Vancouver, where do I start? I've been lucky enough to travel to many beautiful cities but none have quite stolen my heart like Vancouver.
From the minute I touched down, I found myself thinking 'Wow, I could really live here' - so much so that I'm currently exploring the possibility of emigrating. That feeling has never happened so instantly for me, and this is coming from a girl who has Australian citizenship!
So why did I love this city so much and how should you spend your time there as a female solo traveller?
Stanley Park
Ok this is an obvious one but there's a reason so many people rave about this park in the heart of the city. It has something for everyone and ia great place to get lost in
The park itself spans over 400-hectares of rainforest, offering endless trails, wildlife, views of the water and mountains, beaches and an aquarium - the largest in Canada. Even on a rainy day it's fantastic and somewhat otherworldly. It's also a great place to grab some lunch and enjoy a walk, or cycle along the Seawall to take in views of English Bay.
Granville Island
Home to everything from local produce and world famous poutine, to local buskers and artists, Granville Island is hub of activity that manages to maintain an old-fashioned industrial feel to it.
Food lovers can spend hours in the public market enjoying the sights, smells and tastes of fresh fruit and veg, handmade chocolates, pies and pastries, as well an array of different cuisines on offer at the restaurants.
Music, art and theatre lovers will find themselves discovering local artists and street performers here. For those who like beer, be sure to stop by The Granville Island Brewing Co.
This is also a great opportunity to take a ferry/aquabus or explore English Bay on a rental boat or kayak.
Lynn Canyon Park & Suspension Bridge
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, but for those on a budget, or trying to avoid a flurry of tourists, Lynn Canyon Park is a great alternative. Not only does it have 50 meter high suspension bridge but it's FREE!
The 617 acre park itself is simply beautiful and the ideal place to take a picnic and a book for the day, jump on a trail or enjoy a swim.
Gastown
One of my favourite areas of the city, Gastown is Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood and is home to old-fashioned street lamps, delicious food and some pretty incredible jazz and blues bars, such as Guilt & Co. - offering live music every night of the week, usually for a donation vs. fixed fee. This is a great spot to visit with friends, family or on your own - absolutely no one blinks an eye at you sitting there solo, enjoying the good music on offer. So put on your favourite outfit, some red lippy, and head down there for an evening on the town.
Pacific Spirit Regional Park
I can't remember how I heard about Pacific Spirit Park but it was hands down one of my favourite discoveries during my time in Vancouver. Based near the University, it's a short bus ride away and absolutely worth the journey.
I stumbled into the park from the main road, not expecting much to be honest, and was instantly blown away by the peace and quiet - it was like being submerged in a bubble of calm among hemlock, cedar, and maple leaf trees.
What surprised me even more was how few people there were around. It took a good 15 minutes before I found another person! Of course, with so many trails to offer, you do come across people on the way but it seemed as though there was some unspoken rule to keep the noise down so everyone can appreciate the natural surroundings. This place is smile inducing, soul-fulfilling and simply lovely.
Thrift Shops
For those partial to a bit of retail therapy, Wildlife Thrift Store is not only big on reuse, reduce recycle but also helps countless local charities with the money it raises from sales. I picked up a beautiful Zara shirt for $5 and had to have a serious chat with myself about the amount of room in my backpack to avoid leaving with half the store - the goodies you can find here are endless and wonderful.
Bowen Island
One of my favourite day trips was to Bowen Island. Lonely Planet says it's 'One of the best days out you can have from Vancouver' and I have to say I fully agree. A short 40 minute bus from the city centre takes you to Horseshoe Bay (also where you will go to get to Vancouver Island). From here, it's just a short ferry ride to Bowen Island.
Even if you aren't big on hiking, it's worth doing one of the trails on offer to see more of the island, which is simply beautiful. I personally walked to Killarney Lake and then up to Dorman point to enjoy the incredible view.
The island has loads of little shops to explore, as well as art galleries, yoga studios and a museum. If you love adventure activities, you can also rent kayaks, go swimming or enjoy a horseback ride during your time here.
Tofino
You won't be able to visit Vancouver without people telling you "You HAVE to go to Tofino". Many people struggle to describe the energy that is felt in this town, best known for its surfing, but they all agree on one thing - there's nothing like it. You'll want to factor in a few days to visit for sure.
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