If Vancouver is a city that has been on your bucket list, then you definitely won't want to miss out on a visit to this oceanside oasis when you get a chance to visit. With plenty of outdoor activities and sites to see, a weekend trip will definitely be jam packed with stops to make and great food to eat. Here are some of our favorite places you won't want to miss out on:
1) Gastown – This neighbourhood is located right downtown near Chinatown and Granville Island. There are lots of shops, restaurants, bars and coffee houses along Water Street as well as many other interesting places to explore nearby. If you're looking for something more active, check out the seawall which runs parallel to the waterway and offers amazing views of False Creek and English Bay. You can also take advantage of the public transportation system by taking one of the free SkyTrain rides.
2) Stanley Park – Located at the north end of Downtown, Stanley Park is an oasis of green space with hiking trails, beaches, playgrounds, picnic areas and even a zoo. One of the most popular attractions is undoubtedly the Lost Lagoon, which features a sandy beach perfect for swimming and relaxing. During the warmer seasons, visitors will find themselves surrounded by lush greenery and flowers while enjoying their meals al fresco under the shade of large trees. For those who prefer to stay dry, there are several paved paths through the park that lead to various viewpoints offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.
3) Science World & Pacific Centre for Informatics – A short drive away from Downtown lies two fantastic science museums. First up is Science World, featuring over 100 interactive exhibits designed to teach kids ages 4-12 about nature and the world they live in. Highlights include a giant bubble maze, hands-on chemistry lab experiences, a huge play structure and much more. Next door is the Pacific Centre for Informatrics, which focuses on informatics. Visitors can learn how computers work, create their own computer games, design virtual worlds and get creative using Lego bricks. Both institutions offer regular special events such as workshops, birthday parties and family days.
4) Museum of Anthropology – Another museum worth visiting if you love history is the Museum of Anthropology. Its permanent collection includes ancient Egyptian mummies, totem poles, pottery, jewelry, textiles and clothing items used by indigenous Canadians dating back thousands of years. Special exhibitions showcase different cultures and traditions from around the globe.
5) UBC Botanical Garden – Home to the largest university rose garden outside Europe, the UBC Botanical Garden is truly a sight to behold. The beautiful grounds feature nearly 10 acres of themed gardens including Japanese, Mediterranean, Chinese and Victorian terraces. It's open daily until 9pm throughout the year so make sure to bring your camera!
6) Kitsilano Beach – Just west of Downtown lies Kitsilano Beach, home to some great surfing spots and gorgeous oceanfront parks. Popular hangouts here include the Kitsilano Pool, Kitsilano Beach itself and Sunset Beach. Many locals enjoy going for walks or jogging along this scenic stretch of shoreline.
7) Capilano Suspension Bridge – Only 15 minutes' walk from our house lie the banks of the Capilano River. On hot sunny weekends, families flock to these shores to cool off in the river and visit the adjacent amusement park called Capilano Pointe. Make sure to bring your swimsuit and towel though because once it gets dark, the place turns into quite a party spot.
If you're looking to commemorate a recent trip to Vancouver, or you're proud to call this place home, then check out our Vancouver City Map Art Print to add a splash of both modern decor and memorabilia to your walls.
