Why Vancouver Still Has a Piece of My Heart

I’ll let you into a little secret ......I’m not really a city person! 

Some cities can feel very imposing, incredibly busy and, if I’m honest, that isn’t really my idea of a holiday.  But Vancouver is different.  Having spent quite a lot of time there, I can honestly say ...... I love this city. ❤️

What makes Vancouver so special to me is the incredible blend of busy and bustling, to wild and wonderful. You can be surrounded by skyscrapers and city life one minute, then be beside the ocean, walking through beautiful parkland or looking up at snow-capped mountains the next. And if downtown starts to feel a little too busy? It’s incredibly easy to escape.

🌊 Stanley Park & the Seawall

One of my favourite things to do in Vancouver is simply walk. A particularly lovely route is from Granville Island, around False Creek and towards Stanley Park. The walk is flat, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll while taking in the sights. And there’s plenty to look at along the way — ocean views, the city skyline, boats and those spectacular mountain views in the distance. Don't fancy walking the whole way? You can hop on an Aquabus, the little boats that cross False Creek at various points, and cut out part of the journey. Once you reach Stanley Park, the Seawall is another must-do. The scenery is stunning and it’s difficult to believe you're walking around the edge of a major city. For me, this is Vancouver at its best. Skyscrapers. Ocean. Mountains. All in one view.

🏔️ Grouse Mountain

Now, I should probably confess something here… You can hike up Grouse Mountain. Or you can do what I did and take the easy option — the cable car! 😂 And I'm very glad I did. The views from the top are spectacular, looking out across Vancouver and beyond. There are restaurants and facilities at the summit, so you can take your time, enjoy the scenery and soak it all in.  There’s also a wildlife refuge caring for endangered animals, including orphaned bears.  There is also a lumberjack show which runs during the summer.  So whether you're feeling adventurous and want to hike or, like me, prefer to let the cable car do the hard work, Grouse Mountain is definitely worth putting on your Vancouver list.

🌉 Capilano Suspension Bridge

If you're looking for something a little different, head into the forest and across the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge.  Suspended high above the river and surrounded by towering trees, it gives you another taste of the incredible nature that surrounds Vancouver. And that's something I really love about this destination. Nature never feels far away.

🕰️ Gastown

Back in the city, Gastown is somewhere I always enjoy wandering around.  With its cobbled streets, historic buildings and the famous steam clock, it has a completely different feel from the modern skyscrapers elsewhere in Vancouver. It's a great place to explore on foot, stop for something to eat or drink and simply watch the world go by.

🥢Chinatown

Vancouver's Chinatown offers another change of pace, with its history, architecture, shops and restaurants. I love exploring different neighbourhoods when I travel rather than simply ticking off the big attractions, and Vancouver gives you plenty of opportunity to do just that.

🛍️ Granville Island

Granville Island is another favourite. It's a brilliant place to wander around, browse the market (there's a fantastic cake stall), discover independent shops and grab something delicious to eat. Being right on the waterfront means you get those lovely views while you're exploring. It's somewhere I could happily spend a few hours without having any particular plan. You are also able to go on a Whale watching tour from here. The trips last arounds 3-5 hours.

🐠 Stanley Park Aquarium

If you're travelling with children — or you're simply a big kid at heart — the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park is well worth a visit.  It's another great way to spend some time in the park and makes a good addition to a day exploring Stanley Park and the Seawall.

🚢 Canada Place to start an Alaskan cruise

There’s another reason I think Vancouver is such a fantastic destination… It makes a brilliant starting point for an Alaskan cruise. Imagine spending a few days exploring Vancouver before stepping aboard your ship and sailing north towards Alaska. You get the best of both worlds — a fantastic city break followed by the incredible scenery and wildlife of an Alaskan cruise. As Vancouver is so easy to explore without needing your own transport, it works particularly well as a pre-cruise stay.

❤️ So, what's my verdict?

Vancouver has something I don't always find in cities. It has energy, but it doesn't feel like the city is swallowing you up.  It has skyscrapers, but you're never far from the ocean.  It has a busy downtown, but you can escape to mountains, forests and open spaces incredibly easily.  Perhaps most importantly for me… It feels like a city where you can breathe.  That's why, despite not really being a city person, Vancouver still has a little piece of my heart. ❤️ If you've always fancied visiting Canada, Vancouver could be the perfect place to start — whether you're looking for a Canadian adventure, a city break with a difference, or the perfect beginning to an Alaskan cruise.

Where would you explore first?  I’d love to help you plan your trip, whether you're dreaming of Vancouver, the Canadian Rockies, an Alaskan cruise or a combination of them all.

Jayne Nesbitt – Travel Counsellor

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