My journey in the Pacific Northwest began in Seattle.

Leaving from Seattle at 8 in the evening, I caught the Amtrak Cascades train that runs along the seaside all the way into Canada. I arrived into Vancouver at 1am and cleared immigration and walked to my hostel. Read about my hostel experience here.

Stanley Park

The Stanley Park is a gigantic park in Vancouver (405 hectares to be precise – that’s even bigger than Central Park in NYC!!) that has evolved from a forest into the urban landscape. Coming here first thing in the morning is just magical, experience the fresh earthen smell of the forest.

But before that…..

Go to Spokes bicycle rentals at the entrance of Stanley Park (W Georgia St.) and rent a bicycle of your choice. Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities of the world to cycle around, and you’ll be able to cover significantly more distance as well. (Their bikes are very affordable and are well maintained, you’ll have a great time cruising, trust me – my posts below prove it).

Make your way through the park till you hit the Seawall. The Seawall was built in 1931 and is a 9km long track around Stanley Park along the waterfront. It takes about 3 hours to walk this stretch and an hour to cycle. The views you get here are absolutely gorgeous as you see from my photos below.

Quick fact: Vancouver has the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path lasting for 28 KILOMETERS!!!

The Lion’s Gate Bridge

The Lion’s Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge connecting the City of Vancouver with North and West Vancouver and is one of the best places to take pictures of the city. One of the most unique features I encountered on this bridge is the use of 3 reversible lanes which can dynamically change according to traffic density.

You would have heard of Lionsgate films – the production company, which has been named after this bridge. Remember the closing sequence of TRON : Legacy? (I love that movie!!) It was shot on this bridge and inspired me to see the sunrise whilst cycling.

Kitsilano Beach

The Kitsilano beach is one of the most popular beaches in Vancouver especially in the warm summer months. Come by to play some beach volleyball or even tennis or pickup basketball. It’s a great place to socialize or even get your dose of calm.

Granville Island Market

The island features a farmer’s market with amazing produce as well as artists selling local crafts and goods. I bought my Canadian maple syrup over here and it was an amazing selection.

Robson Street

Robson Street is the anti-broke neighborhood to do your shopping, but be prepared to splurge some money as the biggest designer labels all have their stores here. Do check out the Pacific Centre Mall for its unique structure, it spans almost 3 blocks with some sections of the mall passing underneath the street. I also found some stores to buy my souvenirs in this area so do look around closely.

Gastown

Gastown is the first neighborhood of Vancouver that expanded to become the metropolis it is today. The most iconic landmark is the Steam Clock, run by a steam engine that operates the mechanical parts of the clock.

Canada Place

It is one of Vancouver’s most important commercial centers, and also the place where you get FREE shuttle services to Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.

Grouse Mountain

Entry fee: $75

Edit: [Climbing up the mountain is free – it is a challenge called the Grouse Grind and should take you about 2 hours to climb. If you want to avoid the sweat – do scroll below]

I woke up first thing in the morning, finished my breakfast at the hostel and walked to Canada Place. Had to wait for about 30 minutes to in the Grouse Mountain shuttle queue to board the bus.

The mountain is one of the mountains located in North Vancouver and is one of the most important tourist destinations. Buy your ticket below and take the gondola up the mountain. The view of the city is absolutely beautiful, don’t forget to look out! Be prepared with appropriate warm clothing as its absolutely freezing on top! (even in the summer)

In the summer, the Grouse Mountain Resort features a Lumberjack show (world famous in fact – it’s amazingly funny and is an edge of the seat entertainer), a birds of prey demonstration (a very educational program – you’ll enjoy every bit, do capture in slo-mo – check out our Instagram for more), and nature in its untouched form in the mountains. See below.

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Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Entry fee: $45

The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is centered around the bridge crossing the Capilano river, there are some great nature trails and ecotours at this park celebrating the diversity of the forest. Don’t miss out on this, the scenery is absolutely beautiful.

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The Best Part

Vancouver is also known as Hollywood of the north due to the number of TV and film productions in the city. Being a DC comics fan I went in search of the Green Arrow, the Flash, Supergirl (I’m going back to Vancouver to meet Melissa Benoist – she is an angel incarnate) and the Legends of Tomorrow (sorry to those who wanted me to search for Christian Grey). Guess who I stumbled upon?

Wade Wilson aka Deadpool himself!!! (sorry not Ryan Reynolds)

I managed to get onto the set and spend some time watching the production crew design the stunt. I’m really looking forward to the release in a few months.

Overall, this trip taught me a lot about living alone, frugally and trying to do touristy things while absorbing all the information on offer. I got a ton of exercise by not using a personal vehicle, and I was able to enjoy the mix between nature and sprawling urban spaces in the Pacific Northwest. I’m going to go back soon to experience some of the things I didn’t get to.

Adi continued his trip in the North Americas for a more self discovering experience. We’d love to see you guys travel more and travel the way we do. Trust us, it’s a great experience.

Give us a shout if you have a great American story (and any other story), we’d love to feature it while we’re busy with our academic and professional lives.

Till then, like, share, subscribe please?

Featured Image Credit: Vince Chow