While some travelers scoff at the idea of visiting the usual tourists’ attractions, many would go due to their fear of missing out. Arguably, these attractions and neighborhoods of Vancouver will give you a true local immersion experience. How else can you justify that you have been to Vancouver if you have never been to these iconic spots?
Must-See Attractions of Vancouver
Canada Place
From far, Canada Place looks like a huge luxury ship docked but you would be surprised to learn that it is a permanent structure that hosts international and local conventions. It also has a hotel and operates as a ferry terminal.
Granville Island
Contrary to what its name suggests, Granville Island is not an island of the coast of Vancouver. Before the 1950s, it was an area of sandbanks but has been since been reclaimed land and connected to the city.
Today, the area is home to the popular public market and serves as a base for aspiring local artists to sell and create works. Spend a full day here so that you can fully explore the various art showcases including galleries and music performances! Children will enjoy the Kids’ Market and Adventure Zone and adults can get craft beer from the Granville Island Brewery. Located at False Creek, you can also enjoy the view of Yaletown across the waters.
Stanley Park
If you have limited time to spare, Stanley Park should be the first on your priority list. Cycle along the narrow tracks of the seawall to enjoy spectacular cliff and ocean views. You will also get to see the famous Lion’s Gate Bridge which is similar to that of San Francisco’s Golden Bridge.
There are many totem poles around the park to commemorate the First Nations people for those who would like to learn more about Canada’s past. And, Vancouver Aquarium is also on-site featuring open-air enclosures so you can get up close to the animals.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
First built in 1889 by Scottish Mackay and Khahtsahlano, the bridge is suspended 70 meters above Capilano River. Today it has evolved into Vancouver’s most popular attraction and cost $55.66 SGD ($54.95 CAD) per adult for entry. Additionally, there is also a cliff walk and treetop adventure which promises an enriching experience and a fair bit of walking.
Robson Square
Robson Square lies in the heart of the city, providing free ice skating in the winter and dancing in the summer. Many events are held in the area and it is a good spot to enjoy street food at.
It is just opposite the Vancouver Art Gallery, and within walking distance to Robson Street Shopping and Pacific Centre Mall. Trips just aren’t complete without some local shopping right?
Grouse Mountain
From hiking to eating and learning about wildlife, the Grouse Mountain is another of Vancouver’s main attractions. It is especially entertaining to take the Seabus which operates as public transit from Downtown Vancouver to get there.
Must-See Neighbourhoods of Vancouver
Yaletown
Previously an area for industrial purposes, many warehouses have been repurposed into cool eateries and pubs today. The Roundhouse Turntable Plaza is a unique gathering place for residents with a crane as its centerpiece. The area’s futuristic high rise buildings have also been featured in science fiction movies.
P.S. Enjoy all the small elements of decor to commemorate its industrial past but also look down at the pavement, which has iconic maple leaves inscribed.
Gastown
This is the most historic part of town with red-bricked buildings and gas lamps. Hoards of travelers will spend time crowding around the Gastown Steam Clock which chokes out a tune hourly. There is also a hotel (Hotel Europe) that looks just like the flatiron building in New York but smaller.
Kitsilano
Kitsilano is a lively neighborhood well known for its outdoor pool by the beach. It is also home to the Museum of Vancouver, H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, and Vancouver Maritime Museum.
Davie Street
To commemorate the neighborhood’s status as a friendly LGBTQ community, rainbow crosswalks are seen all over the streets. But, it’s not just a place for the gram. It comes alive with many cafes and pubs, one of which is the best poutine cafe you can find in the city.
Olympic Village
Created for the 2010 Olympics, this neighborhood features statues of birds and the iconic view of False Creek with Science World just around the corner. Architecturally, it also has many features for residents to interact with nature such as a staircase leading into the creek and a tiny island off the Millenium Water Development.
Top tip: Wear proper shoes if you intend to explore the tiny island as it can get quite wild!
Chinatown
With a substantial Chinese population in Vancouver, this neighborhood caters to their needs with authentic Asian food and has several monuments that are worth visiting such as the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Garden.
University of British Columbia
Located on the West Coast of Vancouver, an hour by bus away from the city, is the secluded University of British Columbia (UBC). It is no ordinary university with many attractions that travelers will visit.
The Museum of Anthropology has one of the most impressive collections of First Nation people artifacts in the world. The university is also home to the famous Wreck Beach and Pacific Spirit Regional Park. Many movies such as Fifty Shades of Grey have also been filmed on campus.
With the perfect mix of nature and urban, Vancouver is endlessly fascinating and will take a long time to be completely uncovered.
