A traveler's guide to Vancouver
The postcard is the mountains. The city is the neighborhoods between them and the water. Do both, on different days.
Vancouver puts a ski hill and a swimming beach in the same day if you insist, and a better trip if you do not. Stay for the neighborhoods, the indigenous art, and a meal of fish that did not fly far. The scenery is free. The restaurants are why you linger.
When to go
June through September is the dry season people pray for. Spring is blossoms and showers. Fall is clear and cool. Winter is rain in the city and snow on the hills. Pack a shell in every month.
Neighborhoods
The West End and the seawall for the first day. Gastown early, before the shops perform. Kitsilano if the beach is the plan. Mount Pleasant, Chinatown, and Commercial Drive for food. The North Shore is a trip, not a neighbor.
Eating
Sushi and seafood are the local standard, and they are high. Chinese and Indian rooms will feed you better than a view restaurant. Granville Island is a snack, not dinner.
If you only remember this
- Compass Card for the SkyTrain and buses.
- Rain jacket even in July.
- The seawall is long. Do a piece of it.
- Whistler is a separate day with a real drive.