Vancouver, located on the west coast of Canada, is a dynamic and diverse city renowned for its stunning natural beauty, multicultural atmosphere, and thriving arts scene. Situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains,
Vancouver offers a unique combination of urban amenities and outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America, or stroll along the scenic Seawall with breathtaking views of the ocean and skyline. The city’s vibrant neighborhoods, such as Gastown and Granville Island, are filled with trendy boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants serving cuisine from around the world. With its mild climate, spectacular scenery, and bustling city life, Vancouver is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a perfect blend of urban excitement and natural tranquility.
The Same
We both visited Vancouver at the start of an Alaskan Cruise but made time to explore this amazing city. Vancouver is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. To the west, you have the Pacific Ocean with its stunning beaches and waterfront areas. To the north, there are the North Shore Mountains, including Grouse Mountain and Cypress Mountain, which are popular for outdoor activities year-round.
Stanley Park
Stanley Park, one of the city’s crown jewels, is a vast urban park that offers scenic seawall walks, lush forests, gardens, and even a zoo. It’s a great place for outdoor recreation and enjoying the waterfront.
- Seawall Promenade: The Seawall is a scenic pathway that encircles Stanley Park, providing breathtaking views of the Vancouver skyline, Burrard Inlet, and the surrounding mountains. Perfect for walking, jogging, or biking, the Seawall offers approximately 9 kilometers of paved pathway along the waterfront.
Local Cuisine
Vancouver’s culinary landscape is a delightful blend of fresh seafood, diverse international flavors, and innovative dining experiences that cater to every palate and preference. We both go out of our way to make sure we try local cuisine.
- Pacific Salmon: Vancouver is famous for its fresh and sustainable seafood, particularly Pacific salmon. You can enjoy salmon prepared in various ways, such as grilled, smoked, or in sushi and sashimi.
- West Coast Seafood: Beyond salmon, Vancouver is known for its abundance of other seafood, including Dungeness crab, spot prawns, oysters, and geoduck clams. You can find these delicacies at seafood markets and restaurants throughout the city.
- Dim Sum: Vancouver’s Chinatown and Richmond (a nearby city) are renowned for their authentic dim sum restaurants. Enjoy a variety of bite-sized dishes like dumplings, buns, and rice rolls served from pushcarts. (Trust us it is worth a visit to Richmond.)
- Craft Beer: Vancouver has a thriving craft beer scene with numerous breweries and brewpubs offering a wide range of locally brewed beers. Explore neighborhoods like Mount Pleasant and East Vancouver for some of the best craft beer experiences.
- Poutine: While poutine originates from Quebec, Vancouver has embraced this hearty dish of fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. Many restaurants put their own twist on poutine by adding additional toppings like pulled pork or mushrooms.
- Ethnic Cuisine: Vancouver’s multicultural makeup ensures a rich variety of ethnic cuisines from around the world. You can find excellent Indian, Vietnamese, Lebanese, and Italian restaurants, among others, reflecting the city’s diversity.
- Food Trucks: Vancouver has a vibrant food truck scene offering everything from gourmet burgers and tacos to Korean bibimbap and Jamaican jerk chicken. Check out food truck festivals and locations like Vancouver Art Gallery or Olympic Village for a taste of local street food.
The DINKs
While we planned a few days in Vancouver, our return flight was delayed by 2 days so we got to spend more time than expected. What can you do but make the most of a delay.
Bike Through Stanley Park
You can actually rent bikes right outside the park by the hour. Much less expensive than the “city bikes.” There is a line of bike shops renting at about the same price. We were able to do the full 6 mile loop in about 1.5 hrs with a little bit of stopping to check out the views. Located at the northern tip of Stanley Park, Prospect Point offers stunning panoramic views of Lions Gate Bridge, Burrard Inlet, and the North Shore Mountains.
Granville Island – Public Market
Granville Island is a vibrant and artistic enclave located in the heart of Vancouver. The Public Market is a highlight, featuring a wide array of food vendors, artisan shops, and local produce.
Chinatown in Vancouver
Vancouver’s Chinatown is one of North America’s oldest and is known for its rich cultural heritage. Visitors can stroll through its historic streets, visit traditional herbal shops, and dine on delicious dim sum.
Richmond
Richmond is often called the “Little Asia” of Metro Vancouver, with over 60% of its population being of Asian descent.
Lynn Canyon – Suspension Bridges
Lynn Canyon Park is a natural gem offering a lush rainforest experience just minutes from downtown Vancouver. The suspension bridges allow you to walk among towering trees and over a stunning canyon. It’s free to get to the suspension bridge but parking is $3.
El Furniture Warehouse Granville (Best Poutine)
El Furniture Warehouse on Granville Street is known for its affordable and diverse menu. While it offers a variety of dishes, poutine, a classic Canadian comfort food, is a must-try. It’s a casual and budget-friendly eatery popular among locals and visitors alike.
Gastown Area
Gastown is one of Vancouver’s most historic neighborhoods and is famous for its iconic Gastown Steam Clock. This area features cobblestone streets, art galleries, boutique shops, and a wide range of restaurants and bars. It’s a great place for a leisurely walk and to experience the city’s history and culture.
Breweries
We hit up the Yaletown Brewing Co., which is a popular brewpub located in, you guessed it, the Yaletown neighborhood. It had great happy hour drafts at just $5 and they even had a local Seltzer for my father in-law who doesn’t like beer.
The Family
Wildlife Viewing at Stanley Park
While we didn’t get to do as much as the DINKs, we did luck out in our visit to Stanley Park. We were able to see Sea Otters and Seals! We visited extremely early in the morning as our schedules were off from flying from the east coast. So I recommend getting there bright and early.
We were also able to spend time seeing all the totem poles. Park is home to one of the world’s largest collections of First Nations totem poles. Located at Brockton Point, the totem poles are a fascinating display of indigenous art and culture, with each pole telling a unique story or representing a different clan or family. The kids loved looking at the different images carved in each one.
Grouse Mountain
Gradually leave behind the cityscape and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Throughout the drive, you’ll be treated to glimpses of the surrounding mountains, forests, and valleys. Keep an eye out for viewpoints along the way where you can pull over and take photos of the stunning scenery. On clear days, you may even catch sight of the city skyline and the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean in the distance. As you approach Grouse Mountain, the road will become steeper and windier, with sections of elevation gain. Take your time navigating the curves and enjoy the sense of anticipation as you climb higher toward the summit. The journey itself is part of the adventure and adds to the excitement of reaching Grouse Mountain.
Summary
In the vibrant city of Vancouver, nature’s embrace is woven seamlessly into its urban fabric, offering diverse experiences that captivate visitors from all walks of life. For nature enthusiasts, Vancouver’s lush green spaces, pristine parks, and picturesque waterfronts provide endless opportunities to reconnect with the outdoors. From Stanley Park’s tranquil trails and scenic seawall to the majestic peaks of Grouse Mountain and the stunning landscapes of Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, each vista offers a glimpse into the city’s natural splendor.
From the bustling heart of downtown to the serene beauty of its surrounding landscapes, Vancouver invites visitors to embrace its unique blend of urban sophistication and natural wonders. Whether exploring the city’s iconic attractions or venturing into its untamed wilderness, Vancouver leaves an indelible mark on all who wander its captivating streets and trails.
Leave a Reply