Vancouver has a serious reputation. I’ve always noticed that it regularly tops the charts as one of the world’s most liveable cities—but what exactly makes it so likeable, so lovable, so… almost perfect?
Now, I’m not usually one to throw around the word “perfect”—there’s always room for improvement somewhere—but after visiting for the first time on a recent trip to Canada, I found myself thinking: this actually might just be the best major city I’ve ever been to.
From soaring mountain views to seaplane rides, laid-back markets to axe-throwing on mountaintops, Vancouver delivered for me on every level—and somehow managed to stay chill, clean, and unpretentious while doing it.
1. Grouse Mountain Adventures – Skyline Views and Axe-Throwing Thrills
To really appreciate a city like Vancouver, you’ve got to start with a view from above—so that’s exactly what we did. We headed straight for Grouse Mountain, one of the city’s most iconic spots, and home to the Skyride Gondola.
Now, I’ve been on plenty of cable cars, but this one had a twist: rather than riding inside the cabin, you can opt to stand securely on the roof of the gondola. Yep—on top! It felt like a scene straight out of Moonraker, except instead of dodging henchmen, I was enjoying jaw-dropping views of the city, forest, and coastline below. As far as I know, it’s the only experience like it in North America.
Once we reached the top, I quickly realised Grouse Mountain is more than just a lookout. Zip-lining, paragliding, cheesy-but-fun lumberjack shows, helicopter rides—I could have easily spent a full day up there.
The mountain is also home to two rescued grizzly bears, Grinder and Coola, who have lived in a protected wildlife enclosure since 2001. Seeing them up close (in an environment that thankfully mimics their natural habitat – I hate zoos!) was a real highlight.
But my unexpected favourite? Axe-throwing. As a total pacifist, I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did—but the satisfaction of hitting a bullseye with a spinning tomahawk? I found it surprisingly addictive!
We capped off our time at the top by visiting the Eye of the Wind, a 65-metre-high wind turbine with a viewing pod that offers panoramic vistas of Vancouver and beyond. I could have stayed up there for hours.
Grouse Mountain – At a Glance
- Location: 15 minutes north of downtown Vancouver
- Getting There: Drive or take the free shuttle from Canada Place (seasonal)
- My Top Experiences: Ride the Skyride Gondola (or take the Skyride Surf Adventure on the roof!), Watch the lumberjack show (seasonal and family-friendly), Visit Grinder and Coola, the resident grizzly bears, Try axe-throwing or zip-lining, Take in the views from the Eye of the Wind turbine
- My Tip: Arrive early in summer to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler weather for hikes
2. Stanley Park by Bike & a Granville Island Picnic
After taking in the city from above, we came back down to explore it at ground level—and there’s no better way to do that than by hopping on a bike and riding the loop around Stanley Park.
This is one of the largest urban parks in North America, and it genuinely felt like riding through a slice of West Coast paradise. The trail was easy, breezy, and full of distractions: we passed quiet forested paths, beachfronts, totem poles, and views of the city skyline that felt like they were made for postcards.
We’d planned ahead and made a pit stop at Granville Island Market before the ride, which turned out to be the best decision. I loved wandering through the stalls—fresh fruit, pastries, handmade treats—and stuffing our basket with picnic supplies. Sitting on a bench overlooking the water later, eating ripe berries and soft bread while watching boats drift by, I genuinely thought: I’ve never felt this relaxed in a city before!
Stanley Park was the kind of place where you could do as little or as much as you like—and it all feels just right. We stopped often, people-watched, and just soaked up the views. It felt miles away from the usual pace of a major metropolis.
Granville Island – At a Glance
- Location: Just south of downtown, accessible via Granville Bridge or False Creek ferry
- Famous For: Granville Island Public Market – fresh produce, baked goods, deli treats, Artisan shops & galleries – local ceramics, jewellery, and textiles and Granville Island Brewing – one of Canada’s first microbreweries, “Giants” mural by OSGEMEOS – massive, colourful public art painted on silos
- Vibe: Creative, colourful, and always buzzing with energy
- My Tip: Go in the morning to beat the crowds and snag the freshest picnic picks
Stanley Park – At a Glance
- Location: Bordering downtown Vancouver, wrapped by the Pacific Ocean
- Size: 1,000 acres (larger than NYC’s Central Park!)
- Best For: Nature lovers, cyclists, families, photographers, and culture seekers
- Top Things to Do:
- Cycle or walk the 9 km Seawall for epic water and skyline views
- Visit Brockton Point Totem Poles – the most visited in BC
- Spot seals near the seawall or herons near Lost Lagoon
- Wander forest trails through dense coastal rainforest
- Relax at Second & Third Beach or catch sunset at Prospect Point
- Entry Fee: Free (attractions within the park may charge separately)
- My Tip: Go early to enjoy peaceful paths and better light for photos
3. Foodie Highlights in Vancouver – From Japadogs to Seafood Towers
It’s safe to say that Vancouver is a food lover’s dream—and I was absolutely in my element. With so much cultural variety packed into one city, we found everything from fresh West Coast seafood to mouthwatering Asian fusion and quirky food truck eats that totally stole the show.
As we were surrounded by water, we naturally had to start with seafood. One of my most memorable meals was a seafood platter at Blue Water Café in Yaletown—stacked high with oysters, lobster tails, scallops, prawns and mussels. It felt like a celebration of the Pacific on a plate. On a more casual note, we tried crispy Atlantic cod and chips from a harbourfront shack and gobbled it down on a sunny bench by the water—sometimes the simple things really are the best.
Then there was Tacofino—a now-legendary taco joint that started as a food truck in Tofino. Their fish tacos? Absolute magic. Bursting with flavour and wrapped in a warm corn tortilla, I still think about them regularly. I’m not proud.
With such a strong Asian influence, we also made it our mission to try a bit of everything. A personal highlight? Japadog—a food truck that fuses Japanese flavours with hotdogs (yes, really). I went for the signature “Terimayo” dog, topped with teriyaki sauce, mayo, and seaweed. Unusual? Yes. But weirdly addictive.
We also made time for Gyu-Kaku, a Japanese BBQ spot where you grill your own meat and veggies at the table. I loved the interactive aspect—it was part dinner, part activity, and totally delicious.
And of course, no trip would be complete without exploring Granville Island Market. Even if you’re not hungry, just wandering past the fruit stalls, cheese counters, and artisan food vendors is a treat for the senses. I picked up a few locally made snacks and pastries for later and had zero regrets.
Where to Eat in Vancouver – At a Glance
- Blue Water Café – Upscale seafood platters, sushi & oysters in trendy Yaletown
- Tacofino – Legendary fish tacos from a cult-favourite food truck turned local chain
- Japadog – Iconic food truck serving Japanese-style hotdogs (try the Terimayo!)
- Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ – Interactive DIY grilling at your table, fun and flavourful
- Granville Island Market – Indoor public market with artisan goods, fresh produce, and baked treats—perfect for DIY picnics
- Bonus: Don’t miss trying local BC wines and craft beers
4. Seaplane Thrills & Sky Views
Just when I thought Vancouver couldn’t get any more scenic, we hopped aboard a Harbour Air seaplane—and honestly, this might have been my favourite part of the whole trip.
The take-off alone was exhilarating. One moment we were gliding gently across the water near Canada Place, the next we were soaring into the sky with the North Shore Mountains on one side and the glittering city skyline on the other. It was such a surreal feeling to lift off directly from the harbour—almost like being in an old adventure film (it gave me major Indiana Jones vibes, minus the snakes!).
From above, Vancouver revealed itself in layers: you could see the neat green grid of Stanley Park, the shimmering waters of False Creek, and beyond that, the misty blue peaks that seemed to stretch on forever.
The flight was short—only about 20 minutes—but it felt like a total escape. And for such a quick experience, it packed a serious wow factor. I loved watching the floatplanes come and go from the waterfront afterwards, wishing I could go up again.
It’s definitely one of those “bucket list” things I’d recommend to anyone visiting the city—especially if you want to see just how jaw-droppingly beautiful Vancouver really is.
Seaplane Tours – At a Glance
- Operator: Harbour Air Seaplanes (main provider)
- Departure Point: Coal Harbour Terminal, near Canada Place
- Flight Duration: ~20 minutes (for classic city panorama tour)
- What You’ll See: Downtown skyline, Stanley Park & Lions Gate Bridge, North Shore Mountains, False Creek & English Bay
- Best Time to Go: Clear mornings for smooth flying and crisp mountain views
- Cost: Starting from around $160 CAD per person (book in advance for deals)
- Vibe: Short, thrilling, scenic—ideal for first-timers and photographers
- My Bonus Tip: Ask for a window seat (they all kind of are, but still!)
5. Creative City: Street Art & Sculptures
One of the things I loved most about Vancouver was how creativity seemed to spill out into every corner—from murals to metalwork to quirky oversized sculptures you can’t help but stop and smile at.
We stumbled upon the “A-maze-ing Laughter” statues in Morton Park near English Bay almost by accident, but they quickly became one of my favourite moments of the trip. These 14 larger-than-life bronze figures by Yue Minjun are all frozen in fits of exaggerated laughter—and yes, I absolutely joined in with my own pose for a photo or two! They’re funny, surreal, and somehow totally life-affirming.
Over on Granville Island, Vancouver’s creativity scales up—literally. We turned a corner and were met by the “Giants” mural, an enormous public artwork painted across six industrial silos at the Ocean Concrete plant. It’s bold, bright, playful and feels completely at home in such an artsy district. I stood there taking it in for ages—it made me smile just as much as the art inside the nearby studios and shops.
One piece that really stood out for its modern-meets-indigenous symbolism was “Trans Am Totem”, a sculptural tower of stacked cars resting on a cedar tree trunk, found near False Creek. I loved how it commented on urbanisation and nature in such a creative, slightly jarring way—it was like a sculpture with something to say.
We also passed by the brilliant Digital Orca by author and artist Douglas Coupland, down by Canada Place. With its chunky, pixelated look, it felt like a 3D sculpture plucked straight out of a retro video game—but with a local twist. Against the backdrop of the harbour and the North Shore mountains, it made for a perfect Vancouver moment.
When I was walking along Vancouver’s waterfront, I suddenly caught sight of something striking—what looked like the fierce prow of a traditional Chinese junk ship, complete with a vivid red and green dragon curling out into the harbour sky. I later found out it’s actually part of a striking public art piece at Vanier Park, near the Vancouver Maritime Museum.
I loved how the sculpture seemed to leap right out of the water, blending cultural symbolism with the city’s nautical roots. It felt like a bold nod to Vancouver’s rich Asian heritage and its close relationship with the sea—it was one of those small but powerful moments that made the city feel layered and alive.
My Final Thoughts
As each day got better and better, I often thought, “What’s the catch?” Maybe the rain (anywhere this green must surely get its fair share)? Maybe the nightlife wasn’t as hip or vibrant as in Berlin or London but to be honest this is a small price to pay to live somewhere clean without being sterile, interesting but not pretentious, and beautiful but not arrogant.
Vancouver is a city that seems quite content in its skin, with its relatively remote location, without needing to shout about it. I’d urge you to go – just don’t blame me if you fall in love with the place and want to move there!
️ My 7-Day Vancouver Itinerary
This itinerary covers everything I squeezed into my fun-filled, easy-paced Vancouver weekend — and more. Think sky-high views, forest escapes, quirky street art, and fabulous food… all with enough downtime to savour it properly!
Day 1 – Get the Best View First: Grouse Mountain + Skyline Gondola
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Kicked things off with a real “wow” moment — a trip up Grouse Mountain via the Skyride Gondola
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Braved the Skyride Surf Adventure (yes, you stand on top of the gondola!) — easily one of the most thrilling things I’ve done
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Met Grinder and Coola, the resident grizzlies, tried my hand at axe throwing, and caught an old-school lumberjack show
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Took in jaw-dropping views from the Eye of the Wind wind turbine lookout
Evening idea: Grab dinner at The Sandbar on Granville Island or somewhere in Gastown (hello, glowing lampposts and cocktails!)
Day 2 – Stanley Park + Totem Poles + Seaplane Ride
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Cycled the full Stanley Park Seawall loop — stopped at Second Beach and Prospect Point
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Paused to admire the incredible First Nations totem poles at Brockton Point
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Picked up a picnic at Granville Island Market earlier in the day (yes, it was perfect!)
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Later, I boarded a Harbour Air seaplane from Canada Place — soaring over the city and mountains was unforgettable
Dinner: Ended the day with fresh seafood at Blue Water Café in Yaletown
Day 3 – Granville Island + Public Art & Street Food
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Started at Granville Island Market for breakfast goodies (and espresso with a view!)
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Explored the artists’ studios, indie boutiques, and waterfront walkways
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Took street art photos of the Giants mural silos at Ocean Concrete — one of the most unexpectedly colourful highlights!
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Grabbed lunch from a food truck and treated myself to Japadog — Vancouver’s famous Japanese-style hotdog
Afternoon tip: Take the little Aquabus for a fun ride across False Creek
Day 4 – Quirky Statues & Chinatown Discoveries
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Found my way to A-Maze-Ing Laughter sculptures in Morton Park and couldn’t help laughing along
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Wandered into Chinatown and admired the striking Chinese junk sculpture near Vanier Park
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Discovered fun shops and heritage facades in the area — full of character and contrast
Dinner idea: Grab a cocktail at Storm Crow Tavern (think: board games meets Mad Max), then explore nearby eats
Day 5 – Forest Escapes: Lynn Canyon Park
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Took the bus out to Lynn Canyon National Park — the perfect free alternative to Capilano
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Crossed the suspension bridge, wandered the shady forest trails, and watched families splash in the streams
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Loved how peaceful and local it felt — this was my “wow, people actually live like this!” moment
Evening suggestion: Chill out with pizza and prosecco by the water at El Chioschetto on the Zattere
Day 6 – Museums, Orcas & Orca Sculptures
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Visited the fascinating Museum of Anthropology and learned about First Nations cultures
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Saw the Digital Orca sculpture at Canada Place — much more humane (and photogenic!) than seeing one in an aquarium
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Walked along the Waterfront Promenade and watched the floatplanes come and go
Lunch: Tacofino tacos and people-watching near the Waterfront
Day 7 – Culture + Catch-Ups + Sunsets
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Spent the morning revisiting favourite spots or shopping along Robson Street
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Picked up treats and souvenirs from Lonsdale Quay
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Finished the trip with sunset at English Bay — the city glowing, waves lapping, people relaxing
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Watched the sky fade from pink to purple, feeling so full (of food, joy, and gratitude)
Final night: Celebrate with dinner at Alibi Room for craft beer and farm-to-table deliciousness
