Contrary to popular belief, or my belief rather, there are a ton of things to do in Vancouver! All you have to do is look!
Being a blogger in Vancouver, I’ve been trying to be more conscious of being present in the moment. That includes being a tourist in my own city.
Every year, I find myself planning out the next trip overseas that I’m going to make, or I find myself feeling that travel bug/itch.
The past few weeks haven’t been the finest but I’m finding refuge in being grateful for where I live. I mean, I’ve been here for close to 6 years now!
Vancouver is a beautiful city. One of THE most beautiful cities that I have ever been to. I don’t think anywhere else in the world is as blessed with nature (mountains, oceans, greenery) as Vancouver.
I want to share some of my favourite things to do in Vancouver with you!
You can also call it the 604 (it’s the area code for those who are wondering)!
I’m also calling this the Vancouver Blogger Guide on purpose because the places I’m recommending are also fantastic for photos!
A Vancouver Blogger Guide to the 604
Vancouver has some of the Best Hikes and Nature!
I’ve been trying to do more hikes and nature based activities, especially in the Summer!
It’s both unique and fantastic that in Vancouver, you can spend the morning in the mountains and then cap off your day at the beach without travelling too far!
Lighthouse Park
You get a stunning view of West Vancouver, the water and mountains at Lighthouse Park.
I would suggest planning an early morning if you are not a fan of crowds.
To get to this view point, it is a short 15-20 minute walk from the parking lot through an easy trail.
Stanley Park & English Bay
Stanley Park is honestly the star of Vancouver.
Loved and mentioned by multiple celebrities and travel magazines worldwide, I’m grateful that it’s so close to where I live! Going to add this to my Gratitude List!
Funny story, I don’t know how to ride a bicycle but tandem biking along the Stanley Park seawall is my absolute favourite Vancouverite activity!
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park has been on my bucket list since ..forever!
I’m so glad Elbert and I made our way to do this hike because it is THE most beautiful hike that I’ve ever been on.
The drive to Joffre Lake takes close to 2 ½ hours and the hike itself is a good 4 -5 hours. This is taking into account us stopping at every lake to take photos and have a bite to eat! I wrote a full post just on Joffre Lakes here!
Being outdoors really has a way of helping shift your mindset and feel more positive!
Find some of the Cutest Cafés and Restaurants in Vancouver
I absolutely love that there is just so much variety in the food found in Vancouver.
Here are some of my favourites:
Phnom Penh (Best Butter Beef and Garlic Chicken Wings – Vietnamese)
Honey Salt (Caesar Carts and Fabulous Brunch)
Meet on Main (Great Vegan restaurant)
Tacofino (Love the Tacos, Burritos and Tequila)
West Oak, Yaletown (Amazing Chocolate Chip Cookies)
Anh and Chi (Beautiful restaurant décor and amazing Vietnamese Food)
Golden Swan Restaurant (Great Dim Sum)
Penang Delight on Rupert Street (Great Malaysian food- still doesn’t beat home, but is the closest in regards to flavor)
Water St. Café (Delicious Pasta and Ravioli)
Café Crepe on Robson Street (has the most DELICIOUS sweet and savoury crepes)
Reflections on top of Hotel Georgia (Stunning rooftop bar with great drinks)
.. the list is really long and these are the ones I can think of so far.
I’ll add more to the list as I think of it! But, feel free to share some of your Vancouver favourites in the comments!
This is the café we had breakfast at after our morning photoshoot, and it is the most darling place!
Di Beppe is in Gastown and this is the café. It is connected to the Di Beppe Restaurant that opens at 5 pm and the menu looks awesome!
There is a piece of the world in Vancouver
I thought it would be a fun challenge to find spots in and around Vancouver that reminded me of places that I’ve travelled (and yet to travel) to!
Enjoy the photo gallery of places I think remind me of my travels elsewhere in the world:
New York City
Asia
Hawaii
Europe
I’ve definitely grown to appreciate Vancouver a lot more!
I find that although I love travelling, I am very much a home body, and love being at home with my family and friends.
I hope you find this mini guide a fun way to still feel like traveler in the comfort of our city.
Till next time, xx
Sam