PHOTO: One of the best things about Vancouver is the ability to be surrounded by mountains, the sea and greenery with all the luxuries of still being in a city. (Photo by Shannon Wolf)
Although feeling like somewhat of a traitor to the east coast by writing this (you all know about the unspoken rivalry between the east and west); I have to hand it to Vancouver for showing me why it's in fact worth the rain and the hefty price tag to visit.
I'm hooked and would happily jump onto the BC bandwagon if I were to ever settle down in Canada. From tantalizing food to flora and fauna - you're just a bike-ride or sky train away from ecstasy.
Getting Around: Public transit around Vancouver ranges from sky train, busses, Sea Bus and the West Coast Express travelling to Mission, BC. You can plan your trip easily at http://www.translink.ca
Best Budget Hostel: The Cambie Hostel ($28/dorm)
Smack-dab in the entertainment district of Gastown and attached to The Cambie dive bar, this is your best bet to meet a great mix of travellers and locals alike.
How To Start Your Day
Best Brunch: Twisted Fork
Address: 1147 Granville St.
The best eggs benny in Van consists of a toasted brioche, poached eggs, hollandaise and served with sautéed spinach, rosti, baked bean and your choice delectable filling - it's no wonder why you'll want to throw some elbows to find a spot in the always busy line. They're doing it right and it's worth the wait once you have a bite.
Best Cafe: Revolver
Address: 325 Cambie St.
Vancouver has a great coffee culture and for any coffee lover out there, Revolver is your #1 stop. Set between Cordova and Hastings Street, with a chilled out and unpretentious vibe, your taste buds will fly no matter which coffee you try. Be sure to try a tasting or Brew Flight - you won't regret it.
Nightlife on the Cheap
Cheap Gastown Dives: The Cambie (Gastown)
Address: 300 Cambie St
Whether you're a local or a traveller, everyone heads to The Cambie once in their life. They offer the cheapest drinks in Gastown and an upbeat vibe.
Hipster East Side Dives: The Cobalt
In East Van, one of the top spots to head to is The Cobalt. Check their website for weekly schedules but you can always find something cool to do there - from live music to dancing and mingling with like-minded people plus cheap drinks, it's a goldmine for good times.
Things To Do on a Budget
Be one with nature: Spend the day biking or walking through Stanley Park and along the sea wall. Partake in a donation-based yoga class at Wreck Beach every Thursday at 6:30pm, Hike/walk along the (free) suspension bridge in Lynn Canyon or Grouse Grind or soak up the rays on one of Vancouver's many beaches.
See the real deal in East Hastings: Explore the notorious street of East Hastings during the day where the homeless and drug-addled population of Vancouver is unlike anywhere else in the world. Sometimes travelling is about seeing things from another perspective and asking yourself important questions about how you can serve to help people in need.
Marvel in Markets: Vancouver is full of day and night markets to meander through. Be sure to check out the busy and artsy Granville Island Market, Vancouver Farmers Market, Nourish Market or wander through one of many night markets including the Richmond Night Market ($2.75/entry) and the International Night Market (free entry).
Get Inspired and indulge in the offbeat: When I first came to Vancouver, I was introduced to http://boredinvancouver.com. Armed with this wonderful website, you will never run out of things to do.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
