 | Vancouver Local Customs | Tips 41 - 50 of 138 |  |
While it's true that Starbucks is from Seattle, Vancouver might as well be its unofficial home. It was here in Vancouver, just across the border from Seattle, where Starbucks opened their first non-Seattle location back in 1987.
Since then, Starbucks, and coffee shops in general, have taken over Vancouver in a way that has never existed before. In a way, I think that there are more Starbucks per capita in Vancouver than everywhere else in the world. I am not exaggerating.
While it's true that the rest of the world is being colonized by Starbucks, Vancouver is one of the few places where you can reliably find a Starbucks on every corner, and in some places, there are 2 Starbucks located on the same block or at the same intersection (ie: Robson and Thurlow). It is not abnormal to go for a walk in Vancouver and pass by 3 Starbucks within 10 minutes (ie: Robson Street).
If there isn't a Starbucks at an intersection, there is often a Starbucks competitor like Blenz (a Vancouver-based coffee chain). Sometimes there are local independent shops like Tree's Organic Cafe or Delaney's if you keep your eyes out. And for those from Montreal or Ottawa, who are used to seeing Canadian coffee chain Second Cup everywhere, Vancouver has always severely lacked Second Cups, even though they've been in Vancouver since the 1980's. There really aren't that many at all.
And while many non-Vancouver Canadians love to perpetuate the Canadian stereotype that we all "drink Timmy's" (aka: Tim Horton's coffee), this isn't true in Vancouver. Vancouver has never developed a Tim Horton's culture like elsewhere in Canada. This is because Tim Horton's never even existed in Vancouver up until a few years ago. While there are now a few Tim Horton's locations scattered around Vancouver, the only people who seem obsessed with them are often from Ontario.
In the end, since Starbucks has been around in Vancouver long before any other competitors, Starbucks will always be the coffee shop of choice among Vancouverites. Leave a Comment
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Spring comes early in Vancouver. Sometimes the new plant growth starts emerging as early as January, although most blossoms such as the Japanese cherry trees, or flowers such as tulips, hyacinths and daffodils are in full bloom throughout March and April. A local tradition is to drive through the west side of Vancouver... down Granville Street and head west down any of the many avenues... and admire all the Japanese cherry trees in bloom. It's so magical at that time of the year to see the confetti-like blossoms flutter to the ground. Another option is to walk through Stanley Park's gardens. They are gorgeous in the spring. Leave a Comment
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Vancouver is sometimes nicknamed, 'Lotus Land' which usually refers to it being laid back. Remember that dining out, relaxing and enjoying the outdoors are some of the main priorities of the locals. Don't come here expecting amazing nightlife onpar with New York or London, and don't expect a HUGE city center with a super fast-paced environment. Enjoy Vancouver for what it is - a great place to relax and enjoy the food and scenery! Leave a Comment
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You have to dial the area code, 604, in Vancouver even if it's a local number though don't have to dial 1 ahead if it's not long distance. Leave a Comment
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The Annual Polar Bear Swim takes place in the first day of every year at English Bay, Vancouver. Costumes are the highlights of this event. Leave a Comment
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Davie Street, off Granville Street is an average looking neighbourhood with shops, services, restaurants and pubs. It ends at English Bay which is surrounded by Condo and apartment buildings and a few hotels. Davie street is the center for Vancouver's gay community, which i only figured out from the rainbow flags hung along the street! There was a copy and print shop about half way up that also offered fairly cheap high speed internet access which i took advantage of for about an hour before meeting up with a friend who lives in a condo at the end overlooking the beach at English Bay where you could spend hours watching the boats and the people along the seawall. Leave a Comment
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Driving Times
From Victoria to:
Vancouver
3 - 4 hours
Sooke
30 min
Sidney
30 min
Nanaimo
2 hours
Tofino
5 hours
Port Hardy
8 hours
Courtenay
3.5 hours
Ucluelet
4.5 hours
Parksville
2.5 hours
Zeballos
7 hours
Gold River
5.5 hours
Duncan
1 hour Leave a Comment
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The main attraction of Vancouverīs aquarium are the Belugas. A kind of small whale usually living in the polar sea under the ice. Normally I donīt like zoos, but this one is worth a visit. Located in Stanley Park. Leave a Comment
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There is nothing more Vancouverish than spending your whole morning and afternoon engaging in outdoor activities, then winding it down by grabbing a book and hanging out at a coffee shop sipping a cup of coffee or tea (or iced mocha). In recent years, Vancouver has begun balancing its hyperactive side with a mellow but trendy coffee shop scene. So go grab yourself a book from the Vancouver Public Library or your local Chapters Bookstore and chill out under a coffee shop umbrella for a few hours. Leave a Comment
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Vancouver East Cultural Centre
Tinka's New Dress, now playing until mid December 2001
Location: 1895 Venables St., Vancouver Leave a Comment
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