As someone who was born and raised in the Vancouver suburbs and now lives just outside the downtown area, I know there’s a lot to love about the Canadian city.
However, like any place, there are some spots that are more worth visitors’ time than others.
Here are four things that I think will give you the best Vancouver experience — and three I think you can skip.
I recommend shopping on Main Street or Commercial Drive.
For a variety of independent and local shops, check out Main Street.
I like to start in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood for a bite to eat — I think Burgoo has the best comfort food — then explore Main Street on foot. From vintage stores and record shops to specialty grocers and clothing boutiques, there’s so much to see.
A few of my favorite stops are Front and Company for top-tier consignment clothing and Welks General Store for any kitchen and home gadgets.
Similarly, I think Commercial Drive (nicknamed “The Drive”) is worth checking out, too. It has an eclectic vibe and is known for its international eateries, diverse shops, and community events.
Mintage’s vintage collection is amazing, and Sing Sing and Havana are both great places to eat at while you’re there.
You can’t go wrong with brewery or café hopping your way around the city.
Vancouver has a thriving craft-beer scene, particularly around the east side of the city, which is nicknamed “Yeast Van.”
Some of my favorite spots are Parallel 49 Brewing Company, Container Brewing, and Superflux Beer Company.
If beer isn’t your thing, café culture is alive and well, too. You don’t have to walk more than a couple of blocks to find an independently-owned coffee shop.
South Granville, Mount Pleasant, and Kitsilano are three neighborhoods with great options, including JJ Bean, Nemesis Coffee, Pallet Coffee Roasters, and Breka Bakery and Café.
Stanley Park is definitely worth the hype.
Though Stanley Park is a big draw for tourists, locals love it, too.
It’s bigger than New York City’s Central Park, and has trails, a pitch-and-putt, a pool, a rose garden, and more — right in the middle of the city.
One of the best ways to explore the park is by bike. I suggest renting one at a nearby shop and cycling around the seawall.
While there, take in the views, stop for a picnic, or eat at one of the waterfront restaurants overlooking English Bay Beach.
I also recommend using public transit to explore Vancouver’s neighborhoods and suburbs.
Vancouver locals know there’s more to the city than its downtown core. To get the full experience, use the city’s public transportation system, which is relatively affordable and easy to use.
The SeaBus, for example, is a passenger ferry that travels from the Vancouver Waterfront to North Vancouver, offering beautiful skyline views.
Meanwhile, the SkyTrain connects neighboring suburbs, including Richmond, Burnaby, New Westminster, and Port Moody, each with its own unique personality.
In Port Moody, “Brewers Row” has five small-batch breweries on a single street. I love Rewind Beer Co.’s retro vibes and Yellow Dog Brewing Co.’s outdoor patio space.
Other transit options around the city include the Mobi bike share program, which is great for exploring via cycling-friendly routes, and the Aquabus, a ferry that travels across False Creek to hot spots like Granville Island and Science World.
On the other hand, I think the Gastown Steam Clock is one of the city’s biggest tourist traps.
It’s common to see tourists crowding around an antique-style steam clock in the historic neighborhood of Gastown year-round.
However, many visitors may be surprised to learn that the clock isn’t even that historic — it was built in the 1970s — and it doesn’t fully run on steam power.
I also find the whistle and steam “performance” that occurs every 15 minutes to be underwhelming.
Visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge isn’t cheap, and it can get crowded.
Located in North Vancouver, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park takes visitors through the rainforest via a variety of walking paths and exhibits, including the 450-foot-long bridge itself.
It’s a good option for children and those who may prefer not to hike independently. However, it can get quite crowded and be pricey to visit — adult day passes can cost $75 Canadian dollars (or about $55) per person. Instead, I’d suggest experiencing the area’s beautiful forests in a different way.
For example, the lesser-known, less-crowded Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is about 15 minutes down the road. It’s free (excluding parking) and surrounded by the same dense forests and hiking trails.
Grouse Mountain is beautiful, but there are other options for epic views.
I don’t deny it: Grouse Mountain is stunning. Mountaintop views and a variety of available activities make it a popular spot.
However, reaching these requires hiking the demanding 1½ -mile Grouse Grind trail or spending money on a round-trip gondola ride.
Though both can be a worthwhile experience for some tourists, if you really want to explore nature like a Vancouver local, consider visiting some of the thousands of free trails and parks in the area instead.
Check out Pacific Spirit Regional Park for dense forest trails, Burnaby Mountain for amazing views, or Ambleside Beach for an oceanside stroll.
No matter what you get up to in Vancouver, though, I’m confident you’ll enjoy it. Call me biased, but I really think it’s the best city in the world.
Read the original article on Business Insider
The post I’m a Vancouver local. Here are 4 things tourists should do when they visit — and 3 they should skip. appeared first on Business Insider.
