Vancouver Recommendations (2023 version)

June 20, 2023
Bellevue, WA

I grew up in Vancouver, and for most of my life I’ve lived, worked, and ate in the greater Vancouver area. But in the last 8 years or so, I’ve been mostly living in the US. In that short couple of years, a large number of restaurants came and went, businesses opened and went out of business, new buildings were built, the general landscape of the city ever changing. I often get asked where to go, what to do, and more importantly what to eat. Some things in the city never change, but even I have to double check if a previous favorite sushi restaurant was still open for business or if a new coffee shop has replaced old favorites as the best in town.

List 1: Classical Vancouver spots in detail

Granville island

Google link
This is a fun spot for locals and tourists alike, full of food, fresh markets, craft artisan studios, even a few theaters. Plan at least a half day with plenty of things to see and do. Easily one of the top places I recommend.

Vancouver Seawall walk

This is a long walk along the embankments of the pacific ocean along the entire stretch of downtown Vancouver, crossing many local parks and beaches. Plenty of rest spots for food and drink along the way. Great views of English Bay and Vancouver Harbour. Start wherever you want, from the west English Bay Beach is a typical location (and where the usually host the firework festival each year) and from the east start from Canada Place convention center all along the Coal Harbour neighborhood. The longest part of the walk is around the entirety of Stanley Park (10km or 6mi)

North Vancouver Lonsdale Quay

Google link
It’s not just the destination its also the journey! Something of a fun distraction, if you are in the downtown area near Waterfront Station, take the Seabus ferry from downtown Vancouver across the harbour to North Vancouver and the Lonsdale Quay (12 minutes one way), the quay is a quaint market for a quick bite. If you have some extra time before heading back to downtown Vancouver, check out the nearby parks (Waterfront park/Ambleside park) to see a different view of the Vancouver skyline from across the water.

Steveston Fisherman’s Wharf Richmond

Google link
Steveston was the first neighborhood I lived in when we first moved to Canada. In particular the downtown area/fisherman’s wharf is a historical maritime cannery and fishing industry center at the mouth of the Fraser river and the Pacific ocean. Today it’s a bit more touristy and fun historical area with lots of seafood and local shops. Walk towards Garry Point park after a meal and enjoy the views of the ocean. (This is a bit out of the way, roughly a 44min drive distance from downtown Vancouver)

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Google link
Another fun albeit touristy place to check out if you have the chance. A bit far from the center of Vancouver towards the north, but there is a free shuttle bus to the park. Be prepared to pay (Roughly $50 Canadian buckeroos per person) to access the park, but well worth it if only just to see the the titular suspension bridge (450 feet/137 meters long, and 230 feet/70 meters above the Capilano river). There are many other things to see and do in the park, ranging from miles of trails though gardens and maintained forests, treetop adventures, local historical exhibits.

Gastown

Google link
If you want some nightlife or just some unique and interesting foods and beverages, here’s where I spent many a nights and next day mornings. From dinner options, clubs, speakeasy bars, and fancy pants coffee shops to boutique fashion brands and tourists targeting gift shops, this area of town has a bit of that big European city feeling right down to the cobble stone streets and lampposts. The restaurants and shops may change, but Gastown remains ever the rough and moody part of the city. Note: As you walk eastwards towards Main St. it’ll get rougher and grimier, be warned if this is your first taste of the downtown eastside. I usually turn back around by the time I hit Columbia St.

Vancouver Art Gallery

Google link
Huge gallery, 3 floors, multiple wings. Usually pretty cool stuff here, in the middle of downtown area.

Telus World of Science

Google link
Another multi hour activity, very fun interactive science stuff. One of my favorite places as a kid. Fun for the whole family. I still just call it the old name “Science World”

List 2: Vancouver food and drinks

  • Chambar (European) - $$ Downtown
  • Miku (Sushi) - $$$ Downtown
  • Revolver (Coffee) - $ Gastown
  • L’abbatoir (Pacific Northwest) - $$ Gastown
  • Ask for Luigi (Italian/Pasta) - $$ Gastown (Sketchy area, great pasta)
  • MeeT in Gastown (Vegan) - $$ Gastown
  • Robba di Matti (Pasta) - $$ 2 locations Downtown
  • Samurai Sushi (Sushi) - $ many locations (Cheap and big portions for college student budget)
  • Cactus Club Cafe (West Coast, dinner) - $$ many locations
  • Uncle Fatih’s (Pizza) - $ many locations
  • Vancouver Fish Company (Seafood) - $$ Granville Island
  • Lee’s Donuts (Donuts) - $ Granville island
  • 49th Parallel (Coffee/Donuts) - $ Downtown
  • Cartems (Donuts) - $ Downtown
  • Minami (Sushi) - $$$ Yaletown
  • PiDGiN (Modern Asian) - $$ Gastown
  • Kingyo (Japanese Izakaya) - $$ Downtown
  • Breka Bakery (Bakery) - $ many locations (Lots of students studying inside, great pastries)
  • Tacofino (West Coast Mexican) - $ many locations (Get the fish tacos!)
  • Guu (Japanese Izakaya) - $$ many downtown
  • Torafuku (Japanese Izakaya) - $$ Vancouver
  • Phnom Penh (Vietnamese) - $ Chinatown (Brought my grandmother here, get their wings!!!)
  • Teahouse in Stanley Park (Brunch/Tea) - $$ Stanley Park
  • Cardero’s (Seafood) - $$$ Downtown
  • Dinesty (Chinese Shanghai) - $$ Richmond
  • Sura (Korean BBQ) - $$ Downtown / Richmond
  • Fisherman’s Terrace (Chinese Dim Sum) - $$ Richmond (My favorite Dim Sum)
  • No. 9 (24/7 Chinese diner) - $ Richmond (It’s the best when its 2am and you’re hungry)
  • Kirin (Chinese Dim Sum) - $$ many locations

I'll probably update this again as things change, but should be some pretty solid recommendations. Again, this is based on my own personal preferences, not what some may consider the best of the best.