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Good to know about Vancouver

Vancouver is an incredible city with a mix of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and modern amenities. With stunning views of the ocean and the mountains, it's no surprise that it is one of Canada's most visited cities. This guide will explore Vancouver's best, from top attractions and activities to where to stay and eat. So let's get started on your travel guide!

History  

Vancouver, Canada, is famous for its rich and varied history. The original settlers were Indians who settled along the coast, European settlers, and established settlements like Gastown and Stanley Park. 

Many people know the mountains of the North Shore as Mont Seymour and the Grouse Mountains. This area has a temperate climate and abundant natural resources. You will also find beautiful beaches and seas. 

Archeologists claim that Indians arrived in Vancouver in 500 BC. The University of British Columbia has The Museum of Anthropology. Also, the Royal BC Museum in Victoria has many great exhibits and artifacts that show the area's history. 

On the West Coast, there are many craft shops and shops. In addition, local artists often have their work displayed in global galleries. Vancouver's history is short, but it has an interesting one. It is Canada's third-largest city. Vancouver is a great place to live and a wonderful place to visit. 

Best Time to Visit  

Vancouver is a great place to visit, and there are no bad times. Summer months are the most popular and have the longest daylight hours. However, winter is the most peaceful time of the year. It has trees and flowers starting as early as February and attracts the most tourists. November through March are the rainiest months. September is the most beautiful month, with changing leaves, cool temps, and sunny skies. 

Moreover, April to November is prime time for whale watching. You can think of the Vancouver Marathon in May, International Jazz Festival in June, and the Pride Parade in July and August as events and festivals. 

Things to Do & Places to See   

Below are some of the best things to do and places to visit in Vancouver. 

Lynn Canyon  

Vancouver is home to two suspension bridges. One is crowded with locals, and one is more popular with tourists. Lynn Canyon Park is in the heart of Lynn Valley and has been a delight for hiking enthusiasts for more than 100 years. This park is home to trails, swimming holes, and breathtaking waterfalls. Even a suspension bridge 50m up in the canopy makes it a must-see.

Vancouver Whale Watch  

British Columbia is home to a variety of marine life. This includes dolphins and humpbacks as well as seals and seals. Vancouver Whale Watch offers a conservation-minded whale-watching tour that lets you get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. 

Stanley Park  

The park covers 1,000 acres. It includes beaches, an aquarium, and playgrounds. There are also botanical gardens, a course, and 17 tennis courts.

You could easily spend an entire day in the park with all it offers. You can bike the Seawall or go inside to explore 40 miles of trails. Beavers, great blue herons, and bald eagles can spot. You may also see Coyotes. Besides, for a haunting Halloween experience, take the Ghost Train in the fall. 

Museum of Anthropology  

Vancouver's stunning geography is a bit overwhelming. But to get to know the city, it is important to begin at the beginning. Vancouver, and the Lower Mainland as it is now known, were settled around 10,000 years ago. 

The Museum of Anthropology, located on the University of British Columbia campus, offers a mosaic of contemporary and ancient Aboriginal art that weaves a unique story for visitors to this beautiful city. This is the best thing to do in Vancouver if you want to know more about its history. 

The Seawall  

The 17.5-mile-long paved pathway begins at Vancouver Convention Centre. From there, it winds around Stanley Park to English Bay and False Creek.  

Although the Stanley Park section is the most well-known, the entire Seawall can be tackled to give you a grand tour of Vancouver. This is the longest continuous waterfront path in the world. Moreover, you'll see sculptures, mountains, and the skyline. 

Grouse Mountain  

This mountain is known as the Peak of Vancouver. It attracts tourists year-round. Grouse Mountain offers a variety of activities. These include hiking, zip lining, and snowshoeing during the summer and lumberjack shows, and visits by grizzly bears in winter. Moreover, the Grouse Grind is a 1.8-mile trail with 2,830 steps that climbs very high up the mountain. You can also take the gondola up to enjoy stunning city views or the ocean. 

Deep Cove  

Ocean kayaking is a great way to get close to nature. Deep Cove is the ideal place to do it. But, first, you can enjoy a peaceful paddle up Indian Arm. Here, the forest creatures descend to the water's edge and greet you with curiosity. 

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden

This peaceful garden sits at the edge of Chinatown and was the first Chinese garden, or "scholars' garden, to be built outside China. 

The Chinese Garden was designed and constructed by Suzhou specialists. It uses rare trees and prized rocks and follows the principles of harmony and balance. The park is free to explore, and you can access the gardens by paying admission. You can also learn about the symbolic meaning behind each structure and plant or enjoy the beauty and peace. 

Richmond Night Market

This is North America's largest night market. It is open on weekends and holidays from May through October. Richmond Night Market offers a glimpse into Asia's famous night markets. You can sample grilled squid, gyozas, and pho fries at food stalls. Then, shop at the retail stalls for accessories and gifts. You can also enjoy live music, games, and great people-watching. 

Vancouver Aquarium

The aquarium is a Stanley Park landmark. It focuses on sustainability as well as conservation. The aquarium staff is committed to saving marine animals and educates the public about what they do. The Vancouver Aquarium created the OceanWise Sustainable Seafood and Ocean Protection Initiative. Enjoy the penguin antics and watch the jellyfish swim by. 

English Bay

Vancouver's West End is one of Canada's most distinctive neighborhoods. It is the most densely populated neighborhood in Canada. Because it is adjacent to Stanley Park, with the famous Seawall, it is a highly transitional area. It's difficult to tell the locals from the tourists in summer. However, you can wander down Denman Street to find a place for great food and cocktails. You can then head down to English Bay and find a bench. Then, watch Mother Nature put on a show from the sky. 

False Creek

This inlet runs through Vancouver's heart, separating Downtown from the rest. It is famous for boating and walking. Three waterfront walks are available along False Creek. The neighborhood was revitalized, and this walkthrough rehabilitated industrial areas. False Creek is also the ideal spot for water sports enthusiasts. You can rent a kayak and paddle past Yaletown or Granville Island, stopping to have a drink or bite to eat along the way. 

Culture and Customs

Vancouver is home to many diverse groups, which makes it a multicultural city. English and French are the official languages. However, it is possible to hear Spanish, Chinese, Punjabi, and German. 

American travelers will experience the most significant difference between the Canadian dollar and the international metric system. A US dollar is approximately equal to CA$1.34. However, the exchange rate fluctuates, so make sure you check it before you go. It is possible to avoid confusion by becoming familiar with Canadian currency. There are five denominations for coins: $2, $1, $0.50, and $0.25. $0.10, and $0.05. Moreover, Canadian dollar coins are known as "loonies," while two-dollar coins are known as "toonies." There are also five denominations of paper bills: $100, $50, $20, and $10. But, by withdrawing Canadian currency directly from an ATM, you can avoid high exchange fees. 

These differences aside, Americans should feel at home in Vancouver, particularly hockey fans. Vancouver, true to its Canadian stereotype, is hockey-obsessed. The season begins in autumn. Vancouver's home team, the Vancouver Canucks, plays Downtown at Rogers Arena. 

What to Eat  

Vancouver is home to some of the best seafood in Canada. Thanks to its location on the Pacific Coast. Granville Island is the best place to find fish and chips, but Yaletown has something for you. Rodney's Oyster House and Blue Water Cafe are Vancouver's most popular seafood restaurants. You can also find fresh seafood in Steveston Village, British Columbia, about 8 miles from Vancouver. Wild-caught salmon and tuna, halibut, salmon, and other seafood are freshly caught right off the docks. 

Moreover, Vancouver offers a wide range of cuisines from around the world. Vancouver's Chinatown is 2 miles from the city center. You can satisfy your cravings for Indian food at Punjabi Market. Besides, Richmond is known for its best Asian cuisine in North America, located just south of Vancouver. 

Furthermore, Vancouver's coast location provides fresh local ingredients and a beautiful backdrop for many top restaurants. 

Where to Stay  

These are among the top neighborhoods in Vancouver. 

Yaletown

The neighborhood boasts chic boutiques, the best restaurants, and plenty of green space. BC Place is Vancouver's largest soccer and football complex, with mega concert performances. You will find it to the southeast. Tourists and locals alike love the parks along the waterfront. 

Coal Harbour

Coal Harbour, located on Vancouver's north side, is a quiet neighborhood. It is bordered east by Canada Place and to the west by Stanley Park. Moreover, the Vancouver Convention Centre is in Canada Place. The neighborhood's main attraction is its waterfront views, where pedestrians can walk along the shoreline and see Vancouver Harbour from small shops or eat at cafes. 

Granville Island

Granville Island technically is not an island, but it is bordered on three sides by water. You can reach Granville Island via a ferry or bridge across False Creek from the southwest corner of town. Moreover, Granville Island Public Market is a must-see attraction. Here, vendors sell every kind of local food. There are also theaters, waterfront restaurants, galleries, and breweries around the market. 

Chinatown  

Chinatown is a National Historic Site in Canada. The area boasts incredible Chinese restaurants, bakeries, and Asian markets. However, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden is the top attraction. It is a Ming Dynasty-style garden and hosts festivals, concerts, and educational activities. 

Davie Village

Vancouver is home to a diverse and vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Davie Village is a stretch where rainbow-colored flags are flying proudly. The vibrant rainbow crosswalk will let you know you are in the area. It leads to great cafes and restaurants during the day and lively bars and clubs at night. 

Kitsilano

Kitsilano is one of Vancouver's larger neighborhoods. It includes West 4th Avenue, which is a top shopping street in the city. In addition, there is Vancouver's Greektown, Kitsilano Beach, and plenty of green space for bikers and joggers. Kitsilano was once called the Haight-Ashbury in Vancouver. It is home to many vegan restaurants as well as wellness shops. It is also home to the renowned clothing brand Lululemon. 

West End

The West End, which encompasses Davie Village, is the largest neighborhood of the peninsula. It is bordered on the northeast by Stanley Park, Nelson Park, and Robson Square to its southeast. The Vancouver Art Gallery is also in the neighborhood. There are also numerous beaches, Robson Street, and Alberni Streets which are shopping hotspots. Besides, the Stanley Park Seawall, which runs along the neighborhood's west side, is one of the most popular attractions. 

Gastown

Gastown's cobblestone streets are an excellent place for history lovers. Gastown dates back to 1867. It features classic Victorian architecture and restaurants. Gastown's most iconic landmark is an antique clock powered partially by steam. 

How to get around

Walking, biking and public transport are the best ways to explore Vancouver. This compact city is home to many popular attractions and neighborhoods within walking distance. Also, the TransLink system, which includes the SkyTrain, the SeaBus ferry, and many bus routes, is manageable if your feet tire out. 

You can also use the Canada Line rail system to get into the city from Vancouver International Airport. Or you can take a taxi. Taxis from the airport to Downtown are affordable. Many car rental companies are also available if you fly into Seattle-Tacoma Airport. Moreover, many options for shuttles from Sea-Tac take you to Vancouver. The cost of the tickets also varies depending on where you drop them off. 

How to Stay Safe

Vancouver is safe to visit. However, "crimes of Opportunity," like pickpocketing or stealing from unlocked cars, can be a problem. Also, when you're out and about, be extra careful with your valuables. Panhandling is also a common problem in tourist areas. Moreover, it is not unusual to see transients and even drug dealers after darkness falls in the city, especially on the east side.