Some cities give you a culture with a capital C. Others give you rocky cliffs, rugged trails, and dramatic coastline. “Why not both?” asks Vancouver.
Located on the west coast of Canada, city of British Columbia is a rare sight where you wake up in a glowing glass tower (stay there Douglas), start your morning with a hike under tall juniper trees and a dip in the water (see Kisilano Beach irreversible), wander several star museums or eclectic neighborhoods until noon, and end the night with Cantonese-style dimsum. Basically, it’s a Canadian urban advantage — and we mean that with love.
🌲 Whether you’re a lifelong REI loyalist or just dusted off your high school Nalgene, Vancouver has something for all things outdoorsy. Some of the most popular activities? Walk or bike along the 5.5 mile beach that wraps around Stanley Park (think: Central Park, but bigger and with prominent bald eagles) or exploring VanDusen Botanical Gardenhome to over 7,500 species of plants and the impressive Elizabethan hedge maze. But if you’re feeling extra adventurous, take a ride on the gondola Grouse Mountainwhere in the summer, you can walk, mountain bike, and zip-line above the trees. Or, skip the famous Capilano Suspension Bridgewhich hangs 230 feet above the Capilano River and, yes, it shakes.
👟 Sorry Vancouver Aquariumbut it is the best attraction of the city its vibrant neighborhoodswhich are full of character, culture and carbohydrates. Start in Chinatown – one of the largest in North America – for a leisurely stroll Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Garden of ChinaImmerse yourself in local history Chinatown Story Centereating New Town Bakery & Restaurant BBQ Pork Bunsand go all-in on dim sum The Jade Dynasty. Next, to Granville Island – the former industrial area has turned into a creative hub. Highlights include: A bustling public market (eg eating honey at Lee’s Donuts), many art galleries (indigenous pieces in Wickaninnish Gallery), unique shops and a number of theaters (comedy performances in Improv Center).
🍴 Start the day with it Libya, an Italian bakery and restaurant where the pastries are crumbly, the dough is flaky, and everything looks like it was made by someone else’s bread. For dinner, rely on the city’s diverse food scene: Restaurant Vij offers inventive Indian dishes such as lamb popsicles and portobello mushroom curry, while I mean is an outstanding Thai restaurant specializing in locally caught fish (see Pacific green halibut curry, grilled salmon salad). Finally, no matter how full you are, end the night with a waffle cone Earnest Ice Cream (get Hazelnut Whiskey or Matcha Green Tea).
