A cultural guide to Vancouver
A flourishing First Nations art scene, some of North America’s finest Asian cuisine, and a gorgeous coastal-mountain setting? It could only be Vancouver
Your essential guide to the best things to see and do in Vancouver. Find more travel inspiration for more amazing cities here.
Nestled between snow-capped mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the glistening coastal city of Vancouver deserves its reputation for being breathtakingly beautiful and thrillingly cosmopolitan. Its roots stretch back to long before a trading post was set up by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1827; back to when the area was inhabited by Indigenous peoples. European settlers and American gold-rush miners followed in the mid-19th century, with Chinese settlers arriving in the 1880s (the city’s Chinese presence remains strong: Chinese Canadians make up 20% of its population).
Now, thanks to these diverse influences, Vancouver offers a thriving foodie scene, plenty of cultural attractions, and laid-back outdoor living, all in a friendly, compact setting that’s easy to navigate. No wonder it’s frequently voted one of the best places to live on earth.
Art & architecture
A city of high-rises, but few skyscrapers (only a handful reach the specified height of 490 feet), Vancouver has a spectacular skyline. Its cultural credentials can be seen the moment you touch down at the airport, which is home to one of the world’s largest collections of Indigenous art (to learn more about the city’s First Nations, consider Talaysay Tours). Explore further at the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art or discover the works of celebrated local artist Emily Carr at the Vancouver Art Gallery (get your skip-the-line tickets here). Set in a 1906 courthouse, the venue also welcomes big-name visiting exhibitions. For contemporary art, head to The Polygon Gallery in North Vancouver.
But don’t spend all your time indoors. The Seawall serves as the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path. Hike or rent a bike to explore its 17 miles of bayfront pathways that wind through Stanley Park, past Olympic Village, Granville Island, Kitsilano Beach and other points of interest. Also not to be missed, about 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, is Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. The lush surrounds include the park’s namesake bridge spanning a breathtaking river canyon, plus rainforest ziplining, the cantilevered Cliffwalk walkway, and a meet-the-raptors conservation program.
Expert tips
The essentials
Fly into Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The Canadian SkyTrain link connects both the International and Domestic Terminals to Downtown Vancouver in about 30 minutes; rideshare journeys take 20 minutes. A tip of 15%–20% is expected in bars and restaurants.
Getting around
SkyTrain connects the city with the Expo Line and the Millennium Line, while the Canadian Line connects Vancouver International Airport and Downtown. Lines run until late at night seven days a week. The SkyTrain and TransLink bus can be paid by contactless card, mobile pay, Compass Ticket, or Compass Card, a reloadable fare pass. If only traveling for the day, single-fare tickets or a day pass can be purchased. To explore Vancouver with the public bike-share system, find docking stations across the city or through the mobile app.
Accessibility
Vancouver is one of the most accessible cities in the world. All Translink public transport, including bus and SkyTrain services, are wheelchair accessible. Sidewalks have sloping curbs and many crosswalks are equipped with audible signals. Stanley Park has paved walkways for easy access to Lost Lagoon and the Seawall. The Vancouver Art Gallery offers audio tours for visually impaired guests.
LGBTQ+
Vancouver Pride Festival takes place in the first week of August, and features several days of performances, exhibitions, screenings and events. Davie Village in the West End is a thriving LGBTQ+ neighborhood, with bars, restaurants and LGBTQ+ friendly spaces.
Food & drink
Vancouver’s vibrant multicultural community ignites its dining scene, with incredible Asian cuisine, mouthwatering seafood, and Michelin-starred restaurants all on offer. Brunch is very popular here, especially at Jam Cafe and Sophie’s Cosmic Cafe. Sushi is also a big deal with more than 600 restaurants on offer, including Kishimoto, Tojo’s and Toshi Sushi. Main Street is a great foodie destination with vegetarian and vegan restaurants like The Acorn. For high-end dining, try Fable Kitchen, AnnaLena and Published on Main. It’s boom time for microbreweries in Vancouver with more than 40 offering experimental styles and flavors. Notable names include Parallel 49 and 33 Acres. For a caffeine hit, try one of the many micro roasters in town such as Nemesis, Matchstick and Foglifter Coffee Roasters.
Music
A major hub in Canada’s music scene, Vancouver hosts large bands at venues such as BC Place Stadium and Rogers Arena. Indie, rock, pop and country are popular in the city, with up-and-coming acts playing at bars including the Vogue Theatre and Biltmore Cabaret.
Watch before you go
Nicknamed “Hollywood North,” Vancouver’s mild climate, modern architecture and picturesque setting have made it a popular choice for film crews. Ryan Reynolds often returns to shoot in his hometown, with areas such as Chinatown used as a backdrop for blockbusters like Deadpool. Other popular locations include Vancouver Art Gallery (Night at the Museum and X-Men: The Last Stand) and the University of British Columbia (Tomorrowland, Riverdale and Fringe).
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With a laid-back vibe and tree-lined streets, former hippie hangout Kitsilano is family friendly, geared around the beach and a 450-foot-long outdoor pool. Find tennis courts, restaurants and shopping on West 4th Avenue.
Mount Pleasant and nearby Riley Park are known for their hipster-friendly bars, breweries and shops, and the Nat Bailey baseball stadium. Nearby Queen Elizabeth Park offers incredible skyline views and mini golf, and look out for the many murals (celebrated at the annual Vancouver Mural Festival in August).
Find converted warehouse buildings and a wide range of shopping, restaurants and bars in Yaletown, close to David Lam Park and the seawall. Within walking distance is Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood, Gastown; head there for an alternative look at the city’s history with a Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tour.
Alex Gorton is a freelance writer, as well as the former travel editor of Condé Nast Brides. She has visited countries all over the globe, from Chile to Namibia, and lived in France, Canada, and the U.S.
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