Vancouver, the British Columbia city in Canada with everything. Mountains, parks with beaches, friendly people, great summers, all 4 seasons, and food/booze to satisfy. Vancouver was founded as a "Gastown" by an Englishman with a passion for beer and storytelling. Brady and I had the privilege of driving to Vancouver with my mom, 2 aunts and uncle and of course the morkies for a 4 day get away and the city did not disappoint. So, with all this potential activity, what does one do while in Vancouver?
1. Vancouver Art Gallery
If you enjoy Art, the Vancouver Art Gallery is stunning. This highly-acclaimed collection of national and international contemporary art is worth spending at least a morning exploring.
2. Science World
Science more your style? Ignite your mind and discover the wonders of science with hands on interactive displays, inspirational feature exhibitions, jaw-dropping science demonstrations, immersive films in the domed Theatre and awesome shows in the Science Theatre. Museums not much of your thing? No worries,
Brady and Bianca with the Morkies at Stanley Park
3. Stanley Park
The Stanley Park Horse Drawn Tours offers a great way to tour Vancouver Park without walking! Step aboard one of these old-fashioned horse-drawn vehicles and take a relaxed trip through the natural beauty of Stanley Park, Vancouver's number one attraction. If you're more outdoorsy, walk the park or bike the park. There is plenty to see. You can easily spend a full day here.
4. Vancouver Lookout
Want to see some of the best views of Vancouver City, head on over to the Vancouver Lookout. Located in the downtown Harbour Centre, the Vancouver Lookout, at a height of 430 Feet (130 meters), is the perfect place to survey the city.
5. Gastown
So now what is this famous clock everyone has a picture of? The famous Gastown Steam Clock is a favorite photo location in Vancouver. This steam clock stands on a street corner of Gastown and is one of the world's only functioning steam clocks. It is powered by steam from an underground system. This is a super neat and free attraction and your Insta page can thank us later.
While admiring this original clock, spend some time in Gastown. It is the original settlement that became the core of the creation of Vancouver. Currently, it is a national historic site and a thriving neighborhood full of great eateries and pubs. It also has a bunch of walking tours that you can take advantage of.
6. Granville Island
Take a cute little Aquabus to spend an afternoon on the island. Granville is a former industrial site that is now a home to a public market, food shops, galleries, shopping, and picnic areas. They have a fast public market that features everything from sweets to cheese to breads and meats. Pick up some favs and picnic next to False Creek.
7. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden
This tranquil garden at the end of Chinatown is the first Chinese garden or "scholars garden" built outside China. You can stroll the free park and then enter the paid gardens to see rare trees, prized rocks, and learn the history and symbolism behind the garden.
English Bay Beach
8. English Bay Beach
English Bay beach, also called First Beach, located along Beach Ave between Gilford St and Bidwell St, is the most populated beach area in Vancouver's downtown area. There are many restaurants and shops in the area as well. Stanley Park Seawall runs along the east side of the beach which is nice for walks and biking. The sunsets here are magic!
9. Grouse Mountain
From hiking and ziplining in the summer to ice skating and snowshoeing in the winter, Grouse Mountain is a year-round destination. Want a good hiking challenge? Try the Grouse Grind, a 1.8 mile trail featuring 2,830 stairs that takes you 2,800 feet up the mountain. Or take the gondola up for amazing views.
Family pic on Capilano Bridge
10. Capilano Suspension Bridge
One of my favorite things about Vancouver is the Capilano Suspension Bridge. It's 230 feet high and 450 feet across the Capilano River. Test your daring side and you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the rainforest. It also features a cliff walk, nature tours, a treetop adventure, and a living forest exhibit.
Want to grab a bite to eat?
Gastown has a great variety. L'Abattoir is an original! Located in the center of Gastown between historic Gaoler's Mews and Blood Alley. The restaurant was built in the 19th century and is the site of Vancouver's first jail. The restaurant offers a bar and lounge setting, elevated dining room and a plush, sun soaked atrium. The menu showcases artfully prepared dishes that pay homage to French cuisine.
For some good ol' comfort food head to Pourhouse. Nestled in Vancouver's historic Gastown, the Pourhouse Restaurant is a local favorite when it comes to good food and well-made cocktails. The bartenders are known for making some magical creations and the food is abundant and plenty to share. Make sure that the Pourhouse burger finds its way to your table; it's no joke!
Waking up in Vancouver you will need to put something in your belly! Head to Medina's Café downtown. They are famous for their waffles! So if you are a sweets lover, they are a must. They have a very eclectic menu to please every pallet. Their lavender latte is delicious. There is usually a wait, but if you have the time to spare it's worth it.
Crunched on time? Check out Jam Café. Traditional breakfast, low cost and did I mention the portions are HUGE.....perfect for sharing. When we really want to experience a bunch of different foods we always share our meals to allow for, you guessed it, more eating!!
You can not go to Canada and not have poutine. Mean Poutine really hits the spot. Its a casual joint with a walk up order counter and they have a large variety of poutine and hot dogs that will satisfy your gravy craving, french fry loving, cheese curd love.
If you plan a trip to Vancouver, let us know! What did you do? What are some of your favorite things to do there
