Top 10 spots to check out when visiting Vancouver

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Oh, Vancouver! For someone who craves adventure and is looking for a quick get away or change of scenery from the everyday grind, this city has it all and it’s only a hop, skip and a short plane ride away.

The city itself is always buzzing with a unique atmosphere that never fails to inspire or entertain. It’s an urban oasis filled with colourful communities, a fascinating history, a picturesque landscape and the best combination of the sea, mountains, blue skies and luscious trees.

High Tea

The ultimate treat yourself ladies (or gentleman’s) afternoon out is to go for High Tea! Check out Neverland Tea Salon, a whimsical Peter Pan inspired tea bar located in the heart of Kitsilano, that won’t break the bank, but will guarantee you a marvelous time.

For only $22 you can get two pots of tea, along with a robust selection of their savory and sweet menu items, along with a freshly baked scone paired with Devonshire cream and strawberry jam. They have a list of over 60 flavours of tea to choose from, so the struggle is real when it comes to choosing one for your pot. If Earl Grey tea is your thing, the “Heavenly Cream” comes highly recommended.

Address: 3006 West Broadway, Vancouver
Instagram: @neverlandteasalon

Head to Ladurée for some Macarons

You will soon be corrected when you step into Ladurée, a beautiful macaron boutique that will instantly transport you to Paris.

Ladurée has a vast Parisian history that dates back to 1862 when the Ladurée family opened a quaint bake shop in the heart of Paris. You can now find these romantic boutiques all around the world, but the Vancouver location is the only one in Canada, so it is by far a rare and prestigious experience that you can’t pass up. Here you can definitely spend a pretty penny, but if you opt to just try one or two, or possibly three different macaron flavours you definitely won’t regret it.

Address: 1141 Robson Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @LadureeCanada

Street Shopping

The rumors are true; the shopping in Vancouver is truly unreal, so make sure you have some room in your bag for a few extra items that you may pick up along the way. If you’re looking for designer fashions then Robson Street and Pacific Centre are where you need to be. This is also where you will find the flagship stores for Canadian brands, Lululemon and Aritzia.

If boutique shopping is more your thing then you best take a stroll through Gas Town. It’s an older historic neighborhood with an eclectic charm and contains a ton of unique little shops and café’s littered throughout the older character streets.

Granville Island – Visit the heart of the city

Granville Island is a spot that you truly have to see! Built in old remodeled warehouses, this public market is home to some of the best restaurants, galleries, breweries, unique shops, cafés and fresh food that Vancouver has to offer.

Block out an afternoon so you have time to wander the quaint streets, discover the treasures of the market and allow yourself to become inspired and entertained by the unique atmosphere of this vibrant artistic community.

Address: 1669 Johnston Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @granville_island

Bike the sea wall

If you love the ocean then you are in for a treat when you bike around Stanley Park on the Vancouver Sea Wall.

At the beginning of the park on Denman Street, there are a ton of different spots to rent a bike at a very reasonable price. Spoke Bicycle Rentals, is just one of many highly rated shops.

The path surrounding the park is 11km and takes approximately 1 hour to bike start to finish. However, we suggest leaving a few hours to make it around so that you have time to stop and enjoy the unreal views that the sea wall has to offer!

Grab brunch at Glory Juice Co.

We all know that Vancouver has some great brunch spots and you are almost guaranteed a superb waffle or eggs benny, no matter where you go.

Switch it up one morning and check out Glory Juice Co., a healthier alternative that offers a robust menu containing 100% organic fresh-pressed juices, shakes, smoothie bowls and so much more. If you’re unsure of what to get, try their ‘Sweet Tropical’ smoothie bowl that is topped with their severely addicting Glory Granola!

Locations:

2186 West 4 Avenue, Vancouver
78 East 2 Avenue, Vancouver
125 Lonsdale Avenue, Vancouver
1066 West Hastings Street, Vancouver

Instagram: @gloryjuiceco

Eat all the Ice Cream

Vancouver has some pretty great ice cream shops all over town. From finding the best sundae spots to switching it up with ice cream sandwiches the possibilities are endless.

A little gem that was delicious was Earnest Ice Cream. The quaint little ice cream shop is the best spot to hit up on a hot summer’s day!

Located in an older historic building, the ambiance of the shop is bright and cheerful with a sweet charm that welcomes you as you walk in. Enjoy the best of the classics, while trying one of their specialty flavours, such as London fog, Café au Lait, Elderflower and Spruce Bud.

Locations:

3992 Fraser Street, Vancouver
1829 Quebec Street, Vancouver
1485 Frances Street, Vancouver

Instagram: @earnesticecream

Beach Time

One of the best parts about Vancouver is its close proximity to the mighty ocean! As a result, you can’t pass up the opportunity to spend the afternoon at one of the many beaches in the surrounding area. Two great beaches to check out are English Bay Beach, located West of Downtown and False Creek, and Third Beach, located at Ferguson Point in Stanly Park and accessible from the bike route on the seawall. Both offer picturesque views, with soft sand for lounging and great swimming opportunities.

Enjoy a classic Vancouver sunset

Almost anywhere you go in Vancouver you will be able to catch a glimpse of one of their famous sunsets. Head down towards False Creek or English Bay, as they both offer outstanding photo opportunities, along with spots where you can sit, relax and just enjoy the unreal view.

Sushi, sushi and more sushi

Photo // The Eatery Facebook

Vancouver is known to have some of the best sushi in all of North America, so obviously it’s a must when you visit. There are a ton of great spots to get your sushi fix around the city that specifically offer fish that you can’t find anywhere else.

One spot, in particular, called The Eatery, offers a unique sushi experience that you won’t find many other places. It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but when you are seated inside you will be surrounded by bright kitschy décor, in a dimly lit room with classic tunes playing in the background, as you search through the many innovative rolls that they offer. Think nightclub, meets traditional Japanese eatery!

Address: 1431 West Broadway, Vancouver
Instagram: @eatrysushi