City Guide : Vancouver - A Girl Next Door

Between the ocean and the mountains, Vancouver is considered one of the most pleasant cities to live in the world.

Although his nickname of Raincover sticks to its skin for its rainy days, the winters there are much milder than in the rest of Canada.

What to do in Vancouver?

· Stanley Park

With its 400 hectares (10% larger than Central Park), this green lung just a few minutes from downtown is the favorite place for Vancouverites.

Several activities are possible there: hikes under its vertiginous trees, horse-drawn carriage rides, visits to the aquarium, souvenir photos in front of the astonishing Siwash Rock or in front of its totems, beaches, walks or rollerblading.

The best of the best: Cycling on the Seawall Walk, a trail that runs around the park along the coastline, for 28 km to reach the city's convention center. You will discover many viewpoints of the city.

Definitely a must-see in Vancouver!

· Gastown

Considered a national historic site, Gastown has become a trendy neighborhood in recent years.

In fact, we are seeing more and more people from the film and video game industries setting up their offices there.

Not to mention its many trendy boutiques, bars and restaurants.

The shopping street is mainly located on Water Street where there are many souvenir and native art shops.

Obligatory passage to the Steam clock : this public clock releases a jet of steam every 15 minutes, and chimes the hours. One of the must-see stops for tourists.

· Chinatown

Obviously in Chinatown, I won't tell you about its many restaurants of all kinds for cheap and quality food.

A highlight of this district: the Chinese garden of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen or called Classical Chinese Garden.

It notably hosts celebrations there during the Chinese New Year.

· Granville Island

Its main place of interest: its covered public market

It also has a large food court offering dishes from all the cuisines of the world. Ideal for having lunch in front of the seaside with a view of the city, to the sound of street artists performances.

And what better way to complement your meal than with a good craft beer? Indeed, Granville has several microbreweries, including the Grandville Island Brewery (link a little further down in the article).

· The Capilano Suspension Bridge

It is one of the most popular attractions near the city.

Located about 15 minutes from the city center, you can cross its 137 meters long, suspended at 70 meters, which moves to the rhythm of the steps of the brave who venture there.

Attention those who are afraid of heights!

It is also possible to stroll along the many paths or even walk on the Cliffwalk, a wooden platform jutting out into the void, 91 metres high.

A shuttle bus serves this place of interest from the city center.

· Canada Place and its marina

A unique national monument, with its 5 white sails, it resembles a boat.

You can take the time to stroll around the marina, along the Waterfront (personally, I loved strolling there in the evening, and seeing the sun set over the Mountains opposite).

Many restaurants overlook the marina for your viewing pleasure.

· English Bay Beach

Vancouver has many beaches, the main ones being:

Sunset Beach, Second Beach, Third Beach, English Bay Beach (most famous for its sunset), Kitsilano Beach etc.

You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to enjoying the white sand during your stay.

Nearby:

Grouse Mountain

20 minutes from Vancouver, you can go there in summer or winter.

In winter: it is a ski resort with some slopes offering breathtaking views of the city

In summer: you can go hiking, ziplining, paragliding, etc.

One of its hiking trails is no less than 2,830 steps, 863 meters of elevation gain over 2.9 km.

· Whistler

Located 2 hours from Vancouver, Whistler is one of Canada's most famous destinations.

If you don't have a car and are doing the day trip (like me), there is a shuttle from downtown Vancouver that drops you off at Whistler Village and picks you up at the end of the day.

Along the way, you will be amazed by incredible views of Route 99 (BC Highway).

Having hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler's ski slopes are considered some of the best in the world.

1st stop upon arrival: the village of Whistler, with panoramic views of its majestic mountains and where many restaurants and souvenir shops are located.

The main activity is to go up to the top of these mountains by cable car. Peak to Peak, which connects the two highest peaks in 11 minutes.

In the gondola, a glass floor offers you another visual dimension.

New attraction: the Sea to Sky, which begins with a 10-minute cable car ride to 885 m above sea level.

From there you have a crazy view of the fjord. Howe Sound, coastal forest and mountains.

And finally another attraction that I had the opportunity to try (and I wasn't proud even though I don't have vertigo): crossing the suspension bridge Cloudracker Skybridge.

130 meters long, suspended in the void, each jolt of wind or vibration of people's footsteps on the footbridge, makes the bridge move. Strong sensations guaranteed!

· Victoria

Capital of British Columbia, it can be reached by ferry from Vancouver or even by seaplane from the marina.

With its English charm and Victorian houses, Victoria is definitely worth a visit.

Inner Harbour, the port, in the heart of the city, hosts many cultural events in the summer.

Victoria is full of many activities to do on site: go on an orca-watching safari, stroll through the Royal BC Museum and its collections on the history of nature and human history or have English tea in its many restaurants.

If you can get there once and have time, don't miss Butchart Gardens, located 30 minutes from the city, with its 22 hectares of floral display gardens. A must-see in the city

Where to eat in Vancouver?

Tojo's

This restaurant ranks among the top ten Japanese restaurants in the world

(outside Japan).

Its leader is none other than the inventor of the California roll, Hidekazu Tojo.

Its price range may be a bit high, but if you want to treat yourself to a culinary treat during your stay, this place is definitely one to put on your To Do list.

Website and menu: tojos.com

Bao Bei

Located in Chinatown, this restaurant, with influences from Taiwan and Shanghai, offers small dishes to share with friends or family.

Site and menu: https://www.bao-bei.ca/

Old Spaghetti Factory

In the heart of the historic Gastown district, this restaurant will delight the taste buds of lovers of Italian cuisine.

It also offers gluten-free menus.

Site and menu: https://oldspaghettifactory.ca/locations/gastown/

The Red Wagon

If you are a fan of brunches, this is the place to go.

A victim of its own success, it is advisable to arrive early however because there is often a long wait.

Site and menu: https://www.redwagoncafe.com/

Chambar

This Belgian restaurant is run by trained chef Nico Schuermans, who has three Michelin stars Michelin Guide. Classics have their place on its remarkable menu, such as mussels, AAA steak and braised lamb shank.

Site and menu: https://www.chambar.com/