After more than a decade, my husband, Randall, and I returned to Vancouver. Our first visit in 2011, just a year into dating, was meticulously planned with the help of Groupon deals. Can you imagine? Back then, I filled every minute with activities to ensure not a moment was 'wasted.'
This time, armed with a decade of travel experiences, we approached the trip as seasoned adults. Though we kept things relatively calm, exploring the city with our travel companions, Todd and Margaret, we still enjoyed an amazing culinary journey through all that Vancouver has to offer.
VANCOUVER BIKE TOURS
One of our favorite ways to immerse ourselves in any city is to kick off our vacation with a bike tour. Beyond getting our bearings, these tours offer insights into the city's history, neighborhoods, and scenic delights. Opting for the 'Towers and Totems' tour, covering the West End, Robson Street, the Convention Center, and Stanley Park, we pedaled through a 3.5-hour journey spanning about 18 km (over 11 miles). The multiple stops allowed us to savor different facets of the city. Highly recommended for those seeking a serene start to their vacation, breathing in the fresh air as they explore
CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE
A must-visit on everyone's Vancouver itinerary, the Capilano Suspension Bridge has been captivating visitors since 1889. Towering 230 feet above the Capilano River and stretching 430 feet from end to end, it's a remarkable feat of engineering. The name 'Capilano' derives from the First Nation's word 'Kia’palano,' translating to 'beautiful river.' Originally the name of a Squamish Chief from the early 1800s, 'Kia’palano' gradually became anglicized to 'Capilano' over time.
Even though we got there closer to closing time to avoid the crowds, we decided to test our wits with the Cliff Walk. After we walked across the bridge, we toured the forest from the Treetop Adventures, which features 7 suspensions bridges attached to some of the parks 250 year old Douglas Firs. We ended up staying at the park until they closed waiting for the moment that everyone exited the bridge and I could capture the perfect shot of the bridge and the surrounding forest.
WHERE WE ATE IN VANCOUVER
JAPADOG
This is a must visit while in Vancouver, they specialize and have perfected hot dogs with a Japanese twist. Hot dogs topped with yakisoba or tonkatsu?! Yes, please.
- Pro-tip: Visit their brick and mortar location on Robson St in Downtown Vancouver for the full menu of offerings if you can, their many food carts scattered around the city have limited menus.
ZUBU
"Always forward-looking while respecting the past and traditions." I couldn't say it better myself. I ordered a flight of 4 different ramen options and each one was as tasty as the last.
Rodney's Oyster house
If I'm going to have oysters, I'm going to have all the oysters. And sometimes you just need a plate of oysters, a glass of wine, and a little escape from the day. Rodney's has a wide selection of seafood options to pick from and the atmosphere is all celebratory vibes, even if all you're celebrating is Tuesday!
Little Cafe
A CROON (croissant moon) is known for its unique rolled shape and typically injected with a flavored filling. I'm very serious about my croissants and was concerned that this was just a gimmick, but was quite surprised with it flaky and buttery-ness. I would say there was a bit too much filing to dough ratio, making the last few bites worth skipping.
Minami
Introducing the Aburi style to Vancouver’s sushi scene; aburi meaning “flame-seared", a technique involves a torch to gently scorch the surface of the fish, transforming its flavor and texture.
- Pro-tip: Our favorite items from the menu were from the Premium Aburi Oshi Sushi section of the menu, which includes the Wagyu-Truffle Oshi, Wagyu-Bafun Oshi (duck), Wagyu-Lobster Oshi. These dishes were the best bites we've ever had, even over their sushi selection.
Lee's Donuts
The line of customers along the building is your hint that Lee's Donuts is the real deal. The rows of glazed, sugar-dusted, filled, fluffy bundles of joy will answer any remaining doubts you might have about the place that has been providing handmade donuts since 1979.
Longliner Seafood
One of the original tenants of the Granville Island Public Market, Longliner Seafoods, run by three generations of the Moorehead family. A visit to Granville Island wouldn’t be complete without their amazing candied salmon.
Alice + Brohm Ice Cream
It actually makes me upset thinking that I'll have to travel to Squamish, BC to have a taste of this fresh fruit ice cream. This delicious, unique sweet treat from New Zealand puts all other fruit ice cream to shame.
Jinya Ramen Bar
Offering a variety of broth, noodle and topping options, you can taste all 20 hours of flavor development in each spoonful. To top that off you elevate your experience with a craft beer or cocktail.
NERO WAFFLES
Could you ask for anything better? The most delectable, hardy waffles dishes to start and to finish all the flavored mini waffles you could dream of.
- Pro-tip: Order a box of the mini liège waffles which includes one of each seasonal flavors they offer. And then order a second for the flight home!
RICE HOLIC
The viral sensation.. Mango Mochi! We didn't get a chance to even try these because they sold out the two times we visited. So come early, if you don't have a chance to be a part of the pre-order process.
CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
AT VANDUSEN BOTANICAL GARDEN
We were fortunate to visit Vancouver in mid-April during the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival, particularly for the Sakura Days Japan Faire at VanDusen Botanical Garden.
Sakura Days immersed us in all things Japan—indulging in endless servings of Japanese festival food, enjoying live musical performances, and exploring the misty, rainy gardens. A highlight was the premium sake tasting, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to our memorable experience.
