Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver is a city that perfectly balances a vibrant, upbeat energy and a calm one. I had the chance to experience everything there, from the fast-paced energy downtown to the peaceful mood of nearby islands. Vancouver is an up-and-coming filming spot, so one of the most memorable moments was stumbling upon Percy Jackson season 2 filming sets and getting to see them record some behind-the-scenes, as a crazy Percy Jackson fan, witnessing that was actually insane.
Museums, Parks, and Neighborhoods
A visit to the Chinatown Storytelling Centre and the Museum of Anthropology made me fall in love with the city’s culture. Despite its history, Vancouver has a lot to offer, and it is worth looking into the First Nations’ history in the area. Bowen Island was the perfect day trip. I got to talk with some relevant historians for First Nations and had a nice experience in the area. I took the Skytrain and ferries regularly, which were worth it.
My favorite neighborhood was Gastown. It’s filled with cute shops where you can buy everything, from souvenirs to jewelry and handicrafts. If you're into vinyl records like me, you're going to Vinyl Records at Water St They have a vast variety of vinyls you can browse through. Plus, the food scene there is fantastic—some excellent cafés and restaurants are located near the Gastein Clock.. Yaletown is a café in an excellent area, with lots of cozy cafés (I couldn’t get enough of Perfecto Café), such a chill vibe for studying, relaxing there, and the best butter croissants in town. The Post is great for snacking and eating while studying, right beneath an office building, which is so nice and has a great market if you go up the escalators. Granville St is excellent for eating and shopping, but I leaned more toward Robson St, my favorite, for its variety of stores. Both streets have lovely and cool candy shops, which are worth a stop if you are a sugar freak like me.
Outdoors - Bowen Island and Stanley Park
If you’re into nature but don’t want to go, you can’t miss Sunset Beach Park. It’s perfect for a morning seaside run. Or just chilling by the water. If you want a more active experience, renting a bike and exploring Stanley Park is a must—it’s beautiful, family-friendly, and has some of Vancouver’s best views. I enjoyed it, especially once you get into the inner trails.
Bowen Island was one of my favorites for day trips, and Porpoise Bay offers a fantastic beach day if you are craving it. While I didn’t get to make it to a whale-watch, I was lucky enough to see some bears and orcas during my time there. If you have the chance, I’d recommend booking a whale-watching tour from White Rock or Granville—my friends who went said it was unforgettable.
Where to Eat
Vancouver’s food scene has something. O Sushi on Granville St became my go-to spot for sushi, and I made a point to stop by Granville Island Market for lunch whenever I was on the island. A great German spot called Kat serves excellent sandwiches and German food (an Austrian friend approved it).
Some other food recommendations: Mr. Shawarma is an excellent food truck to check out; it is in front of Granville Station and around Robson Square. Nuba serves the best Lebanese food, and Meat and Read is a must-visit if you're craving a good sandwich.
Shopping and Culture
Pacific Center is a must if you’re in the mood to shop. Robson St is also great for various shops, with a mix of cool shops and a pleasant environment to walk around. Granville St has its fair share of shopping, but I preferred Robson overall.
I was also lucky enough to catch some local fairs at Robson Square. And during late August, a dog festival is held on Mainland Street.
Getting Around and Where to Stay
Public transportation in Vancouver is reliable, but I often prefer walking downtown or renting a bike to get around more quickly, especially if going to Stanley Park. If you’re headed for a day trip, having a car will make things easier.
During my stay, I stayed at a hotel in Yaletown, and I’d highly recommend it. The location I'd prefer—the center is calm, but with easy access to cafés, great restaurants, and markets. We weren’t quite around the crowded areas, but we were close enough that it wouldn’t take longer than a five-minute walk.
A Few Final Tips
I visited from late July to early September, and even though it was technically summer, the weather was much colder than I expected. Coming from Brazil, I often found myself freezing and needing a layer, and I wished I’d packed more layers, so I didn’t have to buy more during my time. I struggled when packing my bag on the way back. Walking around 20k steps a day was the usual, so comfortable shoes are a must-have! Also, don’t be surprised by Vancouver’s notidon'te drug scene—it'sVancouver'sut overall not dangerous.