Vancouver 

Vancouver Ventures 🐻

In April 2024, I spent five days soaking up spring in Vancouver. Flying in from New Zealand (after a layover in San Francisco), the first couple of days were all about adjusting to the time difference, navigating culture shocks, and exploring what the city has to offer (in addition to an emergency‑services ambulance and hospital visit for my sister — but that’s a whole other story). Despite this, I made the most of my time wandering Vancouver’s very walkable streets, hunting for thrifted treasures, and checking out local shops and markets. The city is full of energy, with friendly, talkative locals and a vibrant food scene, from sushi to brunch spots in Gastown and Granville Island. Vancouver is also where nature meets city life, with green spaces like Stanley Park, the seawall, and accessible adventures at places like Grouse Mountain or the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Spring adds its own charm, with festivals like the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival lighting up the city.

That said, I was unprepared for some harsher realities. Certain areas have a very visible homelessness problem, and the drug crisis is hard to miss, with people affected by fentanyl — sometimes referred to as 'fentanyl zombies' — struggling on the streets. Seeing this was shocking and sad, especially in a city that otherwise feels modern and lively. These issues are concentrated in specific neighbourhoods and can largely be avoided, but it was a reminder that Vancouver isn’t all polished postcard views.

Despite this, the city itself is full of life and things to do. I’m not usually a city person, but my few days gave me a solid taste of Canadian urban culture, enough to get my bearings and fall for Vancouver’s mix of city energy and natural beauty. From shopping and thrift-hunting to exploring parks and enjoying the food scene, Vancouver left me with a memorable introduction to Canada before I headed to Whistler for an alpine adventure.