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Going Places: Destinations |
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Set between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, with a juxtaposition of steel-and-glass towers and old-growth trees reaching toward the sky, Western Canada's largest city mixes urban and outdoor adventures. Without leaving downtown Vancouver, you can hike in the rainforest, explore the region's varied cultures, and dine around the globe.
Lace up your boots. We're diving right in. Read more in Carolyn B. Heller's Guide to Vancouver. |
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This city is built for the adventurous, whether you explore it on foot, bike, or boat. Start here, then head to our guide for plenty more options. |
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Stanley Park and the Seawall: A 1,000-acre urban rainforest nearly 20% larger than Central Park, rimmed by the 17-mile seawall. Go for a perimeter walk or bike ride, or a quiet interior stroll beneath old-growth cedars and Douglas firs. Your choice.
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Granville Island: Food stalls, artisan studios, and waterfront breweries and distilleries on a former industrial peninsula. Kayak or paddleboard to see it from False Creek.
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Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden: A meticulous re-creation of a traditional Chinese garden, built by a team of artisans from China.
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Bill Reid Gallery: Canada's only public gallery devoted to contemporary Indigenous Northwest Coast art.
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Grouse Grind: In North Vancouver, a steep 1.5-mile climb nicknamed "Mother Nature's Stairmaster," with sweeping views as your mountaintop reward.
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The Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh nations have lived in what is now Vancouver for thousands of years, among more than 200 distinct First Nations across British Columbia. Their legacy isn't just historic. Today, Vancouver metro has the third-largest urban Indigenous population in Canada.
Walk through Stanley Park with First Nations-owned Talasay Tours, where guides share stories of early settlement, present-day Indigenous communities, and how forest plants have long been used for food and medicine. Downtown, look for the massive murals Musqueam artist Debra Sparrow created for her Blanketing the City Series, which translate traditional Coast Salish weaving patterns onto landmarks throughout the city. Two museums, the multimedia Chinatown Storytelling Centre and MONOVA (Museum of North Vancouver), fill in more of the region's layered Indigenous, immigrant, and industrial history.
-Carolyn B. Heller, Going contributing writer |
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Dumpling houses, Indigenous-owned eateries, craft breweries, and salmon candy are just a taste of what the city has to offer. Let's just say: Vancouver eats well. |
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Salmon n' Bannock: Indigenous-owned bistro serving bison pot roast, a signature traditional bread, and salmon everything.
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Alexandra Road (aka "Food Street"): Located in nearby Richmond, roughly 70 restaurants packed into three blocks, featuring cuisine from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and across China.
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Richmond Night Market: Open spring through fall, a weekend evening market with food stalls layered in with shopping and entertainment.
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Surrey Spice Trail: More than 75 restaurants and bakeries strong on South Asian cuisine, located about 20 miles from downtown Vancouver.
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Granville Island Public Market: Salmon candy, fresh-baked goods, and local charcuterie in a food-stall setting.
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Yeast Van: Beer-lovers, rise up! Sample your way through the craft beer hub of East Van, including Strange Fellows Brewing, 33 Acres Brewing, Brassneck Brewery, and Parallel 49.
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The biggest sale of the year ends soon. |
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Vancouver is just the beginning. Some of the region's best views and bites are barely outside the city limits. |
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Deep Cove (20-30 min drive): Hike Quarry Rock trail (2.5 miles) for views over the Indian Arm fjord, or rent a kayak and see it from the water. If you don't hit Dip Co. for a focaccia sandwich and Honey's for a maple doughnut (or three), you're doing it wrong.
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Squamish (45 min drive): Up the Sea-to-Sky Highway, with rock climbing, a gondola over Howe Sound, the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, and hiking at Shannon Falls (easy) and the Squamish Chief (difficult).
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Whistler (1.5-2 hr drive): Hike, bike, or ski the alpine terrain, ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, unwind at the outdoor Scandinave Spa, and enjoy the après nightlife.
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Vancouver Island (1.5-2 hr drive): Home to British Columbia's provincial capital, Victoria. Wander the Inner Harbour, snap a pic of the Empress Hotel, and stop in at century-old Butchart Gardens. Got extra time? Head straight for surf town Tofino.
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Bowen Island (30 min drive + 20 min ferry): Cross Howe Sound to Snug Cove, where you can duck into cafes and shops right at the dock.
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Interested in a trip to Vancouver? Premium and Elite members get alerts for specific trip destinations and dates in the Going app. |
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