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Vancouver, even though it’s not as old as some cities, has been around since 1886. Take a dinner cruise or a shorter cruise around the harbour learning all about Vancouver as you go. The boat goes out into the harbour multiple times a day and is really easy to spot. Vancouver has a lot of street art, with the best pieces being hidden in almost plain view.
Check out all the public art pieces
The neighborhood features striking contemporary buildings including the Athletes Village, community centers, and residential towers with distinctive designs that prioritize natural light and ventilation. Public art installations enhance the waterfront, and several excellent restaurants and cafés have opened in the development, offering places to pause and enjoy False Creek views. What makes this area essential is seeing how a city can reimagine industrial waterfront land (this area was formerly railyards and light industry) into thriving mixed-use neighborhoods that prioritize pedestrians, cyclists, and environmental stewardship. Deep Cove offers authentic local character with Honey’s Doughnuts, kayak rentals, and the Quarry Rock hike over Indian Arm. Both locations attract locals and maintain genuine community character while welcoming visitors. For more local perspectives, explore the best neighborhoods in Vancouver that show authentic city life.
Yes, it is absolutely possible to spend a week in Vancouver, but to do so, you’ll need to include all sorts of outdoor excursions and generally spread out the attractions to just one or two a day. Granville Island, both a locals’ favorite and a huge draw for visitors, sits just south of the downtown peninsula, right under the Granville Bridge. Granville Island Public Market acts as a hub of activity, while Granville Island is also one of the city’s most important cultural districts with theatres, artisan workshops, and craft studios.
You must visit here to taste the city’s multicultural flavors in one place, watch street performers entertain crowds, and pick up handcrafted jewelry or pottery directly from local artisans. Uniquely You Event Venue is a newly renovated venue in a historical building downtown Vancouver. We have 1,600 sq ft of event space with a bridal suite downstairs coming available soon. We host events that are as unique as you are with customized packages to fit your every need. We provide space for weddings, birthdays,baby showers, corporate events, celebrations of life and more.
Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre
Our blog is packed with helpful reads designed to inform, inspire, and prepare you. Note however that it is only at participating theatres, and available films details may vary on locations. Vancouver Water Adventures has an epic Light The Night Tour where you can stand up paddleboard with glow-in-the-dark equipment. Experience the beauty of Vancouver with a thrilling 1.5-hour guided sunset kayak or stand-up uniquelyvancouvershow.com paddleboard tour.
And by fully immersing in it, you will bring home a slice of Vancouver’s history. Located at 8th West Pender Street, Sam Kee is known as the skinniest commercial building in the world. Reaching only six feet two inches deep, Sam Kee keeps making global headlines as a well-maintained century-old building that was once a very successful import and export business.
Clothing conveys information about occupation, social and economic status, gender and cultural identity and political and religious affiliation. The Museum of Vancouver is currently showcasing some of the rarest garments and fabrics in the world. These exhibits will run from May until October and provide an immersive and captivating way to explore the world of textile arts and the connection of mythical creatures to communities around the globe. Greendale Acre’s “Chilliwack Corn Maze” also offers adorable farm animals to see, and exhilarating activities like the jumping pillow, ropes course, maze adventure, and more.
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Located in Gastown, Purebread is a popular bakery-cafe with locals in the neighborhood. Tazim was born in Metro Vancouver in 1980 and has lived there for over 20 years total. Vancouver is known for its strong sustainability culture, and I always love supporting brands that focus on eco-friendly practices, ethical production, and reducing waste. If you’re looking for a gift that aligns with Vancouver’s green mindset, these are some of the best options. The Paper Hound – A beautifully curated independent bookstore in downtown Vancouver, perfect for unique finds. The city sits on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, and you’ll find incredible work by Indigenous artists that blend traditional techniques with contemporary styles.
From PNE ending their season, to free festivals everywhere, there is something to do for everyone. There are lots of free and cheap activities in Vancouver if you know where to look. So you can make a visit to this expensive city a little cheaper if you really want to. See for yourself in the walkway underneath Canada Place leading into the Waterfront Centre. I always find it fun to see exactly how a place has changed over the years through historic photographs.
Water Bike Vancouver: Go Easy Water Bikes in False Creek Vancouver
Orcas cruising Vancouver’s coast – epic wildlife without leaving the city. As you make your way to this 167-foot (50-meter) high bridge above the canyon floor, you’ll be treated to clear-running waterfalls nestled among groves of Red Cedar and Douglas fir. I want you to take an off-the-beaten-path Vancouver adventure – unveiling unique things to do and cultural enclaves not done by typical tourists. Head on over to this arena for a lively indoor entertainment scene that is home to the Vancouver Canucks NHL and the Vancouver Warriors. Race Vancouver’s waterfront routes in Canada’s most scenic marathon event. Celebrate Lunar New Year traditions with art, performances, and family-friendly festivities across the city.
- You’ll find dim sum spots all over the city, seafood joints littering the coastline, and bakeries that will make your mouth water.
- If you like cars, especially one-of-a-kind custom vehicles, hot rods and mid-1900’s restorations, you’ll want to check out the BC Classic & Custom Car Show.
- First, the setting in Gastown means you’re in the heart of Vancouver’s most iconic neighborhood.
- You’ll find people willing to answer questions, give directions or help out if you’re unsure.
- For example, walking from the West End to BC Place takes 30–40 minutes with some inclines.
Having studied Indigenous Art History at UBC with a focus on the First Nations of BC’s coast, I can confidently say that Vancouver is one of the best places to find authentic Indigenous art. I have a weakness for beautifully made stationery and notebooks (I can always talk myself into buying another one). Vancouver has some amazing indie shops where you can find gorgeous, locally designed paper goods. If I had to pick one souvenir to bring home, it would probably be chocolate (or tea towels, but that’s another story). Vancouver has some incredible chocolatiers that take their craft seriously.
The performances also include traditional bel canto singing techniques, uniquely applied to sing Chinese texts on the modern stage. The visual splendour is enhanced by traditional costumes and colours, meticulous stagecraft and innovative 3D projections. Shen Yun, the world-renowned classical Chinese dance and music company, is set to dazzle Vancouver with its all-new 2024 production, offering more than just a show. It’s a transcendent experience that whisks you away on a journey through ancient dynasties and heavenly realms. Whether you’re looking for smart tips to try at home, curious about what’s trending, or planning your next visit to one of our shows, you’re in the right place.