Leggings, fleece and windbreakers are among the things we’ve all come to terms with wearing that are objectively unfashionable. Even if your biggest climb of the day is the steps to a coffee shop, you’ll look like you’re ready to summit Everest. Vancouver is the ideal place for anyone and everyone who experiences decision paralysis — because you don’t actually have to decide who you are. I learned that day that if you’re going out for sushi in most parts of Canada, you have to strap on your heels and prepare to pay a hefty bill, because that’s the only way it’s going to be any good. You’d think this one would be obvious but when I asked my boyfriend (an Ontario transplant) what most surprised him when he first visited B.C.
They can also be packed frozen for travel and can last up to two days, making them an ideal gift from Vancouver. Salmon is essential to many Indigenous communities around British Columbia for both food and cultural reasons. In fact, British Columbia is the most renowned province in Canada for salmon, with five distinct species. This tribal figure is included in the studio’s Granville Island collection of ceramic works. It was created by Daniel Materna and is a great gift for friends and loved ones because it represents the indigenous people of Vancouver. Numerous ceramic establishments in the city offer a vast assortment of ready-made and custom ceramics, and ceramics are perfect for ornamental purposes or for displaying flowers or fruits.
Ignore the cycle paths that considerately skirt around the edge of Stanley Park, the ones that offer views of the stunning coastline, brilliant First Nation totem poles, frolicking seals and ice cream stands. Therefore, having a picnic on the beach while taking in the sunset is a truly one-of-a-kind experience that way too many people—visitors and residents alike—don’t take advantage of. The restaurant’s called the Local and it really is frequented almost entirely by locals, so it’s perfect for tourists looking to get a glimpse of the Vancouver scene. What you won’t find elsewhere is any place closer to the beach and with better views of the ocean, downtown, and the mountains.
Adventure seekers of all ages can once again enjoy the ultimate rollercoaster ride at Cypress Mountain this Summer. At 1.7 kilometres, the Eagle Coaster has been dubbed the longest mountain coaster in Canada. The huge silos there were not too pretty to look at until Brazilian graffiti artists OSGEMOS dressed them up as colorful giants. Some face the island, some face away – so you can appreciate them whatever side of False Creek you’re on. I use it as a public art reminder to look up every now and again – you never know what you might see.
Quick Look: Top 5 Gifts to Bring Home from Vancouver
But if you’re further out or just not up for the walk, the SkyTrain drops you off at Waterfront Station just a couple of blocks away. If you’re already in downtown Vancouver, there’s really no reason to take anything but your own two feet. Could be soap, a coaster, or local chocolate—something small but personal. Both offer family friendly suspension bridge experiences with different trade-offs.
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- Located downtown, it’s easily combined with other attractions, and the welcoming staff enhance the experience with their knowledge.
- I love finding Canadian crafts and gifts that tell a story—something locally crafted, meaningful, and not mass-produced.
- Whether you’re hosting a wedding, fundraiser, awards night, or corporate function we will help you so you can enjoy a stress-free experience as you watch your guests arrive with anticipation for a wonderful event.
- Guest are encourage to bring chairs and blankets and enjoy a beautiful day out by the water.
In the summer this is a no-brainer, but even in the winter, you should go for the views and fresh air. Otherwise go elsewhere—like Grouse, Cypress, or Locarno Beach—for city views. If there are three or more of you, a taxi can be cheaper than the SkyTrain (though, depending on where you’re staying and the time of day you arrive, not always faster). The issue of taksu is also one of honesty, for the artist and the viewer. An artist will follow his heart or instinct, and will not care what other people think.
Hit up a trampoline park
While we are drawn to iconic spots like Stanley Park and Granville Island, you must be astonished knowing that the city is also home to a wealth of hidden gems that highlight its rich history, creative spirit, and natural beauty. And if you are seeking unique off-the-beaten-path experiences, we’ve curated a list of unique places to visit in Vancouver. The Big Marché is an annual market festival that brings local artisans, food vendors, workshop artists, entrepreneurs, and LIVE performers. It is a perfect time to spend with family and friends to end your summer. Head out to Granville Island to visit the Granville Island Public Market.I like to think of it as a large indoor farmer’s market with stalls of local craftsmen and foods that are fresh from the ocean to the farm.
Indigenous artwork from the BC coast often features symbols like the raven, orca, and thunderbird, each carrying its own unique story. Vancouver’s artisan scene is full of talented ceramicists and woodworkers, and I love that you can find pieces that are both beautiful and functional. Your night begins in Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood, famous for its cobblestone streets, vintage lampposts, and the famous steam clock.
Canada Place
Another attraction in Vancouver that’s perfect for rainy days is the unfortunately acronymed Vancouver Art Gallery (VAG). For many Vancouverites, an outing to the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park is a nostalgic throwback to field trips gone by, but it can also be a very fun rainy day activity, especially with kids in tow or if you haven’t been in a while. Both Kuan and Young are extremely passionate about the possibilities of bringing together different Asian and Western food traditions in a way that is educated and thoughtful.
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On a street where the bus stops are painted pink and you’ll find some of the best drag shows in the city, you’ll also find one of the brightest hidden gems in Vancouver. uniquelyvancouvershow.com Gastown is the oldest and most historic neighborhood of Vancouver, Gastown is where Vancouver’s first settlement was birthed, when Yorkshire seaman, Gassy Jack Deighton arrived to open the first saloon in the area. Today, Gastown is a mixture of hip boutiques, restaurants, pubs, and galleries mixed with 1860s architecture, and cobblestone streets.
From Jack Poole Plaza, you can easily walk to Canada Place, one of the most iconic symbols of Vancouver with its five flag facade, which lights up with different colours at night. Granted, exploring the famous Stanley Park Seawall is best enjoyed on a beautiful day, but trust me when I say it has more than earned its stripes as one of the top things to do in Vancouver (as recommended in every single guidebook). There are so many great things to do in Vancouver, it’s impossible to narrow the list down to something short and sweet. It is a priority for CBC to create products that are accessible to all in Canada including people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges. Join Canada’s most successful Women’s Show series and connect with your ideal audience face-to-face.