Not one for cookie-cutter kinds of tourist traps? If you consider yourself a bit of an oddball there are plenty of unique attractions in Vancouver, B.C. that you should put on your must-experience list. International visitors spend more money in this city than any other in the country at $758 million compared to Toronto at $680 million, followed by Montreal at $448 million, revealing just how popular it is with tourists of all kinds.
Instead of following the crowds, though, you can discover hidden gems that will immerse you into the weird and wonderful, or simply the fascinatingly unusual. Of course, if you’ve recently moved here after purchasing one of the homes for sale in Vancouver, you’re probably looking for options that will take you away from the vacationing out-of-towners, allowing you to explore like the local you truly are.
Vancouver Catfe
Crazy for cats? Vancouver has its own cat cafe where you can head inside the cat room where anywhere from five to 12 felines will be roaming around and socializing. All are former strays, previously in cages at the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty for Animals (BCSPCA).
You’ll be able to enjoy hanging out with them and score some cat-themed merchandise, along with food and drink. And, if you happen to fall in love with one (or more) of the cats, adoption is available. Just keep in mind that as only a limited number of people can be in the cat room at one time.
Movie Night at the Morgue
Watching scary movies is creepy enough but what about watching one in a morgue? That takes the thrill to a whole new level and you can do just that at the Vancouver Police Museum which happens to be the home of the city’s old morgue.
Movies in the Morgue is an event held monthly on the second Tuesday of every month and while you watch films like “The Exorcist” or “Silence of the Lambs” you’ll be surrounded by interesting paraphernalia, confiscated weapons, and photos. Beware, there might be some ghosts taking in the show too.
Sample Unique Foods
There are plenty of odd foods to try in Vancouver, with some restaurants especially ideal for the oddball-loving tourists. That includes Yuu Japanese Tapas which offers Insta-famous beer ramen in the suburb of Richmond. It’s your beloved noodles with a unique twist – they float in a beer broth.
This same place also offers milk tea udon, a dessert version of udon with gluten-free panna cotta cut up into noodles and served in a cup of Hokkaido milk tea. Or head to Chinatown. Just east of downtown, the bustling district is the third-largest in North America and you can get your fill of everything from chicken feet to exotic produce.
Ride on Top of the Famous Grouse Mountain Gondola
Lots of tourists hop on the Grouse Mountain gondola for a ride to take in a bird’s-eye view of the mountains, water, and the city. But it’s possible to turn this into a heart-pounding thrill.
If you’re daring, you can ride on top of it as part of the Skyride Surf Adventure. You’ll climb up onto the roof of the cable car enjoying even more jaw-dropping views with the wind in your hair.
Take the Polar Bear Dip
If you’re here to celebrate New Year’s, you can cure your hangover with a Polar Bear Swim on New Year’s Day. Every year this insane annual event attracts around 2,000 Vancouverites, most donning bizarre costumes, to strip off their clothing and leap into the frigid waters of English Bay.
