I intended this blog to be all about traveling and writing. So, coming back to this I thought it would be time to talk about my favorite place in the whole wide world. And if you follow me on Instagram (@girlonajourney_) you might have noticed my slightly obvious love for Canada, especially Vancouver.
It’s been about 7 years since I first visited the city of Vancouver. That was when our love story slowly started. Well, to be honest it was more head over heals than slowly. We took some breaks, did not see each other in a while, but also with a time difference of 9 hours and more than a long distance relationship we never broke up. Vancouver always took care of me. In my lowest and also happiest moments. It’s seen it all.
Thanks to the impressive nature, friendly and open minded people and the welcoming atmosphere, I always left with a tear in my eye but a heart full of joy. Vancouver has it all, from sandy beaches, to lonely forests, a lively downtown life and also a skyline you can’t take your eyes off.
This sounds like a declaration of love here. You’re right, it is!
Do I even have to go on? If you ever have the chance to visit the pearl of the pacific northwest, do not wait or hesitate a second. But be careful, it might destroy your view and expectations on any other city. Eventually you might even get addicted like me.
But what exactly is it that makes me feel this way and gets me excited every time I fly to Vancouver?
- You feel it as soon as you step outside and take a look around. Vancouver is the embodiment of DIVERSITY. People from all over the globe coming together in this multicultural city. Living together peacefully. Respectful. Of course, Canada is a big and wide country with lots of space and it shouldn’t even be an issue. But having in mind what is happening in the world at the moment, it’s not. That’s why for me the composition of cultures and people always feels special in Vancouver.
- Keeping the latter in mind, it’s also the very likable and unobtrusive PATRIOTISM which is quite impressive (as seen from a German point of view). I guess it’s not only a special thing for Vancouver, but Canada in general. Canadians are proud of their country. And they show it. You feel it everywhere you go. But it’s all about the way they show their love. It doesn’t feel like a competition, but pride. And I can’t help but cheering with them “Oh, Canada”!
- Let’s continue with a pretty obvious brand mark of Vancouver. The SCENERY! There are mountains, beaches, lots of water around, green spaces and endless views. Anything more needed? Like I mentioned before, Vancouver has it all. Well, to be honest the summer is quite short and there might be some rainy days the rest of the year. But being from Hamburg (what exactly is summer?) it never bothered me. Anyway, the short period of summer and dry, sunny days is pretty intense. If you want to experience a real Canadian summer, you should choose July or August to come to Vancouver. Somehow it’s all about your attitude in the end. I’ve also experienced beautiful days in November and December.
- More reasons to love Vancouver needed? So let’s face it, Vancouverites seem to be the perfect human beings. Polite, friendly, sporty, easy-going, open minded and down to earth. Maybe it’s something about all the space and nature around that makes them so well balanced.. From my point of view they are definitely the better Americans (if you can even compare them).
- What else is there to love this place. All the ACTIVITIES you can do. And there are a lot depending on the season. During winter mountains for skiing or snowboarding are not far, also snowshoeing or (for the very adventurous) zip lining. When the weather gets warmer it’s all about walking around or taking hikes. Also renting bikes is fun. Exploring Vancouver by bike or foot is the best way to see all the places. From English Bay to Granville Island or Stanley Park. There are lots of possibilities. As I mentioned, Vancouverites are sporty. Take a jog along the Sea Wall or challenge yourself at SUP Yoga (highly recommended). Having a car to explore the surrounding area is a good idea as well.
girl on a journey 