Adapted from ‘Around the World: 6 Countries in 6 Months‘
Words & pictures by Shaun Troke
I’ve ended up in Vancouver twice: The first time following a 4,600+ mile bus journey across Canada; The second time with food poisoning…
Both times were enjoyable.
Prior to this, I’d spent time most of my Canadian visiting hours on the East Coast, in Toronto. And, as much as I still love Toronto, I will admit that my heart is more with the West Coast, in British Columbia…
In Vancouver.
And, like with most countries, Canada comes with its own geographical rivalry…
But, there’s great aspects to both Toronto and Vancouver…it just so happens that I grew by the sea, which in turn helps me lean more towards a city beside the water (yes, I realise Toronto is also by water, but it’s a lake!)
Which brings me to my 4 other reasons why this city may win YOU over, too!
The Vibe
I’ve never been a University student (I’m often very proud to admit). Therefore, I never had the chance to experience life on campus…until the age of 34, that is!
My first night’s in Vancouver (and, British Columbia in fact!) were spent on a couch, in a dorm, on the campus of the University of British Columbia, located on the Strait of Georgia. Access to the beach is quick, once you pass the Totem Poles.
Obviously, the vibe on campus was youthful, but even Vancouver city centre felt young.
Buildings appeared new; The city felt clean; Sea planes take-off and land continuously…
Overall, everywhere had a relaxed, beach-life feel about it.
Granted, I’m aware that marijuana is highly accessible here, and that might explain the chilled vibe, but you can’t tell me that all of Vancouver’s 647,000 residents are constantly walking around stoned!
There’s a certain calmness around Vancouver, which you’ll find in most of its pockets scattered about the city…
Perhaps this has something to do with the city’s counterpart:
The Nature
The pockets I spoke of before relate to places such as Stanley Park and Granville Island…
Oh, and not forgetting The University of British Columbia, too!
Stanley Park is another location that greets you with totem poles!
It was also one of the areas where I had the most enjoyable walks while in Vancouver.
I really only time to walk the 10km perimeter, but there’s so much to see INSIDE the park, too.
Granville Island is tucked under Granville Bridge (just in case you struggle to find it!).
This is the perfect riverside place to retreat to, should you need a break from the chilled vibe of the city.
Known for its Public Market, Granville Island is interesting to walk around, to absorb dockside life, and great little eateries.
One place I didn’t have the chance to see (yet, really wanted to) was Vancouver Island. One day, Vancouver, one day…
The Food
You can tell Vancouver is highly influenced by Asian culture. Not only from its skyscrapers, but also from the food.
Sushi seems to be a popular choice of cuisine in Vancouver, and you’ll never struggle to find reasonably priced sushi restaurants & takeaways.
Tacos also seem popular, though, I’m thinking that this could just be a North American thing!
My first taco-tasting was at Chronic Tacos, followed by a Salmon Taco a few hours later at the aptly named, Go Fish.
Food here seems ‘light’, if that makes any sense. It felt that heavy foods weren’t favoured as much as lighter meals…though, I’m sure there are dozens of places offering help for those post-blazing ‘munchie moments’.
The Location
Depending on what you like to do & where you like to travel, Vancouver is the perfect destination to reach other locations…
Across the Pacific, you’re close to Asia, Alaska, & Hawaii…
Across the country, you’re close to Banff National Park & Calgary…
And, just 3hrs down the road, is Seattle & the other 47 United States of America.
I used Vancouver as a port to fly to Hong Kong, and I also returned to Vancouver from Japan. Like its city, Vancouver’s International Airport is in brilliant condition, and so clean in appearance, too, along with a very relaxing environment.
En route to Vancouver, I’d stopped off in Calgary, visiting Banff National Park as well..
And both Calgary and Banff are Canadian favourites of mine (I’m so sorry, Toronto!)
And, Seattle is the place to visit before, during, or after your visit to Vancouver…
Even if just to grab a coffee from the first ever Starbucks!
More Reasons?!
Most of the above was experienced during my FIRST visit to Vancouver, at the end of the summer in 2011.
My SECOND visit to Vancouver was spent mostly pissing in a pot for medics, so that they could analyse what type of food poisoning I had, in between resting in a hostel bed & running to the toilet (this would be a good time to mention that the food poisoning wasn’t caused in Vancouver…I brought it back with me from Japan!)
And, on that note, I would like to rave about the health care in Canada – it’s actually cheaper than its nearby neighbour, the US of A, and is why I chose to be treated in Canada.
Today, I still desire to return to Vancouver. There’s still so much to explore, in Vancouver itself, and the surrounding areas, too…
And, I hope that today, you too will be adding Vancouver to your To See list….not because you’re looking for cheap medical treatment to help battle severe food-poisoning, but because you actually WANT to see it!
Coming Next: The next adaptation from ‘Around The World: 6 Countries in 6 Months‘ …
The Trans-Siberian Tale (with Tips!)