Make the Most of Your Vancouver Experience
Nine Must-Do's When Visiting or Living in this West Coast City
Oct 15, 2008
Below are nine crucial pointers to keep in mind when seeking out places to go and things to visit when you’ve just arrived in Vancouver. And remember, when it comes to living in Vancouver, it’s all about where you go, what you do and who you cheer for!
Cheer on Your Team
Vancouverites love their sports and can be found at various bars cheering for their team. Check out the Vancouver Canucks in hockey; the Vancouver Canadians in baseball; and the BC Lions in football. Put on the team colours and head to the nearest pub or stadium for a few beers, a rush of adrenaline and a great social atmosphere.
Catch up on Culture
Vancouver is also flourishing with cultural activities. Check out the displays at the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Anthropology Museum. Venues stage a variety of performances from classical to contemporary. The Queen Elizabeth Theatre and the Vancouver Playhouse put on musicals, ballets and operas. Granville Island is home to Waterfront Theatre and Performance Works, both known for their theatre sports and comedic plays.
Get in the Know
Want to find out what’s going on? Then read about it in advance with the Georgia Straight, Vancouver’s guide to concerts and events. The popular newspaper comes out with Thursday’s edition of The Vancouver Sun.
Go Play, Outside
Vancouver is famous for its all year round outdoor recreation.Hit the slopes on Grouse, Cyprus or Seymour Mountain or hike the Grouse Grind during the summer. Grab your roller blades for a pre-dusk skate on the seawall.
Hit the University Pub Nights
Vancouver features two universities on either side of town, both enlivened by their cheap drink pub nights. Students and locals alike gather at the Simon Fraser University Pub on Thursdays while Wednesdays are best at the University of British Columbia’s Pit Pub.
Be a Beach Bum
In the summer, Kitsilano and English Bay are bustling with taxorexic beach bums ready to soak up the rays or play a game of volleyball. Bring a book, a guitar and a Frisbee for a day of socialising and sunbaking.
Drink and Dine at the English Pubs
Enjoy a plate of chicken wings and a pitcher of Vancouver Pale Ale at the trendy English Pubs scattered around town. The friendliest and most popular pubs are the Kings Head in Kitsilano and the Dover Arms in the West End.
Dance the Night Away
No matter what kind of music you prefer downtown Vancouver is the place to be. If you enjoy DJ’s pumping out dance hits, then check out Tonic, Shine or Sonar. If you want live bands playing classic rock check out The Roxy. For blues, you can head to the Yale. Both O’Doul’s and The Cellar feature jazz and The Brickyard and The Railway Club offer the latest local punk and alternative bands.
Make a Last Impression
When it comes to attire, leave the ball gown and the sweatpants at home and opt for something in the middle. At night people choose long coats, casual slacks and button down shirts. During the days, attire ranges from suits to jeans. No matter what the occasion, bring a jacket- it can get chilly in Vancouver, especially in the winter! And there’s nothing worse than spending an evening blue lipped and shivering!
So make the most out of Vancouver living, regardless of if you're here for a week, a month or forever.
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