{"id":39522,"date":"2025-11-26T17:41:16","date_gmt":"2025-11-26T17:41:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/agooka.com\/news\/usa\/im-a-vancouver-local-here-are-4-things-tourists-should-do-when-they-visit-and-3-they-should-skip\/"},"modified":"2025-11-26T17:41:16","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T17:41:16","slug":"im-a-vancouver-local-here-are-4-things-tourists-should-do-when-they-visit-and-3-they-should-skip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/agooka.com\/news\/usa\/im-a-vancouver-local-here-are-4-things-tourists-should-do-when-they-visit-and-3-they-should-skip\/","title":{"rendered":"I&#8217;m a Vancouver local. Here are 4 things tourists should do when they visit &mdash; and 3 they should skip."},"content":{"rendered":"<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.insider.com\/6924bd46abd5e944effb6320?format=jpeg\" alt=\"The author posing from a SeaBus terminal with the skyline of Vancouver in the distance.\"\/><figcaption>In my opinion, Vancouver&#039;s public transportation system is a great way to explore the city.<\/p>\n<p>Alyssa Wiens<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li>I was born and raised in the Vancouver suburbs, so I know what&#039;s worth visiting and what isn&#039;t.<\/li>\n<li>I don&#039;t think the Gastown Steam Clock and the Capilano Suspension Bridge are worth the hype.<\/li>\n<li>To experience the city like a local, I recommend leaving downtown and exploring other neighborhoods.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>As someone who was born and raised in the Vancouver suburbs and now lives just outside the downtown area, I know there&#039;s a lot to love about the Canadian city.<\/p>\n<p>However, like any place, there are some spots that are more worth visitors&#039; time than others.<\/p>\n<p>Here are four things that I think will give you the best Vancouver experience \u2014 and three I think you can skip.<\/p>\n<p>I recommend shopping on Main Street or Commercial Drive.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.insider.com\/6924a8cb89026fbb4d0e4b29?format=jpeg\" alt=\"The exterior of Front and Company on Main Street in Vancouver.\"\/><figcaption>Front and Company is one of my favorite shops on Main Street.<\/p>\n<p>Alyssa Wiens<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>For a variety of independent and local shops, check out Main Street.<\/p>\n<p>I like to start in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood for a bite to eat \u2014 I think Burgoo has the best comfort food \u2014 then explore Main Street on foot. From vintage stores and record shops to specialty grocers and clothing boutiques, there&#039;s so much to see.<\/p>\n<p>A few of my favorite stops are Front and Company for top-tier consignment clothing and Welks General Store for any kitchen and home gadgets.<\/p>\n<p>Similarly, I think Commercial Drive (nicknamed &quot;The Drive&quot;) is worth checking out, too. It has an eclectic vibe and is known for its international eateries, diverse shops, and community events.<\/p>\n<p>Mintage&#039;s vintage collection is amazing, and Sing Sing and Havana are both great places to eat at while you&#039;re there.<\/p>\n<p>You can&#039;t go wrong with brewery or caf\u00e9 hopping your way around the city.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.insider.com\/6924d73089026fbb4d0e5254?format=jpeg\" alt=\"A wide shot of JJ Bean in Vancouver.\"\/><figcaption>JJ Bean is one of my favorite coffee shops in the city.<\/p>\n<p>Alyssa Wiens<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Vancouver has a thriving craft-beer scene, particularly around the east side of the city, which is nicknamed &quot;Yeast Van.&quot;<\/p>\n<p>Some of my favorite spots are Parallel 49 Brewing Company, Container Brewing, and Superflux Beer Company.<\/p>\n<p>If beer isn&#039;t your thing, caf\u00e9 culture is alive and well, too. You don&#039;t have to walk more than a couple of blocks to find an independently-owned coffee shop.<\/p>\n<p>South Granville, Mount Pleasant, and Kitsilano are three neighborhoods with great options, including JJ Bean, Nemesis Coffee, Pallet Coffee Roasters, and Breka Bakery and Caf\u00e9.<\/p>\n<p>Stanley Park is definitely worth the hype.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.insider.com\/6924a8f7e1a9cbb014dedacb?format=jpeg\" alt=\"A wide shot of Vancouver&#039;s Stanley Park in the winter.\"\/><figcaption>I enjoy biking around the Stanley Park seawall.<\/p>\n<p>Alyssa Wiens<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Though Stanley Park is a big draw for tourists, locals love it, too.<\/p>\n<p>It&#039;s bigger than New York City&#039;s Central Park, and has trails, a pitch-and-putt, a pool, a rose garden, and more \u2014 right in the middle of the city.<\/p>\n<p>One of the best ways to explore the park is by bike. I suggest renting one at a nearby shop and cycling around the seawall.<\/p>\n<p>While there, take in the views, stop for a picnic, or eat at one of the waterfront restaurants overlooking English Bay Beach.<\/p>\n<p>I also recommend using public transit to explore Vancouver&#039;s neighborhoods and suburbs.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.insider.com\/6924a94989026fbb4d0e4b36?format=jpeg\" alt=\"The author posing on a SeaBus with the skyline of Vancouver in the background.\"\/><figcaption>The SeaBus offers beautiful views of the Vancouver skyline.<\/p>\n<p>Alyssa Wiens<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Vancouver locals know there&#039;s more to the city than its downtown core. To get the full experience, use the city&#039;s public transportation system, whichis relatively affordable and easy to use.<\/p>\n<p>The SeaBus, for example, is a passenger ferry that travels from the Vancouver Waterfront to North Vancouver, offering beautiful skyline views.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, the SkyTrain connects neighboring suburbs, including Richmond, Burnaby, New Westminster, and Port Moody, each with its own unique personality.<\/p>\n<p>In Port Moody, &quot;Brewers Row&quot; has five small-batch breweries on a single street. I love Rewind Beer Co.&#039;s retro vibes and Yellow Dog Brewing Co.&#039;s outdoor patio space.<\/p>\n<p>Other transit options around the city include the Mobi bike share program, which is great for exploring via cycling-friendly routes, and the Aquabus, a ferry that travels across False Creek to hot spots like Granville Island and Science World.<\/p>\n<p>On the other hand, I think the Gastown Steam Clock is one of the city&#039;s biggest tourist traps.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.insider.com\/6924abace1a9cbb014dedb53?format=jpeg\" alt=\"A close-up of the Gastown Steam Clock in Vancouver.\"\/><figcaption>The Gastown Steam Clock was completed in 1977.<\/p>\n<p>Alexandre.ROSA\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>It&#039;s common to see tourists crowding around an antique-style steam clock in the historic neighborhood of Gastown year-round.<\/p>\n<p>However, many visitors may be surprised to learn that the clock isn&#039;t even <em>that <\/em>historic \u2014 it was built in the 1970s \u2014 and it doesn&#039;t fully run on steam power. <\/p>\n<p>I also find the whistle and steam &quot;performance&quot; that occurs every 15 minutes to be underwhelming.<\/p>\n<p>Visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge isn&#039;t cheap, and it can get crowded.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.insider.com\/6924ad6aabd5e944effb6141?format=jpeg\" alt=\"A wide shot of the Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver.\"\/><figcaption>I don&#039;t think the Capilano Suspension Bridge is worth the price tag when other, more affordable options are available nearby.<\/p>\n<p>J Duquette\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Located in North Vancouver, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park takes visitors through the rainforest via a variety of walking paths and exhibits, including the 450-foot-long bridge itself.<\/p>\n<p>It&#039;s a good option for children and those who may prefer not to hike independently. However, it can get quite crowded and be pricey to visit \u2014 adult day passes can cost $75 Canadian dollars (or about $55) per person. Instead, I&#039;d suggest experiencing the area&#039;s beautiful forests in a different way.<\/p>\n<p>For example, the lesser-known, less-crowded Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is about 15 minutes down the road. It&#039;s free (excluding parking) and surrounded by the same dense forests and hiking trails.<\/p>\n<p>Grouse Mountain is beautiful, but there are other options for epic views.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.insider.com\/6924a97ce1a9cbb014dedad8?format=jpeg\" alt=\"The view from Burnaby Mountain.\"\/><figcaption>The views from Burnaby Mountain are incredible.<\/p>\n<p>Alyssa Wiens<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I don&#039;t deny it: Grouse Mountain is stunning. Mountaintop views and a variety of available activities make it a popular spot.<\/p>\n<p>However, reaching these requires hiking the demanding 1\u00bd -mile Grouse Grind trail or spending money on a round-trip gondola ride.<\/p>\n<p>Though both can be a worthwhile experience for some tourists, if you really want to explore nature like a Vancouver local,consider visiting some of the thousands of free trails and parks in the area instead.<\/p>\n<p>Check out Pacific Spirit Regional Park for dense forest trails, Burnaby Mountain for amazing views, or Ambleside Beach for an oceanside stroll.<\/p>\n<p>No matter what you get up to in Vancouver, though, I&#039;m confident you&#039;ll enjoy it. Call me biased, but I really think it&#039;s the best city in the world.<\/p>\n<p>Read the original article on Business Insider<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In my opinion, Vancouver&#039;s public transportation system is a great way to explore the city. Alyssa Wiens I was born and raised in the Vancouver suburbs, so I know what&#039;s worth visiting and what isn&#039;t. I don&#039;t think the Gastown Steam Clock and the Capilano Suspension Bridge are worth the hype. To experience the city [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":39523,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-39522","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-usa"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/agooka.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39522","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/agooka.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/agooka.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/agooka.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/agooka.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39522"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/agooka.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39522\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/agooka.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/39523"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/agooka.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39522"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/agooka.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39522"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/agooka.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39522"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}