Vancouver has a severe repute. I’ve all the time seen that it recurrently tops the charts as one of many world’s most habitable cities—however what precisely makes it so likeable, so lovable, so… nearly excellent?
Now, I’m not often one to throw across the phrase “excellent”—there’s all the time room for enchancment someplace—however after visiting for the primary time on a latest journey to Canada, I discovered myself considering: this truly would possibly simply be the very best main metropolis I’ve ever been to.
From hovering mountain views to seaplane rides, laid-back markets to axe-throwing on mountaintops, Vancouver delivered for me on each degree—and someway managed to remain chill, clear, and unpretentious whereas doing it.
1. Grouse Mountain Adventures – Skyline Views and Axe-Throwing Thrills
To actually respect a metropolis like Vancouver, you’ve obtained to begin with a view from above—in order that’s precisely what we did. We headed straight for Grouse Mountain, one of many metropolis’s most iconic spots, and residential to the Skyride Gondola.
Now, I’ve been on loads of cable automobiles, however this one had a twist: somewhat than using contained in the cabin, you possibly can decide to face securely on the roof of the gondola. Yep—on prime! It felt like a scene straight out of Moonraker, besides as a substitute of dodging henchmen, I used to be having fun with jaw-dropping views of the town, forest, and shoreline under. So far as I do know, it’s the one expertise prefer it in North America.
As soon as we reached the highest, I rapidly realised Grouse Mountain is greater than only a lookout. Zip-lining, paragliding, cheesy-but-fun lumberjack exhibits, helicopter rides—I might have simply spent a full day up there.
The mountain can be house to 2 rescued grizzly bears, Grinder and Coola, who’ve lived in a protected wildlife enclosure since 2001. Seeing them up shut (in an surroundings that fortunately mimics their pure habitat – I hate zoos!) was an actual spotlight.
However my surprising favorite? Axe-throwing. As a complete pacifist, I didn’t count on to get pleasure from it as a lot as I did—however the satisfaction of hitting a bullseye with a spinning tomahawk? I discovered it surprisingly addictive!
We capped off our time on the prime by visiting the Eye of the Wind, a 65-metre-high wind turbine with a viewing pod that gives panoramic vistas of Vancouver and past. I might have stayed up there for hours.
Grouse Mountain – At a Look
- Location: quarter-hour north of downtown Vancouver
- Getting There: Drive or take the free shuttle from Canada Place (seasonal)
- My High Experiences: Trip the Skyride Gondola (or take the Skyride Surf Journey on the roof!), Watch the lumberjack present (seasonal and family-friendly), Go to Grinder and Coola, the resident grizzly bears, Strive axe-throwing or zip-lining, Take within the views from the Eye of the Wind turbine
- My Tip: Arrive early in summer time to keep away from crowds and revel in cooler climate for hikes
2. Stanley Park by Bike & a Granville Island Picnic
After taking within the metropolis from above, we got here again all the way down to discover it at floor degree—and there’s no higher approach to try this than by hopping on a motorcycle and using the loop round Stanley Park.
This is without doubt one of the largest city parks in North America, and it genuinely felt like using by a slice of West Coast paradise. The path was simple, breezy, and stuffed with distractions: we handed quiet forested paths, beachfronts, totem poles, and views of the town skyline that felt like they had been made for postcards.
We’d deliberate forward and made a pit cease at Granville Island Market earlier than the journey, which turned out to be the very best resolution. I cherished wandering by the stalls—contemporary fruit, pastries, handmade treats—and stuffing our basket with picnic provides. Sitting on a bench overlooking the water later, consuming ripe berries and tender bread whereas watching boats drift by, I genuinely thought: I’ve by no means felt this relaxed in a metropolis earlier than!
Stanley Park was the form of place the place you could possibly do as little or as a lot as you want—and all of it feels good. We stopped typically, people-watched, and simply soaked up the views. It felt miles away from the standard tempo of a serious metropolis.
Granville Island – At a Look
- Location: Simply south of downtown, accessible by way of Granville Bridge or False Creek ferry
- Well-known For: Granville Island Public Market – contemporary produce, baked items, deli treats, Artisan retailers & galleries – native ceramics, jewelry, and textiles and Granville Island Brewing – one in all Canada’s first microbreweries, “Giants” mural by OSGEMEOS – large, vibrant public artwork painted on silos
- Vibe: Artistic, vibrant, and all the time buzzing with power
- My Tip: Go within the morning to beat the crowds and snag the freshest picnic picks
Stanley Park – At a Look
- Location: Bordering downtown Vancouver, wrapped by the Pacific Ocean
- Measurement: 1,000 acres (bigger than NYC’s Central Park!)
- Greatest For: Nature lovers, cyclists, households, photographers, and tradition seekers
- High Issues to Do:
- Cycle or stroll the 9 km Seawall for epic water and skyline views
- Go to Brockton Level Totem Poles – probably the most visited in BC
- Spot seals close to the seawall or herons close to Misplaced Lagoon
- Wander forest trails by dense coastal rainforest
- Calm down at Second & Third Seaside or catch sundown at Prospect Level
- Entry Price: Free (points of interest inside the park might cost individually)
- My Tip: Go early to get pleasure from peaceable paths and higher gentle for photographs
3. Foodie Highlights in Vancouver – From Japadogs to Seafood Towers
It’s secure to say that Vancouver is a meals lover’s dream—and I used to be completely in my component. With a lot cultural selection packed into one metropolis, we discovered the whole lot from contemporary West Coast seafood to mouthwatering Asian fusion and quirky meals truck eats that completely stole the present.
As we had been surrounded by water, we naturally needed to begin with seafood. Considered one of my most memorable meals was a seafood platter at Blue Water Café in Yaletown—stacked excessive with oysters, lobster tails, scallops, prawns and mussels. It felt like a celebration of the Pacific on a plate. On a extra informal word, we tried crispy Atlantic cod and chips from a harbourfront shack and wolfed it down on a sunny bench by the water—generally the straightforward issues actually are the very best.
Then there was Tacofino—a now-legendary taco joint that began as a meals truck in Tofino. Their fish tacos? Absolute magic. Bursting with flavour and wrapped in a heat corn tortilla, I nonetheless take into consideration them recurrently. I’m not proud.
With such a robust Asian affect, we additionally made it our mission to attempt a little bit of the whole lot. A private spotlight? Japadog—a meals truck that fuses Japanese flavours with hotdogs (sure, actually). I went for the signature “Terimayo” canine, topped with teriyaki sauce, mayo, and seaweed. Uncommon? Sure. However weirdly addictive.
We additionally made time for Gyu-Kaku, a Japanese BBQ spot the place you grill your personal meat and veggies on the desk. I cherished the interactive facet—it was half dinner, half exercise, and completely scrumptious.
And naturally, no journey could be full with out exploring Granville Island Market. Even if you happen to’re not hungry, simply wandering previous the fruit stalls, cheese counters, and artisan meals distributors is a deal with for the senses. I picked up just a few regionally made snacks and pastries for later and had zero regrets.
The place to Eat in Vancouver – At a Look
- Blue Water Café – Upscale seafood platters, sushi & oysters in stylish Yaletown
- Tacofino – Legendary fish tacos from a cult-favourite meals truck turned native chain
- Japadog – Iconic meals truck serving Japanese-style hotdogs (attempt the Terimayo!)
- Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ – Interactive DIY grilling at your desk, enjoyable and flavourful
- Granville Island Market – Indoor public market with artisan items, contemporary produce, and baked treats—excellent for DIY picnics
- Bonus: Don’t miss attempting native BC wines and craft beers
4. Seaplane Thrills & Sky Views
Simply after I thought Vancouver couldn’t get any extra scenic, we hopped aboard a Harbour Air seaplane—and actually, this may need been my favorite a part of the entire journey.
The take-off alone was exhilarating. One second we had been gliding gently throughout the water close to Canada Place, the following we had been hovering into the sky with the North Shore Mountains on one facet and the glittering metropolis skyline on the opposite. It was such a surreal feeling to raise off immediately from the harbour—nearly like being in an previous journey movie (it gave me main Indiana Jones vibes, minus the snakes!).
From above, Vancouver revealed itself in layers: you could possibly see the neat inexperienced grid of Stanley Park, the shimmering waters of False Creek, and past that, the misty blue peaks that appeared to stretch on perpetually.
The flight was brief—solely about 20 minutes—however it felt like a complete escape. And for such a fast expertise, it packed a severe wow issue. I cherished watching the floatplanes come and go from the waterfront afterwards, wishing I might go up once more.
It’s positively a type of “bucket record” issues I’d advocate to anybody visiting the town—particularly if you wish to see simply how jaw-droppingly stunning Vancouver actually is.
Seaplane Excursions – At a Look
- Operator: Harbour Air Seaplanes (essential supplier)
- Departure Level: Coal Harbour Terminal, close to Canada Place
- Flight Period: ~20 minutes (for traditional metropolis panorama tour)
- What You’ll See: Downtown skyline, Stanley Park & Lions Gate Bridge, North Shore Mountains, False Creek & English Bay
- Greatest Time to Go: Clear mornings for clean flying and crisp mountain views
- Value: Ranging from round $160 CAD per particular person (e-book upfront for offers)
- Vibe: Quick, thrilling, scenic—best for first-timers and photographers
- My Bonus Tip: Ask for a window seat (all of them form of are, however nonetheless!)
5. Artistic Metropolis: Road Artwork & Sculptures
One of many issues I cherished most about Vancouver was how creativity appeared to spill out into each nook—from murals to metalwork to quirky outsized sculptures you possibly can’t assist however cease and smile at.
We stumbled upon the “A-maze-ing Laughter” statues in Morton Park close to English Bay nearly accidentally, however they rapidly turned one in all my favorite moments of the journey. These 14 larger-than-life bronze figures by Yue Minjun are all frozen in suits of exaggerated laughter—and sure, I completely joined in with my very own pose for a photograph or two! They’re humorous, surreal, and someway completely life-affirming.
Over on Granville Island, Vancouver’s creativity scales up—actually. We turned a nook and had been met by the “Giants” mural, an infinite public paintings painted throughout six industrial silos on the Ocean Concrete plant. It’s daring, shiny, playful and feels fully at house in such an artsy district. I stood there taking it in for ages—it made me smile simply as a lot because the artwork contained in the close by studios and retailers.
One piece that basically stood out for its modern-meets-indigenous symbolism was “Trans Am Totem”, a sculptural tower of stacked automobiles resting on a cedar tree trunk, discovered close to False Creek. I cherished the way it commented on urbanisation and nature in such a artistic, barely jarring approach—it was like a sculpture with one thing to say.
We additionally handed by the good Digital Orca by writer and artist Douglas Coupland, down by Canada Place. With its chunky, pixelated look, it felt like a 3D sculpture plucked straight out of a retro online game—however with a neighborhood twist. In opposition to the backdrop of the harbour and the North Shore mountains, it made for an ideal Vancouver second.
Once I was strolling alongside Vancouver’s waterfront, I instantly caught sight of one thing placing—what seemed just like the fierce prow of a conventional Chinese language junk ship, full with a vivid pink and inexperienced dragon curling out into the harbour sky. I later came upon it’s truly a part of a placing public artwork piece at Vanier Park, close to the Vancouver Maritime Museum.
I cherished how the sculpture appeared to leap proper out of the water, mixing cultural symbolism with the town’s nautical roots. It felt like a daring nod to Vancouver’s wealthy Asian heritage and its shut relationship with the ocean—it was a type of small however highly effective moments that made the town really feel layered and alive.
My Remaining Ideas
As every day obtained higher and higher, I typically thought, “What’s the catch?” Perhaps the rain (wherever this inexperienced should absolutely get its justifiable share)? Perhaps the nightlife wasn’t as hip or vibrant as in Berlin or London however to be sincere this can be a small value to pay to stay someplace clear with out being sterile, attention-grabbing however not pretentious, and exquisite however not conceited.
Vancouver is a metropolis that appears fairly content material in its pores and skin, with its comparatively distant location, while not having to shout about it. I’d urge you to go – simply don’t blame me if you happen to fall in love with the place and need to transfer there!
️ My 7-Day Vancouver Itinerary
This itinerary covers the whole lot I squeezed into my fun-filled, easy-paced Vancouver weekend — and extra. Suppose sky-high views, forest escapes, quirky road artwork, and fabulous meals… all with sufficient downtime to savour it correctly!
Day 1 – Get the Greatest View First: Grouse Mountain + Skyline Gondola
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Kicked issues off with an actual “wow” second — a visit up Grouse Mountain by way of the Skyride Gondola
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Braved the Skyride Surf Journey (sure, you stand on prime of the gondola!) — simply one of the vital thrilling issues I’ve carried out
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Met Grinder and Coola, the resident grizzlies, tried my hand at axe throwing, and caught an old-school lumberjack present
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Took in jaw-dropping views from the Eye of the Wind wind turbine lookout
Night thought: Seize dinner at The Sandbar on Granville Island or someplace in Gastown (hi there, glowing lampposts and cocktails!)
Day 2 – Stanley Park + Totem Poles + Seaplane Trip
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Cycled the total Stanley Park Seawall loop — stopped at Second Seaside and Prospect Level
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Paused to admire the unimaginable First Nations totem poles at Brockton Level
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Picked up a picnic at Granville Island Market earlier within the day (sure, it was excellent!)
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Later, I boarded a Harbour Air seaplane from Canada Place — hovering over the town and mountains was unforgettable
Dinner: Ended the day with contemporary seafood at Blue Water Café in Yaletown
Day 3 – Granville Island + Public Artwork & Road Meals
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Began at Granville Island Market for breakfast goodies (and espresso with a view!)
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Explored the artists’ studios, indie boutiques, and waterfront walkways
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Took road artwork photographs of the Giants mural silos at Ocean Concrete — one of the vital unexpectedly vibrant highlights!
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Grabbed lunch from a meals truck and handled myself to Japadog — Vancouver’s well-known Japanese-style hotdog
Afternoon tip: Take the little Aquabus for a enjoyable journey throughout False Creek
Day 4 – Quirky Statues & Chinatown Discoveries
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Discovered my approach to A-Maze-Ing Laughter sculptures in Morton Park and couldn’t assist laughing alongside
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Wandered into Chinatown and admired the placing Chinese language junk sculpture close to Vanier Park
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Found enjoyable retailers and heritage facades within the space — stuffed with character and distinction
Dinner thought: Seize a cocktail at Storm Crow Tavern (suppose: board video games meets Mad Max), then discover close by eats
Day 5 – Forest Escapes: Lynn Canyon Park
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Took the bus out to Lynn Canyon Nationwide Park — the right free various to Capilano
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Crossed the suspension bridge, wandered the shady forest trails, and watched households splash within the streams
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Cherished how peaceable and native it felt — this was my “wow, individuals truly stay like this!” second
Night suggestion: Relax with pizza and prosecco by the water at El Chioschetto on the Zattere
Day 6 – Museums, Orcas & Orca Sculptures
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Visited the fascinating Museum of Anthropology and discovered about First Nations cultures
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Noticed the Digital Orca sculpture at Canada Place — far more humane (and photogenic!) than seeing one in an aquarium
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Walked alongside the Waterfront Promenade and watched the floatplanes come and go
Lunch: Tacofino tacos and people-watching close to the Waterfront
Day 7 – Tradition + Catch-Ups + Sunsets
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Spent the morning revisiting favorite spots or purchasing alongside Robson Road
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Picked up treats and souvenirs from Lonsdale Quay
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Completed the journey with sundown at English Bay — the town glowing, waves lapping, individuals enjoyable
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Watched the sky fade from pink to purple, feeling so full (of meals, pleasure, and gratitude)
Remaining evening: Have a good time with dinner at Alibi Room for craft beer and farm-to-table deliciousness
