Charles’s guidebook
Food scene
If our second home was a restaurant, it would definitely be Nammos! A modern twist on Greek Cuisine. In the hearth of Fraserhood, this is our go-to for any occasion.
34 locals recommend
Nammos Estiatorio
3980 Fraser StIf our second home was a restaurant, it would definitely be Nammos! A modern twist on Greek Cuisine. In the hearth of Fraserhood, this is our go-to for any occasion.
A true hole in the wall. They don’t take reservations, but you can treat yourself to a great cocktail and some appetizers while waiting for your table. It’s loud, it’s full of life and the food is great!
13 locals recommend
Caffé La Tana
635 Commercial DrA true hole in the wall. They don’t take reservations, but you can treat yourself to a great cocktail and some appetizers while waiting for your table. It’s loud, it’s full of life and the food is great!
Our favorite when it comes to high end Italian Cuisine. Plan early for this one as it is usually booked weeks in advance.
180 locals recommend
Osteria Savio Volpe
615 KingswayOur favorite when it comes to high end Italian Cuisine. Plan early for this one as it is usually booked weeks in advance.
You want fried chicken? Don’t think twice, wait in line and get the goods! Ridiculously delicious.
23 locals recommend
Downlow Chicken Shack
905 Commercial DrYou want fried chicken? Don’t think twice, wait in line and get the goods! Ridiculously delicious.
You are looking for a Vegetarian option and you crave Mexican Cuisine? Don’t look further! While small and not the fanciest location, you’ll forget about it all once the plates Land on the table!
136 locals recommend
Bandidas Taqueria
2781 Commercial DrYou are looking for a Vegetarian option and you crave Mexican Cuisine? Don’t look further! While small and not the fanciest location, you’ll forget about it all once the plates Land on the table!
Most likely our favorite Mexican Cuisine location. Super vibrant, always busy, attentive staff members and amazing cocktails!
155 locals recommend
La Mezcaleria
1622 Commercial DrMost likely our favorite Mexican Cuisine location. Super vibrant, always busy, attentive staff members and amazing cocktails!
Commercial Drive location. Our monthly go-to for Italian Cuisine. Their wood oven pizzas are amazing and their pastas equally as good. If the menu suggests to add Pancetta, just do it!
26 locals recommend
Sopra Sotto Pizzeria
4022 Hastings StCommercial Drive location. Our monthly go-to for Italian Cuisine. Their wood oven pizzas are amazing and their pastas equally as good. If the menu suggests to add Pancetta, just do it!
Lunch Lady
1046 Commercial DrIn the mood for some Vietnamese Street Eats? Pay the lady a visit!
Our personal favorite when it comes to locally made ice cream. Could be walking distance, but you could also grab a Mobi bike to ride there. The Frances Street is the closest location.
353 locals recommend
Earnest Ice Cream
3992 Fraser StOur personal favorite when it comes to locally made ice cream. Could be walking distance, but you could also grab a Mobi bike to ride there. The Frances Street is the closest location.
A true Vancouver staple when it comes to quality meat and seafood. On the pricey side, but this place never disappoints. If in the season, try to book the rooftop patio.
178 locals recommend
Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
777 Thurlow StA true Vancouver staple when it comes to quality meat and seafood. On the pricey side, but this place never disappoints. If in the season, try to book the rooftop patio.
You’ll find this cozy Italian eatery in the heart of East Van, enjoy some of their family style dishes! It won’t disappoint!
172 locals recommend
Ask For Luigi Restaurant
305 Alexander StYou’ll find this cozy Italian eatery in the heart of East Van, enjoy some of their family style dishes! It won’t disappoint!
In the heart of Yaletown! Classy setting with an open kitchen where a popular local chef offers seasonal Mediterranean fare. Drake, George Clooney and Jennifer Anniston has been seen at this famous restaurant. Reservations needed!!!
46 locals recommend
Cioppino's Mediterranean Grill
1133 Hamilton StIn the heart of Yaletown! Classy setting with an open kitchen where a popular local chef offers seasonal Mediterranean fare. Drake, George Clooney and Jennifer Anniston has been seen at this famous restaurant. Reservations needed!!!
Phnom Penh Restaurant
244 E Georgia StVietnamese meets Cambodian cuisine! It’s delicious!
The best cocktails in the city with a great atmosphere! Check out the website and find out when they have live music, worth stopping by! Save some room for the food too .. yum!
111 locals recommend
Pourhouse Restaurant
162 Water StThe best cocktails in the city with a great atmosphere! Check out the website and find out when they have live music, worth stopping by! Save some room for the food too .. yum!
Located in Chinatown! Stylish dining area with modern style Chinese food.
250 locals recommend
Bao Bei
163 Keefer StLocated in Chinatown! Stylish dining area with modern style Chinese food.
The Keefer Bar
135 Keefer StThe Mackenzie Room
415 Powell StOne of our staple restaurants in the city! Rustic chic!
If you are looking a sushi fix, this is one of my favorites. Affordable, great portions and fresh ingredients. Depending on your abilities, it could even be walking distance.
11 locals recommend
Good Sushi
3916 Fraser StIf you are looking a sushi fix, this is one of my favorites. Affordable, great portions and fresh ingredients. Depending on your abilities, it could even be walking distance.
Most likely the most premium sushi experience available in Vancouver. It is challenging to get a reservation, it won’t be cheap and portions are on the smaller side. However, the freshness and creativity will blow you away.
10 locals recommend
Masayoshi
4376 Fraser StMost likely the most premium sushi experience available in Vancouver. It is challenging to get a reservation, it won’t be cheap and portions are on the smaller side. However, the freshness and creativity will blow you away.
Feeling like sushi after a nice stroll by Canada Place or Stanley Park, this could be a great spot for you to try out.
169 locals recommend
Miku Vancouver
200 Granville StFeeling like sushi after a nice stroll by Canada Place or Stanley Park, this could be a great spot for you to try out.
This place will blow you away with its eclectic interior design. The place has been in the city since 1983. They know their sushi!
77 locals recommend
The Eatery
3431 W BroadwayThis place will blow you away with its eclectic interior design. The place has been in the city since 1983. They know their sushi!
It’s all about the finest hand rolled sushi in town. Great location on Robson street as well.
Hello Nori - Robson
It’s all about the finest hand rolled sushi in town. Great location on Robson street as well.
Courtside Main is a boutique dining experience for anything basketball, sport, and culture.
Courtside Food & Drinks
Courtside Main is a boutique dining experience for anything basketball, sport, and culture.
Fresh and delicious seafood. Small seating arrangement, but so worth! A must if you are craving seafood.
84 locals recommend
The Fish Counter
3825 Main StFresh and delicious seafood. Small seating arrangement, but so worth! A must if you are craving seafood.
The ambiance is great, the food is even better and the drinks are always on point. If you are looking for a small cosy Italian restaurant, search no further. We love it, we keep on going back and great memories we’re created there!
43 locals recommend
Pizza Carano
4241 Fraser StThe ambiance is great, the food is even better and the drinks are always on point. If you are looking for a small cosy Italian restaurant, search no further. We love it, we keep on going back and great memories we’re created there!
Their brunch menu, outstanding. Their dinner menu, a traveling experience in your plate. If you are like me and struggle when it comes to choosing which egg benedicts to choose, they have your solution, go for the benedict flight. Yes, there is such a thing!
Zarak by Afghan Kitchen
Their brunch menu, outstanding. Their dinner menu, a traveling experience in your plate. If you are like me and struggle when it comes to choosing which egg benedicts to choose, they have your solution, go for the benedict flight. Yes, there is such a thing!
Hands down our favorite brunch in Vancouver. We suggest you reach the restaurant before they open to get in line or make a reservation ahead of time. It is really busy.
256 locals recommend
Cafe Medina
780 Richards StHands down our favorite brunch in Vancouver. We suggest you reach the restaurant before they open to get in line or make a reservation ahead of time. It is really busy.
Pepino's Spaghetti House
631 Commercial DrCaffé La Tana
635 Commercial DrCoffee shop
Nemesis Coffee GNW
555 Great Northern WayIf you are planning an afternoon in Gastown (which you should), a stop at Revolver is a must. Whether it’s for your morning, lunch or afternoon coffee, they’ll pour your fix.
189 locals recommend
Revolver
325 Cambie StIf you are planning an afternoon in Gastown (which you should), a stop at Revolver is a must. Whether it’s for your morning, lunch or afternoon coffee, they’ll pour your fix.
This is our staple coffee shop and our favourite place for the best doughnuts EVER! They even have a gluten free options!
122 locals recommend
49th Parallel Café & Lucky's Doughnuts - MAIN
2902 Main StThis is our staple coffee shop and our favourite place for the best doughnuts EVER! They even have a gluten free options!
Batard Bakery
3958 Fraser StOur favorite bakery and great coffee!
Another cyclists favorite. On your way to Seymour Mountain or to Deep Cove, this coffee joint is totally worth it. Great people, great coffee, that’s all you need.
9 locals recommend
United Strangers Coffee
2740 Mt Seymour PkwyAnother cyclists favorite. On your way to Seymour Mountain or to Deep Cove, this coffee joint is totally worth it. Great people, great coffee, that’s all you need.
You’ll find many of these locations throughout the city. Varied selection of hot drink along with endless selection of donuts and baked goods. They even have delicious sandwiches and salads for your lunch cravings. To top it off, they’re opened 24 hours a day!
6 locals recommend
Breka Bakery & Café (Main st)
4554 Main StreetYou’ll find many of these locations throughout the city. Varied selection of hot drink along with endless selection of donuts and baked goods. They even have delicious sandwiches and salads for your lunch cravings. To top it off, they’re opened 24 hours a day!
This coffee shop is located just a short walk away down Clark Dr. Be mindful of their opening hours, they are only opened two days a week and these days change constantly. However, if you catch them open, they carry delicious vegan and dairy free premium chocolates. Totally worth it!
Zimt Chocolates
This coffee shop is located just a short walk away down Clark Dr. Be mindful of their opening hours, they are only opened two days a week and these days change constantly. However, if you catch them open, they carry delicious vegan and dairy free premium chocolates. Totally worth it!
Only a healthy walk away from the suite, Timbertrain Coffee Depot is a special experience. Here's how they describe it:"Depot focuses on the process and craftsmanship behind our coffee. Entering Depot, you are greeted by the raw scale of our industrial warehouse space. The iconic black and white striped walls guide you past the bar and into our space where the behind-the-scenes roasting, cupping, and experimenting takes place. Depot is all about being part of the experience – stop by for a tour, cupping, a class, or to grab a coffee."
6 locals recommend
Timbertrain Coffee Depot
551 McLean DrOnly a healthy walk away from the suite, Timbertrain Coffee Depot is a special experience. Here's how they describe it:"Depot focuses on the process and craftsmanship behind our coffee. Entering Depot, you are greeted by the raw scale of our industrial warehouse space. The iconic black and white striped walls guide you past the bar and into our space where the behind-the-scenes roasting, cupping, and experimenting takes place. Depot is all about being part of the experience – stop by for a tour, cupping, a class, or to grab a coffee."
Hear me out, this one could be feature in Tea Salons as well. Moreover, in a section for simply the most enjoyable atmosphere with great baked goods along with sandwiches. Bottom line, just take a long walk and go spend a moment in there beautiful space.
59 locals recommend
Finch's Market
501 E Georgia StHear me out, this one could be feature in Tea Salons as well. Moreover, in a section for simply the most enjoyable atmosphere with great baked goods along with sandwiches. Bottom line, just take a long walk and go spend a moment in there beautiful space.
Wicked Cafe
1399 W 7th AveCartems Donuts
2190 Main StBeaucoup Bakery
2150 Fir StBreweries
Craft beers, ciders and wines, Strange Fellows has it along with outdoor seating for a snack. Walking distance on Clark Dr.
107 locals recommend
Strange Fellows Brewing Company
1345 Clark DrCraft beers, ciders and wines, Strange Fellows has it along with outdoor seating for a snack. Walking distance on Clark Dr.
Bomber Brewing
1488 Adanac StCan’t go wrong with another brewery option!
Off the Rail Brewing
1351 Adanac StAnd another one!
Superflux Beer Company
505 Clark DrJust add this one to the list as well!
Container Brewing Ltd.
1216 Franklin StKeep on beer hopping!
Great beer selection along with probably one the latest closing hour all week in the city. Vancouverites love to go to bed early, this brewery will cater to those who wish to keep their evening going for a little longer.
130 locals recommend
Parallel 49 Brewing Company
1950 Triumph StGreat beer selection along with probably one the latest closing hour all week in the city. Vancouverites love to go to bed early, this brewery will cater to those who wish to keep their evening going for a little longer.
Amazing spot for "people watching" and making new connections. This brewery is located on the very cycling-busy Ontario and West 8th corner. Amazing and creative beer offering. Cheers!
33 Brewing Experiment
25 W 8th AveAmazing spot for "people watching" and making new connections. This brewery is located on the very cycling-busy Ontario and West 8th corner. Amazing and creative beer offering. Cheers!
Heading to Granville Island for some shopping and sightseeing? Looking for a brewery where locals stop by to get the "houblon" fix afterwards? August is a great option for just that!
Brewing August
Heading to Granville Island for some shopping and sightseeing? Looking for a brewery where locals stop by to get the "houblon" fix afterwards? August is a great option for just that!
This one could fit in "Food Scene" as well with their amazing Italian dishes selection. Another great option within the "Yeast Van" Brewery District!
42 locals recommend
Luppolo Brewing Co.
1123 Venables StThis one could fit in "Food Scene" as well with their amazing Italian dishes selection. Another great option within the "Yeast Van" Brewery District!
East Vancouver Brewing Company
1675 Venables StStorm Brewing LTD.
310 Commercial DriveParks
A true taste of the rainforest in the city. Located at the western point of Vancouver right by UBC, this park will amaze you with its 50km trail network. The trails are bike, dog, horse, walk and run friendly. Just make sure to read the signage for which trails allow for which activity.
254 locals recommend
Pacific Spirit Regional Park
5495 W 16th AveA true taste of the rainforest in the city. Located at the western point of Vancouver right by UBC, this park will amaze you with its 50km trail network. The trails are bike, dog, horse, walk and run friendly. Just make sure to read the signage for which trails allow for which activity.
A visit to Vancouver isn’t complete without spending some time in Stanley Park. Go for a 10km walk around the park on the seawall or cut through and experience the dense vegetation the West Coast is know for, it’s up to you.
2658 locals recommend
Stanley Park
610 Pipeline RdA visit to Vancouver isn’t complete without spending some time in Stanley Park. Go for a 10km walk around the park on the seawall or cut through and experience the dense vegetation the West Coast is know for, it’s up to you.
Looking for a park where mainly locals go to spend the afternoon in the sun? Head to this park. You’ll find a pool, a soccer field, a beach and walking paths. The views of the North Shore are also great from there.
40 locals recommend
New Brighton Park
3201 New Brighton RdLooking for a park where mainly locals go to spend the afternoon in the sun? Head to this park. You’ll find a pool, a soccer field, a beach and walking paths. The views of the North Shore are also great from there.
Walking distance, you’ll find this clean park offering many options for an enjoyable afternoon outside.
14 locals recommend
China Creek North Park
1001 E 7th AveWalking distance, you’ll find this clean park offering many options for an enjoyable afternoon outside.
A short 8 minutes drive or taxi ride will bring you to Vancouver’s fun and entertaining PNE Playland. With its shows and amusement park, it sure will please the whole family.
174 locals recommend
Playland at the PNE
2901 E Hastings StA short 8 minutes drive or taxi ride will bring you to Vancouver’s fun and entertaining PNE Playland. With its shows and amusement park, it sure will please the whole family.
Again on the West side of the North Shore. This park is special due to its narrow trails leading to gorgeous views of the inlet. The trails aren’t long, but be prepared to walk on uneven terrain. You’ll also have access to a beach. If you time the tides properly, it is possible to walk across the water and onto a small island. Chances are, you may see a family of seals while you are there.
81 locals recommend
Whytecliff Park
7102 Marine DrAgain on the West side of the North Shore. This park is special due to its narrow trails leading to gorgeous views of the inlet. The trails aren’t long, but be prepared to walk on uneven terrain. You’ll also have access to a beach. If you time the tides properly, it is possible to walk across the water and onto a small island. Chances are, you may see a family of seals while you are there.
Queen Elizabeth Park
4600 Cambie StBeautiful gardens, city and mountain views.
Exclusive views of the city, along with the East side of the North Shore.
85 locals recommend
Burnaby Mountain Park
100 Centennial WayExclusive views of the city, along with the East side of the North Shore.
Make sure to wear proper footwear. This park offers some beautiful, well maintained hiking trails with multiple view points.
236 locals recommend
Lighthouse Park | West Vancouver
4902 Beacon LnMake sure to wear proper footwear. This park offers some beautiful, well maintained hiking trails with multiple view points.
Looking for a different point of view? One from the water? Look no further and rent a kayak, or a paddleboard. May the exploration begin!
75 locals recommend
Cates Park
4141 Dollarton HwyLooking for a different point of view? One from the water? Look no further and rent a kayak, or a paddleboard. May the exploration begin!
Sightseeing
A short cab run or Mobi bike ride from the suite and you will land in Granville Island. Shops, eatery, sightseeing and entertaining, this busy location has it all. You can even hop on a sea taxi and tour the inlet.
1659 locals recommend
Granville Island
A short cab run or Mobi bike ride from the suite and you will land in Granville Island. Shops, eatery, sightseeing and entertaining, this busy location has it all. You can even hop on a sea taxi and tour the inlet.
Be ready to enjoy some breathtaking city views along with beautiful flower gardens. If you are a tennis player, you’ll find many courts on the South side of the park.
830 locals recommend
Queen Elizabeth Park
4600 Cambie StBe ready to enjoy some breathtaking city views along with beautiful flower gardens. If you are a tennis player, you’ll find many courts on the South side of the park.
Amazing views at the top of the mountain, well worth the ticket price for the gondola ride. Once you are at the top, feel free to visit 2 bears!
1038 locals recommend
Grouse Mountain
6400 Nancy Greene WayAmazing views at the top of the mountain, well worth the ticket price for the gondola ride. Once you are at the top, feel free to visit 2 bears!
Horseshoe Bay is a small community by the water hosting one of the ferry terminals. The views are beautiful and it is pleasant to look at the ferries coming and going.
83 locals recommend
Horseshoe Bay
Horseshoe Bay is a small community by the water hosting one of the ferry terminals. The views are beautiful and it is pleasant to look at the ferries coming and going.
Bowen Island is probably the most accessible Island from Vancouver. Use a cab or a vehicle to reach Horseshoe Bay. From there you’ll hop on a BC Ferry to make the trip across the inlet and within an hour you’ll be on this small ancient volcano. You can walk on the ferry or take your vehicle, depending on your preference. Once on the island you’ll have access to a few beaches, a golf course and hikes.
71 locals recommend
Bowen Island
Bowen Island is probably the most accessible Island from Vancouver. Use a cab or a vehicle to reach Horseshoe Bay. From there you’ll hop on a BC Ferry to make the trip across the inlet and within an hour you’ll be on this small ancient volcano. You can walk on the ferry or take your vehicle, depending on your preference. Once on the island you’ll have access to a few beaches, a golf course and hikes.
Be prepared to drive up high in elevation and be surrounded by nature and city views. If heading out for a hike from the top parking lot, make sure to pack the ten essentials, be aware of the weather forecast and let people know where you are going.
190 locals recommend
Mount Seymour
Be prepared to drive up high in elevation and be surrounded by nature and city views. If heading out for a hike from the top parking lot, make sure to pack the ten essentials, be aware of the weather forecast and let people know where you are going.
Cypress Mountain Ski Area
6000 Cypress Bowl RdBeaches
Beautiful beach in the Kitsilano area. Pack a beach towel, a portable speaker, a frisbee and some refreshments for a great day enjoying the sea breeze. The orientation of this beach is also perfect to catch the sunset.
847 locals recommend
Kitsilano Beach Park
1499 Arbutus StBeautiful beach in the Kitsilano area. Pack a beach towel, a portable speaker, a frisbee and some refreshments for a great day enjoying the sea breeze. The orientation of this beach is also perfect to catch the sunset.
Approximately 45min from our home, well worth the drive! Pack some lunch and drinks and head to the beach for the day or feel free to enjoy a few of the restaurants on the strip.
163 locals recommend
Crescent Beach
Beecher StreetApproximately 45min from our home, well worth the drive! Pack some lunch and drinks and head to the beach for the day or feel free to enjoy a few of the restaurants on the strip.
If you feel like a long stroll by the water, this is the beach to go. Stretching over 4km from Jericho Beach to Acadia Beach, you’ll come across two concession stores and an official volleyball area (bring your own net). You can walk on the sandy beach or use the gravel path, it’s up to you.
264 locals recommend
Spanish Banks
If you feel like a long stroll by the water, this is the beach to go. Stretching over 4km from Jericho Beach to Acadia Beach, you’ll come across two concession stores and an official volleyball area (bring your own net). You can walk on the sandy beach or use the gravel path, it’s up to you.
Ambleside Beach
Hiking Adventures
800m of elevation and 3000 stairs, it’s quite intense and not for everyone but still so much fun and quite challenging. Proper footwear is definitely recommended! The good news is you don’t need to do the hike back down, it is mandatory to purchase a ticket for the gondola ride down.
233 locals recommend
Grouse Grind Trail
6400 Nancy Greene Way800m of elevation and 3000 stairs, it’s quite intense and not for everyone but still so much fun and quite challenging. Proper footwear is definitely recommended! The good news is you don’t need to do the hike back down, it is mandatory to purchase a ticket for the gondola ride down.
Be well prepared for this hike! Hiking boots, bear spray, bells, water and snacks. The view from the top is breathtaking.
13 locals recommend
Stawamus Chief Trail
Be well prepared for this hike! Hiking boots, bear spray, bells, water and snacks. The view from the top is breathtaking.
This one could be considered more of a walk than a hike given that it is mostly flat. Still make sure to wear proper footwear. Enjoy the views at the end of the trail!
236 locals recommend
Lighthouse Park | West Vancouver
4902 Beacon LnThis one could be considered more of a walk than a hike given that it is mostly flat. Still make sure to wear proper footwear. Enjoy the views at the end of the trail!
If you wish to go for an extended walk/hike, this area is a great option on the North Shore. It’s a short 14km drive from your suite. What’s appealing about this section of the Shore is that you have access to a paved path if you wish to explore using a very accessible path, or you can use the well defined trail network which gives you access to lakes, rivers and scenic views.
13 locals recommend
Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve
2369 Lillooet RdIf you wish to go for an extended walk/hike, this area is a great option on the North Shore. It’s a short 14km drive from your suite. What’s appealing about this section of the Shore is that you have access to a paved path if you wish to explore using a very accessible path, or you can use the well defined trail network which gives you access to lakes, rivers and scenic views.