Eat & Drink Like a Local

One thing that surprised me when I moved to Vancouver 7 years ago was just how good the food is. Most people don't associate Vancouver with being a major food city, especially compared to Montreal or Toronto, but the food scene here is incredible. The city especially shines when it comes to sushi, ramen, Chinese, and Indian cuisine, but you'll also find incredible cafés, bakeries, breweries, cocktail bars, and farm-to-table restaurants around every corner.

☕️ Skip the chains (for the most part). Vancouver has an incredible independent coffee scene and some of the city's best neighbourhoods are best explored café by café. So many of my favourite places in the city are independent restaurants/cafés with the exception of a few local chains like Cactus Club Café (most specifically the English Bay location) and Breka Bakery that are totally worth it.

🍣 Don't leave without trying sushi. Vancouver has some of the best sushi outside Japan. If you feel like splurging, booking a dinner at Miku or Minami is a MUST. For a more affordable option, pick up some sushi from Aburi Market for a fraction of the price and have a little picnic at the beach.

🥐 Get to bakeries early. Popular items often sell out before noon. Places like Angust T, Nero Waffles and Parallel 49 are well worth the relatively early wake up call.

🍺 Vancouver has a fantastic craft brewery scene. If you enjoy local beer, consider spending an afternoon brewery hopping in Mount Pleasant, North Van or in East Van. Container Brewing, Parallel 49 Brewing and Superflux are some of my favourites!

🍸 Make time for a speakeasy or cocktail bar. Vancouver was never known for its nightlife but in the last years, things have definitely evolved for the best. Some of Vancouver's most memorable bars are hidden behind unmarked doors, tucked beneath historic buildings, or concealed in unexpected places. Bagheera, Shameful Tiki Room and Key Party are some of my favourites (reservations are recommended)!