Best Arts and Culture Places in Vancouver

"Vancouver Art Gallery — one of the largest in Canada — is housed in the city’s former courthouse and is as impressive inside as it is out. An adult ticket usually costs CAD24 ($18.31), but if you come on a Tuesday evening between 5pm and 8pm you can get in for just a donation. The permanent collection boasts 11,000 items, including major works by the well-known Canadian artists Emily Carr and the Group of Seven, in addition to several rotating exhibitions."

"The Vancouver Art Gallery-or The VAG, as locals call it-is the fifth largest art gallery in all of Canada. Located in the heart of the city's downtown core, this building is an iconic landmark amongst the cityscape. The VAG has rotating exhibitions, along with its permanent collection that boasts over 9,100 items."

"Once the main courthouse for Vancouver until 1979, the building that now houses the Gallery was designed in 1905 by Francis Rattenbury, who also designed the B.C. Parliament Buildings. Named a National Historic Site of Canada, the neoclassical building features iconic columns, a central dome and ornate stonework."

"Vancouver's best museum is studded with spectacular First Nations totem poles and breathtaking carvings – but it's also teeming with artifacts from cultures around the world, from Polynesian instruments to Cantonese opera costumes. Take one of the free daily tours (check ahead for times) for some context, but give yourself at least a couple of hours to explore on your own. It's easy to immerse yourself here. "

"With a Pacific Northwest look and feel, exceptionally rated Skwachàys Lodge is heavy on the artistic heritage of the region. With a 40-foot totem pole, striking carvings and a lobby gallery displaying Aboriginal art, this is not your ordinary downtown hostelry. Each of the bedrooms at this creative Vancouver boutique hotel features unique and unusual themed artwork from well-known tribal artists and offers top-of-the-range comforts including high-quality linens and walk-in showers."

"The massive totem pole jutting out from the peaked roof gives you a hint why Skwachàys Lodge, Canada’s first aboriginal boutique arts hotel, occupies its own niche. Part visitor accommodation and part social housing, the property isn't just a place to stay, but rather a cultural experience unlike any other you’ll find in Vancouver. Skwachàys was once a rundown single-room occupancy hotel, but a CDN$10.5 million renovation gave it a brand-new life."

"This well-priced hotel reflects the artistic heritage of the Pacific Northwest. High above the front door, a 40-foot totem pole and striking carvings identify this First Nations’ project; the lobby gallery displays Aboriginal art; and all of the bedrooms are decorated by well-known tribal artists."

"Housed in the historic Wing Sang building (51 East Pender Street), which is Chinatown’s oldest building (1889), the Rennie Museum is a private collection owned by real estate mogul Bob Rennie. Local and international artists are showcased in the gallery and free tours are available to the public. Continue to 9 of 10 below."

"A private museum that you have to book to get into, but definitely worth the minimal effort required. Make a story out of the exhibition, and take a main page post on the roof, it’s a win-win scenario. Definitely one of the coolest buildings you can check out in Vancouver."

"Make sure to stop off for a drink at Keefer Bar and Fortune Sound Club and check out Rennie Collection at Wing Sang (which offers free entry). You can also visit some of the firm-favourites such as; Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and the Millennium Gate."

"Known previously as the Presentation House Gallery, this North Van gallery is the largest non-profit photographic gallery in Western Canada. Operating since 1981, The Polygon focuses on – but is not limited to – contemporary photography with an emphasis on Canadian work. The gallery itself is a modern and bright 25.000-square-feet (2322-square-metre) building with stunning water views."

"Just steps away from the hotel, North Vancouver’s stunning new waterfront art attraction, The Polygon Gallery, truly offers a one-of-a-kind space to encounter photography and media art. The Polygon is open Wednesday 10:00am to 5:00pm, Thursday 10:00am to 8:00pm, and Friday to Sunday 10:00am to 5:00pm. No appointments required to view the exhibitions."

"A modernist masterpiece that sits on the water in North Van. And, admission is by donation!. Ironically, this is one of two places on this list where Nemesis Coffee will be setting up shop."

"Located on Carrall Street, it straddles the borders of both Gastown and Chinatown. It was established in 1986 and is…”more"

"Come join us for the opening reception of Marion Landry’s stunning solo-show tomorrow, from 7-9 pm. A post shared by South Main Gallery (@south_main_gallery) on Feb 15, 2018 at 11:46am PST. South Main Gallery focuses on contemporary art and displays creations belonging to emerging, mid-career and established artists."

"2342 Granville Street Vancouver, BC V6H 3G3 604 738 1077WEBSITE | MAP. The gallery showcases and promotes established and emerging Canadian talents"

"Location: 2724 West 4th AvenueCategory: 24 hour comfort foodDescription: The quintessential vegetarian restaurant that has been around for years. Known for its miso gravy and fries, late night dining options, and for a huge, extensive vegetarian menu. This place caters to everyone.Website: www.thenaam.com"

"As for late night munchies you can’t go wrong with a quick trip to The Naam. These guys have been ‘doing’ vegetarian since before it was a thing and that has noticeably given them time to perfect their craft. Delicious, no-fuss, quick and easy veggie comfort food."

"This Vancouver vegan and vegetarian restaurant has been around for 50 years. Yes, they know what they are doing and the line up out the door proves it is a favourite with many. The Naam is open 24/7."

"Fast Food, Middle-eastern, Mediterranean, Halal, Middle-eastern, Mediterranean, Wheelchair-accessible Restaurant, Take-out. Stop by Al Basha in Vancouver for a delicious selection of fresh meals, including chicken shawarmas, wraps, donairs, hummus and"

"Lotus Seed is one of the best vegan restaurants in Vancouver thanks to its fresh and healthy menu of local and organic bites. Highlights include meatless ball sandwiches, pho, almond alfredo spaghetti, vegan benedict and vegan sushi. There’s something here for all times of the day, as well as fantastic juices."

"Location: #180 – 3665 Kingsway, Vancouver (Metrotown)Category: Asian FusianDescription: A newer restaurant in Burnaby that features healthy, fresh food. They have a smaller menu (to ensure quality & freshness) that has hearty Pho, baked burritos, sushi, Thai Curry and more.Website: www.lotusseed.ca"

"Lotus Seed Vegan is an unassuming restaurant on West Broadway near Cambie Street. Their food is simple, but homey and comforting. I like ordering their vegan pho when I want a light and healthy broth."

"Green Leaf Cafe is known for their aburi sushi, but OMG 😱, did you know they have deep fried sushi rolls?. – 📷: "OMG" @greenleafcafeburnaby The spicy OMG is a deep tempura fried roll with prawn and salmon, crabmeat, and avocado, served with soy glaze and drizzled with wasabi sauce."

"Green Leaf is known for their aburi sushi, but they also have oshi sushi. The food here is delicious, and it’s not too far from the airport – perfect if you’re doing a quick layover in Vancouver!. LOCATION: 3416 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC"

"Take a trip back in time at 1415 Barclay Street's Roedde House Museum at the 19th century home of Vancouver's first bookbinder, Gustav Roedde. the Roedde House Preservation Society has carefully restored the house to create an accurate portrayal of late Victorian family life in the West End. Shopping in Vancouver"

"For a glimpse of what the West End looked like before the apartment blocks, visit this handsome 1893 Queen Anne–style mansion, now a lovingly preserved museum. Designed by infamous architect Francis Rattenbury,... Top ChoiceGardens in Fairview & South Granville"

"The BC Sports Hall of Fame is a must visit for sports enthusiasts visiting Vancouver. Located inside BC Place, there is plenty to do and see inside the museum. This isn't your typical exhibition where you are not allowed to touch things, instead it's fully hands on with a rock climbing wall, virtual soccer and a host of other fun things to do."

"Sports fans can check out the BC Sports Hall of Fame & Museum at BC Place. Attractions include interactive exhibits such as a rotating climbing wall, 14 meter timed running track, and bubble hockey. Other galleries focus on women in sports, the Winter Olympics of 2010, and a Hall of Champions gallery."