MariaI first visited Vancouver when I was 14 years old and all I can remember was the Vancouver Aquarium and being too scared to walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Visiting as an adult, I was definitely excited to see more; So many things to see and so little time. Originally, the plan was to stay in Vancouver for a few days with two full days of sightseeing. This idea made me hyperventilate when I realized that there were so many activities to see and do! With that in mind, we decided to stay for a week so that we can actually take our time and not be agro tourist. Below are some of the highlights of our trip.
Stanley Park
This vast 1001-acre public park borders downtown Vancouver and is almost entirely surrounded by waters of Vancouver Bay and English Bay. The activities within the park run the gamut from relaxing on their beach front to dining in the restaurants to bike riding and hiking. You can also take a horse drawn carriage around the park or take the Stanley Park train. We opted for walking our dogs on leash along the waterfront and also went into a few of their trails.
Granville Island
Located across False Creek from Downtown Vancouver, Granville Island is a favorite with locals and tourist alike. Once home to factories and sawmills, this area has transformed into a mecca of businesses that will cater to a variety of needs. The Granville Public Market features a huge farmers’ market, artists offering various local goods, and day vendors with artisanal foods and crafts. Some of the stores were a little to kitschy for me, but as a tourist, you will definitely find many souvenirs and crafts to take home. Spend an afternoon walking around the stores and end the day with a glass of wine at Popina Canteen.
Gastown
Gastown was Vancouver’s first downtown and named for “Gassy” Jack Deighton, a seaman/sea captain/barkeep that opened its first saloon in 1867. Fast forward to now and Gastown is flanked with trendy restaurants, hip boutiques, and chic cocktail lounges. Gastown is also know for its whistling steam clock, many souvenir shops, and art galleries. The neighborhood is on the north side of downtown between Richards Street, Main Street, and Hasting Street. Walk down the cobblestone streets adorned with vintage lamp posts and take in the beauty of the Victorian buildings.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
The Capilano Suspension Bridge was built in 1889, spans 450 feet across and hangs 250 feet above the Capilano River. I was ready to conquer my fears and actually cross the bridge this time around. Truth be told, my first attempt this time ended with me walking back after 10 feet in. I was completely freaked out by the swaying. But, after shaking it off, I did it! The views are totally worth it. Once you cross over the bridge, walk over towards the Treetop Adventure, where you can venture from one magnificent Douglas fir tree on a series of elevated suspension bridges. Also try the Cliff Walk which is a series of cantilevered and suspended walkways jutting out from the granite cliff face above the Capilano River.
Grouse Mountain and Chair Lift to the Peak
Grouse Mountain is the highest peak in Vancouver at 4,100 feet and has a multitude of activities ranging from lumber jack shows, hiking, mountain biking, ziplining, paragliding, skiing, etc. We ended up hiking a bit and taking the chairlift ride up to the peak. We rewarded ourselves by having a glass of bubbly at the restaurant and enjoying the views!
Museum of Anthropology
The Museum of Anthropology is located at the University of British Columbia campus and is world renowned for its display of arts and cultures, specifically works of the First Nations peoples of the Pacific Northwest. Spend a leisurely afternoon here and you won’t be disappointed.
Neighborhood tours: Yaletown, Lower Lonsdale, Kitsilano
Whenever we visit a new city, I always like to acquaint myself to varying neighborhoods. I love cozy, walkable blocks filled with approachable shops and restaurants.
Yaletown
Bordered by Homer Street, Robson Street and False Creek is known for its old warehouse buildings turned to hip and trendy restaurant and cocktail lounges with outdoor terraces. Definitely stop at some boutiques for shopping as well!
Lower Lonsdale
Only a 12-minute Seabus ride from Downtown, Vancouver, Londsdale Quay market has plenty to see and do. Lower Londsdale is located on North Vancouver’s waterfront and has beautiful views of Vancouver’s skyline. On certain days, the Shipyards District is lined with food trucks and vendors selling local arts and crafts. Quay Market offers a multitude of food vendors, markets, unique boutiques, and restaurants. To me, the intimate feel of Quay Market was definitely better than Granville Island Market.
Kitsilano
Across the Burrard Bridge from downtown peninsula, Kitsilano brings together a collection of attractions, beach and parks, tree lined neighborhoods. This is the birthplace of global yoga brand, Lululemon. There are plenty to see and do in this vast neighborhood!