The Ultimate Vancouver Itinerary, According to a Local
What to do, eat, and drink in Western Canada’s biggest city.
Fairmont Pacific Rim
Sunset’s Insider Guide series highlights seasonal diversions and secret travel tips from local experts. Follow along as we learn where to eat, drink, stay, and shop.
Alaina Michelle
Meet the Insider: Angus An, Chef-Owner, Maenam
Location: Vancouver, BC
It’s hard to turn a corner in Vancouver without stumbling upon one of Angus An’s restaurants. The chef and restaurateur currently operates four concepts with his group, Full House Hospitality: the Michelin Guide-recognized Maenam, a Thai-style noodle bar called Fat Mao Noodles, a modern street food eatery named Longtail Kitchen, and Granville Island’s Sen Pad Thai. An is also the operator and culinary director of Whistler’s hottest new Southeast Asian restaurant, Mekong. Here, he shares some of his favorite haunts in the booming city that’s been dubbed “Hollywood North” for the proliferation of film creatives that now call it home.
EAT
Leila Kwok Photography
HK BBQ Master is the place most of my chef friends request to visit as soon as they get off the plane. Located just minutes away from YVR Airport, this restaurant is in the corner of a parking lot of a busy grocery store, but it is legendary. Chef Eric Leung’s barbecue is second to none in my opinion, even better than Hong Kong! We truly have the best selection of Chinese restaurants in North America, and any city outside China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Located in Richmond, The Fish Man is currently one of my staples. Chef Bo Li does an amazing job with his charcoal and seafood dishes. My favorite is the salted duck yolk whole crab, and recently, the sea cucumber and tofu claypot blew my mind. The chefs at Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar, Roger Ma and Alex Chen, are probably the best culinary duo at any restaurant. From custom dry aging steaks to beautiful seafood platters, Boulevard has it all. Get the charcoal-grilled Loong Kong chicken. I visit at least once a month!
DRINK
Fairmont Pacific Rim
Located in Fairmont Pacific Rim, Botanist Bar is a great place for a drink or two with friends, especially because the cocktails are so creative and well-balanced—truly a world-class experience.
Both Meo and Kissa Tanto are located in Vancouver Chinatown, but you wouldn’t know it once you step through their doors. Go for a doubleheader by doing cocktails and snacks at Meo, then heading to Michelin star Japanese-Italian fare at Kissa Tanto.
STAY
Goran Kosanovic
Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre is located in the downtown core, just minutes away from Yaletown and the West End. It also houses one of my noodle bars, Fat Mao Noodles.
Rosewood Hotel Georgia, renowned for its beautiful architecture in a heritage building, is centrally located across the street from the Vancouver Art Gallery and CF Pacific Centre shopping mall.
Located right by the water, Fairmont Pacific Rim is close to Vancouver’s beautiful seawall, perfect for daily walks.
DO
Destination Vancouver/Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Vancouver is known for its great outdoors, and the Grouse Grind is one of its most popular activities. Located on Vancouver’s North Shore, guests are in for a very Vancouver experience. Grouse Mountain is a tough 2.5-kilometer trail that will test your limits, but it’s totally worth it when you reach the top. On the way down, it’s always worthwhile to stop at the Capilano Suspension Bridge for a visit. The Museum of Anthropology at UBC is filled with global artifacts and has an extensive collection of First Nations art. The building itself is also stunning. One of the most iconic stops in Vancouver is Granville Island. It can get touristy, but it’s really a must-hit. Start with the Public Market and check out all the food stalls filled with local fruits and in-season produce. There is usually a lineup at Lee’s Donuts. There are amazing art studios, craft shops, artisans, and even a sake maker.
