Backpack Vancouver, British Columbia
Backpacking in Vancouver is a must for anyone stopping in Canada. Vancouver has a good couple handfuls of hostels, some found right in the downtown area, which can be a great base to start from. If however, big cities aren’t you’re thing, or you just want to stay near the water, you’ll be happy to hear that Vancouver also has some hostels overlooking the water. Whatever your choice is, be sure to make it early, as hostels tend to book up fast here. I would highly recommend that you give them at least a one weeks notice before showing up to guarantee a spot in the backpackers of your choice.
If you’ve already managed to find a hostel then you’ll be wanting to know what to do next. Vancouver has countless different things to do.
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is Vancouver’s first park. It’s always got something going on in it. I would highly recommend spending a day hiking through it. Be sure to make a stop at one of the many beaches. They’re always a great way to spend the afternoon. If you’re keen on seeing an inukshuk or a totem pole, you’ll find both here.
Whale Watching
Vancouver has handfuls of different boat operators willing to take you out on the sea for a day of Whale Watching. Most Whale Watching groups head out to Point Grey or Near Victoria and are usually able to spot some whales. This activity can be pretty expensive. Keep an eye out for deals, flashing your HI card or student card can sometimes get you up to 15% off.
2010 Olympic Games
The 2010 Olympic Winter Games are being held right in Vancouver. If you’re lucky enough to be in the area during this time, be sure to try and take part in the festivities. Tickets might be hard to come by, but head to any sports bar or pub and it’s sure to be on every screen. I would highly recommend watching the Men’s or Women’s Canadian Hockey Team. If you’re able to see one, go! If not, watch it in a pub! Be sure to deck yourself in Red, White, and Black.
Watch the Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are one of Western Canada’s most popular NHL Hockey Teams. If you’ve never been to a hockey game before, particularly an NHL Game, you’re in for some quality entertainment. Enjoy a few beers while cheering on Vancouver’s own. Tickets will range from $55 to $130 during regular season, and can increase significantly in the playoffs.
Eat some Amazing Sushi
For those who don’t know, Vancouver is home to many Japanese peoples, and anywhere the Japanese go, so does Sushi.
Restaurants range from cheap and tasty, to expensive and tasty. Check out Miko – Located on Robson Street. It’s a little more pricey than your average run of the mill 99 cent roll. But is well worth it. It also just so happens to be an unofficial hangout for some of the Vancouver Canucks. You might be lucky enough to spot one while enjoying some great sushi.
Sea Kayak, Windsurf, Kite surf
If you’re looking to get on the water and enjoy Canada’s west coast then head to Granville island where you’ll find several places to grab a sea kayak. Rentals will cost you roughly $40 for a 2 hour excursion, or $60 for a full day. If you’re looking to save some money, then grab a friend, Tuesdays have Two-for-One Rentals. If you’re looking at getting a little more speed, or just want to try something new, check out Windsurfing and Kite surfing at Jericho Sailing Center. They offer lessons and rentals and should be able to get you up and going.
Enjoy the beaches
Vancouver has many beaches worth checking out. The most popular are Jericho Beach, English Bay, Kits Beach, and Stanley Parks 2nd and
3rd beach. Keep in mind your in Canada, and the water is usually pretty cold. But on a real hot day, that’s exactly what you might need.
If you’re looking to work on those tan lines of yours, and want to show off your birthday suit, then be sure to visit Wreck Beach. Wreck beach is one of the few Nude Beaches in Canada. It surprisingly averages approximately 500, 000 visitors per year. If you’re lucky you might even find yourself partaking in a game of Nude Volleyball. If all this excitement is getting you hungry, then you’ll be glad to know you can find Burgers and Sandwiches for sale at several different vendors on Wreck Beach.
Vancouver is a large city. Between the sports, the activities, the food, the people, there is so much to see and do. If you’re short on information check with your hostel. They’ll have all you need for local tours and activities. Vancouver is a great place to stay, and a great stopover before heading to the Rocky Mountains.
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My name is Corbin. I'm a 20-something guy from the flatlands of Canada. I'm currently a part time travel writer, web designer, and musician. I started this site in the hopes of learning a little more about where I come from. Somewhere along the way it decided to evolve into an independent travel guide for other backpackers interested in traveling Canada on a budget. Join me for the ride, and if you happen to be backpacking across Canada, feel free to contact me to be part of this Canada travel guide.
I'd would also recommend renting a bike to go along the sea wall. Great way to see lots of Vancouver scenic sights. The total sea wall is about 22 km but you can bike any portion of it and get off whenever you like. It goes from Coal Harbor, around Stanley Park, through English Bay, all around False Creek, through Vainer Park and then ends at Kitislano Beach.
Oh and Wreck Beach is a nude beach.. but it's clothing optional. So don't let the nudists scare you away from checking it out. But note there is 436 stairs to take down to access it…. and of course… 436 stairs to climb back up to leave!
@Deidra – I figured you'd have some good input for this post. As soon as I was finished it I thought to myself. "Eff, Deidra & Scott coulda probably given me some good advice/info, shoulda contacted them" – Once you guys are well into your trip and perhaps feeling a bit homesick and feel the need to write about home, contact me for a Guest Post. I Would love a Locals View on the best of the best in Vancouver. Thanks for the input.
I should have probably mentioned the 436 stairs. Honestly I barely remember walking them. I think I was too excited to see some naked people that they were only a minor obstacle in checking it out. Go nudity! lol
Nice city! Canada sem to have a lot to offer, not only Vancouver. It's a pity I've never been there. Especially considering the fact that I have cousins in Toronto!!!!
Great ideas, we lived in Vancouver for 3 years. It is beautiful for the outdoor lover. I loved taking the Gondola up Grouse Mountain to go for a hike. Don't forget the Capilano Suspension Bridge. And Like Deidra said, the seawall is a must. We used to rollerblade along it in the 90's and then chill out on the beach.
@Dave & Deb – Thanks guys, glad you liked the post. I just read through your post on Unique Canadian Phrases, very awesome. Had a good laugh. Hope you're doin good.
Corbin, we loved to guest post for you in the future! =)
@Deidra – That would be great! I'll be looking forward to it. Thanks
[...] Vancouver, BC & Edmonton, AB – 5.0% – I am obligated to include this beer on the list, as this is Saskatchewans most popular selling beer, and being a native of SK, if I didn’t include it, travelling throughout my own province would become unsafe for me. Despite my obligation, the beer rightfully deserves its place in the list. Old Style Pilsner has been brewed since 1926, and has a strange cult following throughout Canada. I’ve heard of people traveling with cases of Pil and trading it along the way for more beer than they began with. Another “Entry-Level” beer for Western Canadian Youths. Known across the country as “Pil”, “Saskatchewan Champagne”, “Sner”, “Vitimin P” and “Pilly Pop”. Old Style Pilsner is famous for crossing the lines of age, wealth, and taste. The beer appeared in the cult movie Fubar, and has appeared several times on CTV’s Corner Gas. As soon as you cross the border to Saskatchewan be prepared for the Green & Yellow cans and bottles to be found in almost every drinkers hands. A great tasting beer, perfect for a hot summer day on one of Saskatchewans 100, 000 lakes. [...]