1. What are your favorite local restaurants or cafes?
Vancouver is a foodie city so get out there and nosh.
Try Savio Volpe for nice Italian; don’t go for the pasta and don’t bother if you’re vegetarian. You gotta book a few months out if you want a table. But a few weeks only if you’re happy at the bar (which is a better place to see the action in this fabulous room).
Sushi: 565 restaurants at last count in the city. Google and there will be a decent one in your area.
Morton’s if you’re looking for a big slab of meat.
Dim sum at Sun Sui Wa on Main.
Vietnamese at Lunch Lady on Commercial Drive (reserve or be prepared to wait).
Malay hole in the wall: Hawkers Delight (Main Street)
Malay sit down: Banana Leaf.
2. What outdoor activities do you enjoy in Vancouver?
Hiking: tons of trails. But if you want a treat, find a buddy to take you up the Sea to Sky trail near Squamish (1-hour north of Vancouver). 4 hour beautiful hike up, stunning views at the top of the Sound, have a drink and take the gondola down and be amazed at the elevation gain you just trekked.
Cycle: there’s a seawall that runs pretty much unbroken around the entire perimeter of downtown (including Stanley Park) and out to Kitsilano then out to UBC. Ride, walk or scooter some or all of it. There is a bike share (Mobi) if you don’t have a bike and you can pick up and drop off at hundreds of locations in Couver. Just go online and sign up. The most civilized way to move around the city.
3. Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known places in the city that you recommend visiting?
Spend a day or two in Richmond. It’s a whole nother world. Because almost 50% of the population there is ethnically Chinese there are malls and stores you won’t see anywhere else in Canada.
4. What cultural events or festivals should I look forward to in Vancouver?
The Vancouver Film Fest is running now thru Oct 8.
Not to be missed if your in Van in November is the East Side Culture Crawl (or the Crawl). A uniquely Vancouver institution for a weekend where more than 500 artists of all stripes open their studios to the public to show and sell their works. Parker Street studios is the hub that houses more than 100 artists under one roof.
https://culturecrawl.ca/
5. What's the best way to get around the city? Any public transportation tips?
If you have a driver’s license sign up for Evo, a local car share. Just submit your drivers abstract from your province to them and you’ll have access to drive their fleet of 2000 cars. Just pay for the time you’re driving. Drop off and pick up anywhere in Vancouver by geo-locating the cars on your app. It’s unlikely that you’ll have to walk more than 5 min to a car. About 1/3 the cost of an Uber.
6. Are there any local customs or traditions I should be aware of?
Don’t be take it personally if a shopkeeper is rude to you. Certain cultures are just like that.
7. What neighborhoods do you recommend exploring, and why?
Main Street for shopping and strolling on a weekend.
Davie is the gay village
Denman or Robson for Japanese and sushi.
Kits for the hipsters
Commercial for the hippies
8. Where can I find the best views of the city or nature spots nearby?
You can ride the Gondola up to the top of Grouse Mountain for a stunning view of the city. You can also hike up and gondola down. The Grouse Grind trail is closed right now the the BCMC beside it is open. Go with someone who’s been before. Folks have gotten lost up there.
9. What's the local art and music scene like in Vancouver?
Um …: bad. Compared to pretty much any other Canadian city.
10. Are there any volunteer or community events happening that I can participate in
Something in here for everyone:
https://volunteeringvancouver.ca/
Enjoy the city and your stay. VV
