A cultural guide to Vancouver

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.

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 such as Deadpool. Other popular locations include Vancouver Art Gallery (Night at the Museum and X-Men: The Last Stand) and University of British Columbia (Tomorrowland, Riverdale, and Fringe).