VANCOUVER: 24hr Guide
VANCOUVER: 24hr Guide
Lisa Berryman
Available for hire
If you want to know where to eat, sleep and venture to - this is the only guide you need. Covered are the touristy areas that you need to see to have a full Vancouver experience as well as more hidden spots that are definitely worth the trek to. As always, this guide is designed car-free however everything is doable with a car, and for solo-travellers but again all activities can be done with a group.
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Getting to Vancouver
From YVR
Get the Canada Line from the airport for quick and convenient access to the city centre.
From Abbotsford, YXX
There are buses BUT there is only 2 a day so don't make the same mistake as me and plan your timing carefully! Check out RiderExpress, EBus, ZOOM Bus and Mountain Man Mike's Bus.
Places To Go
Downtown
Gastown Steam Clock
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Wander by the famous gastown steam clock, it rings every 15minutes and I would say its worth waiting around for. Or just time it well!
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Canada Place
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Walk beside this iconic building in the Vancouver skyline and learn about the place that you're walking on, as well as some history about Vancouver. For those looking for more adventure, head to the 4d ride at the end of the harbour 'Flyover'.
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Vancouver Convention Centre
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This may not be the first place you'd think of going to in Vancouver, but a quick google will tell you what events are going on there, from shopping to travel to electronic events. Also admire their 'living roof' made of over 400,000 indigenous plants helping to insulate and regulate the temperature of the building!
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Vancouver Lookout
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Heads up - the elevator to get up here is made of glass! Gorgeous views over Vancouver and also learn about the buildings nearby and Vancouver's suburbs.
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Granville Island
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A trip to Vancouver is not complete without visiting Granville Island. This small island in the middle of Vancouver hosts a market where they sell local fruits and meats, as well as the annual Fringe festival!
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Stanley Park
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My favourite place in Vancouver. Escape the busy city and follow along the world's longest seawall around the park, learn about Totem Poles and keep your eyes peeled for whales!
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Vancouver Aquarium
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Canada's largest aquarium is in the middle of Stanley Park and is a perfect activity for those rainy days. Go see their otters and check their instagram for any new animals that are getting rescued and rehabilitated!
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Beaches
English Bay Beach
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One of Vancouver's more well known beaches - and if you go at the weekend I'm sure you'll see! This is the perfect end to your Stanley Park walk, just watch out for the seagulls.
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Sunset Beach
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Just a wee bit further along after English Bay you'll find this gorgeous (but busy!!) beach. You'll never guess it from the name, but this place is a great spot to watch the sunset.
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Spanish Banks Beach
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Another great beach to watch the sunset from, just out from the city means its quieter but still pretty popular. The 4 or 44 bus will take you here and it offers some pretty incredible views.
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Kitsilano Beach
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Being close to downtown, Kitsilano Beach is one of the most popular, giving views of the city and the mountains this is the perfect option for those wanting out of the city... but not too far.
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Jericho Beach
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This is my favourite beach in the city, although it does get busy in the summer. The sunrise from here is unreal, watch as it rises from between the buildings and creates unbelievable colours across the mountains.
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Places To Eat
Nemesis Coffee Gastown
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Good coffee, good food and good aesthetics - what more do you want from a cafe?? They have lots of indoor and outdoor seating areas and boy do their staff work hard to get everything out quickly.
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Mink Chocolates Cafe
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Got a sweet tooth? Me too and Mink Chocolate Cafe is the perfect place to enjoy a coffee and sweet treat! I would recommend the frozen mocha with milk chocolate - incredible!!
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The Eatery
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The Eatery has a modern take on sushi with some incredible cocktails that compliment the food so well. I would recommend the Salmon Katsu Don Buri or getting a mix of the sushi to split among the table!
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Breka Bakery & Café - Kitsilano
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The pastry section here?? Absolutely beautiful, picture a pastry and they have it in 3 different flavours. The perfect place to stop by for a quick coffee and snack or go to the upstairs area to get some work done.
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Lee's Donuts Granville Island
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These doughnuts are famous for a reason, there are so many different flavours but be sure to get here early to avoid the inevitable line that will be out the door.
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Lina's Deli
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Stop by here at the Granville Market for some incredible meats and cheeses or pick up a charcuterie cup for lunch on the go!
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Trips From Vancouver
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
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Walk among trees, some that are older than Canada itself!! The walkways are lit up and decorate for special events, like their halloween 'Canyon Frights', so keep an eye out.
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Whistler
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Whistler is a must see if you have time, whether you're there in summer or winter there is plenty to do from skiing to bungee jumping to hiking.
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Squamish
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Get here by driving, bus, boat or even fly with a seaplane from Vancouver! A beautiful destination not to be missed.
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Howe Sound
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Take a boat trip to Howe Sound to admire the views and hopefully see some wildlife like seals or whales!
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Deep Cove
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Hire a kayak here or stand up paddleboard if you're by yourself! There are many incredible hikes near here with views over Vancouver, but be sure to bring bear spray as wildlife is frequently spotted here!
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Cypress Mountain
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Hike up here or take the gondola and either walk back down or take the coaster if you're feeling up to it!!
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Grouse Mountain
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Not too far out from Vancouver, Grouse Mountain offers gorgeous views of Vancouver and is also a close place to ski!
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Places To Sleep
HI Vancouver Jericho Beach
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A nice hostel, that is outwith the city but can be easily accessed via the 4 or 44 bus and right on the beach. Perfect for those who love to watch the sun rise above the ocean!!
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Blue Horizon Hotel
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Close to the city centre, this 4 star hotel will provide the perfect balance of luxury without the price tag attached.
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Fairmont Waterfront
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It doesn't get more luxurious than this, the hotel is famous and for good reason. In the middle of downtown this hotel is the perfect choice for those wanting to treat themselves.
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L'Hermitage Vancouver
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A modern, take on luxury, L'Hermitage Hotel is one worth spending the money on. Great location without the noise usually associated.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lisa Berryman
Available for hire
Hey everyone!
Having travelled 14 countries, and lived in 4, I discovered a love for planning trips for myself and others. I specialise in short trips for a weekend trip away, and multi-stop trips which ensure to explore some unique places and learn about the culture of the area being travelled. I understand wanting to go to the bucket-list places and get the classic photos as well as finding hidden gems to make your holiday special and ensure to make you the go-to person for secret holiday spots within your friends!
I am open to making personalised travel guides and also arranging consultation calls to better understand what you want to get out of your holiday.
Buon Viaggio!
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