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If you’re a Bangkok first-timer, this is your invitation to explore a city teeming with life, flavour and history.
Vacaying in Vancouver? Tucked in between towering mountains and the calm beaches of the Pacific Ocean, this Canadian city offers the best of both worlds complete with luxurious dining, extensive art scenes, and of course, enough shopping to boost your spend-orphins.
First time travellers, keep reading for all the must-see, eat and do stops to add to the itinerary before jetting off.
Sightseeing sprees
The mandatory activity required when visiting any city for the first time is a sightseeing spree! Set off at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, where a 140m bridge sits 70m above the Capilano River below, creating an awesome adrenaline-fueled stroll for visitors.
After you’ve soaked in the natural beauty of Capilano Park, head over to Lions Gate Bridge offering prime real estate for sunset views over Burrard Inlet. Whether you're strolling, biking, or driving, this 473m long suspension bridge is a great way to admire the city panorama from a central location.
On the other side of Lions Gate Bridge, find Spanish Banks, a beach haven for picnicking, swimming, beach volleyball and photo ops of the Seymour, Grouse and Cypress mountains beyond the bay.
If visiting in winter, brave the cold to head out late at night and catch the northern lights from the beach, perfect for those wanting fairy tale moments with their loved ones. Searching for more romance on your getaway? Bookmark our 10 best honeymoon destinations to read later with your loved one.
You can't head on a sightseeing tour without saying hi to the locals! Head over to Vancouver Island for your best shot at getting a glimpse of black bears and Grizzly bears outside of the walls of a zoo. Jump into a boat to float along the island's rivers and inlets to spot bears in the wild, eating, and hunting along the water's edge. Looking to embrace more of your inner David Attenborough? Have a read of some of the most amazing wildlife encounters around the world.
Daytrip diversions
Vancouver’s urban charm is undeniable, but it would be a shame to visit Canada without taking a walk on the wild side. Ditch the city streets for peaceful walking trails, cascading waterfalls and striking mountain peaks.
If you’re travelling over the warmer months, round up your crew, pack some snacks and hit the road for the one-hour drive to Squamish. The district municipality of Squamish is within the traditional territory of the Squamish Nation. In the district municipality of Squamish, there is a community of Indigenous Squamish people in several village sites that have been inhabited for thousands of years. Find world-class walking trails, rock climbing parks, water sports on Howe Sound, and even an exhilarating Sea to Sky Gondola offering a bird’s-eye view of the area.
Are you a winter wanderer? Whistler is calling with a snowy embrace just one-and-a-half-hour drive away. If skiing and snowboarding aren’t for you, try your hand at snowshoeing, tobogganing, or ice skating to join the frosty fun. Winter isn't your travel time of choice? Not to worry, Whistler bursts with greenery throughout the sunny seasons with hikes and mountain bike tracks waiting to be wandered and conquered in between coffees enjoyed with mountain views.
Want to add more snowy stops to your winter bucket list? Check out our favourite 5 magical places to immerse yourself in a white Christmas.
Artsy adventures
For the creative connoisseurs, head downtown to find the Vancouver Art Gallery. Stroll through a treasure trove of historical and contemporary artworks, showcasing the talents of local artists and creators all around the world. Learn about British Columbian history and experience a diverse range of cultural displays supporting Indigenous artists of the region.
If one art gallery is simply not satisfying your culture cravings, trot over to Mount Pleasant, an urban Vancouver neighbourhood acting as a labyrinth of galleries and studios all within walking distance of each other – an artistic tourist’s dream.
Taste trails
After filling up on fun, chow down on some of Canada’s favourite bites such as the classic poutine, candied or smoked salmon, and West Coast oysters farmed from the pristine waters of Vancouver Island’s Deep Bay area.
Treat your tastebuds at Maxine’s Café & Bar to dig into their smashed burgers and indulge in an inventive cocktail list that’ll have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds). We recommend booking a table to avoid the lines and crowds on busy nights.
For a taste of haute cuisine, elevate your dining experience at the MICHELIN Star rated St Lawrence Restaurant; where traditional French and contemporary Québécois cuisine collide.
If you feel like some Asian cuisine, look no further than Chinatown. Vancouver is home to the largest historical Chinatown in Canada and the third largest in North America so you know the food will be good.
If you can’t choose between the delectable dinner options, make a beeline for Gastown and indulge in an array of local delicacies with a walking food tour in the trendiest food and drink neighbourhood of the city.
Shopping scenes
Shopaholics, we didn’t forget about you! Get your shopping fix at Vancouver’s vibrant Robson Street to head straight to the heart of retail therapy, with stores of all kinds from high-end international fashion labels to quirky local businesses lining the bustling sidewalks. If in need of a mid-shop refuel, stop along the way for freshly brewed coffee from charming cafes and pick up authentic street food to bite while you browse.
Are you an eco-conscious traveller? Embrace the circular shopping ethos by heading over to South Main Street, an area in abundance of antique shops and vintage thrifting. Pick up one of a kind finds to take home as mementos for friends and fam as a more meaningful (and environmentally friendly) alternative to souvenir gimmicks.
Don't forget to add the Public Market on Granville Island to do your to do list. Home to locally made, handcrafted products, the indoor market features a fascinating assortment of colourful food, produce stores and farmers stalls, all fresh from the ocean, the oven or the field.
Top tips for first time visitors
- Vancouver is a walkable city so, if staying downtown, you may be able to get to most places on foot and save some budget for other parts of your holiday.
- If you're staying outside of the inner-city area, Vancouver's TransLink is incredibly efficient and accessible for travellers with it being the most extensive public transport system in Canada.
- Credit cards and international cards are accepted almost everywhere, with some shops and venues no longer accepting cash.
- If Vancouver is only stop one on your Canada crawl, take a glimpse at our highlights of Victoria, British Columbia to consider for your next destination.
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