Vancouver oozes happy living. Hugged by glittery water, this coastal crown on Canada’s west coast throws up a majestic mix of mountain views, gorgeous green parks, and sublime seafood. As well as a booming sports, arts, and music scene. It is a wonderful place to live and work remotely: with its clean air, spacious streets, waterfront views, and chic coffee shops handing all newcomers the tools for a creative burst. I spent two weeks living and remote working as a digital nomad in Vancouver — and I’m already planning my next trip.
Here are some magical things to do.
Magical things to do in Vancouver
No-one has ever visited Vancouver just once. Trust me.
Stroll around Stanley Park
Stanley Park holds great pride for locals. It is Downtown Vancouver’s green lung – sprawling a gigantic 4.049 km² and holding approximately half a million trees. Unsurprisingly, I found this an incredible place to visit to rejuvenate my mind and body. I recommend soaking in the stunning waterfront views (where you can wave hello to yachts and snow-capped mountains).
As well as strolling through forest trials, parking up for a picnic, or exploring the world-famous Vancouver aquarium – full of sea otters, stingrays, jellyfish, penguins and more. Just remember your camera!
You must also embark on a blissful stroll, cycle or run around the seawall that hugs Stanley Park. This is 10 kilometres you’ll always remember.
Check out the Capilano Suspension Bridge
Outdoor adventurer? The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a real-life dream. It took a courageous step to place my hands on the walkway’s handrail and traverse 755 feet across the bridge, while suspended 230 feet above the glistening Capilano river below. And it was worth it! It hit me that I was in the middle of one of the world’s most exhilarating nature travel experiences.
It’s also worth checking out the totem poles (found in pristine gardens) that signal the park’s indigenous history. And I recommend circling the rainforest trees on high-slung cliff walkways, which is especially enchanting for those interested in birdlife. This green oasis is as good as it gets for a work break.
Drift around Gastown (Downtown Vancouver)
Pursuing Downtown Vancouver’s Gastown for a gorgeous coffee shop to write in made me feel like an excited kid in a candy shop. There were so many delicious options to choose from. Out of all of them, I found my nest and met the tastiest cappuccino of my life at 49th Parallel Roasters — a welcome space where the coffee “Inspires Curiosity.”
After some reading and blog writing, I decided to roam more and soak in Gastown’s beautiful blend of old and new. My walk landed me in antique bookstores, where precious editions existed high on dusty wooden shelves slung under Victorian-style ceilings. I also perused pristine cocktail bars, sushi restaurants, vintage clothing outlets and art galleries – deciding which ones to explore more fully tomorrow.
After replying to some emails back in the Shangri-La hotel (where I booked for two nights), I met a local and good friend (Ben) from my Durham University days, and we explored Gastown on foot. Popping into specialist craft beer bars, and then admiring Gastown’s iconic steam clock (one of the last remaining in the world), which Ben tells me is a big cultural landmark of the city. It was magical.
Trust me when I say: you can never get enough of Gastown.
Eat your way through the best restaurants in Vancouver
Hungry? Vancouver serves up a platter of food pleasures to nourish all cravings. Just one bite of local oysters, lobster, crab, wild pacific salmon, gigantic prawns or scallops – and you’ll realise that the world’s best seafood hits plates here. This is thanks to its position hugging the Pacific Coast and the experienced, high-quality fishermen who hold close ties to the best restaurants in Vancouver.
Rodney’s Oyster House is certainly one of them. Its two locations (in Yaletown and Gastown) let you learn about different types of oysters and the city’s seafood tradition as you tuck into different dishes. My personal favourites are the crab cakes and famous seafood pasta (pictured above). Both melt in your mouth and make you crave more!
And there’s more. I instantly became addicted to Kinkura’s succulent sashimi and nigiri rolls (fresh sushi is a hallmark of Vancouver’s food scene). I also strongly suggest booking a seat at Five Sails restaurant to devour delicious food (the butternut squash risotto is my personal favourite) — while gazing at harbour-side views of majestic mountains, Lions Gate bridge, and Stanley Park.
Venture to Vancouver island
Vancouver island is the postcard-perfect picture to make your friends jealous – and a favourite spot for locals, travellers and digital nomads alike. Floating 97 kilometres off Vancouver’s coast, a 90-minute ferry takes you to a heart-throbbing haven of spotless beaches, glistening rainforests and outstanding wildlife.
I was left speechless at Clayoquot Sound (on the island’s west coast). This 100km-wide inlet in the Pacific Ocean is UNESCO protected Biosphere Reserve, where sea lions and enormous grey whales poke their heads out of blue waters. You can explore by boat or paddle board, bask in hot springs, and roam temperate coastal rainforest and coniferous forests on foot – spotting black bears. If you need to let your mind breathe from work stress, this truly is the perfect place.
Perks of being a digital nomad in Vancouver
Vancouver’s welcoming vibe, friendly locals, idyllic coffee shops, creative arty scene and natural outdoor bliss – makes a special spot for anyone to work remotely. The city has a very low crime rate, and while it pays to be vigilant wherever you go, visitors walk around with relative ease here. Whether you’re a first-timer thinking of dipping your toe in the remote working world or a seasoned digital nomad, it’s well worth venturing into Vancouver. Everyone is bound to find aspects of the city and culture they cherish, and blend into local life with ease.
You must grab your opportunity to explore Vancouver!
