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Coined “Movies in the Morgue”, this event transforms the old City Morgue into a cinema space that offers an ambiance that’s, let’s say, quite unlike your standard movie theatre. If you have heart problems or aren’t feeling well, it’s best to enjoy the event from the warmth of the shore. And if you’re feeling fancy, add a splash of spirits to your tour for an extra $30. Vancouver is a city that offers a little bit of everything—nature, food, art, and unique experiences that stay with you long after your visit. For deeper insights, join a guided food tour to learn about Chinatown’s culinary history while sampling hidden gems.
Granville Island Market Food Tour
- Whether you're looking for the newest gym equipment, seeking groundbreaking recovery technologies, or exploring fresh business opportunities, FIBO 2025 is the place to be.
- The comfort doesn’t end with the virtual experiences – the lounge areas are also designed for you to relax and watch the action unfold or debrief with your squad post-adventure.
- Fitness professionals must be cautious when recommending products, services, or partnerships that could be perceived as self-serving.
- These are the kinds of gifts you won’t find in generic souvenir shops—the ones that actually taste like Vancouver.
- Burkett spoke to CBC News about the creative inspiration behind Forget Me Not, his "theatrical love letter."
But if you’re further out or just not up for the walk, the SkyTrain drops you off at Waterfront Station just a couple of blocks away. If you’re already in downtown Vancouver, there’s really no reason to take anything but your own two feet. Could be soap, a coaster, or local chocolate—something small but personal. Vancouver’s top two attractions, one convenient tour – no car needed. Keep moving and you’ll find calmer corners just a block away.
This isn’t bucket list travel, it’s meaningful, practical, and grounded in real experience. I explore cultural, nature-based, and heritage destinations across BC, Alberta, and Quebec. She is a certified Whistler expert from her time working for Whistler Blackcomb and currently works in the tourism industry.
Massy Books – An Indigenous-owned bookstore in Chinatown with a wide selection of literature, poetry, and history books. I always look for books by local authors when I travel, and Vancouver has no shortage of literary talent. If you’re looking for a meaningful gift, a print or small carving is a perfect choice. If you want to bring home something that actually represents Vancouver—rather than a mass-produced souvenir from a tourist shop—local artisan goods are the way to go. I always bring a bag of local beans when I visit family—it’s a great way to share a piece of the city with them.
What to Do in Vancouver for a Week: 7 Day Itinerary
Whether you’re planning your first trip or you’ve called the city home for years, there’s always something new to uncover. That said, if there’s something missing please don’t hesitate to write me in the comments below! I hope this 7 day Vancouver itinerary has given you a taste of what Vancouver has to offer. Honestly, if you’re using Vancouver as part of a greater trip around the west coast of North America, then three or four days should be enough to check off the major sights. If you’re looking to just see the major sights without living the city and nature, a four-day Vancouver itinerary should be enough. Yes, it is absolutely possible to spend a week in Vancouver, but to do so, you’ll need to include all sorts of outdoor excursions and generally spread out the attractions to just one or two a day.
The Importance of Lifelong Learning
Every quarter-hour, five brass whistles play the classic Westminster chime, while a dramatic steam blast marks the hour—perfect for a photo op! For a hassle-free experience, book a guided tour through Viator or rent kayaks from Granville Island Kayak Rentals. Ideal for foodies and families alike, this tour is a must for tasting Vancouver’s vibrant culinary scene. Join a guided tasting experience to skip the lines and discover hidden gems with a local expert.
Is a week in Vancouver too long?
Whether it’s contemporary fiction, Indigenous storytelling, or environmental writing, these books offer a real sense of place. This gift guide will help you find meaningful, high-quality gifts that locals actually love. If you’re looking for authentic, locally made gifts that truly capture the spirit of Vancouver, you’re in the right place.
This vibrant strip is a haven for artists, musicians, and free spirits, offering cozy spots with local art-covered walls, live acoustic sessions, and a distinctly laid-back vibe. Nearby, the Dancing Waters fountain dazzles with choreographed water displays, while QE Plaza (built over a massive water reservoir) provides a perfect place to relax. A charming blend of history and whimsy, the Gastown Steam Clock is one of Vancouver’s most beloved landmarks. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this is one of the most magical ways to see Vancouver!
Dive into a virtual reality adventure at Evolve Virtual Reality
Explore all the campus has to offer with a student ambassador as your guide. Whether you’re looking for the arts, sciences, trades or humanities, VIU has a program for you. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site.
☕ If you’re as coffee-obsessed as uniquelyvancouvershow.com I am, check out my guide to The Best Coffee in North Vancouver. These are the kinds of gifts you won’t find in generic souvenir shops—the ones that actually taste like Vancouver. One of my favourite things about Vancouver is the abundance of locally made food and drinks.
Ever wondered what the best gifts from Vancouver are—beyond the usual maple syrup and generic souvenir magnets? The “Friday Night Lights” series, which runs from June through Septemeber, provides an opportunity to experience the waters under a different light, quite literally. It’s a journey into the serene and sometimes mystical evening atmosphere of North Vancouver’s waterfront. With classes for all skill levels and a supportive community vibe, this place offers a sizzling experience. Whether you’re swirling colours into a paperweight, blowing your first glass vessel, or crafting festive ornaments, this place turns up the heat on creativity. The comfort doesn’t end with the virtual experiences – the lounge areas are also designed for you to relax and watch the action unfold or debrief with your squad post-adventure.
Whether you’re battling zombies, slicing beats in rhythm games, or exploring alien landscapes, this place has it all, and then some. Climbing this instagrammable staircase is an ascent through layers of history that have woven the fabric of this iconic neighbourhood. Over the years, it expanded and adapted, until its eventual decline and closure in the 1990s. Then, you’ll proceed to the boarding zone for your flight briefing before finally taking off on the Ultimate Flying Ride. It’s a multi-sensory adventure that makes use of state-of-the-art technology, including a gigantic spherical screen that creates a feeling of flight.
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Vancouver, even though it’s not as old as some cities, has been around since 1886. Take a dinner cruise or a shorter cruise around the harbour learning all about Vancouver as you go. The boat goes out into the harbour multiple times a day and is really easy to spot. Vancouver has a lot of street art, with the best pieces being hidden in almost plain view.
Best Times and Booking Windows
When your team steps onto the field or court wearing matching jerseys, it creates an instant bond. Also at the event each year is a beer garden with a live band which typically plays music from the 1960s and 1970s. There are also live demonstrations including, in 2022, a Pro Street Burnout Contest and a 10,000-horsepower nitromethane-powered Top Fuel Dragster. Tickets at the door in 2022 were going to cost $18 for adults, $15 for seniors (ages 55+), $10 for youth (ages 13 to 18) and free for children ages 12 and under. Two-day passes were also available for $30 and all-weekend passes cost $40.
Books by Vancouver Authors & Local Publishers
- With the immensely diverse population of Vancouver, the dining choices are endless.
- Cypress Mountain, which hosted 2010 Olympic freestyle skiing and snowboarding events, provides the most varied terrain including challenging runs, terrain parks, and extensive cross-country skiing trails.
- This horse-drawn carriage tour lasts for an hour, driving you through Lions Gate Bridge, Totem Poles, Rose Garden, red cedar forest, and Deadman’s Island.
- No, the event is 19+ and geared toward adults, mainly because of content and the bar-only venues.
- Stanley Park is an iconic slice of town located right in downtown Vancouver, featuring prominent attractions such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the city’s famous totem poles, idyllic Prospect Point, and the towering Lionsgate Bridge.
- This well-loved event, organized by CiTR 101.9 FM and Discorder Magazine has been happening for over 20 years, features all-day live music from Vancouver’s top independent artists.
The museum’s location in the historic Gastown area means you can easily combine your visit with exploring the neighborhood, though the museum’s somber content provides stark contrast to Gastown’s tourist atmosphere. The house hosts special events including Victorian tea services where visitors can enjoy tea and treats while learning about tea ceremony customs of the era. What sets Roedde House apart from grander heritage homes is its human scale; this wasn’t a mansion but a comfortable family home, making the historical period more accessible and relatable. The neighborhood’s character reflects old-money Vancouver, with beautiful heritage homes on surrounding residential streets and a genteel atmosphere that feels worlds away from downtown’s urban energy. Parking is easier than in busier districts, and the relatively flat terrain makes walking pleasant.
Summer Marché by Uniquely Vancouver
The juxtaposition of heritage buildings with contemporary social issues makes Chinatown complex but fascinating. This massive complex houses over 400 stores across multiple connected malls including major department stores, international fashion brands, electronics retailers, sporting goods stores, and virtually every chain you can imagine. The False Creek Community Centre includes a free outdoor skate park and beautiful plaza, while nearby Hinge Park hosts summer movies and festivals. The walk connects to the broader Seawall network, allowing you to walk or cycle all the way to Granville Island or Kitsilano.
And by fully immersing in it, you will bring home a slice of Vancouver’s history. Located at 8th West Pender Street, Sam Kee is known as the skinniest commercial building in the world. Reaching only six feet two inches deep, Sam Kee keeps making global headlines as a well-maintained century-old building that was once a very successful import and export business.
There are a variety of craft and flea markets available in and around Vancouver. You can enjoy some fresh baked goods and produce while browsing unique hand-made local crafts. Le Burger Week is back at participating restaurants across Metro Vancouver. So if you’re a burger lover be sure to keep your eye out on the list of restaurants this year and the amazing offers. Vancouver loves to be unique, so you’ll see a lot of public art practically throwing the city’s individuality in your face.
Orcas cruising Vancouver’s coast – epic wildlife without leaving the city. As you make your way to this 167-foot (50-meter) high bridge above the canyon floor, you’ll be treated to clear-running waterfalls nestled among groves of Red Cedar and Douglas fir. I want you to take an off-the-beaten-path Vancouver adventure – unveiling unique things to do and cultural enclaves not done by typical tourists. Head on over to this arena uniquelyvancouvershow.com for a lively indoor entertainment scene that is home to the Vancouver Canucks NHL and the Vancouver Warriors. Race Vancouver’s waterfront routes in Canada’s most scenic marathon event. Celebrate Lunar New Year traditions with art, performances, and family-friendly festivities across the city.
GASTOWN
Having studied Indigenous Art History at UBC with a focus on the First Nations of BC’s coast, I can confidently say that Vancouver is one of the best places to find authentic Indigenous art. I have a weakness for beautifully made stationery and notebooks (I can always talk myself into buying another one). Vancouver has some amazing indie shops where you can find gorgeous, locally designed paper goods. If I had to pick one souvenir to bring home, it would probably be chocolate (or tea towels, but that’s another story). Vancouver has some incredible chocolatiers that take their craft seriously.
