Having spent three years in Vancouver I’ve come to know this city very well. There is something quite special about Vancouver, where mountains meet the ocean.
While it rains an awful lot, Vancouver does turn on a beautiful summer. Regardless of the season you will find Vancouverites outside being active rain, hail or shine.
This metropolitan city does the outdoors, food and relaxation all really well. Here is My Guide to Vancouver.
To do
Grouse Mountain
There is something to do any time of year on Grouse Mountain whether it be skiing/snow boarding and snow showing in the winter or viewing the grizzly bears, bird and lumberjack shows in the summer. Consider doing the grouse grind hike up the mountain which is one of Vancouver’s most challenging hikes.
Stanley Park
Stanley Park would have to be a Vancouver favourite. This 1000 acre park has much to do, including the Vancouver Aquarium, walking trails, Totem Poles and in the summer, watch local artists paint under the large trees in the park.
Gas town
The oldest area of downtown Vancouver, Gas town features many historic buildings, souvenir shops and also the famous steam clock.
Yaletown
The newest part of downtown Vancouver features many great restaurants. Yaletown also features large parks along the seawall where you will see locals running and playing with their dogs.
Kitsilano
Visiting the seaside neighbourhood of Kitsilano spending time at Kits Beach, shopping and eating in the many restaurants are among my favourite things to do in Vancouver in the summer.
Granville Island
Once an industrial area, Granville Island features gourmet food Granville Island Public Market.
Olympic Village
Wander through the Olympic Village of the Vancouver Winters Games of 2010.
Canucks Game
Vancouver loves their sports teams, but like most Canadians, ice hockey is probably the favourite. See the Vancouver Canucks play at Rogers Arena.
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Located in Chinatown, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is a little pocket of Chinese heritage in Vancouver’s Chinatown.

Shopping
Robson Street – Four streets worth of stores in the outdoor Robson Street. Some of my favourites include Zara, Lulu lemon, Victoria Secret.
Pacific Centre – Located on the corner of West Georgia and Granville Streets, the Pacific Centre contains an Apple store, H&M, Club Monaco, Coach, Sephora and Banana Republic.
Where to stay
Airbnb – My suggestion for a comfortable and affordable stay in Vancouver is to rent out an apartment through Airbnb. Airbnb is a website which contains thousands of homes and apartments for rent by their owner, and they are everywhere. You can rent out an entire home, just a room or even share a room. Airbnb provides an alternative to hotels and gives you the flexibility to stay in residential areas of the city and live like a local! Sign up for free here.
Weekend trips from Vancouver
Victoria – just a short ferry ride away, take a weekend trip to Victoria. Read My Guide to Victoria.
Whistler – A 2 hour drive from Vancouver, spend a weekend skiing or snowboarding in Whistler. The Sea to Sky Highway is also an impressive drive.
Vancouver Island – Coming soon – My Guide to Vancouver Island
The Okanagan – Coming soon – My Guide to the Okanagan.
Tips
Bike around Stanley Park
Skytrain from Airport – Take the skytrain from the airport for less than $5 to get downtown
Groupon – in the summer, Groupon often offers 2 for 1 on hop on hop off tours.
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Thanks! I appreciate your comments. I’m still very new to this blogging, so still getting up to speed!
You are doing very good to the blog world 🙂
You hit the nail on the head with everything!
Author
Thank you! After 2.5 years here I’m about to head home to Australia via Central and South America…. it’s all getting real. It will be sad to leave Vancouver
Aww, well I’m happy you enjoyed your time here! You can play tourist in your own cities now though, maybe things will have changed! 🙂
I spent some time in Australia a couple of years ago and Melbourne really reminded me of Vancouver.
Author
It’s funny because everyone has a different perspective on which Australian city is more like Vancouver. I’ve heard Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne from various different people. I can’t decide which one.
I hope you enjoyed your time in Australia. I’m looking forward to going back and being a tourist in my own cities. I hope the food scene is as good as Vancouver!
Haha. Well regardless of which is reminiscent of Vancouver, NONE of our beaches compare to yours! Enjoy!! 🙂