Vancouver, Canada
Lauded as one of the world’s most liveable countries, Canada offers so much more than its stereotypical associations of maple syrup, hockey and freezing cold winters. The country is home to breath-taking landscapes, complete with soaring mountains, glaciers, secluded lakes, a tenth of the Earth’s forests and the longest coastline in the world. Aside from Nature, there is a cosmopolitan mix of ethnicities and culture across rich and varied urban landscapes just waiting to be discovered.
Join us as we explore Vancouver in the province of British Colombia – one of the country’s most ethnically and linguistically diversified cities. This picture-perfect coastal metropolis, set between the Pacific Ocean and the North Shore Mountains, is the perfect stepping stone to begin your Canadian experience. From delightful local cuisine, to stunning architecture and an abundance of urban and rural wonders, prepare to fall in love with this captivating city and its awe-inspiring surroundings.
Here are 10 of our top picks to get you off to a good start!
HISTORICAL NEIGHBOURHOODS – THE PAST MEETS THE PRESENT
Architecture is in itself history, as it charts the evolution of a place through the fads, fashion and tastes of a nation over the course of time.
As Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood, Gastown seamlessly blends the old and the new, while retaining its historic charm and independent spirit. Stroll down Water Street to find a picturesque assortment of Victorian architecture, cobblestones, vintage lampposts and even a whistling Steam Clock. The 40-year-old Steam Clock weighs 2 tons and is one of only six working clocks of its kind in the world. At the end of the street, be sure to visit the statue of the neighbourhood founding father, Captain John “Gassy Jack” Deighton – one of the first permanent settlers to the area. Combined with edgy fashion studios, well-curated interior design boutiques, unique galleries and some of the best culinary fare and cocktail bars in town, this vibrant area is likely to deserve more than a single visit.
Be sure to catch the sunset and views of the entire 360-degree skyline, 170 metres up in the air at the Vancouver Lookout nearby. With its iconic flying saucer shaped design, the venue provides the perfect opportunity to marvel at the city, its parks and the North Shore Mountains behind.
HEARTY FLAVOURS – ENOUGH IS NEVER ENOUGH
One of the big draws of travelling is invariably the chance to savour the local cuisine. Vancouver is no exception as it provides a wide array of options, from the traditional to the Michelin-starred. If you are looking for healthy, you may want to stay clear of Vancouver’s more traditional and calorie-laden food offerings, but if you are looking for something downright delicious, then throw caution to the wind and dive right into some of the local favourites below.
No visit is complete without sampling Poutine. Forget ketchup, these tasty French fries come smothered with gravy, cheese curd and all manner of meaty goodness. For the full experience, try washing it all down with some Bloody Caesars, a twist on the classic Bloody Mary, which is made with tomato and clam juice, then served with mini burgers, wraps or fries on the side. For an even heartier meal, choose a Tortière or traditional pie where anything goes in terms of ingredients as long as it fits in a pie crust. To balance the savoury with some sweet, grab yourself a traditional Nanaimo Bar where creamy yellow custard is sandwiched between a decadent chocolate ganache and a crunchy coconut-graham crust. If still hungry for more, don’t miss out on some Beavers Tails. The flattened fried dough can be topped with all manner of gooey combinations from Nutella and caramel to bananas, crushed Oreo’s and M&M’s.
SWISH, SWISH, SWISH – A WINTER WONDERLAND AWAITS
For some respite from the frenetic pace of city life, nothing beats escaping to the great outdoors. Canada definitely does not disappoint with a plethora of stunning natural wonders to be enjoyed all year round.
Outdoor and winter sports are ingrained in the DNA of most Canadians and luckily, even though it rarely snows in Vancouver, the area is home to some of the best downhill and cross-country ski facilities in North America. World renowned Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb ski resorts are just under two hours’ drive away from the city centre. Closer to town, the Cypress Mountain Resort has been around since the 1920’s and even played host to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games Freestyle Skiing and Snowboard competitions. So why not follow in the boots of the greats and swish-swish your way down these popular slopes. If you are still a beginner, worry not. Just let loose, have fun and remember – “If you’re not falling, you’re not learning to ski”.
HERITAGE – ANTHROPOLOGY THROUGH ARCHITECTURE AND ART
Built on the ancestral land of the Musqueam (‘people of the river grass’ and the original First Nation inhabitants of the area), the Museum of Anthropology (MOA) celebrates the arts and cultures of First Nation and indigenous communities from around the world.
Designed by Canada’s own architect extraordinaire, the late Arthur Erickson, the museum’s soaring glass panels break down the divide between Nature outside and the traditional and contemporary art within. The MOA carries approximately 45,000 intricate carvings, weavings and contemporary artworks gathered from the South Pacific, spanning Asia to Africa, as well as Europe and the Americas. The museum also holds rare indigenous art from late artists such as sculptor Bill Reid, Haida artist Charles Edenshaw and Isabel Rorick. As a public, research and teaching museum, the MOA is unique in maintaining unusually close relationships with cultural communities across the world, through experimental and collaborative research methods and exhibitions. For an extension to your MOA experience, once you are back in the city, you can find more references to indigenous cultures at the Inuit Inukshuk Rock Sculpture AIDS Memorial and when you come across traditionally carved totems which embody a historical narrative of significance to both the carver and the location they are placed in.
OUTDOOR MARKETS – FRESH IS BEST
What better way eat like you belong, than to make a trip to a local farmer’s market to sample fresh produce straight from the source.
The Lonsdale Quay Market by the North Shore waterfront, for example, has been running since 1986 and has developed into a diversified “carnival-style” market place to suit all ages and tastes. During the warmer months of May to October, it plays host to more than 80 fresh food vendors and an eclectic mix of artists and crafters. Community events and festivals are commonplace during these months, making this an ideal spot for families to come and enjoy the many activities on offer while tasting farm fresh food. Alternatives include the Shipyard Night Market on Shipbuilders’ Square five minutes east and Granville Island, which has an enclosed public market, open all year round.
DR SUN YAT-SEN CLASSIC CHINESE GARDEN – PURE PERFECTION
Built in 1986 as part of the World’s Fair celebrations and modelled after a Ming Dynasty scholar’s home, the Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classic Chinese Garden is the first full-scale Classical Chinese garden of its kind to be built outside China.
Classical Chinese Gardens come in three styles – Imperial, Monastery and Scholarly. This particular garden follows the Scholar style, characterised by high walls to prevent distraction from the outside world and winding paths, to allow visitors more time to appreciate the beauty and serenity within. Traditional 14th century building techniques involving no glue, no screws and no power tools were employed by 53 master craftsmen from China to build the space entirely by hand. Feng Shui principles, as well as the Taoist philosophy of Yin and Yang, can be seen throughout the garden, from the jade green pond full of koi fish to the collection of 150-year old miniature trees and tai hu rock imported directly from China. Every element of light, texture and vegetation are balanced, have symbolic connotations and exude a sense of serenity, history and above all, good Chi (life-force). Throughout the year, numerous cultural festivals, live music acts, art exhibitions, theatre performances and education and wellness programs are held here, in complement to this stunning oasis. Named one of the “Top Ten City Gardens” in the world by National Geographic in 2011, this immense and enchanting garden is well worth a visit.
THE MARINE BUILDING – AN ICONIC ARCHITECTURAL GEM
Hidden in downtown Vancouver, the Marine Building is one of the world’s most stunning examples of art deco architecture.
Built to rival the Chrysler Building in New York, the detail and intricate designs both inside and out are a wondrous sight to behold. Reliefs of flora and fauna as well as state-of-the-art forms of transportation from the 1920s such as zeppelins, steamships, and biplanes, adorn the terracotta facade. Giant brass doors pick up the marine theme with intricately carved seaweed, turtles, crabs and seahorses. Wall sconces, carved into the 27-metre-long lobby walls, take the form of plaster ships riding crests of waves. Following extensive renovations over the years, the building has been returned to its former glory and is a must-see stop for the art deco lover.
‘EN PLEIN AIR’ – THE CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE PARK
As one of Greater Vancouver’s top attractions, the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park combines history, culture and pure adrenaline fuelled adventure in one unique, exhilarating and breath-taking location.
With a view of the West Coast Rainforest below, crossing the world famous 137-metre-long swaying Capilano Suspension Bridge suspended 70 metres high above the Capilano River, is not for the faint of heart. However, it does offer a birds-eye view like no other through the canopy of this ancient forest. The Treetops Adventure awaits with seven bridges suspended 30 metres above the forest floor below, between eight magnificent 250-year-old Douglas Fir trees. For the adrenaline junkies out there, the third and newest member to the park is the glass-bottomed Cliffwalk. Be prepared for a 213-metre-long walk along a narrow, 50 cm wide glass and steel walkway suspended by anchor points drilled deep into the granite cliff face hanging over the river 90 metres below. This experience will certainly have you almost walking on air!
VANCOUVER POLICE MUSEUM – THE DARK SIDE
If you are interested in looking behind the glossy façade of a modern city, and blood and gore is not an issue, a rather ‘arresting’ experience awaits you at the Vancouver Police Museum.
Founded in 1986, the museum is aptly located in what was once the Coroner’s Court and autopsy building. Close to 20,000 artefacts are on display and include confiscated weapons, rare photographic evidence from actual police cases, anatomical specimens from crime scene analysis, insights into the infamous “Milkshake Murders” and artwork commemorating officers who have fallen in the line of duty. For that extra spine-tingling experience, sign up for the neighbourhood walking tour, “Sins of the City.” Vancouver’s darker history is gradually unveiled as you visit the basements, alleyways and other sites with ties to a past of bootlegging, prostitution and murder!
DUDE CHILLING PARK – A MORE RELAXED AFFAIR
Stanley Park in Vancouver may be the most visited of Vancouver’s numerous outdoor gathering areas, but Dude Chilling Park is certainly its most iconic.
Ever since the 1950’s, Guelph Park, as it is officially known, has been the cultural and spiritual centrepiece of Mount Pleasant, one of Vancouver’s most vibrant and artistic neighbourhoods. Back in 1991, a piece by sculptor Michael Dennis entitled Reclining Figure was installed. This impressionistic vision brought to the minds of many in the community, some “dude kicking back or chilling.” A year later, inspired by the sculpture, local artist Viktor Briestensky erected a light-hearted sign renaming the park – “Dude Chilling Park.” Although local authorities took the sign down soon after, the name had had stuck, to such an extent that thousands signed a petition to have the sign re-instated. The sign was re-erected and is now an official public art piece, while the park now goes by no other name. It continues to be a place to relax and enjoy complimentary community organised activities from yoga to volleyball. Check out the local art scene there or even take part in ‘Art Exchange’ by bringing your own art and swapping it for another piece or help the community by purchasing a piece directly. Above all, enjoy the creative vibes and leave feeling inspired.