Summer’s fast approaching, and that means it’s time to start planning vacations! A perfect weekend vacation spot is Vancouver, since it’s just across the water and has so much to offer! As a Vancouverite, I’ve spent many years testing out the best activities, from hot new locations to tried and true favourites. Here’s the 10 best things to do during that weekend trip to Vancouver, from a local’s perspective!
- Tsawwassen Mills
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As soon as you dock off the ferry, Tsawwassen Mills is less than five minutes away by car! With over 180 stores, the Mills are the perfect place to get your shopping spree started.
- Yolks
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If you, like me, don’t enjoy the food they serve on the ferry, Yolks is the perfect place to hit up for your morning grub. Located at 1598 East Hastings Street, Yolks has been a Vancouver staple for eggs bennies and good brunch for the past six years they’ve been in service. Find their menu here.
- Explore Vancouver’s Most Iconic Streets
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If you’re wondering what our most iconic streets are: Commercial Drive, Granville Street, and Robson Street.
Commercial Drive is Vancouver’s own Little Italy, filled with food, entertainment, and shopping gems. Italian Day is an annual festival held on Commercial Drive to celebrate the community’s Italian culture. This year, Italian Day will be on June 9, so definitely plan your trip around then!
Granville Street is located at the heart of downtown and is home to a number of our favourite stores: Urban Outfitters, Zumiez, Brandy Melville, and Adidas, just to name a few. Granville Street also holds many food gems, such as Cafe Crepe.
Lastly is Robson Street, which all of us know as the shopping centre of Vancouver. Home to over 150 businesses, Robson Street could very well be all you need to sustain yourself in Vancouver (but the magic of the city is the whole city, not just one street).
- Gastown
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After all that shopping, Gastown is the perfect place to wind down for a cup of coffee. A simple 10-minute walk from Granville Street, Gastown is home to the famous steam clock (pictured above). Some local favourites for that cup of joe include Buro Espresso Bar, Revolver, and Trees Organic Coffee.
- FlyOver Canada
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This alleged tourist attraction is actually quite popular amongst Vancouver natives. Similar to Soarin’ Around the World at Disneyland, FlyOver Canada takes you on a journey around our beautiful country. The attraction is a 10-minute walk from Gastown, giving you some time to take in Vancouver on your way there.
- Biking Around Stanley Park
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With this great weather we’ve been having on the west coast lately, biking season is coming into full swing. The corner of Robson and Davie contains many bike rental places, so you’re sure to find somewhere with a bike for you! After touring Stanley Park, you’ll find yourself at English Bay, home to Cactus Club. After all that biking, you deserve a drink, which you can get at their outdoor bar while watching the sun set.
- Granville Island
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Granville Island is a classic stop for Vancouver trips. It has everything from shopping to dining, to attractions like the Aquabus and theatre. This is definitely one not to miss, so make sure you add it to your itinerary!
- Vancouver Art Gallery
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Most people skip out when it comes to the Vancouver Art Gallery, but it’s definitely a great place to visit, especially if you’re into art and modern issues. Currently, the VAG is holding five exhibits: Mowry Baden, Displacement, French Moderns, Affinities, and Offsite. Admission for students is $18.
- Vancouver’s Nightlife
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Remember Granville Street? The central hub is also home to an amazing nightlife. Hit up El Furniture Warehouse for cheap eats and great drinks. Then, head on out and choose the venue of the night from Granville Street’s many clubs: Venue, if you’re in the mood for EDM; Republic, if rap’s your jam; The Roxy is the place to be for country lovers.
- Storm Crow Tavern
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Of course, I had to leave my personal favourite for last! If you’re looking for the perfect night activity, but aren’t down for some heavy clubbing, Storm Crow Tavern is your best bet. Located on Commercial Drive, it’s Vancouver’s hidden gem. Not only are all of their drinks and food sci-fi–themed, they have nearly every board and card game in existence.
Let us know what your favourite things to do on that weekend trip to Vancouver are!