The most jaw-dropping things may lie in the core of a busy metropolis or are tucked away behind the woods on an island. It goes the same way for Vancouver, with the image of the Sam Kee building. With your kayak outfitted with lights, you’ll be navigating through the peaceful evening waters. Your total experience will last around 30 minutes, starting with a pre-show that introduces you to Canada’s diverse culture. Here, you’ll dangle your feet in the air, feeling every tilt and turn, as you’re whisked from the roaring Niagara Falls to the towering Rockies. The special effects – wind, mist, and even scents – add layers of immersion to the 8-minute journey that’s designed to awe and inspire.
He hopes that his collection will de considered a resource to be actively studied, rather than simply passively appreciated, and that it will be enjoyed by artists, scholars, visitors, students, and schoolchildren from Indonesia as well as from abroad. Explore all the campus has to offer with a student ambassador as your guide. Whether you’re looking for the arts, sciences, trades or humanities, VIU has a program for you. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. "Immigrants that came in the ’60s and the ’70s, they brought over their own culture and … made it a uniquely Canadian experience. And so, it’s a preservation of culture, but it’s also an evolution of something that is Asian into Asian Canadian." In addition to costumes inspired by Cantopop and Mandopop in the exhibition’s main room, there’s a large screen blaring hit songs, a separate room featuring artwork using LaserDiscs, a stage set up for karaoke and listening stations for popular songs.
- Sprezzatura feels like someone airlifted a slice of Rome into the heart of Mount Pleasant.
- I always look for books by local authors when I travel, and Vancouver has no shortage of literary talent.
- Deep Cove delivers easy hiking to Quarry Rock plus waterfront cafes and kayaking opportunities.
- It takes exemplary courage to sit in the first two rows of a Harsh Gujral show because he will get you with his highly witty yet charming style.
- Ever wondered what the best gifts from Vancouver are—beyond the usual maple syrup and generic souvenir magnets?
Do a bike tour (instead of a Hop-on Hop-off bus)
While I admit, a bougie seaplane tour definitely isn’t the cheapest Vancouver activity, soaring above the city in style is still, to date, one of my favourite memories of Vancouver. For context, this is where ALL the Vancouver youths go to take their prom pictures, so you can bet that it’s scenic and picture-perfect. For some of the best views in Vancouver and a gorgeous park to boot, head over to Queen Elizabeth Park. Yes, what a fun, whimsical name… and I’m happy to confirm that the actual experience is just as delightful as its branding.
Indigenous jewelry from BC often features hand-engraved silver or gold, with designs inspired by traditional stories. I always gravitate toward handmade and locally designed gifts, whether it’s a beautifully crafted notebook, a piece of pottery, or a unique print from a Vancouver artist. Tamera is now achieving her next goal of owning several businesses and becoming the entrepreneur she always knew she could be. Her new role in the city of Vancouver is to be a key part of the economy, using the skills and initiative necessary to anticipate needs and bring good new ideas to market. No, the event is 19+ and geared toward adults, mainly because of content and the bar-only venues. The interactive puzzles are designed to involve guests—collecting clues, interacting with characters, and sharing guesses—making everyone feel part of the story.
Indigenous Art & Prints
Vancouverites famously don’t always work hard, but they do work out hard. As we wrote in our tips for staying fit while traveling, not only will you feel better but you’ll meet some cool people and have some of your favorite travel experiences doing so. Join an outdoor bootcamp, drop in at a yoga studio, go to one of the city’s calisthenic parks, or, if you’re a bit crazy, try a beach rock workout. Quarry Rock above Deep Cove provides classic views over Indian Arm with a moderate 45-minute walk on mostly gentle terrain.
Wellness Travel BC Lounge
If you’re a coffee fan, make sure to caffeinate like crazy and enjoy this beloved part of our city’s food and drink culture. I’ll admit, while coffee is as much part of my lifestyle as sleeping or breathing, I’m not much of a discerning coffee drinker – I’ll drink anything, but I am especially partial to Parallel 49. Between the FIFA matches, explore the city like a local, enjoy coffee, food, West Coast views, and even sneak in some nearby day trips or multi-day adventures.
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. The beach here is just as nice as English Bay, but there’s a few interesting public art sculptures, like two giant engagement rings and a giant Inukshuk. While the SeaBus is simply an extension of Vancouver’s public transportation system, this 15 minute ride across the water from downtown to Lonsdale Quay is one of my favourite things to do in Vancouver when I have visitors. The Vancouver Lookout is an attraction in downtown Vancouver that offers beautiful 360 degree views of the city. If you want a unique shopping experience, this would be much better than the (relatively dull) Robson Street in downtown Vancouver, which is filled with a mix of chain shops you can find pretty much anywhere (e.g., Zara), along with tacky gift shops.
While there’s an admission fee, the engineering marvels, educational components, and the thrilling sensation of walking high above the canyon make it worth every penny. The bridge has been a Vancouver landmark since 1889, and crossing it gives you both bragging rights and stunning photos. Located within Stanley Park, the Lost Lagoon Nature House is a hidden gem where visitors can learn about local wildlife and the area’s natural history.
For an afternoon of fun and exploration, visit the Elizabethan Hedge Maze at VanDusen uniquelyvancouvershow.com Botanical Garden. Made from 3,000 pyramidal cedars, the maze challenges visitors of all ages to find their way to the center. It’s a perfect spot for families or friends who enjoy playful activities while surrounded by nature. Don’t forget to take in the beautiful gardens surrounding the maze, showcasing Vancouver’s lush plant life. Step into tranquility at this authentic Ming Dynasty-style garden, the first of its kind built outside China.