Vancouver is usually called a no-fun city, yet in 2016 over 10 million people came to visit. A Vancouver-born native tends to not play tourist in their own hometown but there is so much to see and do.
Playing tourist in our own city can still bring that sense of wonder that you get from traveling somewhere new and it’s much more comfortable and, obviously, much cheaper than going away to another country or city. Here are a few things that you can do that can give you that same wonderlust you get from travelling anywhere else.
Bike around Stanley Park
Start with a tourist classic, Stanley Park. A nice bike ride around the park is a must-do for both tourists and locals. The park is gorgeous first thing in the morning, and still relatively quiet without the busyness that can happen later in the day from other tourists and park goers. Nothing wakes you up more than the early morning cool breeze in your face as you ride through the gorgeous views. Don’t have a bike or don’t want to lug yours from home? There are many rental agencies on the seawall that aren’t too pricey and will definitely get the job done.
Photo by: https://www.flickr.com/photos/gotovan/
Take a stroll in Gastown
Gastown seems like something out of a Charles Dickens’ novel. The sidewalk, the streets, and even the buildings, have an old feel to them. It’s big departure from the rest of downtown Vancouver looks-wise, even though it’s nestled right between the waterfront and Chinatown. Gastown’s streets are lined with stores and places to eat and drink, so no matter what time of the day, this is something worth doing or checking out.
Photo by: https://www.flickr.com/photos/romeldris/
Grab a coffee at some of the numerous coffee shops
Being neighbors of Starbucks hometown of Seattle, it’s no wonder Vancouver’s coffee scene is worth exploring. There are numerous coffee shops scattered around the city, so you are not just limited to the Tim Horton’s or Starbucks near your home. Take a seat with a good book or just sit and people watch while sipping a nice cup of coffee on a cold vancouver day.
Photo by: https://www.flickr.com/photos/gasslaurent/
Take a tour
There are many different museums and art galleries in Vancouver. All of them deserve appreciation, from Science World to the Vancouver Maritime Museum, there are enough art and science exhibits to take up your time, especially on Tuesdays when the Vancouver Art Gallery is admission by donation.
(photo by: https://www.flickr.com/photos/lonbinder/)
Eat until you can’t eat any more
All the other activities and excursions are secondary to this. What Vancouver is known for is some good food. It doesn’t matter which part of town you’re staying in, there are many good restaurants all around the city. The city is a melting pot of cultures that have come together to share their food.
Vancouver is called the gateway to Asia, with its ease of access to Asian countries, which is shown in all the different restaurants here. Want the spiciness of Szechuan cuisine? There is a restaurant for that. Want Taiwanese food and its famous boba tea or soup dumplings? Vancouver has those, too. Just a late-night Hong Kong-style cafe? Vancouver has them by the truckload.
