A Newcomer’s Observations Vol 8: A World of its Own
For the most part, cities can be described in a handful of words. Their specific vibe, what the locals are like, the food and beverage scene, the scenery, and so on. From a quick run-down of a city you can normally get a good grasp on what it’s all about, and what you can expect when visiting. Prior to moving to Vancouver I thought I had a solid idea of what it would be like, but with each person I spoke to my idea got more and more blurry. Each person outlined why they felt Vancouver is great, or why they thought I might like it here, and each description was vastly different other than being generally positive in nature.
Now that I’ve spent a couple of months here and I’m getting more comfortable with transit and navigating around I’m beginning to understand why this was. Put simply, Vancouver is an entire world of its own. There is no one characteristic to attribute to Vancouver because each neighbourhood and suburb feels like a different province all together. It certainly makes describing the entire city a difficult task, because a short bus ride can present you with a whole different culture and atmosphere. Do I sound crazy? Here are some examples:
Photo: 604Now
Yaletown
The hustle and bustle of big city life with an exploding food and beverage scene. If you like to dress business chic and sip cocktails during happy hour, this is the place. Also, if a mimosa and good company at brunch is your scene, you might never leave. If you’ve moved to Vancouver to embrace city life, network, mingle, and be surrounded by high-rises, Yaletown is the place for you.
Photo: 604Now
Gastown
I like to think Gastown is the place for romantics. Cobblestone roads, twinkling lights overhead and in the trees, public art, galleries everywhere, and just steps away from the ocean. The first time I went to Gastown I was reminded of Little Italy in New York. It’s the perfect place for a first date, just wandering around taking in the scenery and popping in for a drink or bite to eat at any of the various little bars. Going down there I always find it to be perfectly picturesque, something everyone should experience during their first time in Vancouver.
Photo: 604Now
Kitsilano
Kits is somewhere that I’ve found myself incredibly inspired towards a life of wellness. Here you’ll find a beachfront perfect for walking and running, beach volleyball courts, and tons of grassy space for yoga and other such activities. During the rainy season(s) the wellness doesn’t stop, you just have to venture a couple blocks up from the beachfront where you’ll find incredible healthy restaurants, yoga studios, tons of independent retailers, and just a generally positive, go-getter vibe. I have a theory that Kits might be the first neighbourhood awake every morning.
Photo: 604Now
Main Street Area
Here is a great place to enjoy food, beverage, and nightlife in Vancouver. The wonderful part about it is that there is tons of housing all around, so you can live just steps away from some of Vancouver’s best restaurants and bars. There’s a ton of shopping along Main, some incredible coffee shops, and a upbeat, city vibe without the stress of venturing downtown. If you love shopping but hate malls I would always suggests walking along main. There’s tons of shops to pop into, galleries, and just the makings for a perfect day. Everyone I’ve talked to who lives on and around Main swears it to be the best place to dwell in Vancouver.
This brings me to my next point, everyone seems to swear their neighbourhood is the best! Now I’m not saying that anyone is wrong in saying so,, but rather that everyone is right! Because each part of Vancouver is so different, I bet that literally anyone could find a spot that perfect suits them, I know I did!
I would like to encourage all new Vancouverites like myself and visitors to visit as many areas as humanly possible to try (though impossible) to uncover the full Vancouver experience. There’s truly something new to discover everywhere you turn. This, my friends, is why I believe Vancouver to be a world of its own.