Discover the charming appeal of Vancouver, from cityscapes to scenic outdoor adventures

“Did you know that the California sushi roll originated in Vancouver?”

The question catches me off guard, and based on the surprised look on my face, it’s clear that it isn’t. While there has been some debate about the origins of the popular dish (as California is often misleadingly given credit), Vancouverites claim it is their own.

It is believed that a sushi chef named Hidekazu Tojo immigrated from Osaka to Vancouver in the 1970s and introduced the dish, originally called Tojo-maki, because Canadians were not used to traditional sushi at the time. The launch added to the city’s already renowned reputation for fresh seafood, thanks to its prime location on the Pacific coast.

After a five-hour flight from Toronto to Vancouver on Air Canada, my first stop is lunch at Minami in the trendy Yaletown neighborhood. Known for its old warehouse buildings that are home to some of Vancouver’s best restaurants, Minami serves modern Japanese cuisine, from sashimi and sushi platters to bento bowls and nigiri. And while it doesn’t have California rolls, it’s known for its innovative Aburi, or flame-seared, cuisine, another sign of the city’s diverse culinary offerings.

Vancouver, the largest city in British Columbia, prides itself on its multicultural society, serving its diverse population while proudly paying tribute to its indigenous roots. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and coastal mountains, the city offers a vibrant scene where towering skyscrapers and historic architecture mingle with impressive water views and plenty of green spaces.

One of the city’s most famous is Stanley Park, Vancouver’s first and one of Canada’s largest urban parks. Originally home to native tribes, it dates back to 1888 and covers 405 hectares, making it slightly larger than New York City’s Central Park. Located on the traditional territory of the Coast Salish First Nations, including the Musqueam, Tsleil-Wauth and Squamish, the park honors its proud history, with second- and third-generation trees standing tall among colorful totem poles representing indigenous peoples.

I head out for the park’s popular Talking Trees tour, which lasts about 90 minutes and is led by Seraphine Lewis, a native guide who is half Squamish and half Haida. She is incredibly knowledgeable about our environment, discussing how to identify different trees and sharing tips on which plants can be used for things like food, medicine or shelter. Lewis also emphasizes the importance of caring for our living environment. “Our country is the first teacher, our animals are our first teachers,” she reminds us.

A 10-minute drive away is the Capilano Suspension Bridge, an attraction that combines adventure with beautiful scenery. The bridge extends 140 meters over the Capilano River, hangs 70 meters above it and is safely suspended from thick steel cables. However, my walk across the wobbly bridge is still slow and careful and I am surprised when I reach the other side, given my personal apprehension when it comes to heights.

But the view is worth it. As I reach the middle, the sun sneaks through the dark green, old Douglas fir trees with the flowing river below. For those looking for more adrenaline, there’s also the Cliffwalk experience, which has even narrower walkways and stairs that allow visitors to descend the granite cliff. There are even sections of open walkways with grates to view the gorge below.

Another beautiful viewpoint comes from the mountains that form the backdrop to the city. Grouse Mountain, just 15 minutes from downtown, is an alpine playground for skiers and snowboarders. But there’s so much more to do, as there are activities all year round, including guided eco walks, cycling and walking trails, as well as a zip line course and even a lumberjack show.

The skyride takes about eight minutes and goes up 1,250 meters, with impressive views, especially on a clear day. While most people on the gondola lift had their skis or snowboards with them, I simply headed up to explore what the mountain had to offer. And while it wasn’t a particularly cold day, it was still refreshing to be around fresh snow, a welcome change from the sunny days in the UAE.

In addition to nature and its surroundings, Vancouver’s Granville Island Market is another must-visit stop. It is a vibrant center that is popular with tourists and residents alike and is a treasure trove of sights, smells and tastes. The market has a vibrant mix of food, drinks and boutique shopping, making it an ideal place to find unique gifts and souvenirs. There are also plenty of outdoor areas where you can eat or just people watch when the weather permits.

A Vancouver Foodie Tour is also highly recommended. It lasts about two hours and is suitable for gastronomes, but it is also a fun way for visitors to learn the stories behind some of the market’s culinary shops. Stops include A Bread Affair, Vancouver’s first artisan and organic bread shop; Granville Island Tea Company, owned by a husband and wife, where there are more than 200 teas to choose from; and Lee’s Donuts, a brand that has been around since 1979 and was featured on Netflix Breakfast lunch dinner with Chef David Chang.

It would be easy to spend a whole day wandering around the Granville Island Market. Not only is the area a haven for foodies, but it’s also buzzing with activity with live music, street performers and friendly vendors. There is plenty of shopping, with a variety of shops selling items such as jewelry and locally made clothing, books and children’s toys.

Serious shoppers can also head to popular Robson Street, a 1.5-mile stretch in the heart of downtown, lined with shops and restaurants. It’s home to everything from luxury brands to fashion chains and boutiques to independent shops and family-run businesses, and its central location puts it in good company with other attractions including Stanley Park and the Vancouver Art Gallery.

Vancouver’s charm lies in its diverse offering that suits everyone, for those looking for adrenaline-pumping adventures or a quieter adventure. With Air Canada offering direct flights to the city from Dubai, a visit is well worth it for a trip full of natural beauty, vibrant shopping and an abundance of activities all year round.

Updated: June 20, 2024, 4:06 am