Your Quick Guide to the City of Glass: Vancouver, B.C.
Why is Vancouver, B.C. always named as one of the top places in the world to live? Because it's awesome, that's why! If you have a few days in Vancouver, here's how you should spend your time:
Stanley Park
Rent a bike and ride clear around the park. It's a flat, one-way bike traffic trail that is extremely beautiful. If you're there in the summer, bring a swimsuit so you can hang out with everyone else on one of the expansive beaches. The renowned Vancouver Aquarium is in Stanley Park as well, and has recently opened a fascinating Arctic exhibit.
Vancouver Lookout
This tower is a perfect way to get your bearings and study the layout of the city.
Granville Island
This artsy little neighborhood has a great public market and some beautiful views of the city.
Canada Place
Designed for the 2010 Winter Olympics, this is a fun area to walk around in. While there, you must go to the Fly Over Canada simulation ride. It's really, really fun! Then, just keep strolling along the waterfront path the connects to Stanley Park.
Neighborhoods to See
The most popular neighborhoods are Gastown, Yaletown, and Chinatown. All are central, really fun to walk around in, and full of great restaurants and bars. This summer, we stayed further out in the up-and-coming Grandview neighborhood, right by Commercial Drive. It's a cool, eclectic area to get brunch and wander around.
"Gassy Jack" in Gastown
Shopping in Chinatown
Eat
Vancouver is a foodie city. There are plenty of fantastic restaurants. A few that I can personally recommend are:
Vij's - To enjoy this delicious Indian food, arrive by 5:00. While you're waiting for doors to open at 5:30, you'll be treated to snacks. This place is really popular and pretty small, so be prepared to wait...
Rosewood Hotel Georgia 1927 Lobby Lounge - Stop here to get the delectable Hotel Georgia cocktail. Trust me.
Waiting in line at Vij's 20 minutes before opening. We didn't make the first cut, so we had to wait another hour in the back bar.
The "Hotel Georgia"
Nature
If you have a car or want to take a shuttle to get out of the city, you have tons of choices.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park - This is ideal if you have a shorter amount of time and want to feel like you're hanging out with the Lost Boys from Hook.
Sea to Sky Gondola - The drive out here is extremely scenic and there are tons of hiking options big and small once you get up top.
Grouse Mountain - I haven't been here, but it has ziplines, hiking, and more activities after your gondola ride up.
Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort - This is the place to ski in the winter. Or, you can hike in the summer.
Lynn Canyon - Here's another option for a suspension bridge. And from what I hear, this is a great place to swim on a hot day, too!
Sea To Sky
Capilano Park
Victoria, B.C.
If you are staying long enough, you may want to hop on a Clipper to Victoria for a day. This a great option for a fun and beautiful day trip.
Butchart Gardens - Victoria
Capital Building - Victoria
If you're planning a trip to Vancouver, or anywhere really, check out this article to make sure you have the apps you need: