See and Do in Vancouver
Vancouver is a city immersed in history, culture and outdoor attractions, with plenty of distractions to offer its resident expats. Popular areas for a day at leisure include Granville Island, Gastown and Chinatown, while there are also great museums, galleries and parks to spend time at.
A ‘See Vancouver and Beyond Smartvisit Card’ provides access to 40 attractions in and around the city, as well as local maps and travel tips. Here’s our selection of the best things to see and do in Vancouver for expats:
Vancouver Art Gallery
Set in downtown Vancouver, this well-established gallery showcases the works of both local and international artists including Emily Carr, Andy Warhol, Picasso and Rodin.
www.vanartgallery.bc.ca
Telephone: (604) 662 4719
Vancouver Lookout at the Harbour Centre
Be transported in the glass-fronted Skylift, up the Harbour Centre Tower, to the Lookout. Here, great bird’s-eye views of the city and surrounds come with amenities including shops, a food court and the fantastic Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant.
www.vancouverlookout.com
Telephone: (604) 689 0421
Commercial Drive
Commercial Drive is one of Vancouver's most eclectic neighbourhoods, popular with both expats and trendy locals, offering a number of chic boutiques and second-hand shops to explore. The area also boasts a number of live music venues, an ice-skating rink and a bowling alley, as well as dozens of authentic, street-side Italian cafés.
www.thedrive.ca
Telephone: (604) 251 2884 (Commercial Drive Business Society)
Museum of Anthropology
Totem poles on the Point Grey cliffs mark the way to the Museum of Anthropology, displaying fine examples of Northwest Coast art and architecture. See the work of internationally acclaimed Haida artist, Bill Reid, and explore the traditional houses built on the premises – a great way for expats to get a feel for the culture of the area.
www.moa.ubc.ca
Telephone: (604) 822 5087
Granville Island
In central Vancouver, on the south shore of False Creek, is Granville Island – a wonderful entertainment and shopping destination. The island’s array of markets including the Public Market (fresh produce and clothing), the Kids Market (toys and games), and the Maritime Market (boating equipment and supplies).
www.granvilleisland.com
Telephone: (604) 666 5784
Queen Elizabeth Park
Queen Elizabeth Park is home to abundant flower gardens, the Bloedel Floral Conservatory, a Pitch and Putt course and a lovely restaurant. The conservatory boasts over 100 species of free-flying tropical birds for visitors to see. This is the perfect day out for apartment-dwelling expats.
www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/Parks/parks/queenelizabeth
Telephone: (604) 257 8400 (Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation) or (604) 257 8584 (Bloedel Floral Conservatory)
Pacific National Exhibition (PNE)
Established in 1910, PNE hosts a variety of shows, concerts, sports events and exhibitions. The assortment of amusement park rides and the annual PNE Fair are family favourites.
www.pne.ca
Telephone: (604) 253 2311
Lonsdale Quay
Lonsdale Quay has something for everyone, from a vibrant public market and trendy boutiques to a good selection of restaurants and a kids’ play area. Climbing the quay’s red tower offers great views of the harbour and the North Shore Mountains.
www.lonsdalequay.com
Telephone: (604) 985 6261
Gastown
Wander the cobbled streets of Gastown to discover beautiful Victorian architecture and hidden courtyards, home to a selection of trendy boutiques and restaurants. Visit the Dominion Hotel’s Lamplighter Pub, the first Vancouver establishment to serve alcohol to women.
www.gastown.org
