This past fall I was lucky enough to be invited to Vancouver Fashion Week, while finding the best things to do in Vancouver along the way. Desperately needing a mental reset, I naturally booked a flight and just went. This became a last minute surprise trip I gifted to myself because sometimes a self-care trip is just what the doctor ordered. Aside from attending the shows every night, I was able to explore much of what Vancouver had to offer.

Going to Vancouver as a solo female traveler for the first time, I couldn’t wait to see this west coast city up close. Over the years, I’d heard so much of Vancouver but never had the chance to visit. Thanks to the organizers of Vancouver Fashion Week, I finally had an excuse to go. Here’s a list of the 8 best things to do in Vancouver while you’re in town.

1. Feel the vibes in Vancouver Chinatown.

I’ll admit, I didn’t get a chance to explore Vancouver Chinatown as much as I would’ve liked. However, I did get to pass through this charming part of the city every single day while attending shows. I loved the traditional architecture and matching red lampposts that lined the streets. It was something that caught my attention right away; there was a lot of history here that left much to be explored.

It wasn’t as bustling as the other chinatowns I’ve been to. Vancouver’s Chinatown felt more modernized but still rich in history. There’s also a classical Chinese garden tucked away in Vancouver’s Chinatown. Filled with tranquil greenery and surrounding ponds modelled according to Taoist principles, it’s definitely worth bookmarking for a future trip. That and I hear the dim sum here alone is worth a visit.

2. Take a stroll around Gastown.

When I stepped into Gastown on my second day, I knew that’s when I fell in love with Vancouver. This is the most trendy part of town where you’ll find plenty of edgy clothing boutiques, souvenir shops, cute cafes and local eats in a Victorian-type setting. The brownstone tiled sidewalks and Victorian-looking lampposts won my heart from the beginning. It felt like Europe with a mixed crowd of tourists and trendsetting locals alike.

The fashion here was incomparable to other districts I explored, which made it my favourite part of the city. With lots of reputable brands as well as smaller boutiques, it had a very chic and eclectic vibe. However, there were still lots of touristy items for those needing their keepsakes. I couldn’t help but snap a pic with this souvenir shop with my name on it (pictured above). With its cute rustic charm, it surely looked like a staple of Gastown. Inside, you’ll find all sorts of Vancouver gems to commemorate your trip with.

3. Have brunch in Gastown.

I always make it a priority to have at least one brunch in any city I visit. It probably comes from being a Torontonian and how we’re so brunch-obsessed. If you’re the same, I’d recommend enjoying one in Gastown where you can do lots of people-watching while tucked away in a Victorian-esque setting. As a solo traveler, this has become what I enjoy most – savouring every bite in the comfort of my own company.

I decided to go to the Twisted Fork for brunch on my Friday afternoon. It was quaint with very rustic-looking decor catering to a steady flow of traffic. It wasn’t especially busy that day so I got a seat right away. There were also food/lifestyle bloggers filming in front of the restaurant that day, which led me to believe this place was pretty legit. I got the recommended eggs benny with ham and cheese with a side of hash and baked beans. The ketchup served was also made in-house. The place had a very cabin-like feel with lots of natural light coming through – I had a very peaceful brunch here.

4. Visit the famous whistling Steam Clock.

Also located in the lively Gastown district is Vancouver’s whistling Steam Clock. Said to be the second-ever functioning steam clock in the world, it whistles and blows out steam from its five whistles every quarter-hour. It was a very popular tourist attraction with many lining up for photos in front of the famous landmark. I was quite impressed with it; it’s not everyday you see a clock whistling out steam.

After you’re done marvelling at this Victorian-style work of art, make sure to explore more of Gastown. With its old town feel with a wide range of shops and cafes, the clock made for a good centrepiece in the middle of a busy street. If you love the European vibes as much as I do, you’ll love visiting this part of town.

5. Shop Stylish Finds in the Dominion Building.

Something I was really looking forward to in Vancouver was discovering the fashion scene. Having ventured here for Vancouver Fashion Week, I decided to kill two birds with one stone and connect with some boutique owners. Getting Avery Swimwear into more retailers has been one of my goals after New York Fashion Week, and Vancouver seemed like a great place to stock some of my swimwear pieces.

One of the best spots I found for edgy and unique finds was a boutique located in the Dominion Building called SIISTA Boutique. Housed in a historical office building on the cusp of Gastown, there were many stylish pieces from brands you can’t find anywhere else. I was a bit obsessed with these black and white leather pants I tried on from European label, LAAGAM. Aside from SIISTA, there were three other notable clothing boutiques in building. One with a wide assortment of secondhand luxury items such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci. All of them with very friendly and helpful salespeople that made the entire experience very memorable.

Related: New York Fashion Week With Runway 7 Fashion

While you’re up at the Dominion Building, make sure to check out the stellar view of Vancouver down below. Unlike most metropolitan cities that are filled with skyscrappers, Vancouver had more of a down-to-earth vibe. Perfectly suitable for someone interested in more downtime than the party scene. Be careful when exploring this area though. The building is located near East Hastings, which is considered the rough area of Vancouver. I chose to explore more of downtown Vancouver during the later hours just to be safe.

I visited Vancouver during October, which is considered one of the best months to visit. There wasn’t much rain and the temperatures were mild enough that I could rock my cute fall fits comfortably. I opted to wear my cozy long wool coat over a pair of flared leather pants and pink sneakers for my days of exploring. It was a suitable outfit to don during the day, then go straight to attending fashion shows later at night. Pro tip: the key is to always wear your most versatile fits while traveling. This saves yourself a trip from going back to your Airbnb to change midday.

Related: My Week-Long Solo Trip to Québec City

6. Shop and take a coffee break in Yaletown.

Another cool district to explore in Vancouver is Yaletown, known for its old warehouse buildings and food scene. It was filled with cute boutiques, endless restaurant options and lots of cafes to dwell in. It wasn’t as unique-feeling as Gastown but still worth checking out if you’re a big foodie with a flair for fashion. I enjoyed shopping in Exposure Boutique, where there was a good selection of pieces from athleisure to cozy sweaters and going-out attire. I picked out this light beige raincoat from Vero Moda, which made for the perfect Vancouver fall fit.

After checking out all the clothing stores in the area, I was super exhausted and decided to take a break from all the walking. Good thing there are many bakeries in Yaletown perfect for a midday pick-me-up. I checked out Angus T Bakery & Cafe, where I had one of their perfectly flaky croissants and matcha tea lattes. Something to note about Vancouver is that wherever you go, everyone always seems relaxed. The city feels like it operates on a slower pace, which is something I really enjoyed during my time there.

7. Have yourself a fancy dinner at Bar Gobo.

If you visit a city for the first time and leave without having a fancy meal to yourself, did you really visit at all? Not for me at least. There’s something about enjoying a wine-filled evening with great food in an ambient atmosphere all by my lonesome that always completes my trip. I decided to try out Michelin-Guide Bar Gobo right outside of Chinatown, a wine-focused resto with an ever-changing prix-fixe menu using locally-sourced seasonal ingredients.

Though it only had the prix-fixe menu, with a few items in each section, you can also opt to order a-la-carte. I did just that and ordered the pork shoulder with a glass of white wine. The flavours and textures of the dish were amazing; I enjoyed the intimate feel of the small space sitting on a high-top at the wooden tabletop bar. Though it was busy, it had a hushed feel where everyone was enjoying their meal at a leisurely pace. I got lucky on a walk-in but the space is limited and a reservation is highly recommended.

Related: Visiting the Edge NYC at Hudson Yards

8. Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.

I saved the most visited (and beloved) part of Vancouver for last. Venturing to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park before heading back to Toronto, will forever be my favourite fall adventure. Located about twenty minutes from downtown Vancouver, the park is super convenient to reach whether by public transport or by car. I took Uber there and upon arriving, was welcomed to their Halloween-themed grounds for their mid-October fest.

The admission to get into the park was $70 for an adult ticket. I’ll admit the price was a bit steep for me but I couldn’t bear to miss out on this experience, one I’d waited a long time for. For those looking for something more budget-friendly, I’d opt to explore Stanley Park instead. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park ended up being a fun-filled day. I stayed well over four hours to explore the park at a leisurely pace and to take time to eat as well.

The park consisted mainly of three parts: the suspension bridge, the treetop adventure and the cliff walk. Admission into the park included all three activities and there were also small trails where you could explore more of the park. It felt like a mini theme park but without the long lines and only stretches of spectacular greenery. Definitely recommended for any nature lover and for those who favour light hikes.

Crossing the Capilano Suspension Bridge itself was super shaky and can be nerve-wracking for those prone to motion sickness. Luckily, I made it across in one piece but it wasn’t exactly my favourite part. Out of the three, I loved the treetop adventure the most. There were seven adjoining suspending footbridges that gave you a nice aerial view of the forest down below. It was a very magical experience with the fairy lights illuminating the path from one tree to the next.

Though not the most conventional hiking outfit, I wore my long wool coat over faux leather leggings and a pair of long heeled beige boots. I finished the look with my favourite monogrammed scarf. The paths were all manmade so the heels were not a safety hazard in any way. I’d recommend wearing a pair of comfy shoes for the cliff walk though. The walkway was not exactly heel-friendly shall we say (photo included at the end of this post).

Something I really enjoyed about the park was how removed from the city you felt while only being a short ride away. It was a fun adventure that anyone could enjoy. After a couple hours of exploring, I stopped for a little treat at the small food stall selling pastries and hot drinks. I got a hot chocolate and these mini pancakes also known as “otterballs”. They were the perfect light snack before continuing to the cliff walk, which I saved for last. As far as food options go, they had the usual burgers and poutine so there was no need to worry about starving on this expedition. The seating areas were also heated so you could sit comfortably outdoors while enjoying your meal.

By using my daytime hours to explore, I was able to get a good feel of the city while finding the best things to do in the Vancouver. I was there for a total of four days and that was more than enough time to visit the different districts. Everything in the city is very close together so you could walk most of it in two days time. The only downside of visiting in October was that it was very misty so I never got to see a view of the mountains. That was disappointing as my Airbnb would’ve had the best view of them from my second-floor window.

For all the solo female travelers looking to visit Vancouver, this is a great place to have some much-needed me time while being in nature. The city is relatively safe though sometimes it may not feel like it. I didn’t run into any issues but of course, try to stay away from the shady parts of town and keep a watchful eye whenever possible. The people here are much more relaxed, which made the entire trip feel like a big timeout. I’ll definitely be back for the great view of the mountains that I missed the first time around!

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