little bit, this is a must. If you’ve never tried drinking chocolate, this is the place to enjoy one for the first time!
The Upshot
People often ask me about getting out of the city, and Vancouver is a great jumping off point to get to nearby Whistler — often rated the world’s best skiing. Vancouver Island, home to Victoria, Canada and many of Canada’s best wineries, is an easy ferry ride away. The Port of Vancouver provides harbor to many Alaskan Cruises.
Sometimes though, on trips like this, I prefer just visiting Vancouver. It’s glorious in the spring/summer/fall when you can hike, and be by the water, but then again even in the coldest months, I always enjoy a trip to The Queen City. There’s so many options for what to do, see, and eat in Vancouver. You’ll have a great time, for sure.
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8 comments
Vancouver was the city that I chose to study and learn english when I was 18. I can honestly say that I had the time of my life.
I even love Raincounver, can you believe it?
And just like you, I often go back there and stroll around the city and it just feels great.
Thanks for the laugh, George. I can’t believe I’ve never heard the term Raincouver. Even though the city has changed, I’ve stuck with her. And you expressed just what I feel……strolling around Vancouver does feel great. Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment.
Hey Shelli! Sounds like you came back and tried out some of my suggestions 🙂 hope they were good ones.
Hi Phoenix, You bet ya! Rain, hail, sleet or snow…….where readers suggest, I often go! I keep expanding my Vancouver repertoire, though I do have my favorites! Thanks for reading and keeping us in the Vancouver know 🙂
I agree with the article. Vancouver is a place I keep visiting even though there are few big tourist attractions, in my opinion. No Metropolitan Museum of Art (NYC), no Empire State Building observation deck (NYC) or Space Needle (Seattle). It’s just food and atmosphere.
Sometimes, I venture into Richmond where there are full of Chinese restaurants.
Well said, Derek. Richmond is a great local restaurant area. I rely on friends with cars to enjoy Richmond 🙂 Thanks for reading and adding to the Vancouver buzz.
UBC is the most beautiful college campus I’ve ever seen.
I agree Michael. It’s beautiful and well-worth a visit. Thanks for your suggestion!