6 of my favourite spots in Vancouver that you need to go to while on a visit

Mt. Pleasant shops

I lived right off Main Street, so you could say this one is a bit biased, but I think of it as well-informed.

Typically people stay and tour around the downtown area, which makes sense, but I would advise anyone visiting the city to look a bit more outward. Vancouver's full of cool neighbourhoods to explore, each brimming with personality and with its own distinct vibe.

Mt. Pleasant has just that — a vibe. It's a bit of a funky neighbourhood with loads of vintage shops, little boutiques, cool coffee shops, and incredible restaurants.

You can spend a few hours just bopping around the neighbourhood, stopping by the independent shops, and soaking in the area's heritage buildings, colourful public art, and eclecticism.

Lynn Canyon Park

I never got to live in North Vancouver (it's rated as the most expensive city in Canada, so you can imagine why), but if I could've, I would've.

Many of my weekends involved driving over the bridge to North Van for a hike or stroll through the woods, escaping into a forest that made me feel a thousand miles away from any city street. I think many people can agree that one of the things that makes Vancouver unique is that the central city is right on the doorstep of the wilderness, and this park is that, at its best. While I love a longer trek up one of the nearby mountains or a challenging trail a bit of a drive away, this spot is a perfect quick stop on a trip, to experience that signature nature.

Lynn Canyon Park is a free park in North Vancouver. Trails wind past massive trees, bright waters, and lush greenery. The park is bursting with vibrant colours (one of the perks of rainy weather), and steps from the parking lot, you'll feel like you're already deep into nature.The suspension bridge is a big attraction, which floats 50 meters over a beautiful canyon. Then there's 30-foot pool, a picturesque (albeit cold) swimming hole with bright emerald-coloured water enclosed by large boulders.

You can take your pick of trails here, but one of my go-tos was always Rice Lake. The relaxing loop wraps around a tranquil lake, leaving you with a sense of calm.

Deep Cove

When I said that I love North Van, I meant it.

I'll sing the praises of this idyllic little village in the city time and time again. It's just flat-out one of the most picturesque spots around.

The small waterfront village has rows of cute shops that you can roam around, looking out onto the calm harbour. It's a tiny area but bustling with cute coffee shops and galleries, and even some famous spots like Honey Doughnuts & Goodies.

Right on the water there's a little beach where you'll see kayakers and paddle boarders launching off from. You can sit out on the grassy area and just take in the view, or rent one for yourself and hit the water. Paddling around here gives you a spectacular view of the rolling mountains and is yet another example of how far away from the city you can feel, still within its limits.

Kits

Okay, here's my recipe for an ideal Sunday morning: Take a hot yoga class at YYOGA Kitsilano, grab some coffee at one of the many shops on West 4th Ave., get some Tacofino to go, and walk down to the beach, where you'll have a little picnic.

This is one of the most bustling areas in the city, but it still has a laid-back vibe. The beach here is popular, offering a beautiful view of the city with the mountains behind it and the water in front. It screams "West Coast" in the best way.You don't have to follow my exact itinerary, but definitely go explore this area. Grab drinks, go shopping, or just head right to the beach here – it's an area that delivers on a sunny Vancouver day.

If you're chopping at the bit to explore the city beaches, this is a good place to start, but there's lots around. Wreck Beach (famed for its clothing-optional dress code) is one of my favourites for a sunset view.

Queen Elizabeth Park

Given how stunning this park is, I don't hear enough people taking it. The grassy nooks here are perfect for picnics and are on the edge of a beautifully manicured garden that the park is famous for. Colourful blooms, lush trees, and diverse plants fill the area, making it feel like an oasis of beauty nestled right in the city.

At the top of the park you get an incredible view of the city, since it's the highest point in Vancouver. From there, you can look out onto the North Shore mountains and the city buildings. Bloedel Conservatory — an indoor tropical garden — is also here, and it's a fun activity, especially on a rainy day.

Bowen Island

Alright, this isn't in Vancouver, but it's close!

There's a lot to see in the city, but something that's just a signature part of living there is taking a little trip on BC Ferries. Bowen Island is a 20-minute ferry ride from West Vancouver, and it's a trip that shows off the spectacular views of the area and a quaint community. On the ferry, you can look out onto the little islands dotting the water and the towering mountains beyond, all while breathing in the salty air.

The small town is charming, with local shops to explore, waterfront restaurants, little beaches, and beautiful trails.

If you're in Vancouver for a longer visit, make sure to set aside a day to hop on the ferry and go here.