Lively, young, sustainable, alternative. Vancouver it definitely has a flavor during 40. And you can visit it very well without spending a lot. Just look for solutions like couch surfing or AirBnB. Designers, students, intellectuals are happy to make them available online rooms or sofas to international travelers. And it can be a great way to get to know this city in depth.
I have slept for a Dear friend, Tristan Sturm, on his sofa. Without it I would not have been able to discover places like Grandville Island, a precious islet, where the old docks on the ocean that surround the downtown peninsular have been transformed into a vibrant commercial and leisure district that is defined as “alternative”. If you come around here come to go shopping at the Public Market, populated by hippies and elegant ladies, explore local craft shops, or lose yourself among musical gigs and experimental theaters.
Long beards, tattoos, skaters, hybrid cars: the contemporary urban culture is well represented in this city which, like other Canadians, makes experimentation and social innovation one of its strong points. There are many "hidden" places like Wreck Beach, where you can sunbathe naked as your mother did. Or the beautiful beach 3, a remote beach at the tip of stanley park, where to play music, drink a beer in an infinite tranquility (but still 5 km from the center.)
The city is perfect if you feel like squeezing your muscles a little. Kayak in the canals, cross-country skiing on the northern slopes of the city. Or yoga in urban parks. The city can be explored very well by bike. You will have no problem finding a rental and the movement of anarchist-bike shops is very strong here in Vancouver. A black mountaibike is a political act for the local youth. Lots of micro-brewery where to taste local beers, but if you want to save money (taxes on drinks in Canada are very high) ask a local if he knows of any open homebrewery.
Enterprising young people they started brewing beer at home and selling it, transforming their living room into a temporary brewery. It's not 100% legal, but the authorities turn a blind eye and it's hilarious! If you are in the mood for culture al VAG (Vacouver Art Gallery) or al Museum of Anthropology, to learn about traditional native cultures. For a low cost breakfast there is Master Chef's café, absolutely low-cost (4,95 CAN $ for a full breakfast!), And very tasty, observing old Slavic immigrants, young intellectuals, LGBT couples. Avoid the restaurants in the center and rather look for vegan places or food co-ops, for less than $ 10 you will be able to satiate yourself.
Ultimately an interesting city that completes the Cascadia triad with Seattle and Portland. Green and progressive cities, as every city in the world should be.
Addresses www.granvilleisland.com e www.westrestaurant.com
Flight: Milan - Vancouver. Operated by Lufthansa for StarAllianceRoundTheWorld
