Guidebook for Vancouver
Sightseeing
Granville Island
Great restaurants, cafes and shops. You can't beat the view.
Lively beach anytime of the year, but especially in the summer.
847 locals recommend
Kitsilano Beach Park
1499 Arbutus StLively beach anytime of the year, but especially in the summer.
Charleson Dog Park
999 Charleson StreetA great place to watch the dogs while walking on the seawall.
Named the best park in the world on TripAdvisor! It is a must when visiting Vancouver to rent bikes and ride around Stanley Park.
2658 locals recommend
Stanley Park
610 Pipeline RdNamed the best park in the world on TripAdvisor! It is a must when visiting Vancouver to rent bikes and ride around Stanley Park.
Historic Chinatown in Vancouver's downtown Eastside - great markets and restaurant; up and coming area.
37 locals recommend
Chinatown BBQ
130 E Pender StHistoric Chinatown in Vancouver's downtown Eastside - great markets and restaurant; up and coming area.
Market with artisan foods, craft beer and live music in the summer. Friday night market from 5-10pm in the summer with live music, food trucks and beer garden.
323 locals recommend
Lonsdale Quay Hotel
123 Carrie Cates CtMarket with artisan foods, craft beer and live music in the summer. Friday night market from 5-10pm in the summer with live music, food trucks and beer garden.
Museums galore! The campus is also a beautiful place to walk around. Check out the botanical and rose gardens.
185 locals recommend
University of British Columbia
Museums galore! The campus is also a beautiful place to walk around. Check out the botanical and rose gardens.
Jericho Beach Park
3941 Point Grey RdA great beach that is usually less busy than Kits.
Another great beach that will likely be a lot more quiet than Kits or Jericho.
264 locals recommend
Spanish Banks
Another great beach that will likely be a lot more quiet than Kits or Jericho.
Beautiful park and lake. Farmer's market on Saturdays in the summer months (May-Oct).
192 locals recommend
Trout Lake Beach
Beautiful park and lake. Farmer's market on Saturdays in the summer months (May-Oct).
Walk across the Burrard Bridge just as the sun is setting and get some awesome shots of the Vancouver sunset.
9 locals recommend
Burrard Street Bridge
Walk across the Burrard Bridge just as the sun is setting and get some awesome shots of the Vancouver sunset.
Food Scene
One of the best Indian-fusion restaurants in the city. A must try. Get there early - there's usually a line (it's worth it).
264 locals recommend
Vij's
3106 Cambie StreetOne of the best Indian-fusion restaurants in the city. A must try. Get there early - there's usually a line (it's worth it).
One of my favorite sushi restaurants in the city (and there are many). Original dishes such as sushi pizza and many signature house rolls.
36 locals recommend
Sushi bella
One of my favorite sushi restaurants in the city (and there are many). Original dishes such as sushi pizza and many signature house rolls.
Arguably one of the best bakeries in the city, you won't be able to just have one item. Some of my favorites are the croissant, double peanut butter cookie and the cheese scone.
81 locals recommend
Beaucoup Bakery
2150 Fir StArguably one of the best bakeries in the city, you won't be able to just have one item. Some of my favorites are the croissant, double peanut butter cookie and the cheese scone.
The best brunch in the city. Try the smoked trout benny, and come in on the last Sunday of every month for "boozy brunch" where drinks are nearly half off.
104 locals recommend
Fable Kitchen
1944 W 4th AveThe best brunch in the city. Try the smoked trout benny, and come in on the last Sunday of every month for "boozy brunch" where drinks are nearly half off.
Great coffee shop with Lucky's doughnuts. A must have while in Vancouver.
59 locals recommend
49th Parallel Café & Lucky's Doughnuts - WEST 4TH
2198 W 4th AveGreat coffee shop with Lucky's doughnuts. A must have while in Vancouver.
Nothing fancy here, but it is one of the cheapest options in the neighborhood. Get the special with 19 pieces of sushi and miso soup for $6.50!
QQ Sushi
1640 W BroadwayNothing fancy here, but it is one of the cheapest options in the neighborhood. Get the special with 19 pieces of sushi and miso soup for $6.50!
All vegetarian and vegan restaurant serving up great dishes even a carnivore will love. Open all day from brunch to late night.
98 locals recommend
Heirloom Vegetarian Restaurant
1509 W 12th AveAll vegetarian and vegan restaurant serving up great dishes even a carnivore will love. Open all day from brunch to late night.
One of the best patios in the city, this place is always packed (even in the winter). Great place to grab a drink after a long day in the sun.
191 locals recommend
Local Kitsilano
2210 Cornwall AveOne of the best patios in the city, this place is always packed (even in the winter). Great place to grab a drink after a long day in the sun.
Local beers and wines on tap, with an amazing patio and view of False Creek.
186 locals recommend
Tap & Barrel • Olympic Village
75 Athletes WayLocal beers and wines on tap, with an amazing patio and view of False Creek.
Fritz European Fry House
718 Davie StThe best poutine in the city - open late!
Buck a shuck on Sundays! Great fresh seafood and patio close to Kits beach.
73 locals recommend
Chewies Smoke & Oyster Bar Kitsilano
2201 W 1st AveBuck a shuck on Sundays! Great fresh seafood and patio close to Kits beach.
My new favourite sushi place, steps away from the apartment! Try the sushi pizza and the tuna 4-way. Great creative rolls and amazing service.
11 locals recommend
SushiVan
2566 Granville StMy new favourite sushi place, steps away from the apartment! Try the sushi pizza and the tuna 4-way. Great creative rolls and amazing service.
The Union
219 Union StYummy Asian-fusion cuisine. Great drinks.
Amazing, fresh, "autentica" mexican tacos. 4 meat tacos for $9.
96 locals recommend
La Taqueria Pinche Taco Shop
2450 Yukon StAmazing, fresh, "autentica" mexican tacos. 4 meat tacos for $9.
Great brunch, cool Canadiana decor. Amazing staff and service.
76 locals recommend
The Oakwood Canadian Bistro
2741 W 4th AveGreat brunch, cool Canadiana decor. Amazing staff and service.
If you're dining with people with gluten sensitivities, vegans, or vegetarians, take them here. You can also get meat dishes. Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
60 locals recommend
The Wallflower
2420 Main StIf you're dining with people with gluten sensitivities, vegans, or vegetarians, take them here. You can also get meat dishes. Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Great independent coffee shop with amazing pour over and chocolate chip cookies.
49 locals recommend
Bump N Grind Cafe
916 Commercial DrGreat independent coffee shop with amazing pour over and chocolate chip cookies.
Really great place for fresh tacos and drinks in the heart of Gastown.
207 locals recommend
Tacofino Taco Bar
15 W Cordova StReally great place for fresh tacos and drinks in the heart of Gastown.
Amazing brunch! There is normally a huge line but it is definitely worth the wait. Check out Parallel 49 brewing while you're in the area.
166 locals recommend
The Red Wagon
2128 E Hastings StAmazing brunch! There is normally a huge line but it is definitely worth the wait. Check out Parallel 49 brewing while you're in the area.
Great fresh thai food steps away from the apartment - very authentic.
56 locals recommend
Bob Likes Thai Food
3755 Main StGreat fresh thai food steps away from the apartment - very authentic.
A must for vegans! If you're in North Van, stop by this amazing local bohemian cafe.
31 locals recommend
Buddha-Full
106 W 1st StA must for vegans! If you're in North Van, stop by this amazing local bohemian cafe.
Another great local restaurant in North Van that is New Zealand surfer inspired.
17 locals recommend
Raglan's Bistro
15 Lonsdale AveAnother great local restaurant in North Van that is New Zealand surfer inspired.
The best fresh ice-cream in the city. Get it in a waffle cone, or take some home in a pint.
353 locals recommend
Earnest Ice Cream
3992 Fraser StThe best fresh ice-cream in the city. Get it in a waffle cone, or take some home in a pint.
Great coffee, salads and sandwiches. Fresh bread. Beautiful open space. Try the grilled cheese!
65 locals recommend
Nelson the Seagull
315 Carrall StGreat coffee, salads and sandwiches. Fresh bread. Beautiful open space. Try the grilled cheese!
Ask For Luigi Restaurant
305 Alexander StThe best pasta in the city.
Cartems Donuts
2190 Main StMy favourite donuts in the city!
Rain or Shine Ice Cream
1926 W 4th AveGreat eclectic mix of ice-cream flavours in Kitsilano.
Awesome restaurant on Granville Island using only locally sourced ingredients.
18 locals recommend
Edible Canada
1596 Johnston StAwesome restaurant on Granville Island using only locally sourced ingredients.
Lee's Donuts
1689 Johnston StMore donuts. These are more classic and old-school.
La Mezcaleria
1622 Commercial DrAuthentic Mexican.
The best sandwiches in the city - great place to get lunch while wandering through Chinatown.
The Tuck Shoppe
237 Union StThe best sandwiches in the city - great place to get lunch while wandering through Chinatown.
An icon in Vancouver - ask the servers for the best recommendations for dishes.
212 locals recommend
Phnom Penh Restaurant
244 E Georgia StAn icon in Vancouver - ask the servers for the best recommendations for dishes.
Live music on weekends, and a cool patio at the back surrounded by vines and beautiful flowers.
27 locals recommend
The Ouisi Bistro
3014 Granville StLive music on weekends, and a cool patio at the back surrounded by vines and beautiful flowers.
Blue Water Cafe
1095 Hamilton StGreat ambience and drinks. Try the 'Garden of Eden' cocktail.
Jamjar Canteen
2290 Commercial DrTasty lebanese cuisine!
Peaceful Restaurant
43 E 5th AveAwesome noodles - try the Dan Dan noodles!
Vij's
3106 Cambie StreetAmazing Indian food steps from the apartment.
Essentials
Locally run grocery store that focuses on organic and sustainable brands.
55 locals recommend
Meinhardt Fine Foods
3002 Granville StLocally run grocery store that focuses on organic and sustainable brands.
Alfie's No Frills
1688 W 4th AveA very low-cost grocery store for all your basics.
Greens Organic and Natural Market
1978 W BroadwayOrganic locally run grocery store.
Your neighbourhood Whole Foods Market. Beer and wine on tap, as well as fresh juices and brick oven pizzas.
726 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
510 W 8th AveYour neighbourhood Whole Foods Market. Beer and wine on tap, as well as fresh juices and brick oven pizzas.
Entertainment & Activities
Great for kids and adults, Science world typically has different exhibits running at different times of the year. Walk here along the seawall in less than 30 mins.
837 locals recommend
Science World at TELUS World of Science
1455 Quebec StGreat for kids and adults, Science world typically has different exhibits running at different times of the year. Walk here along the seawall in less than 30 mins.
Farmers market open from spring until early fall on Sundays, this is a great place to stock up on local produce, preserves, breads and handcrafted goods.
27 locals recommend
Kitsilano Farmers Market
2690 Larch StFarmers market open from spring until early fall on Sundays, this is a great place to stock up on local produce, preserves, breads and handcrafted goods.
Everything Else
Nearby liquor store with a great selection of BCVQA wines, as well as a large selection of craft beer.
22 locals recommend
JAK'S Beer Wine Spirits
2658 Granville StNearby liquor store with a great selection of BCVQA wines, as well as a large selection of craft beer.
Liqour in BC is government run, so these stores are the cheapest places to get your beer, wine and spirits.
256 locals recommend
BC Liquor Stores
4423 Main StLiqour in BC is government run, so these stores are the cheapest places to get your beer, wine and spirits.
YYOGA West Sixth
1569 W 6th AveGreat yoga studio - there are several in the neighbourhood.
Drinks & Nightlife
Chic place to grab a drink close by. Check out their board outside to see their daily drink specials.
28 locals recommend
The Marquis
2666 Granville StChic place to grab a drink close by. Check out their board outside to see their daily drink specials.
CRAFT Beer Market False Creek
85 West 1st AvenueThe biggest selection of beer in the city.
Large selection of beers, better bar for an "older" crowd (25-35). Always a line of usually an hour for a table.
207 locals recommend
Alibi Room
157 Alexander StLarge selection of beers, better bar for an "older" crowd (25-35). Always a line of usually an hour for a table.
Cool lounge to get a drink in Gastown while watching the suits unwind from a days work.
45 locals recommend
The Charles Bar
136 W Cordova StCool lounge to get a drink in Gastown while watching the suits unwind from a days work.
Delicious local brewery. Small, intimate and fresh atmosphere.
307 locals recommend
33 Acres Brewing Company
15 W 8th AveDelicious local brewery. Small, intimate and fresh atmosphere.
Brassneck Brewery
2148 Main StAnother great brewery on Main. All local.
Take the treck out to 49th, and you won't be disapointed! $3 flights of beer, and there is usually a food truck parked outside for some bites.
130 locals recommend
Parallel 49 Brewing Company
1950 Triumph StTake the treck out to 49th, and you won't be disapointed! $3 flights of beer, and there is usually a food truck parked outside for some bites.
Storm Crow Alehouse
1619 W BroadwayGames and drinks. A winning combination.
Hello Goodbye Bar
1120 Hamilton StUnderground bar in Yaletown.
The Narrow Lounge
1898 Main StEasy to miss bar on Main Street - tucked away "speakeasy" vibe.
Parks & Nature
Awesome lively beach close to many great eateries and entertainment.
537 locals recommend
English Bay Beach
Beach AvenueAwesome lively beach close to many great eateries and entertainment.
Amazing hike in Deep Cove that is suitable for all fitness levels. The view is what makes it spectacular. Accessible by transit.
158 locals recommend
Quarry Rock
Baden Powell TrailAmazing hike in Deep Cove that is suitable for all fitness levels. The view is what makes it spectacular. Accessible by transit.
Beautiful escape from the city. Lots of great trails and hikes for all fitness levels. Accessible by public transit.
177 locals recommend
Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre
3663 Park RdBeautiful escape from the city. Lots of great trails and hikes for all fitness levels. Accessible by public transit.
The village of Deep Cove - fun shops, restaurants and a great place to picnic. Hang out after doing the Quarry Rock hike.
337 locals recommend
Deep Cove
4322 Gallant AveThe village of Deep Cove - fun shops, restaurants and a great place to picnic. Hang out after doing the Quarry Rock hike.
Trails, trails everywhere. Get lost in the forest on a number of trails spanning the UBC campus.
254 locals recommend
Pacific Spirit Regional Park
5495 W 16th AveTrails, trails everywhere. Get lost in the forest on a number of trails spanning the UBC campus.
Bare it all at Wreck Beach, Vancouver's only clothing optional beach. Bring your own food and water as well as cash, as there are no vendors who take plastic. This place has stayed true to it's roots.
197 locals recommend
Pacific Spirit Hostel
1935 Lower MallBare it all at Wreck Beach, Vancouver's only clothing optional beach. Bring your own food and water as well as cash, as there are no vendors who take plastic. This place has stayed true to it's roots.