I like Vancouver. Being one of the most livable cities in the world – It’s known for its fresh air, beautiful parks, friendly people, clean streets, and safe environment. Some might think it lacks an iconic landmark or attraction that makes it on a traveler’s bucket list; Some even nicknamed the city “No Fun City” or “Nofuncouver”, because the locals like hanging out in their cliques and having house parties, and the city does not have a vibrant social scene or nightlife. However, I found the city’s charm draws me in and once you are there, you would agree. Here, I am offering a 4-day itinerary of exploring some popular sights and attractions for you to have a good taste and a glimpse of the Lotus Land. 🙂
Day 1: Capilano
Capilano Suspension Bridge is the world’s longest (140m) and highest (70m) pedestrian suspension bridge, crossing the Capilano River in the District of North Vancouver. Since 1889 visitors from every country on earth have come to Capilano Suspension Bridge to take in its swaying views and hang on to its steel cables. Celebrities, dignitaries, and icons have wobbled their way across its 140 meters. It has raised the heart rate of such notables as Bruce Springsteen, Margaret Thatcher, Walter Cronkite, Marilyn Monroe, and the King of Yugoslavia. The bridge is not a functioning passage, but a tourist attraction that offers stunning views of the Capilano Canyon.
Join a Guided Tour to explore the place. History tours start every hour, and Nature tours depart every hour on the half-hour from the deck on the rainforest side of the suspension bridge. The guided tour allows you to gain a deeper understanding of this temperature West Coast rainforest ecosystem. A temperate rainforest is an important place for diverse plants and animals, but also for people. The rainforest gives people clean air to breathe, space for recreation, and a place to renew their creative energy. Artists, writers, and musicians have drawn inspiration from the rainforest for thousands of years. Legends and myths of cultures around the world tell of spirits and supernatural beings that live deep in the forest.
Capilano Bridge Park – Tree Top Walk
Treetops Adventure begins at the Treehouse and continues on seven suspension bridges through magnificent old-growth Douglas-firs, followed by a tranquil walk along the edge of the rainforest with richly framed views of the Capilano River. While on Nature’s Edge boardwalk, see the remains of the 46-ton tree that fell onto the bridge during a spectacular winter storm in 2006. The tree snapped in half, but the bridge held firm.
Cliffwalk has suspended walkways along with sheer granite cliff faces that offer stunning canyon views on this heart-stopping cliff-side journey.
Cliffwalk has suspended walkways along with sheer granite cliff faces that offer stunning canyon views on this heart-stopping cliff-side journey. The six steel pieces that make up the U-shaped Bridge were fabricated to fit together so precisely that the margin of error was less than four to five millimeters. The whole construction team worked, suspended on a rope, 91 meters above the Capilano River to install Cliffwalk along the granite cliffs. Lastly, the Canyon Lookout is located behind the Trading Post, offering views of the bridge, canyon, and Cliffwalk.
Asian Food scene in Vancouver
A local Korean restaurant in Vancouver and it has quite a crowded outside the restaurant.
Vancouver has a vibrant mix of immigrants from all over the world and so don’t be surprised you see people of different ethnic and cultural background are gathering in groups, and they are actually locals. While some of them call Vancouver home and some are only staying here in short term, the strong multi-cultural influence has resulted an exciting food scene as we all know that food is always one of the best things to connect people. The city has many restaurants, and the Asian food are absolutely delicious, from Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Taiwanese, Thai… and many more!
A Lobster E-Fu noodle dish in a Chinese restaurant that it could be rarely found even in Hong Kong these days.
In particular, many head chefs from Hong Kong moved to Vancouver during the 80s and they opened a restaurant here in Vancouver, continuing on their legacy and talent in a new country. Today, many of these Canton-style restaurants serve dim sum or Cantonese home-cook dishes that may not be seen anymore in Hong Kong!
The Hong Kong-style tea restaurant and cafes have expanded their territories and they can mainly be found in Richmond or Burnaby. If you are from Asia, check out these Asian restaurant and judge by yourself, how much their dishes taste like home?
California Roll was invented in where?
Another fun fact that you may not be aware of, is that the world-famous California Roll was actually “invented” in Vancouver? Japanese-born chef Hidekazu Tojo claimed that he created this roll at his restaurant in the late 1970s. What’s so special about this sushi is that it’s the first “inside-out” sushi, and it’s named California roll because it has “new” ingredients like crab meat, and avocado. It has become so popular that it’s a sensation around the western world! Some of the best places to taste the roll: Niku, and Sushi By Yuji.
Marley & me. A beautiful autumn day at the park @ Trout Lake #dog #autumn #foliage #sun
Day 2: Granville Island & Gastown
Granville Island was once the heart of Vancouver’s industrial harbor, a crowded mass of sawmills, factories, boast works, & more. By the mid-1970s, however, the industry was largely gone, and the island was in a dilapidated state. Though many were skeptical, plans for a public market, restaurants, & artist studios were drawn up, and a revitalized Granville Island opened its doors in 1979. Today, Granville Island is one of the cultural hubs of the city. The Public Market, Arts Club, Edible Canada, Maritime Market, Boatyard, Net Loft, Glass Blower, Breweries, Distillery, theatres, pond, and park. The island has a great number of places to explore!
It is the most adorable transportation that I have seen. The False Creek Ferries are “little blue ferries” that serve nine destinations year-round, with routes stretching from Granville Island to the West End, Kitsilano Beach, Yaletown, Fairview Slopes & the Olympic Village. The operations of False Creek Ferries started out small in 1982, but eventually gained traction for the idea of ferry service on the creek. At that time, False Creek was an industrial wasteland, where smoke billowed from factories, and tugboats piled the waters towing barges and log booms. As more people moved to the area, however, and Vancouver hosted EXPO-86, both the creek and its fledgling ferry service began to flourish. Today, False Creek has been transformed into an example of a good urban form, where people live, work, and play.
Now, the little blue ferries have become both a complement to transit in Vancouver and a great sightseeing experience as well; the ferries have become the city’s icon, instantly recognized by locals and visitors alike. A single trip costs range from #3.5 to $6, but the locals enjoy a much bigger discount with a 1-month, 3-month, or one-year pass.
Granville Island Public Market
The Public Market is a wonderful gem in the city. there are so many stores, vendors and everything else – from fresh food, bakery, home products, design items, souvenir, and more. Some particular stores that I saw are a vendor that sells bird houses, rainbow cake bakeries, aroma products… and the food court has a lot of great options that will for sure make your heart content.
There are over 50 vendors in the markets and simply grab a coffee from Petit Ami, a donut at Lee’s Donuts, a bagel at Siegel’s Bagels, Celine’s Fish and Chips, and then a Sausage at the Oyama Company! But hey, don’t take it from me and try for yorselves. There are so many great bakeries in the market after all and each has their own character and niche, like A Bread Affair, A La Mode Pie Cafe, Benton Brothers Fine Cheese, Stuart’s Bakery…
Science World, formally Science World at Telus World of Science, is a science center run by a not-for-profit organization in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Gastown has a lot of history because it is where the city of Vancouver started. Many offices and factories were built over a hundred years ago and stand to this day. The buildings showcase Edwardian Commercial architecture featuring irregular form, octagonal columns, parallelogram massing, stepped parapets, and decorative precast concrete sills. In 1960, citizens rallied and convinced provincial and federal governments to declare Gastown a historical site, protecting its buildings to this day, and into the future. Over the years the area has housed numerous businesses including the Purple Onion nightclub and Koolhaus Design warehouse. Today, the buildings in Gastown are refurbished and have become a trendy neighborhood with souvenir stores, restaurants, and clubs.
Gastown’s Steam Clock is probably the most well-known for being one of the most disappointing attractions in the world! However, the Steam Clock is actually quite impressive. This is the world’s first steam-powered clock created for the enjoyment of everyone. Live steam winds the weights and blows the whistles. Every 45 minutes one steel weight will travel by steam power to the top of the clock. The Gravity has driven a “falling ball” drive that was engineered by Douglas L. Smith. Each quarter-hour the clock will sound the Westminster chimes. The large whistle will sound once every hour. The steam is supplied by the underground system of Central Heat Distributors Limited. The component parts cost $42,000 and the clock weighs over two tons.
If you have time to explore the rest of the city, hop on a Hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus and travel around the city. Places of interest include Vancouver Lookout, Vancouver Art Gallery, Sea to Sky Gondola, Flyover Canada, Vancouver Aquarium, Grouse Mountain, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Vancouver Maritime Museum, Sea Vancouver Waterfront Sightseeing Adventure, to Museum of Vancouver!
Take the sightseeing to the next level by whisking skyward to an observation deck offering 360-degree views. Tickets are valid all day so be sure to visit and come back to watch the sunset!Robson Street is a major southeast-northwest thoroughfare in downtown and the West End of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Its core commercial blocks from Burrard Street to Jervis were also known as Robsonstrasse.For a modern-day example of the industry, head to Fisherman’s Wharf and see the daily catch, sustainably caught straight from the Pacific Ocean.
Day 3: Stanley Park
The sprawling Stanley Park is one of the biggest urban parks in the world, and one of the best. The Seawall of Stanley Park is an icon. The waterfront offers walking and cycling lanes along the seaside. It is also a great way to view the dramatic Vancouver skyline. The seawall is currently under restoration. Starting in March 2018 the Vancouver Park Board began rehabilitating sections of the Stanley Park seawall. The project will include filling holes, replacing the stone, stabilizing foundations, and installing material to protect against water erosion between Brockton Point and Sunset Beach. The walking trail begins at the entrance of the Lost Lagoon and connects to a number of attractions in the park.
The Lions Gate Bridge, which opened in 1938, is officially known as the First Narrows Bridge, is a suspension bridge that crosses the first narrows of Burrard Inlet and connects the City of Vancouver
One of my favorite attractions in Stanley Park is the Totem Poles. They are replicas on display but celebrate the rich and profound history and culture of the natives in Canada.
Thunderbird House Post
Carved House Posts are used in traditional First Nations cedar houses to support huge roof beams. The pole in Stanley Park is a replica of the house post carved by Kwakwaka’wakw artist Charlie James in the early 1900s. Tony Hunt carved this replica in 1987 to replace the older pole now in the Vancouver Museum. James experimented with colors and techniques creating a bold new style that has influenced generations of artists including his stepson Mungo Martin and granddaughter Ellen Neel. A pole by Ellen Neelstands to the left.
Ga’akstalas
Ga’akstalas, carved by Wayne Alfred and Beau Dick in 1991, is based on a design by Russell Smith. The pole depicts many important figures in Kwakwaka’wakw culture. Red Cedar-bark Man is an ancestor who survived the great flood and gave the people the first canoe. The hero Siwidi, shown riding a killer whale, was taken under the sea to the home of the SeaWorld’s chief and brought back the right to use all of the sea-kingdom masks. The giantess Dzunukwa sits at the base of the pole, symbolizing her central role in bringing magic and wealth to her people.
S.S. Empress of Japan Figurehead Replica. Does it remind you of the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen?
Chief Skedans Mortuary Pole
An older version of the pole was raised in the Haida village of Skidegate in about 1870. It honors the Raven Chief of Skedans and depicts the chief’s hereditary crests. The two tiny figures in the bear’s ears are the chief’s daughter and son-in-law who erected the pole and gave a potlatch for the chief’s memorials. The rectangular board at the top of the original pole covered a cavity that held the chief’s remains. Haida artist Bill Reid with assistant Werner True carved this new pole in 1964. Don Yeomans recarved the top moon face in 1998.
Sky Chief Pole
Hesquiat artist Tim Paul and Ditidaht artist Art Thompson carved this pole in 1988 to represent important characters in Nuu-chah-nulth history.
Kwkaso’Las
Kwakwaka’wakw carver Ellen Neel and her uncle Mungo Martin were among the first artists to achieve wide recognition for their totem poles commissioned by museums, cities, and art collectors. Neel was also the first woman to become a Northwest Coast carver. This pole was completed in 1955 for Woodward’s Department Store. In memory of Neel’s pioneering role in reaching an international audience through her art, the University of British Columbia Museum of Anthropology has loaned this pole to Stanley Park.
Chief Wakas Pole
In Kwakwaka’wakw ceremonies, carved staffs called talking sticks are held by people making important speeches on behalf of a chief. This pole represents the talking stick and characters in an Owikeno story belonging to Chief Wakas. The original pole was raised in front of Chief Wakas’ house in Alert Bay in the 1890s. The raven’s beak opened to form a ceremonial entrance to the house, while the raven’s body was painted on the house front. Nimpkish artist Doug Cranmer, who has inherited Chief Wakas’ crests carved this new pole in 1987.
Oscar Maltipi Pole
First nations origin stories tell of the animals and supernatural beings who helped found family lineages. These stories are celebrated in songs, dances, and totem pole carvings. Kwakwaka’wakw artist Oscar Maltipi carved this pole in 1968. Originally from Turnour Island, Maltipi trained at the Royal B.C. Museum under artist and teacher Henry Hunt.
Beaver Crest Pole
Carved in 1987 by Nisga’a artist Norman tatt along with his son Isaac. Brother Robert, and nephew Ron Telek, this pole depicts how the Tait family’s Eagle clan adopted the beaver as their crest, and how the eagle and raven met and shared the sky.
Move on and explore the rest of the scenic and tourist spots including Vancouver Aquarium, Brockton Point Lighthouse, Prospect Point, Lion Gate Bridge, Siwash Rock, Second Beach, and Third Beach.
From historic masterpieces to modern compositions, Art Makes Us Discover. Step into a world of art with contemporary and historic exhibitions featuring Canadian and international artists.
The breakfast and pancakes!
Jam Café is an all-day breakfast and lunch cafe located in both Victoria, B.C. and Vancouver. The restaurant is cozy, warm, and a farmhouse decor that reminds me much of an American-style breakfast place that I always love. have a cup of freshly brew coffee, and I can’t ever say no for warm french toast, waffle or pancakes. On top of these comfort dishes, try their baked omelette that’s quite unique on their menu. It’s a delicious brunch spot among locals so don’t be surprised if you see a long queue outside the small cafe early in the morning right after they open. It’s a wonderful place to hang out and enjoy a great time with your friends and family. 🙂 – Other places to have a great breakfast in town: head to Yolks and The Red Wagon.
Day 4: Vancouver Seaplane and Whistler
Before heading to the North, we jumped on a seaplane and it is one of Canada’s most authentic west coast experiences! Experience Vancouver from above on an exhilarating tour.
Take off in a seaplane from Coal Harbour and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city’s soaring skyscrapers, and beautiful North Shore mountains. It is one of the best experiences that I had in Vancouver and the city’s skyline is just… so beautiful. Why? Because it has a combination of modern development, mountains, and water. I love the city’s development and design where I can easily distinguish and identify where and what I am seeing.
The tours show off the best of Vancouver. An incredible way to see where the city, the water, and the mountains meet. I recommend the Class Panorama (20-min flight) and it’s been the guest’s favorite. This quintessential Vancouver tour offers spectacular aerial views of the city’s busy downtown skyline and iconic landmarks including Stanley Park, English Bay, the Lions Gate Bridge, and the North Shore Mountains. The planes depart bustling Vancouver harbor and the aerial view of the entire area is truly one-of-a-kind. Don’t forget to make a reservation to secure your seats!
Hopped on one of these seaplanes today, and now I could officially tell you that I have seen the entire Vancouver, literally. #ihaveseenitall #vancouver #seaplaneThe Lions Gate Bridge, which opened in 1938, and is officially known as the First Narrows Bridge, is a suspension bridge that crosses the first narrows of Burrard Inlet and connects the City of Vancouver. If you wonder, this bridge is also featured in a movie: Final Destination 5
Whistler is the best Vancouver getaway. Located in the North of the city, whistler hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics. The resort village offers a wide range of shops, restaurants, sports, and skiing facilities. If you are there at another time of the year, explore nature and walk the many hiking trails in the area.
A lesser-known walking trail is the Whistler Train Wreck. To get there, follow the trail at the side of Jane Lakes Road past the Sea to Sky Trail sign and into the forest. The majority of the trail to the Whistler Train Wreck site is easy, with a very short steep downhill near the suspension bridge but easy enough for all ages. The trail meanders along the gravel path through the lush forest.
At a junction, go right following the signs to the Train Wreck and pass the skis on the tree. This section of the trail has a lot of tree roots along the path, so be careful to watch your step. As the trail begins to slowly descend, the Cheakamus River comes into view between the trees. Continue down a short steep section before the trail veers right to the suspension bridge crossing the Cheakamus River.
Enjoy the view of the rushing water in the canyon below as you cross the bridge. The suspension bridge was built in the summer of 2016 in response to people hiking to the train wreck along active train tracks by illegally trespassing on the railroad’s property. The suspension bridge connects trails on the east and west sides of the Cheakamus River. After crossing the suspension bridge, walk the short distance up the hill and you’re in the middle of the train wreck site, with box cars on both sides of you. Take your time walking around and checking out the wreck and the ramps that have been built for mountain bikers.
There are 2 additional boxcars that many hikers miss that are a few minutes further south (downstream direction) from the group of boxcars. The entire Train Wreck site consists of 7 boxcars, all of which have been painted over the years and have become a popular tourist attraction.
After enjoying the area, cross back over the suspension bridge and go right, following the trail up the steep section and back to the junction. Go left at the junction and walk the short distance back to the road where you parked.
Richmond Night Market
There are many markets in Vanvouver and Richmond market is one of my favourites because of it’s food and variety. It reminds me so much of the night markets in Bangkok as it has quite a lot of interesting designer products to offer. If you need some stickers for your laptop, some new socks to go with your new outfit, or some sweet home products as a gift for your friend’s birthday party. This is the place to try your luck. There are several street food vendors in the market and some gaming stalls – which is perfect for a fun day out with your baby brothers and sisters, and your youngster friends.
It is the most adorable transportation that I have seen. The False Creek Ferries are “little blue ferries” that serve nine destinations year-round, with routes stretching from Granville Island to the West End, Kitsilano Beach, Yaletown, Fairview Slopes & the Olympic Village. The operations of False Creek Ferries started out small in 1982, but eventually gained traction for the idea of ferry service on the creek. At that time, False Creek was an industrial wasteland, where smoke billowed from factories, and tugboats piled the waters towing barges and log booms. As more people moved to the area, however, and Vancouver hosted EXPO-86, both the creek and its fledgling ferry service began to flourish. Today, False Creek has been transformed into an example of a good urban form, where people live, work, and play.The Public Market is a wonderful gem in the city. there are so many stores, vendors and everything else – from fresh food, bakery, home products, design items, souvenir, and more. Some particular stores that I saw are a vendor that sells bird houses, rainbow cake bakeries, aroma products… and the food court has a lot of great options that will for sure make your heart content.
The sprawling Stanley Park is one of the biggest urban parks in the world, and one of the best. The Seawall of Stanley Park is an icon. The waterfront offers walking and cycling lanes along the seaside. It is also a great way to view the dramatic Vancouver skyline. The seawall is currently under restoration. Starting in March 2018 the Vancouver Park Board began rehabilitating sections of the Stanley Park seawall. The project will include filling holes, replacing the stone, stabilizing foundations, and installing material to protect against water erosion between Brockton Point and Sunset Beach. The walking trail begins at the entrance of the Lost Lagoon and connects to a number of attractions in the park. 
Jam Café is an all-day breakfast and lunch cafe located in both Victoria, B.C. and Vancouver. The restaurant is cozy, warm, and a farmhouse decor that reminds me much of an American-style breakfast place that I always love. have a cup of freshly brew coffee, and I can’t ever say no for warm french toast, waffle or pancakes. On top of these comfort dishes, try their baked omelette that’s quite unique on their menu. It’s a delicious brunch spot among locals so don’t be surprised if you see a long queue outside the small cafe early in the morning right after they open. It’s a wonderful place to hang out and enjoy a great time with your friends and family. 🙂 – Other places to have a great breakfast in town: head to Yolks and The Red Wagon.
Before heading to the North, we jumped on a seaplane and it is one of Canada’s most authentic west coast experiences! Experience Vancouver from above on an exhilarating tour. 
At a junction, go right following the signs to the Train Wreck and pass the skis on the tree. This section of the trail has a lot of tree roots along the path, so be careful to watch your step. As the trail begins to slowly descend, the Cheakamus River comes into view between the trees. Continue down a short steep section before the trail veers right to the suspension bridge crossing the Cheakamus River.
There are many markets in Vanvouver and Richmond market is one of my favourites because of it’s food and variety. It reminds me so much of the night markets in Bangkok as it has quite a lot of interesting designer products to offer. If you need some stickers for your laptop, some new socks to go with your new outfit, or some sweet home products as a gift for your friend’s birthday party. This is the place to try your luck. There are several street food vendors in the market and some gaming stalls – which is perfect for a fun day out with your baby brothers and sisters, and your youngster friends.
Vancouver seems to be a very beautiful place. My bestfriends migrated to Canada, and theyve been here. hope to meet them here again one day. <3
It is a beautiful place and I hope you will enjoy and like Vancouver as much as I do! ☺️
i have always wanted to visit Whistler. your photos are STUNNING!!!! these photos make me even more desperate to visit.
Thanks and I am glad that you like the posts and the photos. Please let us know what do you think after visiting there.