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There, you will find giant screens, live music, food trucks, and an atmosphere buzzing with fans from all over the world. And if you wander downtown, you’ll likely find pop-up fan zones around the city with big screens and entertainment set up in various locations. Kayaking at dusk with Deep Cove Kayak offers a unique paddling experience that’s a world apart from your usual daytime dip in the water. Victoria makes an excellent day trip via ferry ride from Tsawwassen to Vancouver Island, though you need to prioritize either Butchart Gardens or Inner Harbour attractions rather than trying to do both. The 95-minute ferry crossing becomes part of the experience, and Victoria’s walkable downtown connects easily from ferry terminals.
If you’d like to add some booze to your tour, there’s also this brunch tour of Gastown that includes a mimosa and other delicious brunch dishes at different spots around Gastown. I do think the Capilano Suspension Bridge is gorgeous BUT only worth it when it’s not busy. Otherwise, the hordes of crowds make it pretty unbearable, and especially considering the hefty price tag, not really all that worth it. Really, getting to appreciate Vancouver during a scenic flight is a perspective like no other, and I highly recommend trying it out if you’re looking to do something special while you’re in town.
- SmartCar will host a fashion show on Friday night at 7 pm, Saturday at 1 and 3 pm, and on Sunday at 1 pm.
- If you want to bring home something that actually represents Vancouver—rather than a mass-produced souvenir from a tourist shop—local artisan goods are the way to go.
- One of my favourite summertime things to do in Vancouver is hanging out in the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood, which is filled to the brim with cool shops, street art, cafes and more.
Cypress Mountain Coaster
With breweries and indie art galleries right around the corner, Song is my “start your night here” spot every time. Vancouver’s culinary scene has been partly shaped by the chefs who call the city home. Whether you check out Vikram Vij’s restaurants or his take-home dishes and cookbooks, or Iron Chef Rob Feenie’s creations at Cactus Club, if you are a foodie and in Vancouver, you should bring some of Vancouver’s food scene home with you! A brand new book you should look out for is from Chef JC Poirier at St. Lawrence Restaurant (this fabulous restaurant was just awarded a Michelin Star). Vancouver has two big chocolate brands, Rogers Chocolates and Purdy’s Chocolates! Purdy’s is my personal favorite and makes a great gift to bring home to your friends and family!
The Road to Bard follows the man who brought Shakespeare to the beach
You can buy smoked salmon in gift shops, grocery stores, Costco, and Duty-Free shops! Purdy’s chocolates started right in downtown Vancouver in 1907 and still maintains a small family ownership model. From scenic waterfronts to historic streets and vibrant markets, there’s plenty to see and do between games. The locals love their murals so much that they even hold a mural festival that celebrates a fresh crop of talented artists, hosts mural tours and online public talks. Before ending the tour, you’ll walk through the historic Gastown district, which adds a touch of culture to your culinary adventure, and visit Cartems – one of the best donut shops in Vancouver. Follow the lamplight of a posh-looking Vancouverite on a haunted walking tour to unveil the spine-tingling, unsolved murders and events.
Tea, Tour & Textiles FREE June 3 (Ages 50+) at Evergreen Arts
I always stop at farm stands when driving through the Okanagan in the summer, filling my trunk with fresh fruit, garlic, and preserves. Luckily, you don’t have to leave the city to find high-quality BC-made jams and syrups. Whether I’m picking up gifts for family members back in Calgary or just treating myself (because let’s be real, I always do), I gravitate towards high-quality, small-batch products. Imagine spending an evening in Vancouver’s historic Gastown neighborhood, where cobblestone streets, vintage lamps, and the iconic steam clock set a charming scene. Now add a dose of cheeky fun with a murder mystery infused with fabulous drag performances. Sign up below for my travel tips, itineraries, and bucket list ideas that will inspire your next adventure.
Indigenous Art & Prints
I always look for books by local authors when I travel, and Vancouver has no shortage of literary talent. If you’re looking for a meaningful gift, a print or small carving is a perfect choice. If you want to bring home something that actually represents Vancouver—rather than a mass-produced souvenir from a tourist shop—local artisan goods are the way to uniquelyvancouvershow.com go. I always bring a bag of local beans when I visit family—it’s a great way to share a piece of the city with them. My name is Kim, and I’m a proud local host in the vibrant city of Vancouver. One of my favorite things to do in Vancouver is to explore its different neighborhoods on foot.
Richmond Night Market: Skip for Better Asian Food
The park’s hillside location means walking involves climbing, but the effort rewards you with vistas and quieter spots away from the main lawn areas. Popular with photographers particularly during cherry blossom season, the park provides countless stunning backdrops. What makes English Bay essential is how it exemplifies Vancouver’s unique urban character—where else can you lounge on a beach with mountains rising across the water while surrounded by a major city’s buildings? The beach bustles year-round but reaches peak energy during summer when the sand fills with sunbathers, the water hosts swimmers and paddleboarders, and the beach volleyball courts see constant play. The festival’s commitment to accessibility includes captioned and audio-described screenings for deaf and blind audiences. Even casual film fans can appreciate VIFF’s documentaries and narrative features that explore diverse human experiences and contemporary issues through cinema’s unique storytelling power.
Supporting Local
Yes, Vancouver is relatively expensive with higher accommodation and dining costs than many North American cities. However, many top attractions are free including the Seawall, beaches, parks, and Lynn Canyon. Budget travelers can save by using public transit, staying outside downtown, and focusing on the numerous free activities available. Mount Seymour caters more toward families and beginners with gentler slopes, but also features backcountry access for experienced adventurers.
This is more than a performance; it’s a journey to the heart of Chinese civilization. Each performance consists of about 20 pieces, quickly moving from one legend, region or dynasty to the next. Themes range from the delicate elegance of Tang court ladies to the battlefield heroics of valiant generals, from the timeless philosophical works of Lao-Tzu to spectacular scenes of magical realms. Some pieces also touch upon the topic of today’s China, shedding light on the oppression many experience for their spiritual beliefs, such as Falun Dafa.
