Ultimate Guide To Vancouver

Ultimate Guide To Vancouver

Vancouver is one of my favorite cities in the world. I’ve been lucky enough to call this place home for the last nine years. It is known for its laid back way of life, outdoor sport lover’s paradise and vibrant food scene from all over the world.
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When To Visit

July or August. Summer is by far the best season to travel to Vancouver. It is the only time of the year when the rain stops and there’s sunny skies for days on end.

What To Do

Vancouver is known for having some of the best outdoor activities in the world. These are some of my favourites:

Stanley Park
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Biking around Stanley Park is a must-do activity in Vancouver. 10km of beautiful sights, cycling among trees, totem poles, and the ocean.
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Sunset Beach
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Walking from English Bay to Sunset Beach is an elite activity as the sun goes down. Or as I like to call it: The Sunset Promenade. The most enjoyable walk by the sea in all of Vancouver. Grab a coffee on Denman Street and walk from English Bay to Sunset Beach and maybe make it all the way to False Creek.
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Harbour Air
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A little more expensive than the rest, but well worth the money if you like flying. The mountains combined with the ocean make this flight a 10/10 experience. Seaplanes are boarded right in the heart of downtown too.
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Gastown Steam Clock
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The clock is cute but Gastown is fun to walk around. Think SoHo but Canadian and small. Spend some time checking out the quirky boutiques, high-end home decor, or just grab a quick bite.
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Granville Island
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The creative district of Vancouver. Try foods from around the world in the market, see how artists work in their shops, and find cool objects to bring home from all the niche stores. Pro Tip: take the water taxi downtown to get here.
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Sea to Sky Gondola
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The most epic summer patio + a suspension bridge, cool hikes, and amazing views of the ocean from up in the mountains. Trust me, it’s worth it. Go on a short hike and finish it off with some beers on the patio.
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Deep Cove
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Go kayaking/SUP! It’s a super fun (and refreshing) activity on a hot, sunny day. The sea is usually calm, and if you’re lucky you can spot seals, otters, harmless jellyfish, or sea stars in the wild. When you’re done stop by Honey donuts for a treat.
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Vancouver Aquarium
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The Pacific North West is famous for being habitat to a lot of unique species. From funky looking crabs to mesmerizing jellyfish, there’s a lot animals to see. I’m not a fan of aquariums in general but this one is pretty cool.
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Rogers Arena
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You can’t come to Canada and not go to a hockey game! Cheer on the Vancouver Canucks and grab some drinks downtown after the game.
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Coal Harbour
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Ideal place to walk (or run) in the morning. Grab a coffe from any of the local coffee shops and walk along the seawall; admiring the buildings, boats and mountains.
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Go Hiking

Where To Eat

Vancouver is a city where you will find delicious food from around the world without looking too hard.

Musts

Published on Main
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Among best restaurants in Canada. A true culinary experience for the senses. Every dish is a work of art.
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Seasons in the Park
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Go on a sunny day during sunset for the best views of Vancouver. The charcoaled grilled food is good, but the views are what really blow you away.
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Vij's
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Insane Indian food with a West Coast twist. Order the chai and the lamb popsicles, you won’t regret it.
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Other Great Picks

Seaside Provisions Wine, Spirits & Gourmet
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Fresh favours from around the world prepared using locally sourced ingredients. Cozy interiors and a guitar tucked away by the fireplace you’re welcome to play.
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Ask For Luigi Restaurant
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Fresh pasta with a homemade Italian feel. Simple, authentic Italian dishes that taste like an Italian grandma made them. Order the bolognese, please.
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Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
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The kind of old-school restaurant where oysters and steak are the thing to get. Classy vibe, with a laidback Canadian attitude. Great service and the best fish and chips I’ve had in my entire life.
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CinCin Ristorante + Bar
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Wood fired Italian cucina with fancy interiors and a famous wine list. Impeccable service and unforgettable food. Try the beef carpaccio and burrata salad appetizers. The mains change but you can’t go wrong with any.
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Homer St. Cafe and Bar
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French-inspired brasserie with a focus on all sorts of rotisserie meats. Super friendly staff, great food, and amazing cocktails. Try the Neapolitan cocktail after dinner (aka the sweet negroni).
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Fishworks
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Creative West Coast seafood dishes and a paella that can’t go unnoticed. Great spot for a dinner date.
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Ramen Danbo Robson
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Arguably the best ramen in Vancouver. The smell transported me back to Japan the first time I walked in. There’s always a line so be prepared, however the wait is worth it.
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Hello Nori - Robson
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Hand rolled sushi bar with a modern Japanese take. Great stop after a walk along the seawall.
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Where To Stay

Luxury

Rosewood Hotel Georgia
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Classic with a hint of cool. Right in the heart of downtown Vancouver. It’s got a fun rooftop bar and famous spa.
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Fairmont Pacific Rim
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Sleek. Modern. Refined. My favourite hotel in Vancouver. Its flagship restaurant Botanist is among the best in Vancouver. While the pool lounge is also an oasis to relax in the city.
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Shangri-La Vancouver
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Understated, Asian-inspired luxury. Amazing hospitality. Close to both Stanley Park and all the luxury stores on Robson and Alberni.
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Other Great Stays

Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre
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Surrounded by the most popular and calm streets of Vancouver. Lots of restaurants and coffee shops nearby, but theres a free snack bar stop by before going on any adventure.
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Pan Pacific Vancouver
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Right on the water with views of the ocean and the mountains. Walking distance to Gastown and a Seabus ride away from the North Shore.
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Seaside Hotel North Vancouver - An Executive Hotel
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Boutique hotel with the greatest view of the Vancouver skyline. Small and cozy vibes. A lot of great restaurants nearby.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I am a world traveller, adventurer, and bon vivant with a knack to find great food and awesome experiences everywhere I go.
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