"A Local's Perspective" Top 5 Page for this destination Vancouver by Carmanah

Vancouver Travel Guide: 4,080 reviews and 8,691 photos

Vancouver in the summer

The Lion's Gate Bridge

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Location: 49° 16' North, 123° 04' West
Population: 578,041 (2006 Census)
Incorporated: April 6, 1886

Thanks for checking out my Vancouver page - the most informative VT page I have ever built! I'd like to think I can offer a unique perspective on Vancouver - a life long local's perspective. Not only of the city itself, but the atmosphere and attitudes you'll encounter. Sick and tired of typical touristy brochure shpeels of Vancouver as the place where you can ski and sail in one day? Do you want to know the real secrets, both pros and cons? Welcome to my page!

Downtown Vancouver

I will be adapting my Vancouver page to reflect life in Vancouver, not necessarily from the tourist's point of view, but definitely for the benefit of any visitor, whether they plan to vacation, study or work here. Since many generations of my family have called Greater Vancouver home, I feel a very strong bond with the city and the surrounding region, and this passion for my home inspires my writing. You'll notice that a lot of my writing will revolve around family traditions, anecdotes and experiences while growing up and living here.

Pros and Cons

Pros:The mountains at the foot of the city (skiing, hiking, etc). Beaches surrounding the city (swimming, boating, etc). Multicultural and liberal-minded. Diverse cuisine options. Warm, dry summers. Wet but mild (no snow!) winters. Very modern.
Cons:The visible social problems involving panhandling, drug use, and high property theft. Archaic liquor laws. Limited and often underwhelming nightlife. Gentrification is removing the character in many neighbourhoods. Costly housing. Parking hell.
In a nutshell:A cosmopolitan city located in a beautiful geographical setting, blending Asian and European influences, unique to both Canada and the world.

Intro Updated Dec 4, 2008
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Reviews (238)

A convenient central downtown location Hotels (2)

The Sheraton Wall Center is a modern hotel located in the heart of downtown Vancouver. The area is safe and vibrant at... more travel advice

UBC Apple Festival Things to Do (48)

On one weekend in October during the height of autumn, UBC holds its annual Apple Festival. For only $2, between 11am... more travel advice

Bar-covered doors and windows evident by evening - Vancouver

Chinatown at night? Don't bother! Warnings and Dangers (10)

Chinatown is a really interesting neighbourhood with a lot of grit, history, and character. However, I only recommend... more travel advice

Queen Elizabeth Park in October - Vancouver

130 acres of beauty Things to Do (48)

Queen Elizabeth Park is a local favourite and probably one of Vancouver's most recently forgotten tourist sites. Because... more travel advice

Local Customs (12)
See All Using US dollars in Vancouver
What to Pack (7)
See All Fall clothing
Nightlife (22)
See All A monthly nightlife event for art lovers
Restaurants (73)
See All A local secret and the best patio in the...
Tourist Traps (5)
See All Grouse Mountain is not your only...

Favorites (30)
See All A tribute to the 2010 Olympics
Off The Beaten Path (19)
See All Fort Langley National Historic Site
Transportation (6)
See All The SeaBus
Sports & Outdoors (4)
See All Boating around Vancouver
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Travelogues (5)

Written Nov 23, 2004

17 photos

Summer in Vancouver
Written Nov 23, 2004

15 photos

Snow in January
Written Dec 29, 2006

9 photos

An afternoon in the West End
Written Dec 29, 2006

8 photos

Yaletown

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Comments (506)

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glabah Sep 2, 2015 at 3:12 PM

Indeed you offer some great advice from a local perspective.
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CatherineReichardt Aug 16, 2012 at 5:23 AM

Oh my, Robyn - what a labour of love this terrific page is!
I note with regret that you haven't logged in for a few months, but hopefully when you finally do, you'll know how much help your wonderful tips have been. I'm off now to determine if - by any great good fortune - our trip coincides with the UBC Apple Festival!
Regards
Cathy
P.S. Halleluia!!!!! It is!
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joyvpd Jun 22, 2012 at 8:38 AM

Enjoying your website! Excellent insight and information.
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yvgr Apr 4, 2012 at 2:13 AM

Hi, your Travelpages on Vancouver are very good and informative. I'm looking forward visiting Vancouver.
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shinyalammy Jul 2, 2011 at 8:53 AM

hey this place was where I always had in my memory! I didn't know it was even a named landmark! Thank you for posting this. I used to walk here alone and still remember the tranquility of the beautioful shore..
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bharat_tanwar Jun 1, 2011 at 3:37 AM

great page on Vancouver. very informative with good pics.......it approaches to visit Ur city.....thanks !
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ecostoya May 30, 2010 at 5:01 AM

Unfortunately I read your comment too late.
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Cahuita1 Dec 30, 2009 at 5:20 AM

You are the only one on this forum who knows what real life is about it seems. Other people write how scarry the homeless are...they should just stay home in their safe little houses
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Mikevv Nov 30, 2009 at 12:43 PM

Grouse Mountain is a great evening trip. I have been on many SWISS cable cars and this one is a BIG Box. Enjoy Ice Skating, Sky Boarding and Skiing on top. The gift shop and lodge provide a great walk thru. Bring your camera and wallet!
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j-san Sep 6, 2009 at 8:58 PM

Hi Robyn, I finally made it to Vancouver last week and loved it! We are going to come again this Thursday!! We are totally craazy about Granville Market since little Victoria doesn't have anything like that. Czeching out your page now...