Pssst: Here’s your ultimate local-approved guide to Vancouver’s best-kept secrets

Planning a fall or winter getaway? Good news, Washington – you don’t have to go far to have an unforgettable trip! In fact, you just have to take a scenic 2.5-hour drive from Seattle.

Vancouver is a city with so much to offer, especially in the fall and winter months when it really comes alive. So, we’ve put together a local-approved list of things to see and do this season, sourced directly from TheVan100.

No, we’re not going to tell you to walk the Seawall or take a selfie with the famous Gastown steam clock (though you should totally do those things, too!). Instead, we’re diving into hidden gems, insider spots, and truly cannot-miss experiences that will make your trip one for the books!

Local Arts & Culture gems

Museum of Anthropology: Discover one of the world’s finest displays of Northwest Coast First Nations arts at this historic hangout — from magnificent Indigenous carvings, artifacts, and totem poles, to contemporary artworks.

Check out amazing street art: Vancouver is a vibrant city full of colourful art, statues, and murals. Head to English Bay to see the beloved A-Maze-ing Laughter (aka the laughing statutes), snap a photograph of the spray-painted silos known as Giants on Granville Island, or strike a pose under the Insta-worthy Engagement installation on Sunset Beach Park.

Take a spooky walking tour: ‘Tis the season! Explore Vancouver’s most atmospheric neighbourhoods with a Ghostly Walking Tour. The tours run year-round, the guides are incredible storytellers, and it’s a really unique way to learn about the city’s history.

Culinary highlights

Eat at a MICHELIN restaurant: With such a rich and diverse culinary scene, it’s no wonder Vancouver has a whole host of MICHELIN-starred and MICHELIN-recommended restaurants. For a taste of the city’s world-class cuisine, head to Ask for Luigi, a hidden gem, intimate, and Italian-inspired restaurant with some of the best fresh, handmade pasta you’ll ever try.

Chill at a brewery: Listen, we’ve got some good, hoppy beers here in Vancouver — and the North Shore is where you’ll find some of the best. Check out Beere Brewing Company, House of Funk, and Wildeye Brewing.

Check out Granville Island: A foodie’s paradise, this well-known spot is a local and tourist favourite for a reason! Grab a donut at Lee’s Donuts, enjoy fresh seafood at the Vancouver Fish Company Restaurant & Bar, or browse the Public Market and grab something to eat by the waterfront (Pro tip: watch out for the seagulls!)

World-class neighbourhoods

Walk the Drive: Commercial Drive – which was recently ranked one of the coolest streets in the world (!!)-  has 22 full blocks full of quaint boutiques, eclectic restaurants, vibrant bars, venues, and coffee houses. Stop by Grounds Coffee for a cinnamon bun, do some thrifting at Mintage, or catch a flick at the beloved Rio Theatre.

Explore Mount Pleasant: Trendy, vibrant, and artsy, this neighbourhood in East Vancouver is a must if you want to be in the heart of the city. Grab a beverage and sweet treat at Whisk Matcha Cafe, before wandering along Main Street to browse choice indie stores like Neptoon Records (any Nardwuar fans in the house?), and Pulp Fiction Books!

Hit up Kits: Located on the city’s west side, this beachfront neighbourhood has a little bit of everything. Take a walk along the water for gorgeous views of the North Shore Mountains and English Bay, or indulge in some authentic Japanese ramen at Danbo on West 4th.

Nature bathing

Go to Grouse Mountain: For mesmerizing scenic views, take the SkyRide to the top of Grouse Mountain. Once you reach the top, you can ski, snowboard, or strap on some snowshoes and get exploring. Be sure to check out the annual Light Walk, which takes place every winter season.

Explore Lighthouse Park: This coastal and rugged park has plenty of trails that weave through old-growth forests and are perfect for day hikes year-round. The star of the show is – you guessed it – the historic lighthouse, so be sure to snap some pics.

Brave the Capilano Suspension Bridge: This is one of Vancouver’s biggest tourist attractions, and it’s not hard to see why. Get your adrenaline pumping as you stand high above lush forests on the world-famous Suspension Bridge, before exploring cliffside and treetop walks. Plus, from late November, you’ll get to experience the winter wonderland that is Canyon Lights.

Ready to start planning your Vancouver trip? Head over to thevan100.ca for even more recommendations.

TheVan100