Your Ultimate Student Travel Guide To: Vancouver, Canada

After a tumultuous period of waiting for travel restrictions to loosen, the wait is finally over—Canada is opening its doors to the rest of the world once again! That means we can explore everything that the Great White North has to offer.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the seaport city of Vancouver and why this should be next on your travel list for the upcoming year. If you have a knack for the great outdoors, a bustling local arts scene, and a variety of sports activities, keep on reading!

Be Sure To Comply With The Local Pandemic Safety Measures

To make the most out of your trip, ensure that you comply with the necessary COVID-19 safety measures. For the city of Vancouver, here are the following rules to adhere to:

• Wearing a face mask or face covering on public transport or public places.

• Download COVID Alert, Canada’s COVID-19 exposure notification and contact tracing app that alerts individuals of possible exposures.

• Practice a physical distance of at least one meter between yourself and other people, especially in public spaces.

Now that we’re all caught up with everything you need to know, let’s get straight into it!

7 Things To Do & Experience In Vancouver, Canada

1. Shop & Dine At Trendy Gastown

First on the list is the quaint neighborhood of Gastown. From the heritage brick buildings to the traditional architecture, this town has a historic charm to it that’s hard to miss. Here, you’ll find all sorts of unique activities that can keep you busy throughout the day.

These include immersing yourself in the arts at their local galleries, enjoying a cup of coffee at an indie cafe, going for a photo walk along the streets of Gastown, and the list goes on.

If you’re looking for Instagrammable places, you’ll have days worth of content just from Gastown alone! Learn more here

2. Dive Deep Into The Vancouver Aquarium

No matter how old you are, one can never go wrong with visiting an aquarium. Here at the Vancouver Aquarium, visitors get to come up close and personal with marine life and learn more about them through this immersive experience.

What makes this place stand out among its counterparts is how it's a center for marine research, ocean literacy education, conservation, and marine animal rehabilitation. With each zone split according to marine habitats, it allows visitors to learn about the different species in their natural environments.

Want to learn more about these unique creatures beyond the glass? Have a go at their behind-the-scenes group tours! Learn more here

3. Trek Up Grouse Mountain

Thinking of escaping the city for a bit to enjoy a quick hike? Then Grouse Mountain Awaits. Unlike other hiking trails in Canada, the hike up to the peak of Vancouver is only a 2.9-kilometer trail, which can be completed in less than two hours.

But there’s a reason why this mountain has been named ‘Mother Nature’s StairMaster’—the steep incline in the first half can leave you out of breath real quick, so be sure to warm up and get your heart pumping before the hike!

If hiking isn’t up your alley, that doesn’t mean you should no longer make the trip up Grouse Mountain. Get on a Skyride and enjoy mountaintop activities from skating to snowboarding, as well as dining. Learn more here

4. Visit The Pacific Arts Market

You may have noticed that public arts markets are a massive part of Canadian culture. In Vancouver, the Pacific Arts Market takes center stage. Unlike other famous public markets in Canada that are famous for selling fresh produce and artisanal goods, you’ll find everything from paintings, ceramics, photographs, woodwork, leather goods, pottery, and arts from all sorts of mediums here.

The Pacific Arts Market truly celebrates its local art community by giving them the time and space to showcase their work to the masses. Each time you make a purchase, it goes straight into the artist’s pocket; which is just how it should be.

Be sure to check on their monthly social gatherings to enjoy live music, artists meet-and-greets, free snacks, and other exciting activities! Learn more here

5. Catch A Hockey Game At Rogers Arena

Just like baseball, hockey is another well-loved and celebrated sport amongst many Canadians. Whether you’re a hockey fan or simply want to experience what it’s like, everyone who’s anyone shouldn’t miss the chance to watch a hockey game at the “Cathedral of Hockey”, the Rogers Arena.

Since this premier sports and entertainment center is conveniently located in downtown Vancouver, there’s no way you’d miss it when roaming around the city.

Those looking for a more personalized experience can sign up for the behind-the-scenes tour to get a closer look into what it’s like to run one of North America’s most prestigious arenas. Learn more here

6. Go On A Kayaking Adventure At Deep Cove

Vancouver is truly the perfect mix of urban living and the great outdoors. One moment you’re walking the streets of Gastown and the next thing you know, you’re on a kayak in Deep Cove.

In this quaint seaside village, visitors can try their hand at various water activities including paddle boarding and kayaking. With such a picturesque view of Canada’s southernmost glacial fjord, this makes for the perfect escape from the bustling city life.

Once you’re done, don’t forget to try their world-famous honey-soaked doughnuts before leaving Deep Cove! Learn more here

7. Ride The Breathtaking Sea To Sky Gondola

What better way to experience Canada’s alpine environment than on Vancouver’s Sea to Sky Gondola? This ten-minute gondola ride will take you from the base to the summit and bring you the most majestic views of Vancouver at 2,900 feet above sea level.

Whether it’s enjoying the snow-capped mountains in the winter season or a sea of lush greenery in the summer, every season brings a brand new experience for visitors.

Once you reach the top, it’s time to make the mountain your very own playground with a variety of outdoor activities including tubing and the Squamish Via Ferrata adventure. Learn more here

Ready To Embark On Your Canada Study Adventure?

While going to a brand new country and starting a new chapter in your life may be daunting, that doesn’t mean you have to do it alone.

Here at IDP, our team of qualified education counselors is here to guide you through the course application process overseas, getting settled in your study destination, and everything else in between.

Get started by booking your free counseling with us today! Prefer to chat with us