Vancouver: Things to Explain to Out-of-Towners

By Vancity Buzz

You live in the most beautiful place on earth, so it’s inevitable that people will visit. And chances are they’ll have questions for you while you’re strolling the seawall. Luckily, we’ve got answers.

• Kits = Kitsilano

  By Vancity Buzz

  Like any other city, we call some of our favourite places by pet names. This one’s a bit more confusing though, so make a mental note that Kits is a place and not something you need to bring along.

• Granville isn’t the only place for clubs

  By Vancity Buzz

  Sure Granville St. has lots of sparkly lights and neon signs, but it’s not the only nightlife destination. Venture to other areas of the city, like Gastown and explore a different scene.

• The seawall

  By Vancity Buzz

  First off there’s more than 1 seawall—Stanley Park, Kits & West Van all compete for the same name. Beware! In Stanley Park the seawall is one-way, make sure to steer clear of rogue rollerbladers.

• We’re not that great at naming things

  By Vancity Buzz

  So there’s West Van and the West End, North Vancouver and the North Shore…why would we do this? So we can tell who the true Vancouverites are.

• Not everyone does yoga

  By Vancity Buzz

  Sure, we’re all super fit and athletic, but not everyone here does yoga. We also participate in other activities like cycling, walking, and watching the Canucks.

• No one’s really a Vancouverite

  By Vancity Buzz

  Ok, ok some people are. But lots claim to be from Vancouver when really they’ve moved here from another city or live in one of many surrounding areas.

• Lineups for clubs start as early as 9pm

  By Vancity Buzz

  Are you from Europe? Used to leaving you house after an 11pm dinner & 12am nap? Not so in Vancouver. You’ll need to be lining up for clubs early. Or make fast friends with someone at your fav spot.

• Liquor can’t be bought in grocery stores

  By Vancity Buzz

  Or at government liquor stores on Sundays. Yes, this is a travesty. But may we recommend checking out one of many local craft breweries or distilleries?

• Bring your umbrella

  By Vancity Buzz

  Yes, we know you know better than to forget the most common Vancouver accessory at home, but a reminder never hurts. So…bring your umbrella. Maybe two to be safe.

• The Abbotsford Airport is not in Vancouver

  By Vancity Buzz

  "Oh, I’ll save $50 if I fly into this ‘Abbotsford’ place!" you said. Little did you know you’d also lose a friendship making your pal drive out to get you.

• Snow = apocalypse

  By Vancity Buzz

  If you’re silly enough to come to Vancouver in our ‘winter’ months get ready for some drama. 10 centimetres of snow shuts the city down. We warned you.

• Don’t bring your suit

  By Vancity Buzz

  No, we don’t all do yoga, but yes, we are quite a casual city. That guy in bike shorts over there? He just had a 5-course meal.

• A Vancouver Special isn’t a drink deal

  By Vancity Buzz

  We endearingly call a certain style of house, built from 1965-85, a "Vancouver Special." It’s kind of like how your mom says you’re special…

• 9 o’clock gun

  By Vancity Buzz

  Don’t be alarmed. That loud bang you just heard in Stanley Park is nothing to be worried about…it’s just a 198 year old canon firing nightly at 9pm. Obviously.

• The Steamclock isn’t actually steam powered

  By Vancity Buzz

  Spoiler alert! This tourist favourite is a bit of a sham. Actually a total sham. The Gastown Steamclock is actually only PARTIALLY powered by steam. Sorry.