Initial Impressions

So, after arriving in Vancouver my first few days were spent exploring. I haven't really seen a great deal, but I shall write about what I have.

Downtown

So, Downtown Vancouver is basically the big city. Large glass structures fill the skyline, surrounding you everywhere you go. It's a typical large, fairly modern city. One thing I did notice, is that it doesn't seem as busy as other large cities I have been in. There is surprisingly little traffic in downtown, a testament to the public travel network here (it is better than any other public travel network I have seen). 

Downtown is quite small, you can walk from one end to the other in maybe 45 minutes. It is surrounded by water on nearly all sides, with the large Stanley Park to the north. 

There seems to be hundreds of bars/restaurants/food outlets but very little in terms of typical city center shops. Oh, and there is hundreds of cell phone shops too. Maybe I just don't know the shops, but there is little of interest for me to go in, so I tend to just walk around without bothering. 

There is a lot of homeless people in Downtown, holding signs and asking for change. They have a sense of humour though, one of them held a sign saying "Smile if you masturbate", it was hard to keep a straight face I won't lie! It's popular because it is a west coast city, more milder than other cities within Canada/USA. Just ignore them though and they won't bother you. 

There is also a lot of buskers. They need a permit though, so they tend to be a lot better than the buskers back in the UK :D Some good musicians out there on the streets, and dancers too! 


Stanley Park


Stanley Park is a huge woodland/seawall to the north of Downtown Vancouver. It is very popular with runners/cyclists/walkers and generally anyone who enjoys the outdoors. There is lots to see and do in Stanley Park, including an aquarium, apparently the best in Canada. I got completely lost there but thoroughly enjoyed walking around aimlessly, taking in the magnificent sights. 

Stanley Park is sort of a getaway from the hectic city life, yet it is only a 30 minute walk from the center of Downtown. It is one of the main attractions of Vancouver and I can see why, the place is stunning. 


Granville Island


Granville Island is a small island just west of Downtown. You can get there easily enough by bus or even walking won't take long. There is tons of shops, markets and bars/restaurants there. I only went for maybe 2 hours and I barely seen any of it really. It is meant to be best at night time, where you can view Downtown all lit up. I will have to go back there at least a couple more times to see everything there.  It is a great place to just wander around.

Gastown


Gastown is a very old district of Vancouver. It has a pretty trendy vibe, with lots of stylish, niche shops and bars. I only briefly walked through it, but it is a world away from the highrise buildings of Downtown. The steam clock exemplifies what Gastown is all about. 

Overall, Vancouver is a great place from what I have seen so far, which is very little! I can't wait to keep exploring the treasures that lie here :)

I will keep writing more as i visit more places!