Five Things to do in Vancouver After Five

On my first road trip to California, I had someone gush to me about Vancouver. He said it was the most beautiful city, surrounded by both mountains and water. I’ve described it this way since; I don’t think there is any other way to describe it. Thanks to our location, Vancouver has the mildest climate in Canada and offers a lot of outdoor activities. Both local and a short drive away. We are also a multi-cultural metropolis with a huge variety of things to see and do. Here are five of those things you can do in Vancouver after five.

Vancouver has a bad reputation for receiving a lot of rain but according to the numbers, we actually don’t receive as much as other locations in North America. We are in a rainforest region though so our weather can change quickly, giving us that rain more often and at any time.

Gastown is Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood. If you are a history buff like me you will love the wonderful Victorian architecture, cobblestoned streets and even vintage lampposts as you take a walk around. It also happens to also be one of the trendier, as well as touristy, neighbourhoods in Vancouver. Visiting the historical Steam Clock with all the other tourists is sure to prove that to you.

Walking around you will find amazing restaurants, with a variety of cuisine, including European, Asian and even southern USA. If pleasing your palette with beer, craft cider, cocktails, or wine is more your choice, Gastown has micro-breweries, wine bars, pubs, and even sports bars. You can choose to listen to live music with everything from rockabilly to boogie piano, jazz, psych-rock soul, or blues. Or maybe participate in a trivia pub night.

With galleries, a fashion district with independent fashion boutiques, shops, First Nation art galleries, and souvenir shops, Gastown has you covered for an afternoon and evening out.

While walking around you will probably find one or more buskers performing. The best part though, because a lot of artists have their studios on Granville Island you could also find yourself watching a glass blowing demonstration, a blob of clay come to life on the pottery wheel or any of the artists creating a possible masterpiece. Don’t worry, you can even visit a micro-brewery.

From June through September, you can enjoy one of five Shakespeare plays performing in the Bard Village at Bard on the Beach. Every year five different plays are performed in the two tent theatres, protecting you from the elements while providing you the backdrop of a wonderful view of water and a sunset. While outside food and drinks are allowed on site (except for alcohol) there is a concession, a bar and a Bard Boutique. I mean, everyone needs a Bard souvenir.

Tickets can be purchased on-line or by phone, in advance. Even though a performance might show as Sold Out, limited seats could be released on the day of a performance so call the box office for information. For the 2017 season, prices start at $21.

Adult tickets include the suspension bridge, the cliffwalk and the treetops adventure. Free hourly mini guided tours are also available. A cool feature is that you can purchase a ticket in advance and use it on any day, up to one year from the date of purchase. (May have to show the credit card used for payment at time of entry)

The park is open every day except for December 25th. I recommend checking the website before you head to Vancouver though because the opening hours depend on the time of year. They could be closing anywhere from 5 pm to 9 pm.

Free WiFi is available in the park but selfie-sticks are not permitted.

Housing contemporary and historical art from local and international artists, the Vancouver Art Gallery’s current location is the former provincial courthouse building. Mixing a little history with art. Open from 10 am to 5 pm except for Tuesdays, when they are open until 9 pm. You will have to check any backpacks, large bags, cameras, food, drinks and umbrellas though.

Exhibits are always running throughout the year and one of the many until October 1st, 2017, is Claude Monet’s Secret Garden. Portrait of an Artist: An Exhibition from the Royal Collection is one I am looking forward to, it will be running from October 28th, 2017 to February 4th, 2018.

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