NOT YOUR AVERAGE Guide to Vancouver, CANADA

[@marieautourdumonde4670]

Love that, I just moved to Vancouver from France eight month ago, still discovering the city! I LOVE it so far!

[@rainelester58]

The Museum of Anthropology at UBC is incredible! Such a great way to spend a day, then walking around UBC and catching the sunset on Wreck.

[@iiiiitsmagreta1240]

Course, if you're catching the sunset from Wreck Beach, be prepared for nudists. It's one of _those_ kinds of beaches XD Can't recommend MOA enough.

[@jdhjimbo]

@@iiiiitsmagreta1240 Yes, I discovered that accidentally a few years ago, and my accompanying friend thought I had chosen that on purpose! I am a free spirit and all, but we had a good laugh afterwards, but a bit embarrassing at firs! At least, Vancouver has lots of attractive, athletic residents, so not an unappealing "show" as might be the case in cities of poor health habits!

[@AuntK68]

I spent about 24 hours in Vancouver a few years ago and absolutely fell in love with how green, clean, and friendly the city was! Can't wait to get back someday and discover more!

[@mkeegan1169]

Come 2 surrey

[@AuntK68]

@@mkeegan1169 I'll put that on my list!

[@hondah35]

I lived in Seattle right after college and I remember the first time a couple of friends and I drove up to Vancouver on a February weekend in about 1999. The condo boom had begun but still it looked different than today. It was about 11 pm as we crossed the Granville bridge over False Creek. All of a sudden all of the buildings came into view and I was amazed. There was way more buildings than any US west coast city. Then we drove up to Whistler and I remember the absolute beauty of the drive up Hwy 99. Cool memories of a special area.

[@DownieLive]

That highway is gorgeous, and I really want to make a video on that highway soon.

[@jdhjimbo]

Before Expo '86 (which I attended 3x), the Yaletown/False Creek area was somewhat rundown, and no highrises. It has greatly expanded and improved. I lived in Seattle 5 years and a lot of additions are scheduled for their Skyline, too, but they do not have quite the Asian explosion as Vancouver. Plus, they have a mayor and City Council determined to drive people away with stupid policies. The drugs and homelessness are out of control, along with sanctuary city dopiness. The downtown is far less livable than it was 10 years ago. I am happy the Hwy 99 viaduct has been removed, and replaced with a tunnel. The plans for the Waterfront Park on Elliott Bay are very exciting. I used to work in Pioneer Square and loved downtown, though think a light rail would have been preferable to more busses (as Portland has done, though their political "leadership" is even worse than Seattle). The PNW is a beautiful area, but it can (and has) been undone by wacky politics.

[@yelyint5620]

Thank God you finally made the video for Vancouver (with a twist)! We've waited for so long. Thank you, Michael!

[@DownieLive]

More to come!

[@yelyint5620]

@@DownieLive Can't wait, sir! #countingthedays

[@rysnyder]

@@DownieLive Congrats on 100K subscribers!!! Great content keeps me coming back for more. Can't wait to visit the Seattle/Vancouver area once travel becomes a reality again. Hope you and we all can travel again REAL soon.

[@tateburton6952]

I live in Vancouver and I still watched all this video. Thanks!

[@DownieLive]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@MyFictitiousLife]

I would recommend visiting Crescent Beach in Surrey for both the quiet beach vibes but also all the heritage homes along the waterfront.

[@iuliac4852]

I used to live in Vancouver and moved away last November...biggest heartbreak! I would reccomend the Buddhist temple in Richmond.

[@danicaberard6962]

Yes! it's so beautiful!!

[@nataliamirochnitchenko8152]

where did you move?

[@AA-flyguy]

This is why we watch your Channel!!! Its Interesting, Intelligent, and from the heart. What a Great Beautiful City-- Can’t wait for Part 2!!!👍👍👍 (More of this same local content, is my suggestion, for Part 2)

[@kaitlyn4081]

Highly recommend the Rifle bird sanctuary if you like birds. It’s near tawwasen and has many incredible birds and is right near an estuary with many trails. It also has a huge tower where you can see so much. Your allowed to feed the birds and tons of chickadees will come to your hands in the spring. Highly recommend!!!

[@DownieLive]

Wow! I tried to go there but it’s by reservation only right now. I’ll have to try again.

[@noelclaremont]

I've lived here for 20 years and I think you nailed it. Looking forward to Part 2!

[@ChennysaFerrynrera]

You are not only my guide and light. But you still bring the light to people. It allows people to see parts of the world they have never seen before. You are genius of navigation. Thank you for having you in this world, Mike...💖

[@johnmacdonald1878]

Little Mountain, or Queen Elisabeth Park . Old quarry turned into a garden Very nice spot for a walk. Fraser River Park, nice as well.

[@Keommie]

Deep Cove is quaint, quite, and beautiful. Also there is Lighthouse Park in the opposite direction on the way to Horseshoe Bay.

[@kjmorley]

Wow, I’ve lived here 65 years, and I didn’t know most of this stuff. Thank you!

[@seaalien]

Would love to see some skytrain sightseeing adventures :)

[@DownieLive]

Ohhhh good idea Corinne!

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Mike, you’re crushing it. Your videos are the best. Peace.

[@tonylarussa4046]

I loved my visit to Vancouver in 2014.

[@tcan4959]

My niece just moved to Vancouver last year. Can’t wait let her know about all these places

[@Andy_M986]

Love Grouse Mountain,Horse Shoe Bay, Vancouver Island,West Vancouver,The monorail,everything.

[@Hypeman10]

Hey man. I’ve lived here for 7 years now and I’m moving away next summer. You’ve inspired me to create a massive bucket list of to dos before I go. You’re videos are awesome. Thanks so much for putting in the effort.

[@Whitbypoppers]

I'm amazed at the range of the habitat of the blue heron. It's the official bird of Prince Edward Island!

[@Noah-nq1us]

I recommend checking out Garry Point Park in Steveston, Richmond. Probably one of the least touristy part of Steveston.

[@LordWellington15]

Really liked that historic first neighbourhood

[@mkraulis]

Be sure to mention the Pacific Spirit Forest out by UBC.

[@アンナ-v2h]

I love Vancouver!I lived there for two years.i miss Vancouver so much...

[@Andy_M986]

I love Vancouver,been there a few times now,found out I have family there in 2016,stunning city, can't wait to get back there soon

[@CatchavistaAerial]

Thanks for creating this entertaining take of Vancouver! Fabulous!

[@verasileikis17]

Thanks for this, Michael. This made me miss my loved ones in Vancouver even more. I will be there again someday!

[@rayizzy_]

I've lived in Vancouver for over ten years and I haven't even done alot of these things. I have some exploring to do. Great video! Some great summer spots in Vancouver are Wreck Beach and Third beach (typical but wonderful)

[@anonbee9726]

This is a good one, Mike! We often forget about how interesting our hometowns can be. I especially liked the Heron Cam and saw two babies with mama standing guard. Keep 'em comin'!

[@DownieLive]

Cool, thanks!

[@ElaineHowlin]

Those colourful houses are so beautiful 😍

[@DownieLive]

Right?!

[@GrrMeister]

*Visited Vancouver in '99 and was well impressed, and thought this is how the UK should be (even then) My son was so taken with the video I took, he went and got a visa to stay/work there for 12 months in 2001 after finishing UCL (London) along with Chris Martin from Coldplay as a mate, and was there during the Twin Towers attacks. Lovely City and wonderful Country. By the way I was invited to play Bowls at Stanley Park and my wife and myself treated to a wonderful tea (Offered but Club refused any payment)*

[@DownieLive]

Wow... bowling in Stanley Park is a treat! I’m glad you and your son enjoyed it so much.

[@sergiolandz6056]

i live in NB and its been my dream to visit BC and maybe move there since my job is building and maintaining bike and hiking trails.

[@jodylutz2439]

Not sure if this counts as “Vancouver” but taking the seabus to North Vancouver and exploring the Shipyards is always a delight!

[@DownieLive]

That definitely counts! Great recommendation, Jody! Thanks

[@bjornrommens9606]

Now I really wanna come over and experience Vancouver!!

[@simonejxlin]

I love vancover I am living in vancover and I lived here for my whole life. You can also check out the grouse mountain hiking trail. It’s totally free and it also have black bears cola and grinder up on top

[@alexandertsiolkovski5848]

Woah, cool! I was living in Vancouver up until February and then when covid started, I came back to visit my parents in India. I knew some of these places. Jericho beach and the park were two of my favorite spots. Can't wait for this to be over and come back.

[@thebeardedseeker5633]

Greetings from the late great United States. I've been fantasizing about moving to Vancouver for quite a few years. Thanks for the tour. 👍

[@DownieLive]

You’re welcome!

[@richardalonzo4717]

Thank you, Michael, for the tours of BC, Canada, and every RR in North America. Love that you go right for the most authentic features of each little place you visit. I have a few requests....

[@mrstooshnov]

Great stuff, and here’s some other spots to see for your part 2 video: the views of the North Shore from Kensington Park (Knight & E 37th Ave) and New Brighton Park; the Trout Lake Farmers Market (and illuminares Lantern Festival?); Yosef Wosk Reflecting Pool outside MOA at UBC

[@DownieLive]

Ohhhh yes! Good ones! Thanks Kyle!

[@frasermcculloch7725]

this guy is so canadian, i love it

[@Nynke_K]

I've heard great things about the local food scene and the boreal rain forest, but now I just want to visit Vancouver for the colourful houses and the coffee! I legit teared up a little at the sight of those coffee shops - I've improved my home coffee a lot but I really miss getting a latte from a proper barista at a nice place!

[@jameswalker68]

I second that here in Australia! You really can't beat a proper coffee. I miss just being able to sit there and drink it as well and just people watch and soak it all up. Hope you are doing well :)

[@slam5]

vancouver has authentic cusine from every corner of the world. our specialty is Chinese.

[@jeffwongvancouver]

Great job Downie featuring parts of our city!

[@loiskopf6162]

You can feel the love for Vancouver throughout this video. I've always wanted to visit, now even more so. I will say the heron cam alone was worth the price of admission. I am addicted. I subscribed.

[@rubylaforest7611]

Love this ! As someone who has been here for 5 months and explored quite a bit, I definitely feel more inspired to explore more of the city :)

[@sashah5382]

I love watching videos like these bc often the media doesn't recognise vancouver, makes me love it so much more!

[@caitlinthomson5587]

Love Vancouver, My Canadian friends took me to Lighthouse park, incredible!!

[@Trehugindrtlvr1]

Vancouver is in my top 5 list of favorite cities - best poutine is at Frites!

[@andrewstephens4492]

Oh yes..... please make a Part 2... 3 &4 . I'm still holding out hope of visiting your beautiful City ....soon as possible

[@SeanGettingsActorComedian]

Thanks for sharing this. As two Americans stuck in Oregon and wanting to escape to Canada for a few months thanks for the tour. We have family in Port Angles and we can see the lights of Vancouver Island. As you know the border remains closed but we hope to take the ferry over as soon as it opens. Stay humble and “ the true north strong and free”. Cheers.

[@DownieLive]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Qakcle]

Crab park, Lighthouse Park, Burnaby Village Museum (it's free!), Police Museum, Pier Park & surroundings in New West.

[@PigeonCarriere]

Lived here for years and did not know about the skinny building. So that's my next stop.

[@PKmuffdiver]

Born in Richmond and moved away sadly. I was totally pumped to see my home town represented so well. Thanks so much! : )

[@DownieLive]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheAznative101]

I peeked at the cost of living and weather in Vancouver. If I were younger I could find work. I would move there. I would have to get used to the rain in winter and sometimes snow. With the mountains etc etc etc. I would get used to it. This sacrifice is worth it.

[@Moemoe-sl7ie]

I lived in both Quebec and Vancouver . The rain is really not that bad in Van. I take it anyway over cold and dirty snow.

[@stefaniam.]

super cute! I lived in Vancouver for 18 years and was in the West End in The Hollylodge (famous Van building on Davie Street for 14 years. You could easily do a whole episode on that building :) That bench you went to is also one of my fav spots to chill:) I also loved Whyte Cliff Park! There are some gorgeous spots around there to sun and swim in the summer :)

[@debbiec4126]

I have been to Vancouver several times. Beautiful city! Wish I would have had this info then. Hope to come back and enjoy!

[@marypercoski3326]

Mike... thanks for the awesome tour of Vancouver. I so appreciate locals sharing this type of information that only locals would know. Great content! Keep up the good work!

[@Basbxyy]

My family my cousins and I went kayaking at Jericho beach. It's really nice, you can rent out kayaks and go past Jericho pier and you can get somewhat close to the big boats.

[@allisondownie1419]

The beavers are in the Jericho pond around Dawn & Dusk.

[@chadloro8207]

For Part 2, you should include places like Burnaby Mountain, Iona Jetty, some great sushi spots, and QE Park

[@kenshores9900]

Vancouver does look like a nice place to visit. You have offered good recommendations.

[@kenshores9900]

Good video! Glad to see you morph. Makes me interested in looking at a tour of Vancouver when and if we do the Rocky Mountaineer.

[@bobsingh7949]

The Blue Heron is a grand bird. Don't see that magnificent avian in Edmonton. Learned and loved the Heron from growing up in England. Well done mate.

[@suefalls1600]

Love the outdoor scenery! Beautiful! We have a lot of blue heron around where I live in Oregon!!! Thank you for the tour❣️❣️❣️❣️

[@fleishum]

I wish I had seen this before the times I have visited Vancouver. Such a beautiful city. Now I have some suggestions for the next time. Thank you again for showing us your city.

[@DownieLive]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@peterslavik1449]

Not sure if you have ever had a walk along the Rocky Point trail in Port Moody, but it is a total experience. Rocky Point Park has an absolutely amazing Icecream joint and a large density of craft breweries near by. Once you start down the trail there are so many cool stops, every bench is the perfect scenic view. The trail has the Noons Creek Hatchery which has a whole garden trail itself; there is a massive Herons nest concentration, hundreds at the right time of year; a marsh portion with a cool boardwalk; one of the coolest features is the remains of an old waterfront mill that is both fun and haunting; then the whole thing caps off in this really cool beach front that is lined with an orchard and overlooks where the trail began across the water.

[@DownieLive]

Wow. I didn’t know all that. I definitely have to check it out.

[@peterslavik1449]

@@DownieLive I've lived in the city for quite a few years now and finding your videos today has given me so much to do this summer when the pandemic winds down right at home!

[@NatalieeeRufff]

Love this, love Van! Breka, Ambleside and Lighthouse park could get a special mention?😊 Look forward to getting back there asap, well wishes from Aus.

[@robinsandl]

Just love your video's so much - especially the ones about Vancouver but I have watched many, many of them and the cross Canada program as well - thanks for the point out of the Herron cams... LOVE! I'll have my eye peeled and for you on location next time I'm in the city!!

[@adventureswithphil2560]

Really, really great piece. I love this city, and hope to create the quality of work which you do.

[@maxcp9943]

Thank you for the amazing guide for Vancouver

[@DownieLive]

You’re welcome, Max. Thanks for the amazing comment!

[@blueman5924]

Great show. This will end up a ten part series, when one thinks about all Vancouver offers. Warmer weather will have the kayakers out at Deep Cove, crowds on the Grouse Grind, Laser’s jockeying for the wind on English Bay, the Ambleside stroll, and on and on ! I love summer !

[@DownieLive]

Absolutely!

[@frederickfajardo8289]

Places to feature: UBC, Steveston, SFU, Commercial Drive...

[@a1a1luis]

Deep Cove...Lynn Canyon Park... Ambleside Park

[@h.y.w.6932]

Don’t forget about Trout Lake and its surrounding park (John Hendry Park). It’s one of only a few lakes in Vancouver, it has a little beach, great off-leash park, walking trails and gorgeous community centre (a legacy of the Olympics) and a weekly Farmers Market in the summer. Great local picnic spot. You can actually swim in the lake in the summer. It used to be a local tradition to skate on the lake when it freezes in the winter, but it rarely freezes nowadays.

[@shguderjan7181]

Yes! Love that Cleveland Dam...although I was not able to look THAT far over to see it cascade down!

[@zapper302]

Go to Spirit Park. It has some great walking/hiking trails. How about some places around the lower mainland? I like the river trail from Derby Reach to Fort Langley.

[@jeffbaloga4376]

Very cool vid! Especially love the neighborhood coffee shops! Make me want to visit Vancouver!

[@DownieLive]

You should!

[@BruceBalden]

The Cleveland Dam is not in Vancouver. But seriously if you want to include suburbs then things like Playground of the Gods on Burnaby Mountain become eligible

[@jacksonmacd]

Refreshing alternative to the standard tourist video. How about lynn canyon, finn slough in Richmond, and centennial beach for a bit further afield into the suburbs. Ladner resident.

[@DownieLive]

Yes! Great recommendations Jack. Thanks!

[@shelaghjackson9577]

Great video! Lived here for years.....so how about Steveston, tiny little Boundary Bay Airport, Westham Island in Ladner, Lynn Canyon, Deep Cove. Of course, some places won’t be accessible for a while yet.

[@DownieLive]

Shelagh, great suggestions. They're on the list. Thanks!

[@lanav163]

Jericho is my favourite beach in Vancouver. Thank you for showing it.

[@DownieLive]

Mine too!

[@owenbird1945]

I bike down that street all those houses are mostly the most expensive in Vancouver bc the marketing in Vancouver is hella expensive

[@randahlbeach]

Hey Owen, Yes homes in Vancouver are super expensive. Generally the West side of Vancouver in Shaughnessy there are properties between $20M to $40M Along the Beaches just West of Kits along Point Grey Rd. Belmount & Drummond are about the same cost. The most expensive is owned by former Lululemon's Founder - Mr. Chip Wilson. His home went down $14M from last yr. Here's the article www.vancourier.com/real-estate/here-are-the-10-most-expensive-properties-in-vancouver-1.24045203 All the Very BEST!!

[@zumezoom9593]

I love this informative not your average guide of vancouver. more more more please. I've been away from van for almost 20 years, and ive lost all the great memories of my hometown. great video, thank you

[@DownieLive]

More to come!

[@zumezoom9593]

@@DownieLive can't wait.

[@luckyme398]

Great video !.from reading all the suggestions people have made your going to have to make a longer video or part 3 . Keep up the great job .

[@joyclarke8942]

I had no idea Vancouver is so incredibly beautiful. Fabulous hometown :-)

[@chriswilliams6568]

Joy Clarke oh my god, probably the most beautiful anywhere, and I have travelled extensively.there are many youtube’s about it

[@ardenmiller8591]

Hi Mike, beautiful town you live in. I someday would like to visit there. As always your videos are amazing !

[@BonjourColey]

Steveston! the canneries are usually open and free to visit and a fascinating part of the cities history.

[@DownieLive]

That’s such a good recommendation! Thank you!

[@nealmacdonald9896]

You were sitting by the pond at Jericho Beach where the Vancouver Folk Music Festival is held every year on a July weekend

[@officialboomtish214]

Not just vancouver: Belcarra, Sasamat lake, Buntzen lake, the lot! the tri-cities exist too! 😂

[@mile9253]

I enjoyed Vancouver Parts 1 and 2 - great work! Could you also do Deep Cove and then, Bowen Island?' Both are gems that a lot of folks don't know about. Thanks again!!

[@DownieLive]

Great suggestion!

[@audreymcconnell6977]

Include something in New Westminster. They have so incredible and unique things.

[@fishby8070]

walmart ;) Used to drive there just for that before the store in Richmond opened.

[@SUBSCRIBEtoSHAHRIYAR]

The pier outside Columbia station is fantastic

[@blueman5924]

The old prison was so creepy and interesting. Hope they don’t dismantle the old bridge, but it too will also disappear someday and history will be erased.

[@JBridges1092]

Vancouver is beautiful!

[@nikoletteee1]

Deer lake park, Burnaby Lake park, Burnaby Mountain, Fraser river Trail, Sasamat Lake, Buntzen lake, Lynn Canyon suspension bridge, Central Park, Deep cove, Shannon Falls, Lion Bridge, Capilano Pacific Trail, etc! I love Vancouver's nature 😍

[@brianfraser2495]

There is also the Jericho Sailing Club with a restaurant and bar. Great second floor viewpoint.

[@kidsperspectivefamilytrave9184]

We loved visiting Vancouver!

[@PlanesTrainsEverything]

Superb video. I've been to Vancouver twice, but never experienced what you have just shown me. I'll be ready for visit #3 when it comes. Thanks again.

[@michaelformaini7053]

Fantastic review of the great things to see and experience around Vancouver AWAY FROM THE TOURIST TRAPS (and getting to know the locals).The West 10th/Columbia neighbourhood is really great as I have stayed there (Sept 2018). I have quite a few NOT YOUR AVERAGE places to show you when you come downunder to Melbourne. Looking forward to Part 2. Stay safe. Cheers from Michael

[@jameswalker68]

Another Melbournian here Michael. Would love to hear about those NOT AVERAGE places here! Hope you're staying well buddy :)

[@michaelformaini7053]

@@jameswalker68Just a few I have in mind;- Rathdowne Street Heritage Shops and Curtain Square Park in Carlton North, The Fairfield Boathouse, Altona and Seaholme Beaches, Mt.Cooper Lookout at Bundoora Park. All reachable by public transport. For a scenic picnic, try Yan Yean Reservoir reserve (need wheels for this one). Another I like to share with overseas tourists looking for a few hours to kill is the train ride to Hurstbridge, lunch at the old post office cafe and walk around Ferguson's Paddock. Yes, I'm keeping well and have great neighbourhood walks in my own locality.

[@DownieLive]

I have Australia on the travel list but it looks like it will have to wait until 2021. But these recommendations sound wonderful, especially the train ride and lunch at the old post office cafe. Thanks again guys.

[@jameswalker68]

DownieLive Those recommendations sound great! And Mike, I don’t know if you do meet and greets, but would sure like to grab a coffee with you and have a long chat. My treat! 😃😃

[@michaelformaini7053]

@@jameswalker68 Could do once things settle down and cafes get over the initial rush from cafe starved people. By the way just watched a brilliant movie on Channel 32 SBS called "White Tuft, the little beaver " . It repeats on Thursday at 09 40 Melbourne time; goes for 90 minutes to 11 10. SMS 0402 156 622 to arrange a possible get together. Cheers from Michael.

[@motohyun9359]

I love VANCOUVER !! Which is world top5 most Beautifull. Over all mega City. Clean and freandlinee. PDX. SEATTLE

[@davidbarry6900]

Strongly recommend trails in the Pacific Spirit Park (and go looking for old WW2 concrete bunkers as a bonus). Camosun Bog is also cute. If you have a bicycle, there are a lot of awesome bike routes, including the Arbutus corridor (but Seawall is nice too).

[@DownieLive]

Good ones Barry! Thanks