Vancouver Favourites

Favourite Vancouver Attractions, Sightseeing and More

It is not easy to choose favourites when Vancouver has so many great things to see and do, but having lived and worked in the Vancouver area for my entire life I can offer you some good suggestions for places to explore along with good restaurants, and accommodations.

• Beaches Parks and the Great Outdoors

  Queen Elizabeth Park: This park is at a the highest point in the City of Vancouver and offers great views towards downtown Vancouver and the northshore mountains. It also features a beautiful quarry garden which is especially vibrant from Spring through early Autumn when the flowers are out.
• Stanley Park: This famous Vancouver classic is a favourite of many. I particularly enjoy the seawall where you can walk or cycle for several miles and take in great views of the surrounding cityscape, mountains and water.
• Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area and Simon Fraser University: Located 1200 feet above sea level, yet easily accessed by bus, Simon Fraser University Campus features some neat architecture and is a great place to explore and take pictures. There is an easy hiking path between the University and the Conservation Area and for refreshment there are a number good of restaurants and coffee shops. The Conservation Area offers some terrific views of Vancouver, Burrard Inlet and the North Shore Mountains, especially on a clear day.

• Historic Districts and Markets

  Lonsdale Quay Public Market: Getting there on the Seabus is half the fun and poking around the market and enjoying the nice views back towards the Vancouver Skyline is the other half (you can tell I like views).
  
  
• Gastown: Cobblestone streets and heritage buildings give this historic neighbourhood a quaint atmosphere taking one back in time. 

• Science, Museums and Architecture

  H.R. MacMillan Space Center Planetarium: With neat architecture on the outside and interesting shows and a fun ride inside this is an enjoyable place for the whole family rain or shine. It's also located in Vanier Park and a short walk from Kitsilano Beach which offer some excellent views across English Bay towards Downtown Vancouver and Stanley Park.
  
  
• Museum of Vancouver: Right next to the Space Centre you may want to see and explore some of Vancouver's history while you are here.

• Theatres and Art Galleries

  Telus World of Science and OMNIMAX Theatre: The geodesic dome containing Science World and the OMNIMAX theatre is a pretty neat sight from the outside and what's not to like about an interesting OMNIMAX film for $10 or 2 for $15 on Friday and Saturday evenings.
  
  
• Orpheum Theatre: If you get a chance to take in a show at this theatre it is worthwhile just to see the intricate and ornate interior.

• Shopping along SkyTrain

  Metropolis at Metrotown--(Burnaby): If I had to pick one shopping destination in Metro Vancouver this would be it. The second largest mall in Canada along with adjacent Crystal Mall and Station Square there are nearly 700 stores in this one area. There is something here for everyone and of course there are also numerous restaurants and the food courts!
  
  

• Dining

  The Old Spaghetti Factory : Well I do like spaghetti, and this restaurant offers good meals and service in a relaxed atmosphere. Sourdough bread, salad, coffee and desert are all included with your entree, so you will not leave hungry. Very good value for your money. See the Dining section for locations.
  
  
• Earl's: Earls offers a well rounded menu of West Coast dishes salads, pizzas and more. Good food and good service combined with reasonable prices in between fast food and fine dining. See the Dining section for locations.
  
  
• Swiss Chalet Rotisserie and Grill: Specializing in BBQ chicken and Ribs there is good value here and a takeout counter as well. See the Dining/Burnaby, New Westminster, Surrey

• Accomodations

  River Rock Casino Resort: Reasonable rates for a 4-star hotel the River Rock Casino has a separate bedroom or bedrooms with it's own TV in each guest suite. The beds are very comfortable. There are several options for eating onsite covering the full range of prices. Many of the rooms feature nice views. If possible request a corner room for an even better view. Linked to the Bridgeport SkyTrain Station with a 'Skybridge' this resort offers direct access to the transit system, so it makes a great base from which to explore Vancouver. If you enjoy plane spotting, as I do, you'll see plenty as they approach and depart right over the hotel however it is still quiet inside due to the good soundproofing.
  
  
• Accent Inns - Burnaby: This motor inn is away from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Vancouver yet convenient to SkyTrain (7 minute walk) and several good restaurants are within easy walking distance. For shopping Brentwood Town Centre--(Burnaby) is only one SkyTrain Stop away. The rooms are clean and quite spacious. They all have a microwave, small fridge and coffemaker and free wireless internet. The rates are reasonable and the staff are friendly and courteous. Highly recommended.