April isn’t usually a great time to visit Canada (unless you want to ski or be indoors). But Vancouver is an exception. While the rest of the country is often still dormant, wintery, and cold in April, Vancouver is vibrant …
Gastown and Chinatown: Tips & Warnings
Here’s a public service announcement for all the Alaska cruise ship tourists visiting Vancouver this summer. Your cruise is promoting Gastown and Chinatown as must sees, but they’re not setting you up with the right expectations. So I will. Gastown …
Why British pub culture doesn’t exist in Vancouver
There is no British pub culture in Vancouver. There never has been. I’ve read over and over from UK immigrants their quest to find that one “proper” pub like home in Vancouver. They never find it. They never will. I’m …
Tip: Don’t use US Dollars in Vancouver
Can You Use US Dollars in Canada? (Spoiler: Not Really) Want to see a Canadian seethe on a travel forum? Ask if you can use US dollars in Canada. Watch a seemingly innocent question turn the thread into a frenzy. …
Oca Pastificio: Vancouver’s Dreamiest Pasta
Update: Sadly, the co-owner and head chef of Oca Pastificio unexpecedly unexpectedly passed away in July 2023. Oca closed for a while and has since reopened as Magari by Oca. It was one hour into tomato season at Oca Pastificio …
5 Must-See Botanical Gardens in Vancouver
Vancouver is a garden lover’s city, but it’s often eclipsed by nearby Victoria, home of the Butchart Gardens. Butchart is world famous, but it takes at least 3-4 hours to get there from Vancouver one way. It’s not always practical, …
The Best Place for Brunch in Vancouver
Where do you go for the best brunch in Vancouver? Well, it depends on what you’re seeking. But given that there are so many restaurants to choose from, I created this list of one-of-a-kind places I would normally suggest to …