Top 5 Stops in Vancouver

Ahhhhh Vancouver.  I first went many years ago as the grand finale to an epic road trip that started in New Mexico, wound up through the Pacific Coast Highway, and ended in British Columbia's most populated city.  Vancouver seemed almost incomprehensible to me when I first arrived.  An urban environment surrounded by wild beauty, statuesque mountains, rivers, and islands.   After all of my travels I STILL recall the drive from Vancouver to Whistler one of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen.  Windy mountain highway with some of the most incredible teal lakes along the way.

Here's a quick lowdown of my top five picks that are not to be missed when traveling to the city.

1. Granville Island with breakfast at the Public Market- 

Granville Island (technically a peninsula) lies just across the water from downtown.  Full of art galleries, local crafts, a brewery, etc, its worth a stop.  The public market has amazing food options as well as excellent coffee and crafts.  Be sure to sit outside (weather allowing) for incredible views of the city.  

City views from in front of the Granville Public Market

Granville Island Brewing

Granville Street Art

2. Water Taxi to the Olympic Village-

Just walk out across from the Granville Island Market (in good weather) to catch the water taxi/ferry that will take you across the False Creek where you can easily walk or ride share around the heart of the city.  Check out maps, and prices (runs about $3-$5 depending on your stop) at  https://granvilleislandferries.bc.ca  .

Ferries run frequently and Ryan I got off at the first stop and walked up Burrard Street to the Port of Vancouver.  It took about half an hour uphill, but was a great way to get some exercise and a a feel of downtown.   The port has lovely views of the cruise ships, the Vancouver Harbor and the surrounding mountains. 

3. Gastown-

Gastown is a quick walk from the port, and the oldest part of the city.  It's known for its whistling steam clock, art galleries, shopping, and chic cocktail lounges.  Gastown is an excellent place to grab brunch...especially on a warm sunny day for outdoor seating.  Local Public Eatery was an excellent recommendation given to us by the bartender at Granville Brewing.  I often wish I could go back for their #1 Ahi Tuna Poke Rice Bowl.  Check out their current menu by clicking HERE!  Their "beermosa" with options of OJ, pineapple, guava or grapefruit juice added to a local lager seem to be the popular favorite. 

4. Capilano Suspension Bridge & Grouse Grind-

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is pretty much a MUST experience when in Vancouver.  Although I lived a mile away from it for a short period of time, I have never actually gone, lolz.  I have however, seen enough Insta pics to understand it's incredibly beautiful and an interesting way to see the beauty of the northwest wilderness.  If you happen to be a flight attendant and bring your I.D. you get in free, otherwise it's close to $50.  Tickets can be purchased ahead of time here.  The Bridge offers a free shuttle service from downtown on a first come, first serve basis with times and locations to be found aqui.  Getting from the bridge to Grouse Mountain is a fairly short Uber ride away.

My love of the torturous Grouse Grind is why I never went to the bridge.  For some masochistic reason, I spent most of my free time when living in Vancouver (most likely to balance out the copious amounts of poutine I ate while in the city) hiking this "mother nature's stair master."  The Grind is mountain-side trail with a quick ascent of 2,800 feet in 1.8 miles.  It is recommended that you are physically fit and can work out for 40-60 minutes with your heart range in your target heart rate before attempting.  Find more facts by clicking here.  

The views from the top are some of the most beautiful I've ever seen, and somehow make the intense workout worth the incredible reward.  From the peak you can see the city, river, islands and sound.  The ski lodge at the top offers food and drink and the gondola ride down is lovely as well (make sure to look up times ahead of time so you make the last gondola!). 

A day pass to Grouse Mountain in warmer months also includes lumberjack shows and a grizzly bear habitat. In the winter the mountain offers great skiing and snowboarding.  

        
5. Stanley Park-

A 400 hectare natural west coast RAINFOREST with scenic views of the surrounding water and mountains.  Stanley Park includes a wide range of activities from dining, bike paths, cultural and historic landmarks, botanical gardens, beaches, etc.  Plan out your time there before going by clicking here, or just rent bikes and spend your day pedaling around! 
  

Where to Stay:

I have most often stayed at an airport hotel and taken public transport into the city when visiting.  The airport is close to a very convenient skytrain that will take you into the city for under $10.  More info on ticketing, times and locations here.  

With a quick scan of Airbnb I found this incredibly lovely East Vancouver two level view loft.  If you aren't already signed up with Airbnb, click my code here for a discount!  

The Samesun Hostel is one of the more affordable options the city, it has good reviews, and is a hip 1908 building.  More info here!  If you haven't heard me say it before, I'll say it again.  Hostels are one of the best ways to mingle with, and meet interesting people from all of the world.