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Vancouver is a beautiful city on Canada’s West Coast, close to the US border. Vancouver has an outdoorsy, laidback vibe, and it’s also relatively easy to apply for a visitor’s visa on the government website. A lot of Vancouver’s appeal is due to the surrounding beaches and mountains, as well as a mild summer climate and the fact that it is an English speaking city.
I would recommend visiting Vancouver during the summer – between July and September would be best, as the rest of the year can be rainy and dull. There are a lot more things to do here during the summer.
Daily Life in Vancouver
A typical day in Vancouver can be spent chilling on the beach, or just strolling around relaxed Kitsilano or lively Downtown. The mountainous scenery around the city never fails to amaze, and one could often stumble upon big budget film sets. You may also witness some of the most incredible sunsets of your life here.
It’s worth noting that everything is very expensive here – groceries, bars & restaurants, accommodation. You should also be aware that, similar to the US, taxes are not included in the price in most shops and restaurants. It’s also very much expected that you tip your server when dining out. 15% is considered the average tip for good service. Vancouver is definitely not a budget holiday destination.
Things to in Vancouver
Stanley Park
This is a gorgeous park filled with plenty of woodlands and beaches. Drum Circle and an outdoor cinema take place here during the summer. There’s also an aquarium and an outdoor swimming pool. You can rent bikes and cycle (or skateboard, etc) along the Sea Wall for gorgeous views.
Beach Day
There are loads of lovely beaches around Vancouver. Special mention to Wreck Beach – one of my favourite places in the world! Wreck Beach is a clothing optional beach just off UBC campus and on summer weekends it’s honestly like a mini festival. Amazing scenery and sunsets, good vibes all ‘round. You can buy food, drink, and clothes on the beach. Beware of the stairs back up on your way home, your fitness will be tested. Jericho Beach and English Bay are also good options.
Drum Circle
A party that happens on Third Beach in Stanley Park every Tuesday evening during summer. Free for everyone to attend, you can swim in the sea, watch the sunset and listen to the beats while relaxing on the beach.
Rent a Boat
Such a fun thing to do with friends or family. Rent a boat from Granville Island and cruise around the coast for a few hours. You can even sail up to Deep Cove, a lovely coastal community north of Vancouver. No boat license needed.
Granville Island
Check out the markets in Granville Island, with lovely handmade things and delicious food.
Kitsilano Swimming Pool
An outdoor saltwater swimming pool just beside Kitsilano Beach, with gorgeous city views.
Things to do outside of Vancouver
While the city itself is beautiful, one of the best things about Vancouver is its proximity to nature – it is surrounded by stunning lakes and mountains. You will need a car to get to most of these (car rental is reasonable when split between a group), but there are a few (Lynn Canyon, Deep Cove, Grouse Mountain) that you can access via public transport.
Visit Whistler
Whistler is a fantastic escape from the city. There are regular, super affordable buses. Make sure you sit on the left-hand side of the bus – the views on the drive are magical. In the winter it’s one of the largest ski resorts in the world, and in summer it’s a haven of beautiful lakes, hikes and outdoor activities such as mountain biking, bungee jumping and river rafting. You might even see a bear! I highly suggest you do Vallea Lumina, a multimedia night walk through the forest. And The River of Golden Dreams is a must do! This is a free lazy river that starts at Rainbow park and brings you through the scenic countryside. You just need to bring your own boat (Explorers will do).
Hiking
There are some incredible hikes on the outskirts of Vancouver. It’s a nice thing to do during the day that’s good for your mind and body. Some of which I mentioned above you can get to via bus, others will require a car. Two favourites are Joffre Lakes and Mark Summit. Panorama Ridge is another famously beautiful hike, but it is not for the faint-hearted.
Camping
A lovely way to reconnect with nature. There’s an endless amount of camping spots in Squamish and Pemberton and beyond. Bring a barbeque and a floatie, and don’t forget to bring bug spray! Some of my favourite camping spots are: Cat Lake, Hippie Lake, Twin One Creek, Birkenhead Lake, Harrison Lake (has an inflatable water park), and Cultus Lake (has an actual water park – a really fun day out!) Be sure to pack up any food in the car before going to sleep (so you don’t attract bears) and leave each space as you found it.
About the author
Mary Kate is a web designer and digital marketing specialist from Ireland. Her interests include travel, music, snowboarding and yoga. You can check out her blog here.
