Guest post by Marie Erikson, fifth-year Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy Honours student
After living on campus for two years, a friend of mine didn’t know where the widely loved neighbourhood Mount Pleasant was. My immediate response was to nearly die of laughter, but I understand it’s easy to neglect touring the city during your studies.
To help you avoid this tragic fate, I’ve compiled a list of popular, non-touristy areas to visit that almost everyone in Vancouver knows. Exploring the city helped me fall in love with Vancouver, as someone who came to UBC from abroad. Hopefully, this list gets you started on seeing all Vancouver has to offer too.
Mount Pleasant and Main Street
Mount Pleasant was voted the best neighbourhood of Vancouver, which, according to me, is the correct choice. The neighbourhood is a mix of former industrial space now covered with murals in the north and colourful heritage homes in the south.
Main Street crosses multiple neighbourhoods, but the Mount Pleasant section is a great place to start. I like to take the 99 bus to Kingsway/Main Street and start walking south, up the hill or with the avenue numbers counting up. Along the way, check out some of the unusual clothes in the many vintage stores. The area is also known for having some of the city’s best restaurants, so it’s a great place to be hungry.
If you’re willing to walk a bit farther, see the City Centre Artist Lodge, a converted motel now hosting artist studios. The building will soon be bulldozed for new development, so check out this historic space while you can.
The Seawall
Many people know the Seawall from its Stanley Park section, but the whole path covers 28 kilometres, meandering from Kits Beach to the Vancouver Convention Centre.
If you have an hour or two, I’d suggest checking out the False Creek section. Head from Granville Island to David Lam Park, or be wild and go from David Lam Park to Granville Island. You’ll see great views of the city and parts of the neighbourhoods you pass by.
Commercial Drive
Also known as “The Drive,” this neighbourhood is an authentic representation of “East Van culture” fighting gentrification and mostly winning but still seeing elements of the latter. Known for being home to Vancouver’s Little Italy, it is also a well-loved but gritty area of town with breweries, coffee shops and eclectic stores.
Beyond just exploring, I’d suggest visiting the classic Pulp Fiction and Canterbury Tales bookstores (though the first’s main location is over on Main Street). Nearby Trout Lake is also worth checking out.
Queen Elizabeth Park
One of Vancouver’s largest parks also has the highest point within city limits. Out of the many things to do, I’d recommend seeing the views from the top and walking around the quarry garden. While you’re there, consider checking out the Bloedel Conservatory’s tropical plant collection (though admission is paid).
Chinatown
The area is one of Vancouver’s National Historic Sites, dating back to the 19th century. It stands out for its architecture and the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Classical Garden.
If you’re a fan of tea, check out the store Treasure Green Teas for its selection of Chinese teas (and not just green). It’s not cheap, but they have a variety of price points, and they’re perfect for a great gift or if you want high quality tea.
Lonsdale (North Vancouver)
This neighbourhood has lovely views of downtown Vancouver and its harbour. It’s known for its markets, including the year-round Lonsdale Quay Market, the summer Shipyards Night Market and the December Shipyards Christmas Market.
No matter when you visit, try taking the SeaBus there from Downtown Vancouver. The fare is included in your U-Pass, so you can get on just as you would the bus or SkyTrain.
The Polygon Gallery and Earnest Ice Cream (with excellent vegan and dairy-free options) are also great spots in the area.
Greektown or Broadway in Kitsilano
Much of the neighbourhood’s shops aren’t Greek, despite the name. Serano Greek Pastry, however, is a great place to get a snack and coffee while having a taste of the area’s history. Nearby Persia Foods also has rather inexpensive groceries, including Persian breads and deals on large jars of olives.
Students often know this area for the Irish pub The Wolf and Hound or the sushi restaurant The Eatery.
Beaches
How many places in the world have swim-friendly beaches with views of snow-dusted mountains? Any of Vancouver’s beaches are worth the visit, but I’d make sure to go to the arguably most iconic: Kits Beach. You could also go to Jericho Beach and spot wild bunnies and other wildlife in the nearby park.
Pacific Spirit Park
You’ve surely seen Pacific Spirit when heading to and from UBC, but it deserves to be explored in earnest. The Admiralty Trail and the Camosun Bog are great places to start discovering the park’s 55 kilometres of trails. The Iron Knee Trail or Imperial Trail, both accessible from 16th Avenue near campus, are good places to walk and see dogs, local flora and fauna, and potentially catch an eagle overhead.
Kerrisdale
The hub of this quiet, green, residential neighbourhood has a small but cute shopping area along W 41st Avenue. To start, check out the stationery stores 1912 Amax Stationery and Buchan’s Kerrisdale Stationery at West Boulevard and W 41st.
Metrotown (Burnaby)
“Metrotown” refers to the area around or often just the mall Metropolis at Metrotown. It’s the largest in British Columbia, with a cinema and over 330 stores.
Though this isn’t the most charming part of Burnaby, it is worth a visit, especially if you want to do some shopping. Consider checking out the nearby Chicha San Chen bubble tea while you’re there.
Looking for more?
If you’re still searching for places to explore, check out these areas next (sorted by estimated transit time from campus):
- Dunbar
- Arbutus Ridge Greenway
- Victoria Drive
- Richmond Centre/Lansdowne
- New Westminster
- Deer Lake
- Steveston
- Lighthouse Park
- Lynn Canyon
Any spots we missed? Let us know at graduate.communications@ubc.ca.