I used to live in a city full of expats, but I didn’t encounter many British people. Back home in Ireland, it isn’t uncommon to hear of people who have moved to this North American city, but I don’t think I encountered one British person, whether expat or tourist, during the few months when I lived there. After I finished uni, many other Irish people and I were drawn to this city for its laid-back, sunny lifestyle and its amazing nature.
That’s why I am surprised by the small number of British tourists who go there. Granted, it is not close. In fact, it is a 10-hour flight from the UK. But far-fledged travel is growing in popularity among UK tourists, with many travelling as far as Southeast Asia for holidays in places like Thailand, Bali, and Vietnam. However, the country of Canada isn’t somewhere Brits normally consider going for a holiday.
But after living there for several months, I think it is more than worthy of a visit. I was in the glorious city of Vancouver for a summer a few years back, and it is a city like no other.
What I was blown away by was the unique mix of skyscrapers and magnificent nature. While there was certainly a big city atmosphere, the nature surrounding Vancouver is out of this world, like nothing I have ever seen before.
Plus, the beaches there are gorgeous. With Canada becoming a popular tourist destination as visitor numbers exceed pre-pandemic levels, now seems like a good time to highlight this amazing place.
Downtown Vancouver is full of excitement, from the LGBT venues of Davie Street to the buzz around English Bay to the many public events held in Stanley Park and Canada Place. You really are never short of things to do here.
However, it’s important not to spend all of your time downtown. Kitsilano is a neighbourhood just outside the city centre, and it is alive with activity around its beach. Here, you will find some great bars and restaurants near the beach, as well as people spending time on the sand and in the water from the morning until well into the evening.
There are so many worthy beaches in Vancouver. There is also Sunset Beach Park (where there is an amazing Pride festival in August), Jericho Beach and Wreck Beach. With temperatures of around 30C in the summer months, the beaches are the place to be in Vancouver.
It is also worth noting the stellar spots surrounding the city of Vancouver that are easy to get to via public transport. The stand-out is perhaps Grouse Mountain, where you can take on a trail called the Grouse Grind. Be aware that this is no easy feat, and you will be beyond tired when you reach the top. But the views and the enclosures with brown bears make it more than worth it.
Lynn Canyon is another spot that attracts visitors, thanks to its incredibly high suspension bridge and wonderful natural views. Plus, there is a swimming hole here where people jump off rocks into the crystal clear water. This visit was one of my favourite days during my time in Canada.
Other highlights for me were the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Deep Cove and Lion’s Bay. Vancouver will always have a special place in my heart, and I think it should be higher up on people’s bucket list of travel destinations.
