50 methods to have enjoyable in vibrant Vancouver, B.C.

Whatcom County is usually cited for its proximity to 2 world-class locations: Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. The latter is simply over 50 miles from Bellingham and shut sufficient to go to in a day — although I’d advocate a weekend, or longer when you’ve got the time.

As British Columbia’s most populous metropolis, Vancouver affords one thing for each traveler. Creative sorts haven’t any scarcity of artwork galleries, museums and indie retailers to discover. Nature lovers will flock to sandy seashores, gardens and quite a few city parks. Ecologically, the town looks like Bellingham’s older sister: From old-growth forests to mountains and oceanfront views, Vancouver’s pure setting is unparalleled. 

It’s additionally value noting that Vancouver is among the many most ethnically and linguistically multicultural cities in Canada — and this range is mirrored in its meals scene. It’s value crossing the border for a meal alone, whether or not you’re out there for Michelin-starred sushi or grab-and-go road meals. 

Heading to Vancouver for the World Cup this summer time? Here are just a few concepts for how one can get to know British Columbia’s most vibrant vacation spot. 

Pick a road and stroll

Despite its small dimension (44 sq. miles), Vancouver is densely populated, with greater than 662,248 residents as of 2021. It’s inconceivable to see all the things in a day; as a substitute, I counsel beginning with a particular road and exploring points of interest as they catch your eye.

The multicultural, 22-block Commercial Drive (aka “The Drive”) is a haven for foodies and bohemians. It’s residence to Vancouver’s Little Italy in addition to greater than 300 bars, eating places, cafes and retailers. While you’re within the space, browse a treasure trove of classic items at Mintage, get your carb repair at Pepino’s Spaghetti House or catch a dwell present on the historic Rio Theatre. 

The stretch between 2nd to thirty third Avenue on Main Street, positioned within the Mount Pleasant neighborhood, is a haven for window buyers. Activities embody shopping the huge vinyl choice at Neptoon Records Vancouver’s oldest indie document retailer), catching dwell jazz at Hero’s Welcome and getting misplaced among the many huge number of artisan items at Welk’s General Store. 

Lovers of Vietnamese and Chinese delicacies ought to stroll the thirty second to 53rd Avenue stretch of Victoria Drive, dubbed the “United Nations of cuisine” by the Vancouver Sun. Other, extra touristy areas to discover embody fashionable Robson Street (significantly the stretch between Burrard and Jervis) and Water Street within the Gastown neighborhood (residence to Vancouver’s iconic steam clock). 

Trek to Granville Island 

Granville Island is amongst Vancouver’s hottest points of interest, and for good motive. In the early twentieth century, the previous mud flat was dredged right into a man-made island, used for factories, sawmills and different industrial operations. Throughout the Seventies, nevertheless, the town started revitalizing Granville into the colourful, artsy neighborhood it’s at this time. (Fun truth: The identify “Granville” is a reference to Vancouver’s authentic identify, which modified in 1886.)

Granville Island now performs host to plenty of cultural establishments, from the Vancouver Fringe Festival to the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, along with quite a few theater firms. But the Granville Market — aka the “the jewel in the Island’s crown” — is a must-visit any day of the week. It homes roughly 50 distributors, promoting all the things from contemporary produce to sweet, cheeses and world cuisines. 

Other notable actions on Granville Island embody tastings at Artisan Sake Maker, shopping multicultural indie bookstore Nooroongji Books or enjoyable at Circle Wellness Spa, a personal thermal spa created from transport containers.

Immerse your self in native tradition 

I’d wager Vancouver boasts essentially the most vibrant artwork scene inside driving distance of Bellingham. If you possibly can go to only one cultural establishment, begin with the Vancouver Art Gallery. Alternatively, the Bill Reid Gallery has an unlimited assortment of latest Indigenous Northwest Coast Art. For pictures, The Polygon Gallery can be definitely worth the journey to North Vancouver for its pictures guide choice alone. 

The Museum of Anthropology at UBC is one other can’t-miss cultural establishment. Standout artifacts embody Bill Reid’s huge cedar sculpture, “The Raven and the First Men,” in addition to the considerable sculptures, textiles and artifacts displayed inside the Pacific Northwest Galleries.

Looking for one thing extra kid-friendly? If you go to Stanley Park, be sure to carve out time for the Vancouver Aquarium. The establishment is residence to greater than 65,000 animals, plus a hands-on Wet Lab. Speaking of hands-on, Science World’s interactive displays are certain to thrill curious younger learners. 

Take a SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay

Rather than drive to North Vancouver, strive crossing the Burrard Inlet through the passenger-only SeaBus to discover the Lonsdale neighborhood. These brief ferry rides final simply 12 minutes and depart each quarter-hour from downtown. They’re a part of TransLink, that means you should use a contactless bank card or Compass Card (reloadable fare playing cards for public transit) to pay.

You’ll arrive close to the Shipyards, a revitalized mixed-use space that includes retailers, eating places, year-round group occasions and Vancouver’s longest pier. The neighborhood can be residence to a night market with meals vehicles, craft distributors, dwell music and a beer backyard. 

But whereas the latter attraction is restricted to May 15 – Sept. 11, 2026, you possibly can go to the Lonsdale Quay Market year-round. The Quay originated as a carnival-style market for 1986 World Exposition on Transportation and Communication, and now boasts greater than 60 distributors and craftspeople. Expect all the things from artwork pop-ups to bookstores, leather-based items, flowers and a meals corridor. 

Sample meals from throughout Asia

Vancouver’s Asian meals scene is unparalleled, from dim sum to pho, sushi, Thai curry and ramen. As far because the latter class goes, Ramen Danbo is common however properly definitely worth the await its wealthy, Fukuoka-style broth. Other strong picks embody The Ramen Butcher in Chinatown for extra Tonkotsu or Tatchan Noodle for Okinawa-style soba.

On the sushi entrance, strive Minami or Michelin-starred Miku for upscale Aburi (flame-seared) dishes, or Sushi Hyun, a reservations-only omakase (or chef-curated eating expertise) that additionally obtained a Michelin star in 2026. Ah Longis finest for an reasonably priced, fast chunk, whereas Vegan Shoku excels at plant-based rolls. 

Other highlights embody Sun Bo Kong for vegetarian dim sum; Thai Basilfor curries, noodles and stir fries; and Kook for upscale Korean BBQ. The assorted bento bins at Kingyo and Raisu are perfect for diners who wish to be stunned. Finally, Kulinarya affords Kamayan: a standard Filipino feast, whereby dishes are served on banana leaves and eaten by hand.

Want to pattern a little bit of all the things? A Wok Around affords culinary excursions in Chinatown, in addition to Granville Island.

Satisfy your candy tooth 

Despite the gloomy climate, Vancouverites love their ice cream. Favorites embody Rain or Shine Homemade Ice Cream (strive the Malted Milk Chocolate Honeycomb or Blueberry Basalmic) and Earnest Ice Cream (get the Vegan Chocolate Raspberry Swirl, or actually any ice cream “sammie”). 

As far as pastries go, Breka is a traditional for a motive. This 24-hour cafe has eight areas throughout the town and bakes up all the things from donuts and strudels to snacks, sandwiches and whole muffins. Other standouts embody Thierry Chocolates for artisanal bonbons and macarons, Nook or Via Tevere for tiramisu, or Chinatown’s New Town Bakery for steamed buns.

Admire gardens

Looking for one thing outdoorsy to do on a wet day? Try the Bloedel Conservatory. Perched atop Queen Elizabeth Park like a crown jewel, this (indoor) tropical paradise is residence to birds, koi and greater than 500 unique crops. 

On sunnier days, nevertheless, the VanDusen Botanical Garden’s sprawling 55 acres are properly value exploring. It’s positioned within the Shaughnessy neighborhood (only a half-hour stroll from the Bloedel Conservatory) and boasts a topiary maze and seven,500 numerous plant species.

Finally, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden was the primary of its sort to be constructed exterior of Asia. It’s positioned in Chinatown and encompasses a vary of cultural programming, from guided excursions to public tea ceremonies.

Watch the sundown on a seashore 

Whether it’s your first or fifteenth time visiting Vancouver, Stanley Park is at all times value a cease. I’d advocate spending a day biking the ocean wall, then ending the day at sandy, forested Third Beach to look at the sundown. Kitsilano, Jericho and Wreck seashores are additionally prime sunset-viewing spots, nearer to West Point Grey.

Travel ideas

For these driving up I-5, attending to Vancouver takes an hour and a half from Bellingham and about three hours from Seattle by automotive (assuming border crossings aren’t too backed up). You can verify northbound border wait instances on-line at cbsa-asfc.gc.ca; early mornings are typically finest to keep away from lengthy queues. For a extra seamless journey, Amtrak Cascades and FlixBus supply direct transportation from Bellingham to Vancouver.

Don’t need to take care of site visitors? TransLink affords 20 Park and Ride stations all through metro Vancouver, the place guests can go away their vehicles and discover through SkyTrain, West Coast Express (Vancouver’s commuter rail), bus or foot. See translink.ca for a listing.

Summer occasions to notice

• FIFA World Cup video games start in Vancouver, June 13
• Italian Day on the Drive, June 14
• Vancouver International Jazz Festival, June 26–July 5
• Khatsahlano Street Party, Saturday, July 11
• Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival, June 6–Sept. 19
• Vancouver Folk Music Festival, July 17–19
• Vancouver Pride Festival, July 25–Aug. 2

Cocoa Laney is the Lifestyle editor for Cascadia Daily News and a longtime author and photographer. Reach her at [email protected]