After a two-week break, the Philadelphia Union head to Canada for the third time this season on Saturday as they take on the Vancouver Whitecaps for the first time since 2019.
If you’re heading to the match, I’ve put together a few recommendations to check out while you’re in town, either before or after kickoff. If you’d like additional suggestions, feel free to reach out to me at kyle@madhatteradv.com via my travel advisor email—I’d be happy to assist!
With that said, let’s dive in!
Places to Visit
Framed by mountains and ocean, Vancouver is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city where urban energy meets stunning natural beauty. Known for its diverse culture, world-class dining, and outdoor lifestyle, it offers everything from scenic seawall strolls and mountain adventures to bustling neighborhoods filled with art, shopping, and nightlife.
Here are a few places to check out while you’re in Vancouver:
Stanley Park
Vancouver’s first, largest, and most beloved urban park, featuring a 400-acre West Coast rainforest with scenic trails and waterfront views along the Seawall. Visitors are drawn to the park’s iconic totem poles and Prospect Point for panoramic city views.
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Vancouver Aquarium
The Vancouver Aquarium houses tens of thousands of animals representing the oceans, rivers, and rainforests of the world—from jellyfish, sea otters, and sea lions to tropical fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Highlights include the Pacific Canada Pavilion, showcasing local marine life like rockfish and giant Pacific octopuses, and the Tropics exhibit, filled with reef fish and rainforest creatures.
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Granville Island Public Market
The Granville Island Public Market is the jewel in the Island’s crown—an indoor market filled with colorful food stalls, fresh produce, and artisanal goods. Market Artisans showcase handcrafted products alongside the very finest local specialties.
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VanDusen Botanical Garden
A 55-acre oasis in the heart of Vancouver featuring over 7,500 plant species and varieties from around the world. Visitors can spot wildlife, explore an Elizabethan hedge maze, relax in serene garden settings, dine at the Garden Café or Shaughnessy Restaurant, and browse the garden-themed gift shop.
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Gastown
Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood blends historic charm with modern energy. Cobblestone streets, the famous steam clock, and Victorian architecture provide a timeless backdrop, while boutique shops, art galleries, and trendy restaurants add a contemporary flair.
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Food and Drink
Vancouver’s food and drink culture is a reflection of its diversity—fresh, global, and innovative. From world-class sushi and farm-to-table dining to bustling food trucks and craft breweries, the city celebrates flavors from every corner of the globe.
Here are a few spots worth checking out:
Superflux Beer Company
One of Vancouver’s most beloved craft breweries, known for its bold, creative approach. Famous for juicy, hop-forward IPAs and playful limited releases, Superflux pairs modern design with a relaxed, welcoming vibe.
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Brassneck Brewery
Celebrated for its small-batch experimentation and ever-changing tap list. The cozy, industrial-style tasting room creates a laid-back atmosphere where locals and visitors gather to enjoy everything from hop-forward ales to rich, malty brews.
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33 Acres Brewing Company
Renowned for clean, approachable beers like 33 Acres of Life and 33 Acres of Sunshine. This bright, modern tasting room doubles as a popular gathering spot, offering coffee, food, and craft beer all under one roof.
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The Pawn Shop YVR
A lively, offbeat downtown spot mixing funky décor with a playful menu of tacos, tequila, and cocktails. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and late-night energy, it’s a go-to hangout for bold flavors and good vibes.
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Chinatown BBQ
Known for authentic Cantonese-style barbecue meats and a welcoming vibe. The nostalgic eatery features roasted ducks and slabs of char siu (barbecue pork) hanging in the front window, reminiscent of traditional Hong Kong barbecue shops.
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That’s all for today’s travel article! If you have any suggestions or recommendations for places to visit in Vancouver, please send them my way so they can be included in a future article.
Safe travels, and enjoy your time in Vancouver.
Main Article Photo Courtesy of the Philadelphia Union
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