Vancouver, Canada
In typical West Coast fashion, Vancouver’s vibe is a chill one. What makes it special is its ever-growing, trendy gastronomic scene – and the fact that it sits snugly against the wild and breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Every bit as friendly as you’ve heard Canadians are rumored to be, proud locals are always willing to lend a helping hand when it comes to recommendations in their city.
Know Before You Go
Sushi
Sushi is everywhere – and locals are constantly battling over the reigning title of the best sushi place in town. Make sushi part of your edible itinerary.
Driving Distance
For one of the most epic drives in North America, drive the roughly two hours from Vancouver to Whistler, a popular ski town just up the coast. Pacific Ocean to the left, Canadian Rockies to your right, what’s not to like.
Festival Season
The Vancouver Film Festival is huge due to the fact that it's a city filled with those who work in cinema (lots of your favorite movies were no doubt filmed in Vancouver).
Asian Cuisine
The Richmond Night Market takes place in the spring/summer and is always packed; it's the perfect chance to get your fill of Asian street food.
Dine Out
Vancouver Festival is Canada's largest food and drink celebration and so many restaurants compete, adding specific menus for people to try out – it's a great opportunity for locals and tourists alike to try new places and cuisines.
Stunning Views
Nature, nature, nature – the Capilano Suspension Bridge is a 30-minute drive from the downtown core, and tourists can’t help but flock to this stunning destination.
Can’t-Miss Neighborhoods
Gastown
Small but mighty, this historic part of the city is a densely populated hub for shopping, good food, and art galleries. Everything about Gastown oozes Vancouver’s local pride, from its indie stores to its carefully maintained and restored architecture. If you have the time, it’s absolutely worth your while to spend an afternoon in Gastown studying up on British Columbia’s First Nations history at the Northwest Coast Native Art Gallery.
West End
Situated right between Stanley Park and Vancouver’s downtown core, the West End is where you turn to when you’re fed up with the city but aren’t keen on taking much time to get away. Bike, run, paddleboard, or just lie idle on the beach – you’ll be in great company in this friendly, laid-back part of town. Don’t miss Denman Street if you want to explore some of the city’s best restaurants!
Yaletown
Headed for a night out in Vancouver? Chances are you’re doing so in Yaletown. This lively, scenic neighborhood is big on bars and restaurants, and its warehouses-and-brick-sidewalks aesthetic has a sort of charm you don’t often see on the West Coast. It’s right along the Seawall, too, making Yaletown the sort of area where you could easily spend an entire weekend.
When to Go
Summer. Hands-down. It's warm, it's inviting, patios are open, and people are running around everywhere. Alternatively, the winter is great for skiing, so folks use that opportunity to go to nearby Whistler – but if you're talking solely the Vancouver core, summer for sure.
Featured Local: Marta Djordjevic
I’m Marta, a freelance writer and pop-culture editor based out of Vancouver (though I can often be found in Spain, Serbia, and elsewhere). My interests include analyzing obscure, forgotten films, hunting for the perfect martini, spending way too much money on film photography, and missing my cat, Stanislav, while I’m out wandering the world. My work has been featured in Little White Lies, Gusher, and Nicki Swift, among others.
Marta’s Must-Dos
Via Tevere
My favorite pizzeria in town - for obvious reasons. Via Tevere is charming from the get-go, located in a heritage building with a cute 1969 yellow Fiat 500 mini car always parked right out front. Another observation every time I've gone? The massive line up that bends and curls outside. The owners are obsessed with authentic Neopolitan pizzas, having spent their summers in Italy and having the delicious pies constantly. I recommend going basic and grabbing a Margarita pizza or the Vesuvio - which includes both salami and capocollo. Pro tip: go RIGHT at 5 to avoid a very long cue, one that'll definitely leave your tummy grumbling.
Faulkner
My favorite shop in the city due to its vintage designer streetwear selection is run by UK import James Faulkner, who carefully curates a premium shopping experience for all those who enter. Inside you'll find deadstock pieces from brands such as Dior, Versace, Gosha Rubchinskiy, Issey Miyake, and Tommy Hilfiger, to name a few. Photography buffs should check out his Instagram page, @shopfaulkner, as he styles these gems on local Vancouverites all while showing off the gritty and hip area of the city’s east side.
Marta’s Recs
The Acorn
Perhaps Canada’s most famous vegetarian restaurant, The Acorn is known for its upscale plant-based dishes served alongside fancy cocktails. The menu changes with the season, and features sophisticated vegetarian dishes. Get ready for some creative vegetarian fare, and have your taste buds blown! They also offer brunch on weekend from 10am – 2:30 p/m.
Tacofino Gastown
Tacofino is a Vancouver staple and must-try for anyone visiting. What started as a small food truck in Tofino, British Columbia has expanded into a small Vancouver chain that serves, hands-down, the best tacos in town. With trucks still littered among town, the Tacofino in Gastown has the liveliest environment where you can slang tacos all night. The spot is located in Blood Alley, and all you do is look for the neon taco. The space inside is inspired by '70s Southern California, with drinks pouring all night and phenomenal music. Get the fish taco – I promise you won't be disappointed.
Guu with Otokomae
There are a few different Guu's the city so if you are interested I would check them each out depending on what you're looking for. The gastown location is great if you're a group of people because they have bigger tables and is one of the louder joints. It could get a little pricey for just two people but with a group you can order round after round of shared plates and all only have to throw in 20$. This place also is all about the atmosphere! The servers are all hollering at each other, there's usually electronic music playing and lots of sugary cocktails. So if you're looking for an all around experience with some good japanese eats - this is your place!
