Category: British Columbia

If you are ever in Vancouver during August, you have to visit the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) at Playland. Playland is an amusement park in Vancouver, a popular attraction in the city since 1958. It is home to the famous wooden roller coaster, a historic attraction, built in 1958. This wooden roller coaster is named the top wooden roller coaster in Canada, and the 7^th in the world! Playland itself is open throughout the year. To visit Playland, there is a fee to enter, and an additional fee for tickets or a pass for rides. To get in at more affordable rates, consider purchasing tickets in advance to save some money, or go in for “Fun-Priced Thursdays”, which offers a thrill pass for all attractions, or go as a group for group pricing. There are also offers for BCAA members; they get a 30% discount on tickets and passes. Make sure to check out to see updates on prices and discounts. 

Throughout the year, Playland is home to many events. The PNE, probably one of Vancouver’s most famous events, is held every August and at Playland. Playland is not just a thrill seekers haven during this time, it turns into a 15-day summer fair. There is something for everyone here: carnival games, concerts, trade shows, thrilling rides, mini golf, glass house, haunted houses, the Bonanza Shooting Gallery, and of course the Ferris wheel that shows amazing views of Vancouver. There is so much more to check out, so be sure to have the whole day dedicated for the PNE. 

In October, Playland is taken over by Halloween. Fright Night is an event held at Playland throughout the month of October. The whole amusement park is turned into a night of the living dead, with actors roaming the park dressed as zombies and monsters. There are over 10 haunted houses to visit, each with their own frightening themes. Be ready to scream, jump, and even run away from the monsters that await. The event itself is safe, and in the haunted houses, the actors do not touch you. The haunted houses will teleport you into a horror movie. If you are a thrill seeker, or love horror and terror, Fright Night is the event for you. In addition to the haunted houses, Playland still has most rides up and running, so be sure to grab a pass or tickets for these. Some workplaces, or unions, also offer discounts for the events at Playland, so be sure to check your workplace if you are a BC local.

Make to explore outside of Vancouver when visiting British Columbia. There are many cities neighboring Vancouver, as most would call them Greater Vancouver. Richmond, BC, is just 20 minutes from Vancouver, depending on where you are and of course the traffic. Richmond is home to the Vancouver International Airport. It is so close, that people from outside of British Columbia often confuse it for Vancouver itself. 

Richmond is still very much a city of its own. It has many beautiful public parks, gardens, and a huge Asian influence in this city. If you like to try different world foods, Richmond is the best place to check out. There are so many local little restaurants and cafes here. Bubble tea is must try, and here, you can find some of the most affordable bubble tea at Peanut’s Bubble Tea, located inside the Richmond Public Market. There are other cafes for bubble tea, but Peanut’s has the most affordable bubble tea. They have been open for over 30 years, usually with line ups daily. Elsewhere, teas and other drinks will cost $12 and up, whereas here its closer to $3-10. 

The Richmond Public Market also has a variety of food, all affordable, and different from the usual pizza and subs like most malls.  You will find authentic Chinese food here, not the Americanized Chinese food like at many fast-food chains. You will find Hong Kong style crab, dumplings, congee, and a variety of other Asian dishes. Meals typically cost $8-15, and they come loaded. Great for those on a budget. 

The International Buddhist Temple, also known as the Guan Yin Temple, is another attraction within Richmond, BC. It is one of the largest Buddhist temples in North America, and it is home to the largest Buddhist statues in North America. The architecture alone is impressive! Enjoy the murals, gardens, and serene ponds. It is a peaceful place, and you will slowly lose any stresses you carry. The City of Richmond, BC, has named the International Buddhist Temple a “Points of Pride”. It is a must-see place while in BC. Visit here.

From May to October, the Richmond Night Market is a big event. The night market began in 2000, and became an international attraction. Though the market is not free, there is a fee to enter. If you enter with a group, there is a price reduction overall. Admission is subject to change every year, so be sure to check in advance. The market hosts over 110 retail booths, and over 300 food booths, offering a variety of cuisines. Feel free to try anything from octopus, to the tamer snacks like a spiralized potato on a snack. The food alone is worth visiting Night Market! It is a foodie paradise. 

There are live shows put on at the Night Market, showcasing local talents: music, dancing, acrobatics and even a martial arts display. For activities, there is an arcade section, games, a giant bouncy castle, and an area where you can run around in a giant bubble, in a shallow filled pool. This activity is a lot of fun! You can race your friends! There are many spots set up with props to take pictures as well. 

The Richmond Night Market is one of a kind. If you are into anime, it offers a wide variety of anime merch. You can find Sailor Moon tee shirts, Hello Kitty accessories or mugs, and more. The vendors are well stocked and display a variety of items. From hats, earrings, clothing to house wares; you can find amazing deals here. Artisanal goods are offered as well, such as handmade ceramics, local vendors selling honeys and sauces, and even custom-made items. There are a variety of items to peruse through. The Night Market will keep you busy for hours, so be sure to get here early. 

The Richmond Night Market is conveniently located next to the Bridgeport Station, so you can easily get here via the SkyTrain or busses. It is also located next to the River Rock Casino and Resort; in case you feel like trying your luck in there! There is parking available, and it is free; so you can drive here without worrying too much about paying for parking. Check out the Richmond Night Market’s Facebook page for more information, or here.

I could cover Vancouver every day if I could. This city just has much to offer. False Creek, Granville Island, the Grouse Grind…and the list goes on. Here are some more things to do if you have never been to Vancouver, or if you are a local trying to have fun. The best part is that many of these are affordable or even free to visit. 

Granville Island – It is not an actual island as the name might suggest. IT is one of the most visited sites in Vancouver. The feel of this area is like no other in Vancouver. Here you have a bit of everything. You still get to experience the city vibes, but at the same time, things are eclectic. Granville Island has a strong art community. It is home to many local art galleries (and shops) which you can visit for free. 

Granville Island Public Market: The local market is one of the biggest attractions. It is free to enter and wander around. The market has a mix of boutiques, old fashioned toy stores, grocer stalls with fresh fruits and veggies, butchers, fresh fish, and even many famous eateries. You can spend hours just exploring the market alone. Grab a coffee at any of the coffee spots here or check out Siegal’s Bagels. Siegal’s has the best bagels in all of Vancouver in my opinion. It’s also budget friendly, in case you don’t feel like breaking an arm and a leg on food. 

Granville Island is well known for its buskers. Free shows are put on daily, usually every few hours, at the front of the market, or just around the corner near the Aquabus Ferries. These buskers put their heart and soul into entertaining you. All sorts of talents are on display: singing, acrobatics, magic, juggling, and more. Though these shows are free, it is encouraged to tip the buskers if you feel like it. Even a simple follow on their social media is a fair way to show your support.

Granville Island is bordered by the False Creek. This is a narrow inlet, that separates downtown Vancouver from the West End.  Due to the proximity of the water, you get a beachy, ocean feeling here. There are many water activities that can be done here: paddle boarding, kayaking, boat rides, and of course, taking a tour of the False Creek on the Aquabus Ferries. These local boats will taxi you across False Creek, from Granville Island to Science World, or a round trip! It’s a fun ride, costing between $4.50 to $10 depending on where you are going. 

Granville Island has a lot of theatres, theatre clubs – basically many events take place here. There is always something happening. If you are a fan of comedy and want to support the local arts, check out the Improv Centre. It is a riot, especially during the Vancouver Fringe Festival. Tickets are decently priced (typically around $20-$30, sometimes cheaper depending on the show), so a night out on budget can be attained. There are other theatres as well in the area, so feel free to check those out!

 There are many restaurants, bars and cafes in the area! You can grab a bite at the market, if you prefer to stay on the more budget friendly side, or you can hit up some of the more unique fish and chips spots in Granville Island, such as Celine’s Fish and Chips, located in the Public Market. Prices here are spot on, with huge portions. It is a must try while visiting Granville Island. Btw, beware of Seagulls, haha!

If you have little ones, Granville Island has many activities for the kids.  The Granville Island water park is free to visit and will keep your children busy for a few hours. It’s a nice way to cool off on a hot day. Circuit Circus is located in the Kid’s Market, on the second floor. It is an old school arcade, which is perfect for kids and parents to bond over and have fun. In the Kid’s Market, there are many unique shops – magic shops, puppet stores, old fashioned toy stores, and more. It is such a fun market to check out and offers for fun souvenirs that will be remembered for years to come. 

If you love nature, Vancouver is the place to go! Vancouver offers a mix of city and outdoors, perfect for people who need to unwind from the hustle of city life. Or for those who like balance. For the frugal traveler, or even locals who want to do things without spending too much money, here are some places to check out. 

When people think of Vancouver, Stanley Park comes to mind. It is the home of the Vancouver Aquarium, and is one large park itself. Here, you can explore the gardens, see wildlife if you are lucky, or attend an event. Some events held at Stanley Park are summer movie nights, dancing, in the summers a weekly drum circle, workshops, a Celebration of Lights and Fireworks festival, and more. Check this out for more information. You can also walk parts of the Sea Wall at Stanley Park. The Sea Wall is another icon of Vancouver. It is one of the world’s largest uninterrupted waterfront walkways. It is 28 km long. It stretches from the Vancouver Convention Centre, to around the Stanley Park, and then all the way to the Spanish Banks Park. You will have views on the Pacific Ocean, the mountains, and can even enjoy a beautiful sunset here. Biking, walking and jogging are all encouraged along the Sea Wall.  

If you are a beach person, Vancouver has many to visit. A must go is English Bay. English Bay is in downtown Vancouver. Convenient for any traveler to get to via public transit, walking, or taking a taxi. The famous Sea Wall runs along this beach, on the eastern side of the beach. English Bay is also called First Beach. It is one of the most visited beaches in BC. Most likely because of its location and how close it is to restaurants and cafes. Feel free to pack a picnic, and just enjoy your day. Despite this beach being open to the ocean, the waves do not get too large, so it is safe to swim here. Lifeguards are on duty from late May till end of September. Another popular beach in Vancouver is Kitsilano Beach. This beach faces the English Bay, and the Sea Wall also runs along it. Kitsilano Beach is lovingly called “Kits Beach” by the locals. If swimming in the ocean is too scary for you, this beach also has the Kitsilano Pool, a heated saltwater pool. This pool faces the ocean, has views of the mountains and the city. There is also basketball, tennis and beach volleyball that you can partake in. A day of fun does not mean having to empty your wallet. 

Capilano Suspension Bridge is another famous landmark for Vancouver. It is definitely worth visiting the park once in your life. However, this attraction is expensive. It is a large park, with lots to do. At nighttime, everything is lit up and looks amazing over the forest. However, if you book online ahead of time, you can save some money. If you are a BC resident, you can purchase an annual pass, which lets you visit as many times as you want, and it is the same cost as a regular ticket for entry. The hours and days open vary throughout the year, so be sure to check in advance before going. Now, if you want to experience a suspension bridge without paying, consider heading out to Lynn Canyon Park, located in North Vancouver. Lynn Canyon Park is a great area to hike, taking roughly 45 minutes to do the Lynn Canyon Loop. Moreover, it has a suspension bridge that towers 50 metres above the canyon. The best part, it is entirely free to experience. Since there are no cafes or eateries nearby, be sure to bring snacks with you. Lynn Canyon has easily accessible public transit. From downtown Vancouver, catch the Seabus and then hop on a bus from there. 

Bloedel Conservatory is another must see while in Vancouver. Though it is not as well known to the world at large, it has much to offer. It is a botanical garden, located near the Queen Elizabeth Park. The outside grounds are free to the public, and you can enjoy the gardens, the mazes, and even the large open green space. Locals will be seen having picnics, and chitchatting. Sometimes even a wedding may be in process here. To visit the Bloedel Conservatory, the inside botanical gardens, is $9 CAD. Luckily, it is quite affordable to visit. The conservatory is a large dome, with a lush garden, more than 100 exotic birdsand fish. There are more than 500 types of exotic plants! This is a temperature-controlled environment, as many of these are tropical plants. Expect it to be humid, so dress accordingly. 

Canada Place and the Olympic Village go hand in hand when thinking back to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Canada Place is located at the Waterfront in downtown Vancouver. It is a national icon and is the homeport for the Vancouver-Alaska cruises. Canada Place is home to FlyOver Canada, the Vancouver Convention Centre, Pan Pacific Hotel and more. The Sea Wall starts from here, and Stanley Park is close by. There is a marina nearby, if you like boat watching, or want to experience a boat ride. Many free community events are held at Canada Place, so make sure to check ahead. You might even be able to catch a concert. Olympic Village is located in False Creek. Though not next to Waterfront, it is accessible via public transit, driving, or even walking along the Sea Wall, as the Sea Wall passes through it. Olympic Village hosts local artwork, art structures, and parks nearby. It offers mesmerizing views of the city skyline, the ocean, and Science World. You can hop on a sea ferry or sea taxi from here and take it all the way around False Creek, or even to commute from one stop to the other. It’s one way to beat the traffic and have a fun ride.

Ottawa is one of Canada’s oldest cities, and therefore one of the most historic cities as well. History can be felt in this city, while you are visiting the downtown or Lowertown of Ottawa. The downtown and Lowertown area (also known as Byward) are some of the oldest parts of Ottawa. Here you will find the iconic Parliament buildings, the famous Chateau Laurier, Rideau Canal, Byward Market, and the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Ottawa. These are all must see places while you visit. In case you are a travelling on a budget, you are in luck; all these places are free to visit!

The Parliament buildings of Canada are an icon around the world. The green turned copper roofs, the towers, and the intricate stonework are all works of art. The Parliament building is located near the Rideau Canal, in downtown Ottawa. Fun fact: the building of Parliament is not the original one. The Parliament building was originally constructed in 1866. In 1916, the centre block of parliament was destroyed by a fire, and only the library of Parliament was left unburned. It was reconstructed in 1928. Currently, there are restorations underway, and set to complete by 2032. 

Visitors are still welcome to view the Parliament grounds, as well as partake in tours. There are free tours available to the public, for the House of Commons and the Senate of Canada. Bookings should be made in advance, online. They can be booked here. The tour guides are knowledgeable and upbeat. Pictures are allowed, as long as you do not take any of the service workers or guards. It is such a great opportunity to see history in person. If you are a history nerd, this is a must see! Along with the guided tours, members from the public are allowed to attend the chamber meetings at Parliament. You might be so lucky to see the Parliament in action!

There are gargoyles on the outside, guarding the building. The heavy wooden doors are carved with expertise carpentry: flowers and other intricate designs are laid into these doors. The whole building is done in a Neo-gothic style, very reminiscent of the type of architecture you would expect to see in Britain or France. Inside the Centre Block of Parliament, you will have an opportunity to step into a world out of time. Artwork from the 1800’s, as well as paintings of all the Prime Ministers of Canada are on display along the hallways and gathering spaces. Artwork featured from Canadian artists from across the nation are also showcased, such as Sedna sculpture. Sedna is a sea goddess from Inuit mythology. It is a one-of-a-kind sculpture, showcasing indigenous talent. 

Next up, walk over to the famous Rideau Canal. This waterway is known for its picturesque scene. The Bytown Museum is located here too and is free for all visitors. Take a peek into the past. Anyone can walk across the Rideau Canal using the narrow walkways located along the gates of the sectioned parts, as long as you do not feel scared of heights or water. Boat tours along the Rideau canal are a fun way to see more of Ottawa, as well as a fun experience. There are various companies that can take you along the waterway, all easy to book right there in person. 

The historic Chateau Laurier, a beautiful building, is located next to the Rideau Canal. It is rumored to be haunted. Guests of this hotel have claimed to feel the presence of ghosts. Enter at your own discretion. Or do what many do, and just enjoy the view from the outside, whether it be from the canal, the main road, or from the gardens at Major Hills Park, which is located to the back of Chateau Laurier. Major Hills Park gives amazing views of Ottawa. From here, you can see the National Gallery of Canada (a museum), which features a giant spider statue, the Notre Dame Cathedral towers, and Parliament itself. Enjoy a break from your walk, from wandering around the city. Have a picnic, or chitchat with locals. This space is meant to be enjoyed by all. During the spring and summer months, you will see picnic blankets galore, families with children, the University of Ottawa students, and tourists all having a good time. Be sure to check out the beautiful flowers while you are there. 

From the Major Hills Park, head over to the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica Ottawa. Do not confuse this with the famous one in France. This Notre Dame is located across from the National Gallery of Ottawa. It features two towers, all shiny and white, which can be seen from across the neighboring city of Gatineau in Quebec. This cathedral is open to anyone, regardless of religion. It feels like a step back in time when you enter. The stained-glass windows, the ornate statues, and vibrant artwork are all breathtaking. You feel as though you have teleported into Europe and are no longer in Canada. If you go on a Sunday, you might even be able to sit in on a function or hear the choir. The atmosphere is light and peaceful. In the basement you can find a gift shop and café. Sit and enjoy yourself or wander around and find some historical artifacts. 

Byward Market should be a stop while visiting Ottawa. Byward Market is the name for the whole neighborhood, not just the building itself! The neighborhood usually is buzzing, with many events and activities. You will find escape rooms, board game cafes, a number of restaurants and cafes, as well as comedy clubs. This is where all the fun happens. Do not feel as though Ottawa is a boring place. There is much to discover in the Byward Market. Whatever type of food you prefer, chances are you will find it. Ottawa itself is quite diverse, with people settling here from around the world. There are little shops that have European delicacies, as well as French bakeries, selling fresh pastries and bread daily, to the gelato shops, and of course Beaver Tails. When in Ottawa, if you have never had a Bever Tail, it is a must to try! Bever Tails are flat fried sweet bread, and then lightly tossed in cinnamon and sugar, however you can have other toppings as well, such as chocolate and bananas! Yummmy. 

Byward Market Heritage Hall, as in the actual market, was built in the late 1820’s and early 1830’s. It has been around since, changing over the years. In the past, this is where farmers and vendors would sell their produce and goods. Now, it is home to many quaint shops and cafes. The Byward Café has some of the best coffee in Ottawa, and costs under $3. Make sure to step in for a bite to eat, as they have a good array of sweets and paninis. At the other end of the Byward Market, you will find an open style bakery, with so many options of pastries. It is a hard choice to make here. The Byward Market Heritage Hall is open year-round, almost every single day. There is usually music to be heard outside, events running every other weekend, as well as local artists performing just outside. Be sure to check them out – it’s a free concert! The famous “Ottawa” sign is just around the corner from the Byward Market. Be sure to get in a photo op. 

Beautiful British Columbia! This is where I have spent most of life. Hands down, this is one of the most amazing places on earth. I may be biased, but I will try to sway you. Here, you have the mountains, ocean, rivers, lakes, valleys, and many vineyards. You can go from bustling and busy Vancouver to serene forests, away from it all. All in a matter of one hour, in some cases. 

It is one of Canada’s most sought-after provinces for newcomers to this country. Afterall, it has the best weather in all of Canada. Most of Canada has long, extremely cold winters (imagine -20 to -40 degrees Celsius, for 4 to 5 months), and incredibly hot summers. BC, mainly in what is known as the Lower Mainland (this is an area that includes Vancouver and the Fraser Valley), the winters are mild. Usually, there is little to no snow, and temperatures hardly dip past -5. The fall and spring usually hover around 5-12 degrees Celsius. And the summers are just gorgeous! Temperatures usually sit around 22-30 degrees, and it is all sunshine and happiness.

Aside from the weather, BC has so much to offer to locals and visitors alike. If you are coming from a different country, Vancouver and the surrounding cities have amazing public transit. Busses and the SkyTrain are fairly fast, and they consistently show up within 5 to 10 minutes, so you are never waiting around for hours. You can get from Vancouver to Richmond in a matter of 30 minutes on the Skytrain, or from Waterfront in Vancouver to Commercial Drive in 10 minutes. It is amazing! 

When you first fly into British Columbia, most people tend to fly into Vancouver. Vancouver has one of the easiest to navigate airports, for travelers. Everything is clean. It is easy to ask for help, as people here are friendly and kind. When leaving the airport, you can opt for a taxi or uber, but for those who are on a budget, just walk out and head towards the SkyTrain. This line is known as the Canada line, connecting the Vancouver airport to downtown Vancouver, in only 30 minutes. It is easy and convenient. From there you can easily connect to a different SkyTrain or even catch the bus. Vancouver is very commuter friendly. 

Just based on the World’s perception, Vancouver has amazing sunsets, unbeatable views of nature from within the city, and it one of the world’s most livable cities. Vancouver is known for it’s kind and friendly people. You will see people getting together over coffee, at parks, hanging out at beaches. We like to socialize. There are many public events to meet new people, as well as places to be a bit more reserved if that is what you prefer. Regardless, you will not feel alone in Vancouver, unless you want to be. 

Although I love Vancouver, it is not the end-all-be-all of what BC has to offer. For travelers coming here for the first time, I do recommend staying within Metro-Vancouver, however, if it is your second or so time visiting this province, do make sure to venture out! In my upcoming blogs, I will cover Vancouver, Vancouver Island, the Fraser Valley, Whistler and more. Be sure to check those out.