Whether you’re new or you’ve been living in Vancouver for a little while, we always encourage you to explore what the city has to offer!
Academics is important but we want our students to also experience life in Canada. Canada is known for its abundance of nature and Vancouver is no exception!
For those who prefer something more urban, Vancouver also has a number of urban areas with shops and restaurants. Many of these areas also have their own history, making it an educational experience as well.
This blog will go over some places that we recommend students add to their ‘must-visit’ list.
Before you set off on your adventure, you should familiarize yourself with Vancouver’s public transportation system.
TransLink’s SkyTrain system is an accessible and affordable option that connects major areas of metro Vancouver. As the name suggests, most of the rapid transit system is built above-ground so you can enjoy the sights of Vancouver while riding the train!
Connecting the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to the heart of Surrey and everything in-between, we recommend taking the SkyTrain on your next trip.
Learn more about the SkyTrain in our SkyTrain guide.
Named the best park in the world in 2014, Stanley Park is an urban park that attracts millions of visitors annually. Containing a famous bike route and one of the five largest aquariums in North America, Stanley Park is definitely a park worth visiting.
When you think of Stanley Park, one of the things that may come to mind is the famous Seawall. This 28km biking path originally started in Stanley Park and has expanded to parts of downtown Vancouver since its construction in 1917.
The Stanley Park portion of the Seawall is a mere 9km, taking about one hour to cycle on average. There are plenty of bike rental shops or pay-as-you-go bike sharing points nearby in case you don’t own a bike.
If walking is more your speed, the Seawall path also features a pedestrian path so you can enjoy the sights of Stanley park at a more idyllic pace.
You can learn more about the Vancouver Seawall and biking around downtown Vancouver by checking out our guide or reading about our students’ experiences biking around Stanley Park!
For those who love marine life, Stanley Park is home to the Vancouver Aquarium, which houses over 65,000 animals. The aquarium also serves as a marine research centre while educating curious visitors on conservation initiatives.
Our Associate of Science Degree student, Gabriel, took us on a tour of the aquarium! Read about the tour in our comprehensive Vancouver Aquarium guide.
If you’re interested in the history of Vancouver, this place is for you! Gastown is a designated National Historic Site of Canada and some consider Gastown the origin of Vancouver.
With its iconic brick and cobblestone architecture, step back in time while you admire the historical Steam Clock or settle down for a quick snack at one of the many cafes in the area.
Of course, there are also a number of shops which feature artisan or vintage wares, including a shop that exclusively sells items by local artists.
If Gastown sounds like your cup of tea, you can learn more in our Gastown guide.
Similar to Gastown, Granville Island also has its history entwined with the origins of Vancouver. Taking the city of Vancouver’s former name, Granville Island is home to a bustling public market, specialty shops, and a vibrant art scene.
For more information on Granville Island and what you can expect, check out our Granville Island guide.
Located close to Alexander College’s Burnaby campus, Central Park is the perfect place to relax before or after classes.
From picnic areas to hiking trails and even a pitch and putt course, Central Park gives visitors many options for enjoying their time outdoors. Events are also held periodically at Swangard Stadium such as the Canada Bubble Tea Festival!
Learn more about this 213 acre park in our Central Park guide.
Eagle Bluffs is located in Cypress Provincial Park and offers a picturesque view of Vancouver’s North Shore. This 7.9km trail features moderate elevation, making it perfect for beginners who are new to hiking.
Our Student Life department hosted a day trip to Eagle Bluffs and you can read about the experience in our event recap blog.
Vancouver is the perfect mix of buildings and nature. From urban parks to hidden gem photo spots wherever you go, we encourage our students to take a break from their studies once in a while to explore Vancouver.
This blog only features a fraction of what you can find in Vancouver, so grab your camera and a jacket and discover why our provincial slogan is ‘The Best Place on Earth!’
If you want to experience life in Vancouver, check out our programs and enrol at Alexander College today.
AC ProgramsIf you’re a current student at AC who loves to explore Vancouver, contact us at social@alexandercollege.ca and you may have a chance to be featured in a future blog and video.
Alexander College acknowledges that the land on which we usually gather is the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work in this territory.
Alexander College acknowledges that the land on which we usually gather is the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work in this territory.
+1 604-435-5815
4805 Kingsway
Burnaby, BC
V5H 4T6 Canada
+1 604-435-5815
#101 - 4603 Kingsway
Burnaby, BC
V5H 4M4 Canada
+1 604-435-5815
#100 - 570 Dunsmuir
Vancouver, BC
V6B 1Y1 Canada
