Arthur's VanCity Guide

Hey there! Arthur here. If you're reading this, you're probably planning a trip to Vancouver, Canada, or you're already here exploring!

I've been living in Vancouver for over 5 years and, although I wasn't born and raised here, I've had a lot of fun exploring the city and sharing it with friends and family who've visited. So, whether you're here for business, leisure, or just passing through, I want to make sure you never run out of fun things to do! From food and drinks to hiking, live music, and even Caesar tasting, I've got you covered!

Activities are organized by region, starting with things that are easy to do downtown using public transit or by walking then moving to activities that require renting a car/driving.

Finally, if you've got any extra tips or questions, please reach out! We talk it over a Caesar. :)

TL;DR

If you've got very little time to explore the city, definitely do this:

1) Rent a bike and cruise as much of the Seawall as you can - from Coal Harbour to Kitsilano Beach.

2) Stop by Score on Davie or The Hook to try a Caesar, aka the Bloody Caesar and Canada's national cocktail.

3) Wrap up the day with live music and dancing at Guilt & Co.

More details below!

Urban Tourism

Biking Along the Seawall: This is one of the best ways to see Vancouver. Rent a bike and cruise along the Seawall, which stretches from Coal Harbour to Kitsilano Beach, offering stunning views of the city, mountains, and ocean.

Gastown: Walk along Water Street and see the famous Steam Clock. Great for photos and a bit of history. Gastown is full of character, with cobblestone streets, unique shops, and cozy bars.

Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant: Even if you don’t dine there, you can visit just the Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant for the 360-degree views of the city and mountains.

Granville Island: Explore this vibrant island, especially the Public Market. It’s filled with local crafts, fresh food, street performers, and colorful art. Take the Aquabus from Yaletown or Science World for a fun little boat ride.

Robson Street: A bustling street in downtown Vancouver with a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s great for a casual stroll, shopping, and people-watching.

Granville Street Pedestrian Area: On weekends, parts of Granville Street close to traffic and turn into a lively pedestrian zone filled with bars, nightclubs, and street performers.

Coal Harbour & Canada Place: Take a scenic walk along the waterfront from Coal Harbour to Canada Place. Enjoy the view of the mountains, water, and seaplanes taking off.

Vancouver Art Gallery: Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery, one of the largest art galleries in Canada, featuring a mix of contemporary and historical art. It’s centrally located downtown and worth a stop for art lovers.

Chinatown: Learn about the rich history of Vancouver's Chinatown, one of the oldest in North America. The area is full of historic architecture, cultural landmarks like the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, and great eateries.

Museums

Museum of Anthropology (MOA): Located at the University of British Columbia (UBC), the Museum of Anthropology showcases a vast collection of Indigenous art and artifacts from the Pacific Northwest and around the world. The architecture and exhibits make it a must-visit for those interested in history and culture.

Vancouver Art Gallery: Home to both local and international art, including works by Emily Carr, one of Canada's most famous artists. The gallery offers a mix of contemporary and classic art exhibits, along with engaging public programs and events.

Museum of Vancouver (MOV): Explore Vancouver’s history and culture at the Museum of Vancouver, located near Vanier Park. The museum provides a deep dive into the city’s evolution, from Indigenous history to contemporary urban life.

Chinese Canadian Museum: The newly opened Chinese Canadian Museum in Vancouver's Chinatown highlights the contributions and history of Chinese Canadians. It's a great place to understand the community's role in shaping British Columbia.

Restaurants, Bars, and Speakeasies

Live Music at Guilt & Co: A hidden gem for live music lovers in the heart of Gastown. Check their schedule for upcoming shows. It’s an intimate, cozy spot with a great atmosphere.

Cactus Club Cafe in English Bay: Enjoy drinks and food with a view of the beach. Perfect for sunsets! Check their website for details.

Mahony's Tavern at False Creek: A pub with an amazing deck overlooking False Creek and a fantastic vibe. It’s also a great spot if you want to watch sports.

La Belle Patate: For an authentic taste of Quebec’s famous poutine, head to La Belle Patate on Davie Street.

Score on Davie: Known for its wild takes on Canada’s favorite cocktail, the Caesar. Some versions come topped with full meals! Go for the Caesar, stay for the vibe!

Bagheera Speakeasy: For a secretive and thrilling bar experience, head to 518 Main St. and enter the Happy Valley Turf Club. Bet on "King Louie" at the simulated horse racing game, and once you "win," you'll gain entry to the Bagheera speakeasy—a hidden gem with great vibes and unique decor!

The Stock Room Speakeasy: Located inside Hundy’s Burger, this speakeasy offers a unique hidden bar experience with great cocktails and a laid-back vibe.

Trails, Parks, and Beaches

Stanley Park: An absolute must-visit! Bike or skate the Sea Wall, or stop by the Stanley Park Tea House or Stanley Park Brewing for a drink.

Kitsilano Beach (Kits Beach): Perfect for chilling by the water. Grab bagels at Siegel's Bagels nearby.

Jericho Beach: A bit quieter, with a chance of spotting some local rabbits roaming around! Great for a peaceful day by the water.

Queen Elizabeth Park: Offers gorgeous views of the city and a lovely garden to stroll through. Don’t miss the Bloedel Conservatory here.

Spanish Banks: It’s a bit out of the way, but it’s a beautiful spot. Plus, there’s a dog beach where I love taking my dog!

Drives and Day Trips

Cypress Mountain: Drive up and hike to Bowen Lookout for fantastic views. In winter, it’s also a great spot for skiing and snowboarding.

Grouse Mountain: Take the Skyride gondola up for stunning views and activities. In winter, it offers skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

Seymour Mountain: A great place for a day hike to Mystery Lake. In winter, it becomes a popular ski and snowboarding destination.

University of British Columbia (UBC): Explore the Museum of Anthropology (MOA) and take a walk down to Wreck Beach—Vancouver’s famous clothing-optional beach!

Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler: This drive is one of the most scenic in the world. Stop by Shannon Falls or take the Sea to Sky Gondola for epic views.

Whistler & Joffre Lakes: If you're up for more adventure, continue to Whistler for mountain fun, and head further to Joffre Lakes for a stunning hike.

A Few Extra Tips

Avoid East Hastings Past Abbott Street: Heads up—this area can be considered unsafe, so be mindful when walking around that region and steer clear if possible.

Transit: Vancouver’s public transit system (TransLink) is very user-friendly. Consider getting a day pass if you plan to move around a lot

Weather: Pack for rain—even in summer. We don't call it Raincouver for nothing.

Respect Nature: Vancouverites love their nature. Please respect trails, beaches, and wildlife.