There are so many fun and exciting things to do in Canada, and Vancouver is the perfect place to explore them. Did you know that Vancouver was ranked as the third most “livable place in the world” because of its high standard of living and quality of life? Not only is this city beautiful and amazing to live in, but it also has endless opportunities for exploration. From food and markets to parks, bars, breweries, culture, and history, you will never have a dull moment while visiting this iconic city.
Gastown
One of the many places to explore is Gastown, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Vancouver. Located on the north end of the Vancouver peninsula, Gastown is home to the famous Steam Clock.
Every 15 minutes, the clock lets out a bit of steam and five whistles. On the hour, it toots from each whistle, making it quite the fun spectacle to witness!
Gastown is also a fantastic place to indulge in food and drinks. No matter where you go, you can find any cuisine you desire, from gastronomy to vegan options. Here are a few highly recommended places to visit while exploring Gastown:
Keep in mind that there are open container laws, so you may not want to drink in public while you are here.
Gringo: 27 Blood Alley Square Twisted Fork: 213 Carrall St.
Chinatown
Chinatown is another vibrant area filled with culinary delights! Centered on Pender Street and surrounded by Gastown and the downtown business district, it is a great hub of culture, food, and art.
While visiting this iconic neighborhood, make sure to head to the WING Sang Building, one of the oldest buildings in Chinatown. It has been transformed into one of Canada's largest contemporary art museums. Contact RennieCollection.org to schedule a tour.
Chinatown is most known for its Dim Sum and Ramen restaurants. Here are some of the highest-rated dining spots in the area:
Highest rated restaurants in the Chinatown area
The Ramen Butcher: 223 E Georgia St.
Fat Mao Noodles: 217 E Georgia St.
Kam Wai Dim Sum: 249 E Pender St.
Jade Dynasty Restaurant: 137 E Pender St.
Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie: 163 Keefer St.
Aside from the amazing food, the astonishing variety of people, culture, and landscape makes Vancouver even more desirable to tourists from all around the world.
Stanley Park
One of the highest recommended places to visit while in Vancouver is Stanley Park. Known for its beautiful beaches, local cuisine, vast wildlife, and many historical landmarks, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon getting some exercise and a much-needed breath of fresh air.
According to visitors, the seawall is the highlight of this park, boasting about 10 kilometers of pathways surrounding it. It takes about two to four hours to walk the perimeter, depending on how many stops you make along the way. Some people opt to rent bicycles to explore the park.
You will not want to miss the incredible sunsets here!
Richmond Night Market
Richmond Market is a very popular night market for people of all ages. Located next to the River Rock Casino, it is precisely situated on the corner of Number 3 and River Road.
Here, you will find an array of clothing vendors, games for kids, and an endless variety of street food and desserts. The market is known to be one of the largest night markets in North America!
Be aware that most vendors only accept cash, so make sure to bring plenty of it when you visit.
Granville Island
Another great place to visit in Vancouver is the iconic Granville Island. Centrally located, it offers lots of activities, including breweries, cafes, and bookstores.
It’s also fun to just walk around the streets and neighborhoods to admire the artsy and hipster vibe. Here are some suggestions for places to explore around Granville Island: Granville Giant Murals Burrard Bridge
Granville Island Brewing: Offers great craft beers from around the area Dockside Restaurant: 1253 Johnston St.
Backstage Lounge: 1585 Johnson St.
If you plan on visiting Granville Island on a Saturday, be sure to check out the Farmers Market. Their hours of operation vary by season, so it’s important to check their schedule depending on when you are visiting.
In conclusion, as listed above, there are so many things to do during your visit to the spectacular city of Vancouver, British Columbia. This is just a short list of those places, so make sure you do your research because there is something for everyone. Whether you are a foodie or an adventure seeker, there are endless possibilities that you will not want to miss out on.
About the Author
Sherry
Hello! My name is Sherry. I'm a professional writer with over 5 years of experience working on various projects over the years. Ranging from writing recipes, travel blogs, food blogs, you name it. My passion is food and travel and I strive to learn more and more everyday. I have also written about Diet, overall healthcare, Sports and generalized topics for everyday people. My hobbies include cooking, writing, exercise and yoga.