Guidebook for Vancouver
Food Scene
Vancouver's first vegetarian restaurant, open 24 hours! Live music & local art for sale. Try the Oaxaca Quesadilla, Dragon Bowl or Zippy Noodles. Naam soups are incredible on a rainy day, along with their homemade bread & veggie butter - yum! Often a line up during busy times so best to plan ahead.
228 locals recommend
The Naam
2724 W 4th AveVancouver's first vegetarian restaurant, open 24 hours! Live music & local art for sale. Try the Oaxaca Quesadilla, Dragon Bowl or Zippy Noodles. Naam soups are incredible on a rainy day, along with their homemade bread & veggie butter - yum! Often a line up during busy times so best to plan ahead.
Unique, beautifully presented vegan food. Weekend brunch. Cozy atmosphere. Fun area!
184 locals recommend
The Acorn Restaurant
3995 Main StUnique, beautifully presented vegan food. Weekend brunch. Cozy atmosphere. Fun area!
Vegetarian & vegan Mexican - deelish! Yams in my enchilada? Yes please! The gluten free chocolate quinoa cake is a must.
136 locals recommend
Bandidas Taqueria
2781 Commercial DrVegetarian & vegan Mexican - deelish! Yams in my enchilada? Yes please! The gluten free chocolate quinoa cake is a must.
Meet your friends for delicious coffee & healthy brunch any day of the week. The 'Kale Refresher' drink is a must have!
98 locals recommend
Heirloom Vegetarian Restaurant
1509 W 12th AveMeet your friends for delicious coffee & healthy brunch any day of the week. The 'Kale Refresher' drink is a must have!
Lebanese with a focus on vegetarian & vegan options. Although there are four locations, Kits boasts multiple rooms so it's great for groups. Don't miss out on their signature dish, Najib's Special: Crispy cauliflower tossed with lemon and sea salt, served with tahini (GF & Vegan). Chocolate quinoa cake is divine & gluten free - served with Earnest Ice Cream - you'll fall in love!
52 locals recommend
Nuba in Kitsilano
3116 W BroadwayLebanese with a focus on vegetarian & vegan options. Although there are four locations, Kits boasts multiple rooms so it's great for groups. Don't miss out on their signature dish, Najib's Special: Crispy cauliflower tossed with lemon and sea salt, served with tahini (GF & Vegan). Chocolate quinoa cake is divine & gluten free - served with Earnest Ice Cream - you'll fall in love!
Japanese 'aburi-style' sushi - try the salmon & it will forever illicit a Pavlovian response at the very thought! Delicious rolls & unique cocktails. Gorgeous back patio for those lazy Summer afternoons.
144 locals recommend
Minami
1118 Mainland StJapanese 'aburi-style' sushi - try the salmon & it will forever illicit a Pavlovian response at the very thought! Delicious rolls & unique cocktails. Gorgeous back patio for those lazy Summer afternoons.
A Kits institution! Request the 'tatami room' for an authentic Japanese experience. Try their signature 'Hiromaki' roll & enjoy daily specials like prawn heads & BBQ salmon. Sit at the classic 'sushi bar' & watch the chefs work their magic!
10 locals recommend
Kibune Sushi Restaurant
1508 Yew StA Kits institution! Request the 'tatami room' for an authentic Japanese experience. Try their signature 'Hiromaki' roll & enjoy daily specials like prawn heads & BBQ salmon. Sit at the classic 'sushi bar' & watch the chefs work their magic!
Located in iconic Granville Island with gorgeous ocean views of Burrard Inlet & False Creek. Enjoy a romantic, candlelit evening on the rooftop patio, complete with blankets & fireplace. Wok fried squid is a must - extra chillies please! Daily fresh sheet for oysters & seafood. Have an after dinner cocktail & dance on the weekends in the lounge. Fun times! (Patio is first come, first served so best to make a reservation for the dining room just in case then put your name on the list for the patio when you arrive ;)
103 locals recommend
The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant
1535 Johnston StreetLocated in iconic Granville Island with gorgeous ocean views of Burrard Inlet & False Creek. Enjoy a romantic, candlelit evening on the rooftop patio, complete with blankets & fireplace. Wok fried squid is a must - extra chillies please! Daily fresh sheet for oysters & seafood. Have an after dinner cocktail & dance on the weekends in the lounge. Fun times! (Patio is first come, first served so best to make a reservation for the dining room just in case then put your name on the list for the patio when you arrive ;)
This is my absolute Vancouver fave! Fantastic atmosphere for a date or a group. Warm & modern decor, dress up or go casual. Sit at the communal table, at the bar or in a cozy back booth. Must try: Padrón & Shishito frying peppers, cauliflower tacos & blue corn bread with ancho chilli butter - your mouth will thank you! Make a reservation - especially for weekend evenings.
62 locals recommend
Cuchillo
261 Powell StThis is my absolute Vancouver fave! Fantastic atmosphere for a date or a group. Warm & modern decor, dress up or go casual. Sit at the communal table, at the bar or in a cozy back booth. Must try: Padrón & Shishito frying peppers, cauliflower tacos & blue corn bread with ancho chilli butter - your mouth will thank you! Make a reservation - especially for weekend evenings.
Small & locally owned. Delicious pad thai & gorgeous green curry. Eat in or take away.
15 locals recommend
Bangkok City Cafe
2953 W 4th AveSmall & locally owned. Delicious pad thai & gorgeous green curry. Eat in or take away.
A Vancouver institution! Housemade salsa with just the right amount of heat, served with classic, crisp Mexican style tortilla chips. Vegetarians will love the eggplant taco salad. Something for everyone in a fun, cozy, family friendly environment. Excellent service & locally owned/operated. A Kits fave!
9 locals recommend
Topanga Cafe
2904 West 4th AvenueA Vancouver institution! Housemade salsa with just the right amount of heat, served with classic, crisp Mexican style tortilla chips. Vegetarians will love the eggplant taco salad. Something for everyone in a fun, cozy, family friendly environment. Excellent service & locally owned/operated. A Kits fave!
The best ice cream EVER! Fresh made on site, classic & seasonal flavours made with local, organic ingredients. Vegan options available like Kiwi Sorbet and Coconut Chocolate Chunk. Prepare to line up in the Summer. Sit outside & meet new friends or old. Don't miss Taco Tuesdays: two scoops in a made-on-the-spot waffle 'taco', topped with whipped cream - add a delicious & unique topping like toffee brittle or buckwheat honey - wow!
130 locals recommend
Rain or Shine Ice Cream
1926 W 4th AveThe best ice cream EVER! Fresh made on site, classic & seasonal flavours made with local, organic ingredients. Vegan options available like Kiwi Sorbet and Coconut Chocolate Chunk. Prepare to line up in the Summer. Sit outside & meet new friends or old. Don't miss Taco Tuesdays: two scoops in a made-on-the-spot waffle 'taco', topped with whipped cream - add a delicious & unique topping like toffee brittle or buckwheat honey - wow!
Drinks & Nightlife
A Kitsilano favourite! Rooftop patio, karaoke nights, sports events, social eves, great food & more. Grab some cold ones to go from their beer & wine store featuring a fantastic variety of local & international brews & grapes.
54 locals recommend
Darby's Public House
2001 Macdonald StA Kitsilano favourite! Rooftop patio, karaoke nights, sports events, social eves, great food & more. Grab some cold ones to go from their beer & wine store featuring a fantastic variety of local & international brews & grapes.
Dance the night away in trendy Yaletown! Guest DJ's, the latest fashion & inventive cocktails in a classic brick building - the perfect atmosphere for good times!
35 locals recommend
Bar None Nightclub
1222 Hamilton StDance the night away in trendy Yaletown! Guest DJ's, the latest fashion & inventive cocktails in a classic brick building - the perfect atmosphere for good times!
Believe it or not, Bimini's was BC's very first licensed neighbourhood pub! It has since been many things, from the home of a boat manufacturing business to a church. Now back to its roots, doing what it does best as a classic pub & local watering hole. Dancing, sporting events & group get togethers. Play pinball, foosball, pool or video games. Drink specials & pub food daily!
51 locals recommend
Bimini's Beer Hall
2010 W 4th AveBelieve it or not, Bimini's was BC's very first licensed neighbourhood pub! It has since been many things, from the home of a boat manufacturing business to a church. Now back to its roots, doing what it does best as a classic pub & local watering hole. Dancing, sporting events & group get togethers. Play pinball, foosball, pool or video games. Drink specials & pub food daily!
Parks & Nature
Hike the Grind or BCMC to the top & take the gondola down but don't miss the resident grizzly bears & wolves! Fantastic in the summer or winter. Enjoy delicious lunch or dinner served at the Grouse Nest Restaurant or grab a coffee & just chill on the patio with a killer view of Vancouver. A must do!
1038 locals recommend
Grouse Mountain
6400 Nancy Greene WayHike the Grind or BCMC to the top & take the gondola down but don't miss the resident grizzly bears & wolves! Fantastic in the summer or winter. Enjoy delicious lunch or dinner served at the Grouse Nest Restaurant or grab a coffee & just chill on the patio with a killer view of Vancouver. A must do!
If you're not shy & up for an adventure, don't miss a summer's day on UBC's Wreck Beach! A nudist paradise, you'll feel far from the hustle bustle of the city. Great swimming when the tide is in or take a stroll out on the sandbars when its out. Play frisbee, enjoy the beats of the drum circle or just chill & soak up the relaxed 'anything goes' environment. Just remember: no photos please! Respect is a must :)
197 locals recommend
Pacific Spirit Hostel
1935 Lower MallIf you're not shy & up for an adventure, don't miss a summer's day on UBC's Wreck Beach! A nudist paradise, you'll feel far from the hustle bustle of the city. Great swimming when the tide is in or take a stroll out on the sandbars when its out. Play frisbee, enjoy the beats of the drum circle or just chill & soak up the relaxed 'anything goes' environment. Just remember: no photos please! Respect is a must :)
Walk, run, swim, BBQ, suntan, play tennis, volleyball, bocce, basketball & more! Kits Beach is THE place to be on a gorgeous day. Views of the Northshore mountains & the most beautiful sunset spot in all of Vancouver.
847 locals recommend
Kitsilano Beach Park
1499 Arbutus StWalk, run, swim, BBQ, suntan, play tennis, volleyball, bocce, basketball & more! Kits Beach is THE place to be on a gorgeous day. Views of the Northshore mountains & the most beautiful sunset spot in all of Vancouver.
Sightseeing
Lots to see & do at Granville Island Market! Gorgeous views of downtown & Burrard Inlet. Boutiques, art galleries & window shopping. Grab lunch or dinner in the market, at one of the many restaurants or enjoy a sunny day on a patio. Fresh veggies, fish, baked goods, flowers & more! Take the Aquabus to Kits, Yaletown or the West End to continue the adventure :)
470 locals recommend
Granville Island Public Market
1689 Johnston StLots to see & do at Granville Island Market! Gorgeous views of downtown & Burrard Inlet. Boutiques, art galleries & window shopping. Grab lunch or dinner in the market, at one of the many restaurants or enjoy a sunny day on a patio. Fresh veggies, fish, baked goods, flowers & more! Take the Aquabus to Kits, Yaletown or the West End to continue the adventure :)
Gastown's iconic Steam Clock is not to be missed. Be prepared for crowds of people posing for their shot of the most famous clock in Vancouver. See if you can manage to include the North Shore Mountains as the stunning backdrop to yours!
237 locals recommend
Gastown Vancouver Steam Clock
305 Water StGastown's iconic Steam Clock is not to be missed. Be prepared for crowds of people posing for their shot of the most famous clock in Vancouver. See if you can manage to include the North Shore Mountains as the stunning backdrop to yours!
High above towering Douglas firs, breathtaking views of the city of Vancouver, sparkling Pacific Ocean, Gulf Islands, and snowy peaks unfold as you journey up the mountainside. North America's largest aerial tramway system is your gateway to the majestic nature of The Peak of Vancouver, and an experience in itself. Whether you're in search of the perfect photo, or a romantic dinner at The Observatory, your adventure begins with the Skyride.
Hours of Operation
The Skyride operates 365 days a year, departing every 15 minutes from 8:45am to 10:00pm.
The first downhill Skyride departs at 7:30am.
A round trip Skyride is included with an Alpine Experience ticket or Annual Membership.
249 locals recommend
Grouse Mountain @ Skyride station
High above towering Douglas firs, breathtaking views of the city of Vancouver, sparkling Pacific Ocean, Gulf Islands, and snowy peaks unfold as you journey up the mountainside. North America's largest aerial tramway system is your gateway to the majestic nature of The Peak of Vancouver, and an experience in itself. Whether you're in search of the perfect photo, or a romantic dinner at The Observatory, your adventure begins with the Skyride.
Hours of Operation
The Skyride operates 365 days a year, departing every 15 minutes from 8:45am to 10:00pm.
The first downhill Skyride departs at 7:30am.
A round trip Skyride is included with an Alpine Experience ticket or Annual Membership.
Arts & Culture
Always a fantastic exhibit to take it, whether a resident show or a visiting one. Tuesday evenings by donation. Check to see if you're fortunate enough to be in town for one of their Friday evening events, 'Fuse', but buy tickets in advance. Great location right in the centre of downtown in the iconic former courthouse, built in 1905. Permanent collections include installations from Emily Carr, The Group of Seven & Jeff Wall, to name a few.
1154 locals recommend
Vancouver Art Gallery
750 Hornby StAlways a fantastic exhibit to take it, whether a resident show or a visiting one. Tuesday evenings by donation. Check to see if you're fortunate enough to be in town for one of their Friday evening events, 'Fuse', but buy tickets in advance. Great location right in the centre of downtown in the iconic former courthouse, built in 1905. Permanent collections include installations from Emily Carr, The Group of Seven & Jeff Wall, to name a few.
Stroll the streets of Chinatown, taking in the sights & smells of the ancient culture, still alive & vibrant in the cradle of Vancouver's origins. Mixed with new, trendy boutiques & eateries, Chinatown is a unique & eclectic experience!
109 locals recommend
Vancouver Chinatown Festival
100 Keefer StStroll the streets of Chinatown, taking in the sights & smells of the ancient culture, still alive & vibrant in the cradle of Vancouver's origins. Mixed with new, trendy boutiques & eateries, Chinatown is a unique & eclectic experience!
Shakespeare with a view! Located seaside in Vanier Park from June through September. A variety of classic tales, told with passion and style with a stunning view of Vancouver's West End beaches & Northshore mountains.
62 locals recommend
Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival
1695 Whyte AveShakespeare with a view! Located seaside in Vanier Park from June through September. A variety of classic tales, told with passion and style with a stunning view of Vancouver's West End beaches & Northshore mountains.
The Museum of Anthropology, located on the grounds of UBC, is renowned for its focus on First Nations and aboriginal peoples from around the world. Its particular focus on the peoples of the Pacific Northwest have turned it into a major tourist destination. The MOA is also a research and teaching museum, where UBC courses in art, anthropology, archaeology, conservation, and museum studies are offered. The MOA has more than 38,000 ethnographic object records, as well as 535,000 archaeological objects under the care of UBC's Laboratory of Archaeology
502 locals recommend
Museum of Anthropology
6393 NW Marine DrThe Museum of Anthropology, located on the grounds of UBC, is renowned for its focus on First Nations and aboriginal peoples from around the world. Its particular focus on the peoples of the Pacific Northwest have turned it into a major tourist destination. The MOA is also a research and teaching museum, where UBC courses in art, anthropology, archaeology, conservation, and museum studies are offered. The MOA has more than 38,000 ethnographic object records, as well as 535,000 archaeological objects under the care of UBC's Laboratory of Archaeology
Shopping
From Burrard to Alma streets, W.4th Ave in Kitsilano has something for everyone. Outdoor clothing, the latest fashions, spas, cafes, specialty shops & so much more! As the home of Lululemon, Kits boasts the highest concentration of yoga & fitness studios in all of Vancouver & its surrounding areas. Experience every type of yoga, barre, spinning, TRX, Pilates, interval training, boxing classes & some you've probably never even considered, all just a short stroll, cycle or drive away. If you love to stay fit, enjoy nature, shop, beach walk & eat fantastic food, W.4th Ave in Kitsilano is a dream come true :)
75 locals recommend
West 4th Avenue
West 4th AvenueFrom Burrard to Alma streets, W.4th Ave in Kitsilano has something for everyone. Outdoor clothing, the latest fashions, spas, cafes, specialty shops & so much more! As the home of Lululemon, Kits boasts the highest concentration of yoga & fitness studios in all of Vancouver & its surrounding areas. Experience every type of yoga, barre, spinning, TRX, Pilates, interval training, boxing classes & some you've probably never even considered, all just a short stroll, cycle or drive away. If you love to stay fit, enjoy nature, shop, beach walk & eat fantastic food, W.4th Ave in Kitsilano is a dream come true :)
Experience heritage architecture & specialty coffee shops in Historic Gastown, delicious hipster eats & cafes too!
1068 locals recommend
Gastown
Experience heritage architecture & specialty coffee shops in Historic Gastown, delicious hipster eats & cafes too!
Vancouver's shopping 'mecca' - 5+ blocks packed with your favourite stores including: Aritzia/Wilfred, Nike, Roots, Sephora, J.Crew, Lululemon, Ugg, Zara, Tesla and more! Coach is close by as well: located across in the Hotel Vancouver on Burrard St. (For more luxury options, see 'Alberni St.')
789 locals recommend
Robson Street
1155 Robson StVancouver's shopping 'mecca' - 5+ blocks packed with your favourite stores including: Aritzia/Wilfred, Nike, Roots, Sephora, J.Crew, Lululemon, Ugg, Zara, Tesla and more! Coach is close by as well: located across in the Hotel Vancouver on Burrard St. (For more luxury options, see 'Alberni St.')
The 'Rodeo Drive' of Vancouver - all the top designer brands including: Tiffany & Co., Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Debeers, Versace, Tory Burch, Strellson, LFX Jewelry, Moncler, Prada and more. Coming soon: Jimmy Choo, Hublot, Van Cleef & Arpels, Officine Panerai and IWC Schaffhausen that we know of! Just a block away from famous Robson St., Pacific Centre Mall, Vancouver Art Gallery, Granville Street theatres and all the best downtown Vancouver has to offer.
28 locals recommend
Alberni Street
Alberni StreetThe 'Rodeo Drive' of Vancouver - all the top designer brands including: Tiffany & Co., Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Debeers, Versace, Tory Burch, Strellson, LFX Jewelry, Moncler, Prada and more. Coming soon: Jimmy Choo, Hublot, Van Cleef & Arpels, Officine Panerai and IWC Schaffhausen that we know of! Just a block away from famous Robson St., Pacific Centre Mall, Vancouver Art Gallery, Granville Street theatres and all the best downtown Vancouver has to offer.
With Nordstrom as its flagship retailer, Pacific Centre Mall offers all the stores you've come to expect for a major city's main shopping experience: MAC, Sephora, Brown's/B2 Shoes, All Saints, Apple, Abercrombie & Fitch, Holt Renfrew, Harry Rosen, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Pandora, Roots, Ted Baker London, Stuart Weitzman & so many more. Enjoy lunch at Nordstrom's, 'Bistro Verde' or visit the large food court for a quick snack or ice cream; Starbucks for a coffee; or Purdy's Chocolates for a Canadian classic treat - deelish!
571 locals recommend
CF Pacific Centre
701 W Georgia StWith Nordstrom as its flagship retailer, Pacific Centre Mall offers all the stores you've come to expect for a major city's main shopping experience: MAC, Sephora, Brown's/B2 Shoes, All Saints, Apple, Abercrombie & Fitch, Holt Renfrew, Harry Rosen, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Pandora, Roots, Ted Baker London, Stuart Weitzman & so many more. Enjoy lunch at Nordstrom's, 'Bistro Verde' or visit the large food court for a quick snack or ice cream; Starbucks for a coffee; or Purdy's Chocolates for a Canadian classic treat - deelish!
Essentials
Centrally located in the heart of Kitsilano, WFM has everything you need to fill your fridge & pantry with healthy, natural & organic products. A deli, bakery, burrito bar, 'Whole Body' supplement section, large selection of organic produce & the latest in frozen & grocery treats. Be careful not to spend your 'whole paycheque' in one visit! ;) (1 hour free parking underground)
726 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
510 W 8th AveCentrally located in the heart of Kitsilano, WFM has everything you need to fill your fridge & pantry with healthy, natural & organic products. A deli, bakery, burrito bar, 'Whole Body' supplement section, large selection of organic produce & the latest in frozen & grocery treats. Be careful not to spend your 'whole paycheque' in one visit! ;) (1 hour free parking underground)
Do-it-yourself coin laundry or 'drop & go' full service. Wash your duvet in their oversized washers while you chill & read a book or enjoy their free wifi. Staff is friendly & helpful. Bring your own soap or buy on site.
6 locals recommend
Great West Coin Laundromat
Do-it-yourself coin laundry or 'drop & go' full service. Wash your duvet in their oversized washers while you chill & read a book or enjoy their free wifi. Staff is friendly & helpful. Bring your own soap or buy on site.
Convenient parking lot, full service grocery store in main hub of Kitsilano. Bakery, deli, Starbucks, produce, flowers, lottery & more!
64 locals recommend
Safeway Pharmacy
1611 Davie StConvenient parking lot, full service grocery store in main hub of Kitsilano. Bakery, deli, Starbucks, produce, flowers, lottery & more!
Emergency open 24 hours. St. Paul’s Hospital is an acute care, teaching and research hospital located in downtown Vancouver. It is home to many world-class medical and surgical programs, including heart and lung services, HIV/AIDS, mental health, emergency, critical care, kidney care, elder care and numerous surgical specialties.
20 locals recommend
St Pauls Hospital
1081 Burrard StEmergency open 24 hours. St. Paul’s Hospital is an acute care, teaching and research hospital located in downtown Vancouver. It is home to many world-class medical and surgical programs, including heart and lung services, HIV/AIDS, mental health, emergency, critical care, kidney care, elder care and numerous surgical specialties.
Centrally located on W.Broadway & MacDonald St, right on the bus route & across from Starbucks, a gas station, postal outlet & countless restaurants.
56 locals recommend
Safeway West Broadway
2733 W BroadwayCentrally located on W.Broadway & MacDonald St, right on the bus route & across from Starbucks, a gas station, postal outlet & countless restaurants.