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Insider's Guide to Vancouver

Our team at Fluxwerx has put together a list of the top things to do in Vancouver.


1. Quick + Unique Photo Opportunity

Just steps away from the Fairmont Pacific Rim is Jack Poole Plaza, situated next to the Vancouver Convention Centre. In this plaza you will find the cauldron from the Winter 2010 Olympics, Douglas Coupland's Digital Orca sculpture, and living rooftops. You can access the rooftop above the Cactus Club Restaurant where picturesque views of Coal Harbor await.

2. Craft Brewery Tour

Visit your concierge and ask about craft brewery tours. Vancouver is home to over 170 breweries; your concierge will be able to help curate a perfect list of tasting destinations, and the best mode of transportation. For a sneak peek of Vancouver's craft brew scene, click here.

3. Walk or bike the Stanley Park seawall

The Stanley Park Seawall is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike, and it’s easy to see why.  This paved, 9-kilometre (5.5 mile) pathway is perfect for joggers, cyclists and sightseers looking for  scenic waterfront views on a vehicle-free route. Stop for snacks and coffee with a breathtaking view at Prospect Point. Ask the concierge about bike rentals. 

4. Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery's current exhibit

Everything Under the Sun: Drawn from the Gallery’s collection, Everything Under the Sun pays tribute to the late art collector Andrew Gruft (1937–2021), whose generosity and support over the past two decades have been crucial to the development of the Gallery’s collection of photographs. This exhibition features a selection of historical, modern and contemporary photographs gifted by Gruft and Beck over the past eighteen years. Featured artists include Eugène Atget, Anne Brigman, Karin Bubaš, Becky Cohen, Robert Frank, Helen Levitt, Oriol Maspons, Gabriel Orozco, Issei Suda and William Henry Fox Talbot, among others.For further information, visit the VAG website.

5. Indulge in a feast of flavours with traditional dim sum in Chinatown

With the third-largest Chinatown in North America, Vancouver’s Asian community is expansive and  diverse. Go to Bao Bei to experience the culture firsthand with dim sum: a multi-course feast of small dishes, such as  bite-sized dumplings, steamed buns, unique soups and sweet treats. After your meal, burn off some of  those calories with a walk through this cultural district. You're 4 minutes walking distance from the beautiful Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.

6. Take a self-guided tasting tour of Granville Island

You don’t need a professional tour guide to experience the breadth of culinary riches on Granville Island.  Wander around this foodie paradise, which features more than 70 eateries, Canada’s first microbrewery  and artisan boutique sake winery, a summer farmers’ market, and, of course, Granville Island Public  Market. 

7. Stop and smell the flowers 

Rain or shine, Vancouver’s climate brings about some of the most spectacular gardens you’re likely to find. You’ll find everything from proper English rose gardens to lush displays of foliage native to the Pacific Northwest, and even indoor floral conservatories—perfect for rainy days. Close to downtown, visit Stanley Park or Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Head out to UBC Botanical Garden and  Greenheart TreeWalk and Nitobe Memorial Garden, a little further afield. Or combine a trip to  Queen Elizabeth Park, Bloedel Floral Conservatory and VanDusen Botanical Garden, all of which are in  close proximity. 

8. Take the Grouse Mountain Skyride to dine with a view

The Skyride at Grouse Mountain is a thrilling aerial tramway that follows a 1,600-metre (one-mile) route up to the peak of Grouse Mountain (also known as the Peak of Vancouver). As North America’s largest aerial tramway system, this only-in-Vancouver attraction boasts unparalleled views of surrounding mountains, downtown  Vancouver, and the region’s islands. At the mountain's peak, find trails to explore, Grizzly Bear viewing opportunities, Zipline adventures and exciting dining spots featuring Pacific Northwest cuisine.

9. Experience a journey across Canada

Since opening in June 2013, FlyOver Canada has brought smiles to over two million riders of all ages, from every corner of Canada and over 40 nations worldwide. During the Ultimate Flying Ride you will see numerous cities and vistas across the country. The production team for FlyOver Canada were able to select 18 scenes from over 100 hours of footage to represent Canada in the ride film. There are no subtitles or voice-overs during the experience, as we did not want to detract from the flying sensation.

10. Visit Kitsilano

Kitsilano is a laid-back residential area known for the huge saltwater Kitsilano Pool and mountain views from Kitsilano Beach. Stores selling yoga wear, outdoor gear and fashionable clothes line West 4th Avenue, the main drag, and dining options range from waterside seafood spots (including the Boathouse Restaurant) to long-standing vegetarian eateries. Cultural attractions include the Vancouver Maritime Museum and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre. The Stanley Park Seawall runs alongside the beach, and Kitsilano Pool is at the west side.



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