Vancouver is a city full of natural wonders, culture, and world-class eats. With an exciting Summer ahead (including the FIFA World Cup), you might be looking for things to do in this one-of-a-kind city. Read on for some tried-and-true recommendations straight from this fun-loving Vancouverite!
Explore Nature
Fun Fact: Vancouver is part of a rainforest! With that comes a unique array of flora and fauna to explore. Accented by a dramatic backdrop of mountains and sunny summer skies, there’s nothing quite like it. There are seemingly endless spots to enjoy nature in Vancouver so here are just a few of my favourites…
Kitsilano Beach
A relaxing beach day is a Vancouver staple. Soak in the sun at Kitsilano Beach with breathtaking views of the mountains and boats sailing by. You can even grab a bite to eat at one of the many nearby restaurants or coffee shops.
Queen Elizabeth Park
Take a walk around Queen Elizabeth Park through lush gardens along with an unmatched view of the city skyline. From there you can really take in Vancouver’s perfect combination of urban jungle and natural beauty. Have some extra time? Why not try a quick round of pitch-and-putt?
Dog Mountain Trail
Get your hiking shoes on and head to the Dog Mountain Trail. Located less than an hour drive outside the city centre on Mount Seymour, the Dog Mountain Trail is a great kid-friendly hike with lakes and creeks along the way.
Eat Up!
Known for its amazing food scene, Vancouver has loads of eclectic eats for you to enjoy. From fresh sushi to mouthwatering baked treats, a visit to this city would certainly be chockful of memorable bites.
Grounds for Coffee
Stop into Grounds for Coffee—a cult-classic bakery for breakfast or even a mid-day snack. Serving up some of the best cinnamon buns around, this one’s a great for anyone craving a sweet treat. Choose between two locations, one in West Point Grey and the other in East Vancouver.
Ramen Danbo
With just a few Ramen Danbo restaurants scattered around the world, in Canada, the US, and the UK to be exact, Vancouver is lucky to be home to three locations (with a fourth along the way!). There you can have Fukuoka-style ramen that will have you scraping the bottom of your bowl.
Ask for Luigi
Looking for something really special? Head to Ask for Luigi for delicious family-style Italian dishes in an intimate setting. Be warned, this Michelin Guide recommended restaurant can book up, so it’s best to make reservations early.
See the City
As one of Canada’s major cities, there are many urban sites to see in Vancouver. Here are some of the best…
Explore the Seawall
Looping around English Bay and beyond, hitting the Vancouver Seawall is a great way to see lots of what makes the city so special. Walking, running, or biking along this path will bring you through some top spots including Stanley Park, False Creek, and Granville Island.
Vancouver Art Gallery
The Vancouver Art Gallery is a great place to take in the city’s creativity and culture. Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the building alone is a sight to see. Hot tip: Head to the gallery on the first Friday of the month between 4-8pm for free admission!
Main Street
Itching for some shopping? Take to Main Street where you can find fun vintage boutiques, cozy cafes, and so much more. A personal favourite is Welk’s, a general store stocked with cool kitchen supplies and organic groceries, highly giftable goodies, and luxe health and beauty products, just to name a few.
Visiting Vancouver for the FIFA World Cup? Check out this blog post to find out what you need to know before heading over.
I hope you take a trip to Vancouver sometime soon! Check out any of these recommendations and I’m sure you’ll end up loving the place I call home as much as I do. Whether you’re coming from near or far, it’s surely worth a visit.
See you in the city,
Jacqueline
