The reports are all true: it rains a lot in Vancouver. Yet, that’s what keeps the city just a touch under the radar. The Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games were a celebrity-status shot in the arse for the city, but residents returned to their laid back ways as soon as the crowds left.

The rain can pour in any season, but that also means the temperature stays pretty level throughout the year from the warming Pacific Ocean currents, attracting many ex-pats from the cold east coast and prairies. Oh, and Vancouver is continuously voted as one of the most liveable cities in the world. It’s probably all those snow-capped mountains and shimmering waterways surrounding the city...  

Vancouver was officially christened in 1886 to the delight of about 1,000 residents. Now, 2.1 million people–and growing–make up Metro Vancouver. Canada is officially bilingual, but the English language is king here (French is really only heard during national ceremonies), although you’ll hear a colourful array of mother tongues as you walk down any street. And that’s what makes Vancouver rock the most: for all the natural beauty that acts as a green screen to Hollywood North, the mixing of cultures adds so much more to the pretty setting.

Kick Butt in Stanley Park

The darling of Vancouver is unarguably Stanley Park, the 400 hectare (1,000 acre) downtown forest wonderland. You can take in a  Theatre Under the Stars production in the summer, or head indoors year round to the renowned Vancouver Aquarium, where you can peek in on Nyac, the oldest surviving sea otter in the world from the Exxon Valdex oil spill in 1989.

Although there are two classy restaurants within the park, it’s the 8.8 km (5.5 mi) seawall that really gets your motor running. This is where locals shed their yoga mats and Lululemon yogawear to slap on rollerblades, running shoes or hop on a bike to burn up the paths.

Visitors can rent bikes along Denman Street and cycle the approximately 1 hour route around the park. Those who are really enthusiastic can also do the adjoining Coal Harbour and English Bay sections, bringing the grand total to 22 km (13.7 mi). It’s sacrilegious to come to Vancouver and not play on the seawall (even if it’s only for a short walk).

Shopping on Funky Main Street

In a happenin’ city like Vancouver, there is no doubt that the shopping scene is well cultivated. Some of the best finds, though, are outside of the downtown core and in areas like Main Street.

Ultra funky and super cool, the neighbourhood leaks boutique shops with locally made stuff, as well as handpicked designers on the upswing who would rather keep their street cred than sell in big box stores.

A staple of Main Street is Front & Company, where sweet consignment deals hit on original clothing, a fascinating home décor shop, and the best window display on the street.

Farther north, the intersection of Main and Broadway has definitely spawned a few shops that can’t be categorized in the budget-friendly way that the area is known for, but a place like Scout Boutique sets them straight. Racks are lined with pin up-style dresses that flatter the feminine shape as much as the wallet and the staff work as burlesque dancers when the sun goes down.

Do As Vancouverites Do: Eat Sushi

Just around every street corner is a sushi joint where the quality is generally good and the prices are usually cheap. We’re sushi spoiled and we know it. And we love it, although we don’t like to call it an addiction, more of a special interest. If you meet someone from Vancouver and you want to get to know them better, just say, “Let’s go for sushi.”

Well known is a place like Tojo’s, which serves up Japanese food that will convert even those who aren’t crazy about seafood. There are many hole-in-the-wall spots that fly under most people’s radar and they are the gems of the city.

Everyone has their favourite but a trip to Toshi, Aoki Sushi or Sake Maki will give you that warm and fishy feeling when you leave.

Get Out on the Water

It’s no secret that Vancouver is surrounded on three sides by water: Burrard Inlet to the north, English Bay to the west and the Fraser River to the south. Taking advantage of the waterways is key to experiencing the city, whether by kayak, yacht, fishing charter or dinner cruise. You can stick close to the shore or head out on the ocean and even to Victoria for the day.

For those who can’t shake their sea legs, there’s always the buns-of-steel-inducing Grouse Grind in North Vancouver and the snowy local mountains that are only a short drive or bus ride away. Leave early in the morning to beat the crowds.

Take in the Arts

Vancouver Canucks fans are a force of nature in this hockey-crazed city, but don’t let that distract you from scouring the arts listings in the free local paper, The Georgia Straight.

Heavy hitters like the Playhouse and Arts Club theatre companies produce Broadway-worthy performances and can have you dancing in the aisles and crying in your program during the same season.

There are a few staple arts events that are worth planning your trip around. The TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival brings in legends and newbies to play the largest venues and outdoor parks (many shows are free). The fall brings the Vancouver International Fringe Festival for those who are into the offbeat, and the Vancouver International Film Festival is where the red carpet is rolled out for film geeks who can watch five films a day, everyday, for over two weeks.

We have some pretty funny people here, too, and they usually hang out on Granville Island under the guise of the Vancouver TheatreSports League. So even when it rains in Vancouver you can always duck into a theatre and have a good laugh.