Oh, Canada!
Being the second-largest country in the world by land area, there is a huge list of places to see in Canada. It can be hard to decide where to go but whatever you do, ensure that you include Vancouver on your itinerary. The landmarks, both natural and manmade, have a beauty and uniqueness that can’t be found anywhere else. There is truly something for everyone.
Here are five reasons you should go to Vancouver, Canada (other than the fact that Harry and Meghan visit there a lot).
When is the best time to go to Vancouver, Canada?
Despite being surrounded by some of the world’s most famous ski fields including Whistler and Cypress Mountain, the best time to visit Vancouver is during the warmer and drier months from April to October. Although considered warm, thanks to Vancouver’s cool-climate, the only thing you’ll be sweating over is crossing the 140-metre Capilano Suspension Bridge.
1. Embrace Nature in Stanley Park
Stanley Park. Photo by Kyle Thacker on Unsplash
Stanley Park is frequently recognised as the number one place to visit in Vancouver. It’s hard to argue against it! This 405-hectare haven is full of great things to do. Whether you prefer to walk, cycle, jog or rollerblade, regardless of your preference you can do so on the seawall which loops all around the park. There’s three gardens full of flowers to sniff, a miniature train and even the Vancouver Aquarium (the largest aquarium in Canada).
Art and history buffs will enjoy seeing some authentic totem poles which were made by the region’s Indigenous people. Sport fans will appreciate the tennis courts and golf course and those who want to take a dip can enjoy the beaches and fresh-water pool. On top of all that (which is still only scratching the surface), Stanley Park isn’t isolated, it’s in Vancouver’s city centre. You can enjoy pristine nature and only have to travel a couple of kilometres for a burger or coffee.
2. Eat Your Way Through Granville Island
Only a boat-ride away, Granville Island is a hub of culture, activity and yumminess. The main attraction is its public market which boasts a huge range of stalls selling delicious food of every description. Once your tastebuds are satisfied, you can check out the boutique shops, galleries and theatres dotted around the island. There’s also the iconic Granville Island Brewing if you feel like a fine, handcrafted beer.
3. Visit the Many Filming Locations
Vancouver. Photo by Stuart Weir on Unsplash
Vancouver is known as “Hollywood North,” thanks to its booming film/TV industry and handfuls of your favourite movies and shows that were filmed here. Thankfully, there’s a whole list currently being filmed around the city. So grab a guide, like this one, and prepare to walk in the footsteps of some legendary onscreen characters. Surely it’s an offer you can’t refuse.
4. Take in the Views on Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain Vancouver Canada. Photographed by Lijuan Guo. Image via Shutterstock
Most Australians have to drive several hours to reach a snowy mountain, Grouse Mountain is located only 15 minutes away from downtown Vancouver. Doesn’t that sound…well, grouse! Even in snow-free seasons, the mountain has a lot to offer which includes a wildlife refuge, restaurants, a cinema and an utterly stunning view of the city. This place is always in season.
5. Explore the delightfully Strange Sites
Digital Orca. Photographed by Aditya Chinchure. Image via Unsplash
We’ve covered nature, culture and shopping… now let’s talk weirdness. Vancouver has a variety of very interesting and offbeat attractions that are well worth a visit. Pictured above is a statue of a pixellated whale, the Digital Orca, that’s next to the Vancouver Convention Centre. Just a touch away from Vancouver Harbour in the neighborhood of Gastown, you can bear witness to one of the world’s only working steam clocks. The clock also shoots steam every 15 minutes and toots every hour.
Plus, at the University of British Columbia’s campus, there’s an 18-storey wooden building, one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world. Fans of the macabre will want to visit the Vancouver Police Museum and check out exhibits of confiscated weapons and evidence from some of Vancouver’s most infamous crimes. If you’re more intrigued by the 70’s groove music scene, fans of Jimi Hendrix will love the shrine dedicated to him inside a shack on Union Street. All in all, Vancouver rocks!
