A Love Letter to the Pacific Northwest’s Crown Jewel
From the moment I landed, Vancouver had me enchanted. Everything just worked. Clearing immigration took less than 10 minutes, thanks to sleek self-serve kiosks that made the process feel effortless. Just outside, Uber and taxi pickups were ready and waiting—no confusion, no long walks to where the uber pick-ups are, just seamless city access.
A quick 20-minute drive whisked us into downtown, where we spent a few days near the elegant Vancouver Convention Centre before moving to the buzzing heart of downtown. What struck me right away was how incredibly walkable the city is. It’s as though Vancouver was built for explorers—with every street, pathway, and shoreline inviting you to wander just a little further.
Hotels around here, from affordable stays to luxury retreats with sweeping views. From our hotel, we had direct access to the seawall, that iconic waterfront path that wraps around the city’s coastline. We followed it all the way to Stanley Park, and let me tell you—it’s a place that makes you forget you’re in a city at all.
Stanley Park is lush, vast, and deeply serene. Of course, the famous totem poles are a must-see, but the real magic happens deeper within: walking or biking under the shade of towering redwoods, breathing in that fresh, earthy air. You will forget that you are in the middle of the huge city. The best way to explore? Definitely by bike. Rentals are everywhere, and the roads are well-marked and cyclist-friendly. Vancouver drivers are refreshingly respectful—they follow the rules, and they expect you to do the same.
But if you choose to walk, you just might be rewarded with a surprise: playful sea lions lounging along the seawall, basking in the sunshine and putting on an impromptu show.
Flavors to Fall in Love With
Vancouver’s culinary scene is a dream. Whether you’re craving something cozy, experimental, or indulgent, the city delivers. I was overwhelmed—in the best way—by the sheer number of amazing places we didn’t get to try. Here are some of our favorites:
Bahar Café – Easily the best roll cakes I’ve ever had. Flavors rotate daily, and everything in their pastry case feels like it was made with love.
Japadog – A quirky hot dog stand serving Japanese fusion dogs. Unexpected, fun, and surprisingly delicious.
Jerusalem Shawarma – Bold Mediterranean flavors, perfectly spiced, with generous portions.
Kinyo – Their sushi was sublime. We weren’t fans of the ban ban noodles, but everything else was top-tier.
Banana Leaf – Good, but not our favorite. I’d give it 3 stars—decent Malaysian food, though I suspect there are better gems out there.
Medina Café – A cozy brunch spot you can’t miss. If they have the lamb meatballs, order them immediately—they sell out fast!
Acquafarina – Chic and refined. Their Cacio e Pepe was my favorite dish of the entire trip—creamy, peppery perfection.
Maenam – Thai food at its absolute finest. Every dish was bursting with flavor, beautifully balanced, and plated with care.
Hype Chocolate – If you’re even remotely into chocolate (and really, who isn’t?), you must stop by. Their food truck and pop-up inside Holt Renfrew are both worth visiting.
Special mention – Phnom Penh – it’s a Cambodian restaurant. We could not get in as it had a 1 hr 45 mins wait. This place was high recommended.
Sunsets & Secret Spots
One of the things I loved most about Vancouver was how effortless it felt to catch a breathtaking sunset. The city is full of scenic viewpoints, but English Bay truly stole the show. It’s quieter than other tourist spots, with a relaxed, locals-only energy. As the sun dips below the horizon, street musicians often appear, their melodies mingling with the sound of the waves. It’s magical. Another great spot is Kitsilano Beach, though it tends to be a bit more crowded—especially on warm evenings. If you want space to sprawl and soak it in without too much noise, English Bay is your best bet.
If you happen to be in town in late July, you’re in for a spectacular treat: the Honda Celebration of Light, an annual fireworks competition that lights up the sky. The event takes place over three evenings—usually a Saturday, the following Wednesday, and the next Saturday lasting a full 40 to 45 minutes. It’s completely free, though you can purchase reserved seating if you want a guaranteed view. English Bay is the heart of the event, but you can also catch the show from Kitsilano Beach or Second Beach inside Stanley Park.
We watched from Second Beach Seawall, and while the crowd was thinner and the vibe more relaxed, it’s worth noting that the drone pre-show is best viewed head-on from English Bay. Still, the main fireworks show was absolutely unforgettable.
Parting Thoughts
Even leaving Vancouver was smooth and stress-free. At YVR (Vancouver International Airport), you can clear both U.S. security and immigration before departure. For those with TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, the process is faster—no long lines, just a seamless goodbye.
And the cherry on top? The locals. Friendly, open, and genuinely kind—there wasn’t a single day we didn’t end up chatting with someone new.
Final word: Vancouver is a city that wraps itself around you like a hug—vibrant yet calm, lively yet grounded. If you’re craving a place where cityscapes and nature intertwine beautifully, where the food is unforgettable, and the sunsets feel like rituals, this is your sign. Go.
