Our Vancouver Guide - Sites in the City
From a milder climate to the rest of Canada, to a high-quality standard of living. Vancouver is a city that seems to have it all. Lifestyle's that ranges from bustling-city scene to mother natures serene landscape, only hours away from each other. Some locals call it Raincouver while experts in the motion-pictures sector refer to it as Hollywood North for it's increase in movie & television filming sites such as Flash, Deadpool, and Riverdale. A city perfectly situated beside the Burrard Inlet and the Canadian Rocky Mountains not only provides naturally-diverse wildlife and renowned attractions, but has a city skyline unlike anywhere in the world. Our guide will take you through the cities sites that connect you with family activities, nature's beauty, and the warm people of Vancouver.
Granville Island
Crates of fresh strawberries, artisan craftsmanship, and many different types of entertainment for everyone now occupy the once very industrial island for Vancouver. This destination offers endless choices from it's Public Market to chic restaurant eats, along with a Kids Market and parks which make it a perfect family oriented site. For those interested in activities geared towards a mature crowd, enjoy a night of laughter at the Improv Centre, or an ice-cold pint at Granville Island Brewing.
Stanley Park
The 405 hectare public park boarders the busy downtown district, giving Stanley Park an amazing view of the cities skyline. The park remains a mixture of manmade sections and it's naturally dense forest, which is why you'll find yourself relaxing on one of 3 beaches at first, and then escape onto a trail among the tallest trees in Vancouver the next. A typical Vancouverite activity is to bike, walk, or jog along the seawall, while posting on social media (of course). It's to little surprise that Stanley Park was once named as the top park in the world.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
A bridge that spans 460ft long and 230ft above the Capilano river, the Suspension Bridge known to sway while trekking across, attracts millions of visitors each year. Surrounded by towering trees and steep cliffs, the site offers other thrilling activities like the Treetop Adventures and their newest addition Cliffwalk; a sight-seeing attraction while walking on narrow and sometimes (strong) glass pathways. A personal favourite is the surreal Canyon Lights, a winter lights festival that lights up the site in twinkling stars in the night.
Museum of Anthropology
This destination site is perched just adjacent to the renowned University of British Columbia where not only does the museum attract visitors, but also conducts research & teach courses on art, anthropology, archeology, and conservation to students. Here you'll find historic indigenous artwork, renowned European ceramics, and techniques of weaving, building, and ways of living before society became standardized.
VanDusen Botanical Garden
For those looking to escape the concrete jungle and surround yourself in tranquility, VanDusen boasts a plethora of garden features embracing a diversity of blooms, birds, and colourful deciduous & evergreens. Be sure to check out their bloom calendar, specific to each season, you'll always discover something new. Other garden features include an Elizabethan Maze, Stone Garden, and the award-winning VanDusen Botanical Visitor Centre building for sustainability, inspired by the shape of a native orchid.
Gastown & the Steam Clock
The worlds first steam powered clock built in celebrated Gastown is a must-see (and hear) site which whistles the famous Westminster chime every strike of the quarter. We at Secret Location are grateful to have called Gastown our home for the last 7 years, seeing it become very appreciated as we do. Delicious eats, cozy cafe's, and fashionable boutiques fill the cobbled streets around this historic area. We recommend walking around the area to have a better experience with each and every shop. Whether you're coming from the airport or other parts of the lower mainland, getting to Gastown is a simple transit to Waterfront skytrain station or catch a ride to Water St.
See our previous Vancouver Guides:
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