Skip to main content

Micro Guide: Vancouver

As an East Coast native, I have heard the buzz about Vancouver for years. Its’ diversity, forward thinking, charming neighborhoods and damn good food. That side of the world is a long way from home, so when I found myself on an Alaskan cruise that wrapped up in Terminal City, I knew I had to spend a few extra days exploring.

I am happy to report that all of the hoopla is merited. The urban planning, green spaces and sea ferries as well as the interesting neighborhoods like Gastown, Eastside and Granville Island impressed us. Not to mention the food. There were too many noodle bars to count but we think we hit the best. We can’t figure out where the nickname, ‘Blandcouver’ came from because the bars, restaurants and the people we encountered were anything but.

Stay:

The Burrard

Recommended Videos

We are all about renovated motels like The Saguro in Palm Springs and The Standard in Miami so The Burrard fits right in. Built in 1956 as a Motor Inn, the building was renovated in 2006 and sits right off the major shopping artery of town and is a cab ride away from everything. Container Coffee is right off the lobby for breakfast, lunch or just to sit and people watch (very worthwhile, trust us).

Eat:

Nelson the Seagull

This was our first stop during our wanders for a quick snack.

Their zucchini raisin cupcake hit the spot and we appreciate that they encourage patrons to pay it forward and buy a cup of coffee for someone less fortunate.

Marutama Ra-men

We spent a lot of time researching noodle bars in Vancouver since there are so many, and through word of mouth we found Marutama. You know it is good when most of the customers are Asian. With locations in Japan, Singapore and Malaysia, there is no denying they know what they are doing. Marutama is famous for their ‘cloudy’ chicken soup. They are known for using chicken stock instead of the typical pork stock. If you are still hungry and have more stock than noodles, you can simply order extra noodles in a variety of firmness.

Gringo Tacos

This place made us feel like we were in the East Village when it was still filled with goofy kids and not stockbrokers. The owners welcomed us and shook our hands and brought us two pints before we could blink. We tried the variety plate of tacos and were not disappointed. The best was the brisket and the pricing is ‘cheap and cheerful’.

Salt

Two doors down from Gringo, this wood laden space transports you from East Village to Italy. From cured meats to artisanal wines and cheeses, you can pop in here at the beginning of your night or simply make it your night and order till you pass out.

Pier 7

For a big night out, take a cab or seabus to North Vancouver for a great dinner and an Instagram-worthy skyline view. The space is great looking but you must have a skyline view to really make it, so call ahead and request. We tried the chef’s panko breaded fried chicken and we wanted more. Their prawns and beet salad are refreshing too.

Shop:

Litchfield

While Water Street can border on touristy, the area near Maple Tree Square is where we spent nearly all of our time. For the design minded dude, this is your mecca. From Opinel pocketknives to Daniel Wellington watches and Aedle VK headphones, you won’t be disappointed.

The Window Community Art Shop

If you want a feel for the local artists, look no further. Right around the corner from Nelson the Seagull, we found great gifts and stellar canvas bags and aprons made on site.

Neighbor

This menswear store blew away the competition from New York to London. From housewares, footwear, fragrances, outerwear and even a well edited magazine collection, this place has it all. Great brands from Mismo, Jed & Marne, Sunspel and Our Legacy.

See:

One reason Vancouver is so dynamic is the number of outdoor activities surrounding the big city.

Stanley Park

Spend a day or two biking, hiking or just strolling through the largest park in town. The totem poles are pretty iconic and you can even get a good lunch at four great spots throughout the park.

Granville Island

While the island is famous for it’s farmers’ market, it can get a little tight when the cruise ship brigade is marching through. Regardless, take a peek. But there is a plethora of other cool shops and places to explore including the Broom Company.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

It is fairly obvious why this is the most popular attraction in the city so either get there early or after 4pm to avoid the masses. Only a mile from Stanley Park, there is a variety of activities here from the suspension bridge to the cliff walk and tree top adventure. And if you have kiddies in tow, there is everything from bird shows, tree houses to fudge shops to have them passed out by days end.

The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

Don’t think of this as a chick thing to do as it is so much more than a gardnen. It’s kind of like just walking into China. Seriously. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen was the father of modern China so this ‘scholars’ garden honors him. Vancouver is a similar climate to Suzhou, China so many of the plant varieties here are found in its counterpart across the globe. We took a guided tour and learned a plethora about Feng-shui, Chinese history and even Chinese zombies. Apparently some walls are built at a stagger so as to prevent ‘Jiangshi’ from hopping towards you and stealing your soul. See, we told you it’s more than a garden.

Cator Sparks
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Cator Sparks was the Editor-in-Chief of The Manual from its launch in 2012 until 2018. Previously, Cator was covering…
Orange County Travel Guide: Where to Stay, What to Eat, and More
A view of the Dana Point Headlands from the bluffs above Goff Island Cove in Laguna Beach, California.

Disneyland may bill itself as “The Happiest Place on Earth,” but there’s plenty more to Orange County, California, that will turn that frown upside down. From 42 miles of spectacularly beautiful beaches to world-class dining featuring cuisine from around the world, it’s easy to lose yourself in this unique corner of California and forget about those bigger cities up and down the freeway. Find out where to stay, what to eat, and more in our Orange Country travel guide.

If you're looking to make the most of your Disneyland vacation, or if you've simply come to Orange County (OC) to enjoy the sunny beaches, here's what you need to know about the best that OC has to offer.
Why Go to Orange County?
Photo by Andrew Davey Andrew Davey/The Manual

Read more
Medellín Travel Guide: Where to Stay, What to Do, and More
Panorama of Medellín sitting under the Andes.

Looking for travel adventure, eats, and endless experience in a perfect urban mountain metropolis? Medellín, Colombia should be high on your list. Medellín is almost always between 63 and 83 degrees Fahrenheit. In Colombia, the weather is dictated by elevation rather than location. With its borders both above and below the equator, the country remains hot n' steamy at sea-level Cartagena, cool on Bogotá’s plateau high in the Andes Mountains, and, not unlike the best of Goldilocks’ burglary, Medellín is juuust right, tucked into the Aburrá Valley under mountains that keep the warm air in and the rain out.

There are almost endless places to visit, view, and eat under the Medellín sun. Colorful homes line up next to colonial hotels, modern museums, and swanky hotels. Music adds spice to the air, as do grilling meats and the lights that splash across the evening. After you’re done with consumption, the city offers an abundance of urban retreats. Swim, hike, fly across the sky via this Manual guide.

Read more
South Florida Travel Guide: Where to Stay, What to Eat, and More
A bird's eye view of the coastline and buildings in South Florida.

We’re big fans of Miami here at The Manual, but sometimes you want to experience the beautiful beaches, delectable food, and world-class shopping sans the hustle and bustle of the big city life.

To discover what the rest of South Florida has to offer, all you need to do is travel one hour north to Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas of Deerfield Beach and Boca Raton to indulge in gorgeous nature, an outstanding bar and restaurant scene, and some of the most breathtaking beaches in the country. Check out our guide for the best places to shop, eat and stay the next time you find yourself on this fun-filled stretch of the Atlantic coast.

Read more