Your non-touristy guide to enjoying Vancouver

Vancouver is a world-class city that does it all: from jaw-dropping natural scenery, diverse culture, incredible cuisine, and a chilled, laid-back vibe. While the hot spots are well recorded, there’s much more to explore if you know where to look. This article highlights some top local spots—recommended by a real Vancouverite—that don’t always make the typical tourist list. Plus, we’ll talk about a travel hack, using Wise, to hold, convert and spend money in 40+ currencies (including CAD!) to help you navigate the city like a local and make the most of your time here. Next stop: Vancouver!

What Makes Vancouver Great for Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel?

The city’s famous attractions are not hard to uncover, but its true charm lies in the lesser-known spots. The city moves in the rhythm of a mix of urban culture and natural beauty, creating the perfect backdrop for exploring beyond the usual tourist track.

5 Non-Touristy Things to Do in Vancouver, BC

a. Explore via an Aquabus

Ever toured a city by Aquabus? The Aquabus is a convenient and stunningly scenic way to explore Vancouver's False Creek. The experience of cruising through the water provides panoramic views of the city you won’t get anywhere else.¹ While it has many routes, head to Granville Island to explore the bustling public market before catching an improv show at Vancouver Theatresports.

b. Stroll through Doctor Sun Yat-sen’s Chinese Garden

The Doctor Sun Yat-sen Chinese Garden is an immersive urban escape that transports you to another world. Adjacent to the beautiful Sun Yat-sen Park, the garden is the first of its kind built outside of China, featuring stunning rock and water features, a serene lily pond, and traditional covered walkways, a la the Ming Dynasty.²

c. Dine on delicious pasta at Magari by Oca.

This contemporary hangout offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. With a focus on quality, they serve an impressive selection of wines paired with delicious Italian dishes, including housemade pasta. The place gets busy, so get there ahead of the rush!³

d. Have a happy hour with a view at Provence Marinaside

What's the West Coast without seafood? This waterfront spot boasts a lovely patio with stunning views, making it the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood with a refined French touch. ⁴

e. Do a workout class like a local

Try a free first Rumble Boxing class,⁵ where fitness meets nightlife, a favorite among Vancouverites, known for their dedication to wellness.

Explore Local Neighbourhoods

• Commercial Drive
• Main Street
• Kitsilano
• Kerrisdale
• Hasting Sunrise
• Fairview
• The West End
• Coal Harbor
• Yaletown

Visit Lesser-Known Parks and Trails

Parks:

Vancouver is full of green spaces where locals go to relax, exercise, walk their dogs, or enjoy a picnic. Here are some under-the-radar spots to do just that!

• Mount Pleasant Park
• Dude Chilling Park
• New Brighton Park
• Robert Burnaby Park
• John Hendy Park
• Queen Elizabeth Park
• Vanier Park

Trails:

• Deer Lake Park: Several easy hiking trails wind around the park's namesake lake, with several flat hiking trails suitable for all skill levels.
• Whyte Lake: In West Vancouver, this walk is known for its beautiful rainforest setting and giant fir trees.
• Pacific Spirit Park: With a diverse network of hiking and walking trails, Pacific Spirit Regional Park is located on the west side of Vancouver, near UBC.
• Fraser River Park: A scenic waterfront park featuring charming wooden boardwalks, spacious picnic areas, and a designated off-leash zone.
• Kennedy Falls: A rugged waterfall is the breathtaking finale of a serene forest trail that winds past stony creeks, mossy undergrowth, and a towering giant cedar tree.
• Baden-Powell Trail: A tranquil forest path that meanders past gentle streams and leads to scenic summits, featuring sweeping views and peaceful moments along the way.

Take Part in Local Events and Festivals

Summer:

• Bard on the Beach: Vancouver’s Shakespearean theatre festival featuring modern versions of famous plays, from June until September.
• Vancouver International Jazz Festival: A major music festival with free and ticketed events from late June until the first weekend in July.
• Theatre Under the Stars: Fantastic musical theatre shows at the outdoor theatre in Stanley Park, from early July until late August.

Fall:

• Culture Crawl: This open studio event, featuring workshops, demonstrations, exhibits, and artist talks, fosters a deeper appreciation and understanding of the art practices.
• Vancouver Fall Home Show: For home enthusiasts, this event highlights local businesses and home improvement resources, running from October 23–26, 2025.

Year-round:

• Local Markets: With weekly markets across Vancouver, operating year-round, the local markets feature farmers and vendors with a variety of fresh, locally sourced goods. You'll also find artisanal food products, wild-harvested ingredients, hot meals, handmade crafts, craft beer, spirits, coffee, and more.

How Much Will It Cost? Daily Spending Breakdown

When planning your Vancouver budget, consider costs like accommodation, which ranges from budget hostels to comfortable hotels or Airbnb stays.. For eating, the range is from affordable street food to casual dining. Getting around is easy with public transit or bike rentals, and there’s no shortage of free or low-cost activities like exploring parks or checking out local markets. Your daily expenses will depend on how you enjoy cities, with options for all types of travelers.

Sample Daily Budget in Vancouver (CAD)

Note: Prices at 14:30, April 18th, 2025

• Science World: An interactive science museum in Vancouver featuring hands-on exhibits, an OMNIMAX theatre, and a geodesic dome, popular with families and kids.
• Museum of Anthropology at UBC: A world-renowned museum showcasing Indigenous and global artifacts, with a focus on First Nations culture, located at UBC.
• H.R. MacMillan Space Centre: A space and astronomy museum with a planetarium and science exhibits, offering educational programs for all ages.
• The Polygon Gallery: A contemporary art gallery in North Vancouver, specializing in photography and media-based art from Canadian and international artists.

Money Tips for Visitors to Vancouver

When spending in Vancouver, debit or credit cards are the easiest option, as the majority of places accept them. Mobile wallets, like Apple Pay and Google Pay, are also widely accepted, including on public transit! Speak to your bank to determine what/if any, foreign transaction fees will be, which can add up depending on your bank. Some businesses may charge extra surcharges for credit card payments, especially for smaller amounts.

For budget-friendly grocery shopping, check out stores like No Frills or explore local markets for fresh produce at reasonable prices, like Triple A Market.

Table: Estimated Grocery Prices in Vancouver (CAD)

Using Wise to Spend Like a Local

Using Wise is a smart way to spend like a local in Vancouver. It's a great travel hack that lets you pay for everything in Canadian dollars — or dozens of other currencies — without worrying about foreign transaction fees, as Wise converts at the real exchange rate. You can hold multiple currencies in one account, switch between them, and stay on budget with easy tracking and no overspending. It makes travel a whole lot easier.

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Conclusion

Vancouver rewards the curious. Sure, it's easy to stick to the well-known sights, but venturing off the beaten path reveals the city’s deeper personality, a truly laid-back, multicultural, and all-around beautiful city. So take your time, explore the edges, and enjoy a richer, more personal connection. If you choose to go with Wise, you can easily sign up today and manage your money in Canadian dollars.

Sources:

1. Aquabus - Vancouver
2. About & Contact - Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
3. Magari by Oca (@magari_by_oca) • Instagram photos and videos
4. Provence Marinaside
5. Rumble Boxing
6. Pricing and Fare Zones | TransLink
7. Vancouver Travel Cost - Average Price of a Vacation to Vancouver: Food & Meal Budget, Daily & Weekly Expenses | BudgetYourTrip.com