Curator’s statement
Vancouver is the perfect 4-seasons playground, famous for people being able to swim in the ocean in the morning to afternoon, and up in the mountains skiing in the later afternoon to night. There are roughly 3 million residents of metro Vancouver, but only 600,000 in the actual city of Vancouver. Unlike almost every major American city, Vancouver has made the downtown core the most desirable area to live, work, shop, dine and see performances/do activities. Also unique, the actual island of the core of Downtown Vancouver is completely walkable, from side to side, on seaside walkways around the ocean-side perimeter, and there is skytrain transportation to whisk you away to other parts, should you wish to leave the downtown core!
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Things to do in Vancouver
Basically, everything is downtown!
You want to shop Gucci? Head to Robson Street.
Want to eat JapaDogs or at about 300 of the country's best fine dining restaurants? Stroll downtown.
Want to see NHL Hockey Games, CFL Football games or MLS Soccer games? The stadiums are right downtown.
Want to rent a power boat with nothing but your driver's license and explore the ocean that surrounds Vancouver on all sides? Head to Granville Island.
Want to just take an Aqua Bus, where a skilled captain drives the boat, taking you back and forth across the water, for just a few bucks? Granville island again, plus several beach areas.
Want to go to Science World, the centre for Expo86? Aqua Busses again, or sky train or even walking or taxi.
Want to watch the sunset on warm sandy beaches? Denman and Davie, or even a topless beach at UBC.
Want a cold beer? There are tons of microbreweries all over Vancouver.
Want to see giant native totem poles in the second-largest city park in North America? Head to Stanley Park.
Want to stroll 300 feet above the river on a rickety bridge? Head to Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Day Trips
Steveston, seaside village.
Richmond, Asian culture and shopping.
North And West Vancouver — ocean-front beaches, views, mountains.
Horseshoe bay — famous for Troll's Fish and Chips.
Whistler is 2 hours up the road — skiing, nightlife, hotels, restaurants.
Victoria and all of Vancouver Island, laid back West Coast island style, plus the city that is "More British than Britain itself" — Victoria is a 1.5 hour ferry ride away.
Places to eat & drink in Vancouver
There are probably 300 great restaurants, and new ones arrive almost every month!
These are the classics, with decades and more of experience and success:
Hy's Steakhouse and Cocktail Bar - the tableside service classic for 60+ years!
Hawksworth Restaurant - best chef in Canada?
Vij's Restaurant - the Indian food king, by a mile!
Blue Water cafe - best seafood
Le Crocodile - French
AnnaLena - across in Kittsilano neighborhood - Michelin-starred
Tojo's Sushi - world-famous
Cardero's - perched atop the ocean
There are just too many great spots!
Travel Advisor
Andrew Larder
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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, What To Do In Whistler, BC, Canada? This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Vancouver.