Vancouver, BC

Dates travelled

Many times starting from 2025 to present. I lost track.

First impressions

It felt like the city was so much better put together than any city in the US.

I noticed urbanism felt intentional, green spaces were left in, there was lots of open areas, and density was thoughtful.

The quality of the transit system for a city its size stood out to me.

Highlights

• I love SkyTrain. I feel like it needs a commuter rail spine to supplement it.
• The weather is basically just like Seattle.
• It's very walkable and easy to get around.
• I really love the waterfront.
• Capilano Suspension Bridge is overpriced but worth doing once.
• Harbour Centre is "we have the Space Needle at home" but for half the cost.
• Metrotown is a real mall that is far busier than any US mall if you want to know what malls were like in the 90's in the US. Unfortunately it is slated to be demolished and replaced.

Food and drink

The food is fantastic.

I liked:

• Nando's; but I like this everywhere
• Uncle Fahti's Pizza
• Steve's Poke Bar
• The Smokin' Oak — good BBQ
• Ricky's Country Diner — it's like how Denny's used to be, back when it was good

Getting around

SkyTrain and buses are the recommended way to get around. Public transit is generally safe and clean.

I would use caution at night around SkyTrain stations and in parts of Surrey, especially near Gateway. Having your wits about you is enough. You aren't likely to encounter problems, but use common sense.

I would avoid Downtown Eastside unless you want to see Ground Zero of Canada's homelessness crisis and toxic drug epidemic (although it is still nowhere near as bad as it is in the United States).

Would I go back?

Not only would I go back, I aspire to move here someday. It is not a perfect place by any stretch of the imagination. But I genuinely enjoyed my time here.