First of all, let me start this post by saying…

Vancouver is AMAZING.

I couldn’t believe how much I LOVED the city.

AND I was only there for 2 days and 1 full day was for work!

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The Capilano Suspension bridge in Vancouver BC! Great views of the treetops and river below. Has anyone else been?

The Capilano Suspension bridge

The city reminds me of NYC, Portland, and San Francisco all mixed together (and a little cleaner than all of them).

The closeness of the city, the ocean, and the mountains was pretty ideal if you ask me.

I stayed in Downtown Vancouver at the Marriott Pinnacle which was walkable to Gastown and Stanley Park.

Here’s some of the things I did! I’ve also added a list of recommendations that I’ve gotten from people who live in Vancouver and others who just plain love it!

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Things to do:

  • Explore Granville Island – public market, small shops, and docks to stroll around on

  • Bike around Stanley Park– This is a MUST do. Rent a bike and tour the whole thing. Views are incredible and I especially love the totem poles. Apparently there are hidden swimming areas too, so bring a suit!

  • Explore YaleTown

  • Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge – about $37 to get in. Unsure it’s worth that because it’s mainly forest and views are so-so, but fun to see anyway!

  • Wander around Gastown

  • Robson Street – for downtown shopping, restaurants, and nightlife

  • Historic Chinatown – there are some great old school shops, but also a growth of trendy craft roasters and eateries

  • Richmond – the new Chinatown, great bakeries and restaurants, and shopping centers

  • Lion’s Gate Bridge

  • Watch the sea planes and grab a beer by Canada Place – great place to sit by the water downtown

  • Kitsilano Beach

  • Vancouver Lookout

  • Day Trip to Vancouver Island – visit Victoria and Butchart Gardens

The reason I loved Vancouver so much was the closeness to the mountains and water! Such an amazing place :) ✨ #stanleypark

21133371538_528acf6894_oHad to find the totem poles in Vancouver! How fun are these?! #stanleypark

Food & Drinks:

  • Meat & Bread – amazing sandwiches

  •  Kintaro Ramen – solid ramen place with strong flavors

  • Ramen Butcher – best bang for your buck (they give you a second

  • Shanghai River – if you like Shanghai soup dumplings

  • Catch 122 – Great brunch spot in Gastown! Try the Dirty Breakfast or the Chorizo Hash

  • Alibi Room – gastropub and cocktails

  • Japadog – Japanese inspired hotdogs

  • Tuc Craft Kitchen – get the crispy bacon & eggs… you won’t regret it

  • The Flying Pig – another craft kitchen with new takes on Canadian food, pulled pork poutine is good

  • Guu with Garlic – Japanese Izakaya

  • Granville Island Brewing

  • East Van Vodka

  • Amsterdam Cafe – if you’re into this kind of thing (haha)

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xoxo,

Katie