I’m a Vancouver local. Here are 4 things tourists should do when they visit — and 3 they should skip.
Vancouver is a city that offers a rich tapestry of experiences, and local resident Alyssa Wiens shares her insights on how to navigate it like a true Vancouverite. Born and raised in the suburbs, Alyssa emphasizes the importance of exploring beyond the typical tourist hotspots, like the Gastown Steam Clock and the Capilano Suspension Bridge, which she considers overrated. Instead, she invites visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant neighborhoods that make Vancouver unique. For an authentic experience, she recommends starting in the Mount Pleasant area, where you can indulge in comfort food at Burgoo before wandering down Main Street. This stretch is a treasure trove of independent shops, including Front and Company for consignment clothing and Welks General Store for kitchen gadgets. Similarly, Commercial Drive, known for its eclectic vibe and diverse eateries, is another must-visit. Here, you can find Mintage’s vintage collection and enjoy delicious meals at local favorites like Sing Sing and Havana.
Alyssa also highlights Vancouver’s thriving craft beer and café culture, particularly in the east side neighborhoods dubbed “Yeast Van.” With popular breweries such as Parallel 49 and Superflux Beer Company, beer enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy. For coffee lovers, the city boasts numerous independently-owned cafés, including JJ Bean and Breka Bakery, making it easy to fuel your explorations. No trip is complete without a visit to Stanley Park, where locals and tourists alike can bike along the scenic seawall, take in stunning views, and enjoy a picnic amidst nature. Alyssa advocates for using Vancouver’s robust public transportation system, which is both affordable and user-friendly, to explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods. The SeaBus offers breathtaking skyline views, while the SkyTrain connects you to surrounding suburbs, each with its own charm—like Port Moody’s “Brewers Row” featuring multiple craft breweries.
In contrast, Alyssa cautions against spending time at certain popular attractions. The Gastown Steam Clock, while a common photo op, is a relatively modern installation and lacks the authentic historical allure many expect. Similarly, the Capilano Suspension Bridge, with its hefty admission fee and crowds, may not be worth the visit when free alternatives like the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge are available. Lastly, while Grouse Mountain is undeniably beautiful, Alyssa suggests exploring other local trails and parks, such as Burnaby Mountain or Pacific Spirit Regional Park, for stunning views and a more tranquil nature experience. Ultimately, Alyssa believes that Vancouver is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered, and with her tips, visitors can truly experience the best the city has to offer.
In my opinion, Vancouver’s public transportation system is a great way to explore the city.
Alyssa Wiens
I was born and raised in the
Vancouver
suburbs, so I know what’s worth visiting and what isn’t.
I don’t think the Gastown Steam Clock and the Capilano Suspension Bridge are worth the hype.
To experience the city like a local, I recommend leaving downtown and exploring other neighborhoods.
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.
Front and Company is one of my favorite shops on Main Street.
Alyssa Wiens
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.
JJ Bean is one of my favorite coffee shops in the city.
Alyssa Wiens
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.
I enjoy biking around the Stanley Park seawall.
Alyssa Wiens
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.
The SeaBus offers beautiful views of the Vancouver skyline.
Alyssa Wiens
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.
The Gastown Steam Clock was completed in 1977.
Alexandre.ROSA/Shutterstock
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.
I don’t think the Capilano Suspension Bridge is worth the price tag when other, more affordable options are available nearby.
J Duquette/Shutterstock
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.
The views from Burnaby Mountain are incredible.
Alyssa Wiens
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.
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