Hidden Gems of Vancouver

[@jamesbaron7057]

Even being from Vancouver born and raised... it’s awesome to see these videos because our city is so insanely beautiful and we really do take it for granted sometimes

[@akana_]

Same experience here! Greetings from Kerrisdale mate! (I’m proud to live in this beautiful city!)

[@anthonysheppard5116]

I love Vancouver and Canada in general! When 22 year old me first travelled the world in 2014, I left home in Australia and Vancouver was my first stop. I then introduced my partner (now wife) to Vancouver in 2018 on a return trip and proposed to her there! So you could say it has a special connection for me.

[@jacklane3368]

On a wintry, pandemic-isolated Saturday, how good it is to hear your friendly voice and see your pleasant smile again! Thanks for another winner, Mike.

[@DownieLive]

Wow, thank you so much, Jack! I feel the pandemic isolation as well, hence why I made the video. Just to force myself to get out. I'll be making a similar video this week for next Saturday, so I'll see you again then!

[@thebeardedseeker5633]

as someone on the east coast of the US who's always dreamed of living in the pacific northwest, i love seeing whatever you can show of beautiful Vancouver. 👍

[@selfmade8966]

stay where you are, nobody wants you here

[@pano6391]

I grew up in NJ. I live in Vancouver now. The PNW is a special place.

[@pano6391]

@@selfmade8966 Your rudeness is disappointing and you're only speaking for yourself.

[@m.padilla7171]

Don’t listen to Paul we’d rather have you here than him

[@kojw7100]

You’re lucky to live in Vancouver where there isn’t snow to slog through. I’ve just added the UBC gardens and tree walk to my post-covid bucket list. Thanks for the uplifting videos!

[@robertaeveritt3060]

Rains all the time, though.

[@JasonBeem]

Horseshoe Bay was an accidental discovery I made on a trip to Van a few years ago, and now I go back each time I go. Cute little village and some good food there!

[@DownieLive]

I love Horseshoe Bay.

[@natatatt]

That's definitely a great little town that tends to get taken for granted by locals, since you pass through it on the way to the ferries.

[@carsreallysuck]

It always was my gate to Vancouver growing up on the Sunshine Coast.

[@ajwootten]

Thanks for the addition on hidden gems of Vancouver. Great for peeps from overseas wanting to visit, not to mention locals in Vancouver who probably have never seen or experienced.

[@DownieLive]

Totally agree!

[@clarifyingquestions]

Keefer Bar - nailed it!!!! Well done boys. Smart ! resilient ! I hope everyone in Vancouver supports this business.

[@nairbos]

As a recent Vancouver transplant these videos are great. Your last few videos on Vancouver have been great as well and when it was warmer my wife and I wound up visiting a few of your reccos

[@DownieLive]

Glad you like them!

[@kashifahafeez5096]

You should visit one of the museums or art galleries around town! They're still open and arguably safer than many other indoor spaces. There's several at UBC, in Vanier Park, and most of the museums in the Lower Mainland outside Vancouver are free or by donation.

[@IMZ25]

Thank you for introducing our city to the world, Vancouver truly is a beautiful city.

[@DownieLive]

It really is!

[@petemichael4512]

Thanks Mike. Even in Winter it is still so green - love that. Things I've loved on my trips to BC - the steam clock, Stanley Park, and the absolutely wonderful restaurants. The platform above the bay had especially beautiful views with the lights of the town below. Since your next video is after Christmas, I wish you and your loved ones the happiest of holidays.

[@ronahmann6980]

Fun video Michael. I love how you make the best of whatever situation that you are in!! You always have such a positive attitude which makes your video’s even more enjoyable, especially in these unusual COVID times. Thanks for continuing to put out such great content!

[@DownieLive]

Thanks so much! I always try, Ron. I'm glad you appreciate it, and I'll try to keep it coming for you.

[@JuventasOne]

"I don't know where I'm going next, but I know I want you there with me." Aww. I'd buy that on a shirt.

[@iwillmicrowavepikachu2803]

Add "dont" between "I" and "want" There we go :)

[@manvirseehra5416]

Where did you see this?

[@joevermillion9748]

Mike Thank You for sharing your videos with us. You make a big difference. Stay Safe and God Bless You and your family.

[@DownieLive]

I appreciate that. Thanks Joe. Happy Holidays to you as well.

[@phebzb1069]

Yay, my Saturday is complete👍😷There is plenty to feature during the winter time. Thank you Mike, for giving us something nice to watch especially during covid lockdown😷

[@DownieLive]

Happy holidays!

[@harrybutler1828]

Lots of great spots to see and things to do in Vancouver. Great video Mike. Congratulations on the shout out you got on CTV.

[@DownieLive]

Awesome thank you!

[@bobtuckey2409]

Thanks again Mike. Thanks for featuring the UBC Botanical gardens, I’m a volunteer there and appreciate your coverage. If you want to go on the tree walk later in 2021 let me know.

[@DownieLive]

Awesome, Bob! Yes please! Thanks.

[@mcrachelgrace9568]

@@DownieLive We'd love to see the view from up there!!!

[@clickherenowz]

is it open yet? im visiting next week

[@AllycatlovesAG]

Some of my favourite places in and around Vancouver are: The river district (romers is really good and you can walk next to the Fraser river) YVR Airport Park (I love sitting in the trunk and watching airplanes take off) Southlands (it has a lot of horses) The salmon hatchery in North or west van (I don’t remember the name) There is a cool lookout on the highway to UBC where you can see a nice sunset

[@DownieLive]

Oh those are great! I know most of those spots, but haven't put them in a video before. Thanks!

[@zapper302]

That would be the Capilano fish hatchery.

[@martinamonzuhannah1546]

Yes when I was little (I’m currently 14) I used to always have my birthday at south land farms and would go horse back riding!

[@marnibrown01]

I love how green it is there in BC in December. And you're in a light coat! I'm from Ontario and it's much colder and snowy white here. Thanks for the video Mike, love the hidden gems of Vancouver so far. Looking forward to seeing more next week!

[@DownieLive]

Happy holidays!

[@katy2too217]

That video was perfect for the Saturday before Christmas when we’d all normally be rushing around. But these days just staying at home, trying to keep in the spirit of the season. Thanks, Mike. I’m gonna look for an indoor mini golf in Toronto! Cheers.

[@DownieLive]

Love that!

[@smallstudiodesign]

I spent so many years studying for my degrees at UBC ...and rarely had time to actually stop and smell the roses or the ferns in the forest. Time to revisit and enjoy the park like setting of the big campus.

[@TodBrewster]

Man, your videos are doing an incredible a job filling the travel void.

[@dianeboileau2026]

Even without the flowers at the Botanical gardens it was lovely just to walk through! Didn't know about the walk through the trees.....not afraid of heights but not sure if I would do it or not....probably would, just to say I had done it.....lol. The secret place had some amazing views! And the mini golf looks like so much fun! Can't wait to see more!

[@Bryan-kr1ny]

Dude, love your vibe and positivity !!!! Love the places that you show us, keep up the good work and Happy Holidays!!

[@DownieLive]

Happy holidays Bryan!

[@calvincouch4091]

This was fun. Thanks Mike. Getting out where and when we can during this time is important. Winter has settled on us in New Hampshire so getting out is more difficult - but hey, we do what we can. We all make the best of the situation we're in, and you help us do that!! Thank you.

[@DownieLive]

You got that right!

[@terrybc7004]

Another thumbs up for you Mike, Thank for sharing. You need to include more of Nicole in your shots as well.

[@DownieLive]

Working on it! She doesn't really enjoy being on camera, but I'll do what I can 😉👍🏼

[@kevinmadison7955]

"To be honest, it's not all that special inside." I love it 😂😂😂

[@stevensteven5144]

Love Vancouver! Went for 10 days in Summer 2019 and loved it. Can’t wait to go back again.

[@jean-francoislord2917]

Thanks Mike! Lynn Canyon suspension bridge is one of my favourites.

[@DownieLive]

Same here!

[@actemple3282]

Super cool video ...love the mini golf ...love the gardens...have a great day happy holidays god bless

[@rayselM]

You have inspired me to look for enjoy what is in my own backyard :) thank you. Also, you bring so much joy into my life. Please keep creating! Your impact is wonderful!

[@DownieLive]

Wow, thank you!

[@MartaCYoungblood]

Way to beat the lockdown blues, Mike! I love seeing the pride and appreciation you have for your city. Looking forward to more deep dives and I’m definitely taking notes because I’ve got to visit once our borders open again! 🙏🏾

[@DownieLive]

Alright Marta! Yes, once the borders open, come on up! Hopefully in the spring, when the rain stops and the sun comes out again!

[@harleyray6642]

I've heard East Hastings is a real gem.

[@DownieLive]

Hahaha, you're not wrong. Just not a place that most people want to see...

[@1265peter]

Thank you for your infectious positivity, always, not only during COVID times! Wishing you happy holidays from the other side of the country and best of health for the new year! Keep filming 😀

[@gallerybethmichaud409]

Michael, wearing the "evening" Live cap! This video tour is successfully presenting a fun outing to your youtube audience. For more fun my memory added Scandia Golf and Games, in Kelowna BC; my hole in one shot, sounded out a prize! I still have my son's go cart driver's photo-license, Garrett is now in his 3rd decade of street legal driving. Time flies when we're having fun! Thanks Michael for all your enjoyable tours! Beth Michaud "subscribed" in North West Montana

[@Charliefarley170287]

To anyone who asks why you'd go to a park in winter I'd say they need to open their minds. Nature is beautiful all year round if you simply want to see the beauty in it. Maybe it's just cos I'm creative that I try to see the beauty in things but even a bare tree can be beautiful and dramatic if you look at it with the right attitude. UBC Gardens look pretty good to me in the winter.

[@yeungnick244]

Thank you so much for sharing, I had a great time just watching your video

[@valentinyersian2592]

Great idea👍👍👍👍👍 We should appreciate our own city more. Thank you for this

[@sethtriggs]

Vancouver is such a beautiful city. I hope to go again; I have only been once, waaaaaaay back in 2003.

[@shguderjan7181]

Thank you, Thank YOU and THANK YOU! I was in Vancouver in mid November and will be back in 2021 *at some point* Totally needed this Vancouver fix!

[@garysalmon1519]

Great antidote for the lock down blues!

[@DownieLive]

Thanks Gary!

[@winniesandhu5903]

You are a gem of a person! Thank you for this. Also, I don't understand why anyone would dislike this video..

[@jackiegutmann]

I love your videos! Keep them coming! Quebec has some fantastic hidden gems, when i lived there, I used to go to a pool on top of a hotel and you get a 360 city view, and you can use the pool as long as you order food or a drink. Really cool, adults only too

[@DownieLive]

That sounds great!

[@heathertruskinger6214]

Last video before Christmas, Mike.! So I just wanna wish you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Your videos have definitely helped my mental health in 2020, as I am sure they have helped many others 🧡

[@DownieLive]

Thank you so much, Heather! Have a very Merry Christmas!

[@shenlun]

Merry Christmas to you and your family Michael, and Nicole, I hope you have a blessed time with family and friends

[@DownieLive]

Thank you, Happy Holidays to you as well.

[@jgorge2702]

Mike.... That place doesn't look like its all dead to me! I remember landing in Vancouver and spending a night there before heading to Whistler to ski and wondering if I was in the right place. It was so green and mossy in December. Here in Upstate NY, we have enough snow for everyone! Mike, a sincere thank you for posting these great videos. Have a great, safe and healthy holiday and hopefully, help is on the way... Jon

[@shawnnov13]

Love Vancouver , it is one of the most beautiful places on earth!!

[@DownieLive]

Yay! I'm glad you appreciate it as much as I do.

[@ChennysaFerrynrera]

Such a feelin's comin' over me There is wonder in most every...thing I see Not a cloud in the sky, got the sun in my eyes...And I won't be surprised if it's a dream I'm on the top of the world lookin' down on creation And the only explanation I can find...💖

[@dmc7770]

The trees are not dead, and they are beautiful in this state as well as in the spring.

[@leeloo_rox9575]

Reifel Bird Sanctuary!! And snowshoeing, Seymour or Cypress both have some free trail options, and Cypress has tubing. I've also been going to the farmer's market on Hastings on Sundays and that's been really great!

[@DownieLive]

Reifel Bird Sanctuary is at the top of my list! It should be in next week's video! Thanks!

[@leeloo_rox9575]

@@DownieLive Sweet, I'm going tomorrow ❤️🦆🦅🦉

[@amycorallo6044]

I need to go to that mini golf course! Love the adventures. I need to hang around you because you seem so fun to be around and positively giving off positive vibes!

[@DownieLive]

Thanks Amy! I bet you're great, too!

[@annawong4387]

Thank you so much for sharing!

[@DownieLive]

You are so welcome!

[@KokoroInt]

Awesome list of places! Living here it’s nice to learn about new places around us. Thanks

[@DownieLive]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@xray720100]

Places I liked near Vancouver Burnaby Mountian near UBC nice view outdoor, art installation Ling Yen Mountain temple in Richmond ,cool to see Mountain Gems A Rock and Gemstone place Really cool lots to see also in Burnaby

[@VinylSerenity]

Those places are so cool. I love seeing your local area. That mini golf place looked like a lot of fun. Great work!

[@DownieLive]

It was fun! Thanks JJ. I hope to show more unique areas outside of Vancouver next week, as long as I can find a day where it isn't raining...

[@rodneystitt6652]

Hi Michael, when the Covid is over, travel to Alaska on the Alaska Marine Highway, leaving from Bellingham, WA to Skagway, Alaska and back. The trip takes one week. You can take a sleeping bag with a tent and pitch in on the ships deck (with duct tape) check it out.

[@elenaandrade7902]

i'v done that trip, it's amazing!

[@raywong9455]

Hi! Doubt you'll see this but here are some other hidden gems in Port Moody and Coquitlam: Port Moody: Old Orchard Park Ioco ghost town Buntzen Lake: Diez Vistas Trail Abandoned Buntzen Lake Powerhouse 2 Coquitlam: Coquitlam Crunch Eagle Mountain Park and the trails that branch off from it Pipeline Road, all the way up and just before the watershed there are trails to small waterfalls. Crystal Falls and Woodland Falls Richmond: (free public access) International Buddhist Society. An enormous and high budget Chinese garden/ templte tucked away in Richmond

[@ailistorenyoga7312]

Thanks for sharing your joy buddy!

[@DownieLive]

My pleasure, Aili!

[@shaunah.creations9233]

I love how you always put a positive spin on the negative 😄

[@Babbajune]

Thanks, Mike! Love mini golf! ❤️

[@mikec2969]

Nice job Mike! Thanks for sharing some of Vancouver with us. I’ve never been and enjoyed seeing a bit of it. Keep it coming! 👍

[@DownieLive]

You bet! More to come! Thanks again, Mike.

[@edwinstar100]

The Law courts were first proposed as a 55 story building, Arthur Erickson came up with this design, including green spaces.

[@DownieLive]

It’s a much nicer space.

[@davidg8945]

very good video Michael!.... glad you took me with you cause I am kinda "covid" bored too...but I will stay safe..for now...bet those places are beautiful in the spring time...something to look forward to...keep filming....love your work!...

[@DownieLive]

Sounds good!

[@billhanson7944]

More for my list, Thanks, Michael. And the trip to Churchill also on the list. But I thought you were continuing your trip across Canada. The train from Montreal to Halifax looks like a must-do. Wherever and whenever thanks for your posts.Bill

[@DownieLive]

Yes, thanks Bill. The train from Montreal to Halifax is not yet running. I have to wait for COVID cases to go down, before I can travel again.

[@mooldoo]

Pleasant surprise the Botanical garden. And a filming location too. Suggestion: what about a video on filming locations in BC ? I know there are websites, but not so much videos which is surprising considering the number of shows and movies filmed in Vancouver (The neverending story, Rambo, Deadpool, X Files, Fringe, BSG, Supernatural, etc).

[@suefalls1600]

Fun places to see!!!!💖💖💖💖💖

[@bannaboom567]

Beautiful city, great video!

[@jymnmeier3527]

Glad you were able to get out and shake off those lockdown blues. Maybe it's because you said as much but you seemed a bit down compared to normal (We are all human after all).I have shared this a bunch and again apologies for repeating but your videos, positivity and generous spirit has brought me personally so much joy and light during these challenging times. Like a DownieLive life preserver tossed out to me as I float in uncharted waters. I'm certain many feel the same. Just in case those blues creep into that ol heart of yours let this message be a ray of light to help melt them away. You make a difference. Intended or not. For that I am eternally grateful. Much love to you and yours today and everyday really :) A most Happy Holidays to you Mike

[@DownieLive]

Thank you, Jymn! Yes, I'm lacking a bit of Joy these days. We're all fighting through the Pandemic Blues this year and it's not easy.

[@anitascarr7982]

Great video. So proud to call Vancouver my home!

[@LadyT94577]

that was too short, but definitely very sweet, thanks again for some great adventures in Vancouver!

[@verasileikis17]

Thank you for sharing this mini adventure, Michael. With my beloved daughter and niece in Vancouver and me being in Ontario, it makes me feel a little closer to them. (By the way, my nieces restaurant, Wallflower Diner, is open on christmas day! 🎄)

[@DownieLive]

That is awesome!

[@murraymaxwell835]

Another awesome attraction to go check out while in Vancouver. If it's clear visibjty. Is up in the Vancouver Lookout Tower. There is also a revolving Restaurant up there.

[@jackie8357]

Omg I love that tree walk -I hope you can go And take us along! Lol moist, aaaa that word haha! Wow what an awesome find

[@DownieLive]

Thanks for watching

[@sharroon7574]

Try the rose garden by Chan Centre in June especially just before sunset

[@lynda.grace.14]

Great suggestion. At sunset anytime, actually. You don't necessarily need the roses to enjoy that view. There are also the gardens and bronze bell outside the Asian Center (UBC) as well as Nitobe Garden nearby. Queen Elizabeth Park Quarry is also great. There's lots of great winter greenery and winter berries to see everywhere in Vancouver.

[@DownieLive]

Yes, I really want to go to the Nitobe Gardens, but they've been closed since March.

[@SnowflakeHenri]

Thanks Mike. Looking forward to next week.

[@skurt.cobain123]

I love your videos thank you donnie!

[@BonjourColey]

Omg! Seeing a place support an organization as amazing as WISH (my sister worked there for a couple of years and I used to volunteer there) Is so exciting. Thank you for sharing such cool places around our city 💛

[@DownieLive]

My pleasure. She’s the hero who volunteered there! 🤗

[@LowJacK604]

Awesome. Thanks for doing this. More please!

[@DownieLive]

More to come! Next video is tomorrow!

[@chadicusroboticus3115]

Awwww it's too bad you couldn't play in the trees! I got my WIRTH DownieLive Hat this week! An early Christmas gift. It fits great!

[@DownieLive]

So cool! So glad to hear that Chad! Feel free to send a pic to me on Instagram!

[@Kiw111]

Imagine me seeing you in public since I live In Vancouver, sadly I have to stay in my room.

[@evanphangkawira2269]

Just found your channel and subscribed to you as well. I am going to move to Vancouver in the next 2 or 3 weeks from today and your videos are so helpful for people like us foreigners. Hope your channel will grow and provide more insightful place on Vancouver and other province at Canada. Cheers!

[@jaredcampbell]

Great video! Will for sure be doing a couple of these over the next couple weeks. Thanks!

[@DownieLive]

Have fun!

[@JasonMcArthur]

You should check out Cypress Falls Park in West Vancouver, a chill nature walk, to get rid of lockdown blues.

[@zapper302]

I like hiking around the trails with my dog at Blackie Spit, plus there is an off lease dog beach.

[@jackmorgan9998]

You probably dont care but if you guys are bored like me during the covid times then you can stream pretty much all the latest movies and series on instaflixxer. Been streaming with my brother for the last few weeks xD

[@aviconnor5956]

@Jack Morgan Yea, I have been using InstaFlixxer for since december myself :D

[@zaidalvaro9474]

@Jack Morgan yup, been watching on InstaFlixxer for since november myself =)

[@trav4oilers]

Bro we gotta hit that horseshoe spot, twassassen and cypress mount for timelapses

[@frankpicaro7300]

Michael, Hang in there. Vaccinations soon!!! Your videos are THE BEST. Merry Christmas and a very happy and HEALTHY new year.

[@DownieLive]

Thanks Frank. Happy Holidays to you as well.

[@deanwinchester6654]

BC looks really nice, need to check it out. Maybe next fall, miss some Mountains.

[@iwillmicrowavepikachu2803]

I've lived in Vancouver for 11 years now, and I'm surprised Horseshoe Bay is a hidden gem. I've eaten and bought stuff from there for as long as I can remember. (Clarification: I'm 11 years old-)

[@ryanfranklin3353]

I don't think Horseshoe Bay is the hidden gem, its the platform with the view that's the hidden gem.

[@iwillmicrowavepikachu2803]

@@ryanfranklin3353 really?

[@HeavyMetalsGym]

@@iwillmicrowavepikachu2803 yeah, he said it on the video.

[@iwillmicrowavepikachu2803]

@@HeavyMetalsGym @Ryan Franklin Thanks! I wasn't really paying attention to the video because I was watching while doing math. I'll go check out the platform.

[@17an28]

Watched your churchill series and loved it! Subbing!!! 💯

[@DownieLive]

Thanks Ivan!

[@17an28]

@@DownieLive you deserve it! ❤

[@zoidster123]

Great video, really enjoy all of your videos cant wait to come back from UK!

[@ritatharp5238]

Thanks for sharing.

[@DownieLive]

Thanks for watching!

[@lynda.grace.14]

Ah! I was hoping for more Vancouver content now that the restrictions have returned, and here you are. Suggestion: How about a catalogue of all the beaches? There are so many great ones and winter is a lovely time to visit them. Pointing out great places to stop for a bite or a glass near them would also be great.

[@DownieLive]

Great suggestion!

[@oliviahamilton9209]

2:40 i used to drink here when i was a teenager 😂

[@ardenmiller8591]

Horseshoe bay is cool and a indoor mini golf course has me thinking about a new business adventure !!

[@DownieLive]

Let me know when you open it and I’d love to come check it out!

[@danielfinn5824]

so i moved to BC a month before covid i really love the courthouse, its a great spot to chill glad to add some places i didnt know about to my *to-do's*

[@akana_]

Hey! I have been on the tree walk, I work near UBC and one summer I had a day of leave and decided to go there!

[@rezatahmasebpour3228]

Amazing video, You are awesome, Is very nice that you making video from our beautiful city of Vancouver, Love it

[@Sparkingthislife]

Thanks for this video Michael! Definitely putting some of these places on my list to visit if we're ever allowed to travel out of country again. 🤣

[@DownieLive]

You should!

[@frederickfajardo8289]

Very nice, especially the UBC Botanical Gardens, which are superb any time of the year. I didn't know about the Horseshoe Bay lookout. Have you ever done an episode on the UBC Museum of Anthropology? It's awesome, and I believe you can film inside.

[@DownieLive]

At the beginning of COVID, I showed the back of the museum in one of my videos, with the long house and totem poles. The museum was closed at the time.