Vancouver Then and Now: A Nostalgic Return After Three Decades

I was 17 when I first visited Vancouver, Canada. At the time, I was studying in a quiet college town called Carbondale, tucked away in the southern tip of Illinois. It was rural, serene, and full of charm. But for someone who’d grown up in a bustling Asian city, it also felt worlds away from home. So when the opportunity came to visit my relatives in Vancouver, I leapt at it.

They showed me around like any proud local would. I still remember exploring the vibrant streets of Chinatown and admiring that Gastown steam clock, wandering through the fragrant blooms of Butchart Gardens, and snacking my way through Granville Island Public Market. I stood atop the Capilano Suspension Bridge for the first time, slightly terrified, but thoroughly amazed. They even took me to the Simon Fraser University campus, perched up in the hills.

I returned to Vancouver two more times after that. There was something about the city that drew me back again and again. It felt familiar. Comfortable. Almost like home. There were plenty of Asians, many from Hong Kong. That meant fantastic Cantonese food and other Asian cuisines, which I sorely missed while living in Carbondale. In Vancouver, I didn’t feel out of place. I felt seen.

Fast forward over three decades. And suddenly, I was back. This time, as an adult with a Xiaomi 15 Ultra in hand and a head full of memories. Thanks to Air Canada’s direct flights from Singapore to Vancouver, which now take over where Singapore Airlines once left off, I had the chance to revisit this city that left such a deep impression on my younger self.

It was a quick three-day visit, but enough to rekindle those old memories, thanks to Destination Vancouver. The skyline had changed. The city had evolved. But the feeling? Still the same. Walking the streets brought back moments I hadn’t thought about in years. Familiar smells, accents, and even the cool breeze in early May. It all felt like coming full circle.

Vancouver was the first Canadian city I ever set foot in. And returning after all this time reminded me just how much a place can shape you. How its people, food, and rhythms can leave footprints on your life, even long after you’ve moved on.

Explore the Creative Charm of Granville Island

Granville Island Public Market is where Vancouver’s food scene gets loud, proud, and a little bit messy in the best possible way. This isn’t your neat little row of farmers’ stalls. It’s a proper feast for the senses. The moment you walk in, you’re hit with the aroma of smoked salmon, just-baked breads, and coffee strong enough to revive you from a jetlag coma. There’s everything from artisan cheeses and charcuterie to rainbow-fresh fruit and loaded pastries, all under one roof. It’s the kind of place where you start out just “browsing” and end up with a bag of donuts, a bagel sandwich, pizzas, some spice rubs, and a pint of berries you had no intention of buying (but no regrets lah).

Beyond the market itself, Granville Island is worth wandering. It’s packed with indie galleries, artisan studios, theatres, and the super quirky Kids Market if you’ve got little ones in tow. Step outside and you’re right on the edge of False Creek, with scenic waterfront patios and cheeky sea breeze in your hair. Grab a seat with a view, nurse a craft beer or latte, and let the buskers provide the soundtrack. But watch out for those sea gulls. They love your food too.

And if you’re staying downtown, hop on the Aquabus for that quick, breezy ferry ride over. It’s part of the fun. Granville Island isn’t just a stop on your itinerary. It’s the kind of place you revisit, because the vibes just hit different every time.

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Stanley Park – Vancouver’s Ultimate Urban Escape

Exploring Stanley Park by horse-drawn carriage offers a unique and charming way to experience one of Vancouver’s most iconic landmarks. As the gentle clip-clop of hooves echoes through the park’s lush trails, you’ll enjoy a relaxed, guided tour past towering trees, scenic waterfronts, and historic sites. Perfect for all ages, this nostalgic ride brings the beauty and history of Stanley Park to life in a peaceful, leisurely setting. There are short pit stops so you can explore a bit.

Must Visit Sites and Scenic Stops in Stanley Park

Stanley Park is a treasure trove of art, culture, and history nestled at the edge of downtown Vancouver. Along the seawall, you’ll find the striking Terry Fox Memorial, honouring the legendary Canadian who ran across the country on one leg to raise awareness for cancer. Just offshore, the serene Girl in a Wetsuit sculpture gazes over Burrard Inlet, a modern nod to Vancouver’s coastal spirit.

Further along at Brockton Point, the Totem Poles stand tall as powerful symbols of Indigenous heritage, each pole carved with stories passed down through generations. poles was acquired by the Vancouver Parks Board from Alert Bay, Haida Gwaii and Rivers Inlet. The collection of 9 totel poles are a mix of replicas and newly carved poles by indigenous artists representing various nations including Haida, Kwakwaka’wakw, and Coast Salish peoples. Each pole tells a story, typically mythological, familial or historical, often through animal symbols such as the raven, eagle, bear or orca.

Nearby, a vibrant Chinese Dragon sculpture juts proudly toward the harbour, celebrating the contributions of Vancouver’s Chinese community and their enduring connection to the sea. Together, these landmarks tell the story of a city shaped by resilience, diversity, and deep cultural roots.

Sip & Savour at Stanley Park Brewery Restaurant + BrewPub

Lunch at Stanley Park Brewing Restaurant & Brewpub is one of those easy, satisfying Vancouver moments. Tucked right in the park, just steps from the Seawall, this spot is perfect for refuelling after a morning of exploring. Grab a table indoors or out on the patio if the weather plays nice. The view of tall trees and park life in motion adds to the laidback vibe.

The menu leans hearty and familiar: fish and chips with a crackly golden batter, juicy burgers, loaded fries, and surprisingly good pizzas. But it’s the beer that ties it all together. Fresh from the on-site brewery. Try a flight if you can’t decide, or just settle into a pint of Park Sesh Lager and call it a proper lunch. It’s casual, it’s breezy, and it’s very Vancouver.

Take in the Views at Iconic Prospect Point

Prospect Point might not be the flashiest attraction in Vancouver, but it’s definitely one of those underrated gems that surprises you when you least expect it. Tucked into the northern tip of Stanley Park, it offers panoramic views of Lions Gate Bridge, Burrard Inlet, and the mountains beyond. The kind of view that makes you pause mid-Instagram scroll and just breathe. It’s a perfect stop whether you’re cycling around the seawall or exploring the park on foot. The lookout is elevated just enough to make you feel like you’ve discovered a secret vantage point over the city.

There’s also a bit of everything here to stretch your visit beyond the photo op. Prospect Point’s café and ice cream stand are popular pit stops, especially in summer. Nothing like a double scoop with mountain views. You’ll also find the Prospect Point Trading Post for souvenir-hunting and a few quirky items to take home. And if you’re driving, this is one of the best spots in Stanley Park to park and soak in the scenery without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for a refresher, Prospect Point serves classic Vancouver vibes: laidback, scenic, and always worth the detour.

Walk Among the Treetops at Capilano Suspension Bridge

A visit to Vancouver isn’t complete without venturing across the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge. The 137-metre-long stretch of swaying timber and steel that dangles 70 metres above the Capilano River. It’s one of those places that sounds touristy (and yes, it is), but still completely worth it. The thrill of walking across the bridge, with towering evergreens and roaring waters below, is a rite of passage for first-timers.

But the bridge is just the beginning. The entire Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is designed to get you up close with nature without needing to bushwhack your way through the wilderness. There’s the Treetops Adventure featuring elevated walkways connecting 250-year-old Douglas firs and the Cliffwalk, a glass-bottomed walkway that hugs the granite cliffside (not for the faint of heart or anyone afraid of heights).

Interpretive exhibits, totem poles, and seasonal features like the Canyon Lights display in winter round out the experience. It’s only 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver, but stepping into the park feels like you’ve entered a wilder, greener version of British Columbia. No hiking boots required.

Soar to New Heights at Grouse Mountain

Visiting Grouse Mountain in May offers a refreshing escape from the bustle of downtown Vancouver, just 15 minutes from the city, but it feels worlds away. As the snow retreats, the mountain shakes off winter and comes alive with early summer energy. The Grouse Grind, Vancouver’s most famous cardio test, usually reopens around mid-May, drawing locals and tourists eager to conquer the 2.5 km uphill trail. Not our thing so we let the Skyride gondola do the heavy lifting. Conquered the height in just eight minutes with sweeping views over the city, coastline and forest canopy.

Once you’re at the top, you’ll find that Grouse doesn’t rest just because ski season’s over. May marks the return of its signature warm-weather experiences with lumberjack shows, Birds in Motion demos, and ranger-led sessions near the mountain’s two resident grizzlies, Grinder and Coola. You can also check out the Eye of the Wind turbine (on clear days, the 360° view is unreal), or hop on the scenic chairlift for a breezy ride even higher up. For something more active, there’s zip-lining and disc golf, with mountain biking trails typically opening a little later depending on snowmelt.

There are spots to fuel up, whether it’s a locally roasted coffee, craft beer or a proper sit-down meal with a view. Grouse Mountain in May gives you a bit of everything: fresh alpine air, postcard-worthy scenery, and the first taste of outdoor adventure season in British Columbia.

The Westin Bayshore, Our home for three nights

Waking up at The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver feels like a wellness retreat disguised as a city escape. Tucked right by the waterfront and on the edge of Stanley Park, this hotel is where nature meets nurture. Enjoy morning jogs with mountain views, followed by spa treatments or a splash in the heated outdoor pool. Rooms come with calming palettes and balconies that open up to fresh sea air and postcard views. It’s the kind of place where you can squeeze in a spin class, sip a craft cocktail by the firepit, and still feel like you’re on holiday.

At The Westin Bayshore, as at every Westin worldwide, you’ll find the signature White Tea bath amenities turning your shower into a spa-worthy ritual. Housed in full-sized sleek bottles, the White Tea collection features a soothing blend of white tea, aloe, jojoba, wheat proteins and nourishing shea butter, delivering a crisp, herbal fragrance while deeply hydrating and smoothing skin.

We were pleasantly surprised by how well we ate at The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver. If you’re the sort who prefers to take it slow after a long flight, or maybe just want a lazy day in, you’ll be glad to know the dining options here are anything but an afterthought.The food is fresh, generously portioned, and comforting in that West Coast kind of way. Enjoy sustainable seafood, local produce, and seasonal ingredients that do more than just fill you up. You could easily spend your entire stay within the hotel’s grounds and not feel like you’re missing out on Vancouver’s buzzing culinary scene. The kitchen here delivers with heart and flavour.

A new cocktail menu took flight this March, and we had the chance to sample a few drinks from its intriguing lineup inspired by the golden age of aviation. Aviation and cocktails, two of my favourite pastimes, came together beautifully on this trip. 

One that instantly caught my attention was the Galicia Coast – essentially a creative take on a martini. It featured Tanqueray 10 Gin, Conservas-washed Ketel One vodka, Spanish dry vermouth, fino sherry, paprika, brine, bay leaf, and an olive. This cocktail practically called my name, and it didn’t disappoint. Bold, savoury, and beautifully balanced, it was the perfect welcome to Vancouver. It came with a side of chips in a tin, orange slices, and a skewer of olives. A rich, punchy pour that still lingers in memory.

The Breakfast at H2 Kitchen + Bar in The Westin Bayshore offers a full-on feast. Whether you’re fuelling up for a day of cycling through Stanley Park or just here for the vibes, the spread impresses. Think freshly baked pastries, made-to-order omelettes, crispy bacon, smoked salmon, eggs ben, and that must-have Canadian classic, fluffy pancakes with real maple syrup. There’s fresh fruit, yoghurt, and cold cuts if you’re feeling “balanced,” but honestly, the hot station alone is worth rolling out of bed for. Pair it with bottomless Starbucks coffee or a good pour of juice, and you’ve got yourself a breakfast worth waking up early for.

From our room at The Westin Bayshore, we had front-row seats to Canada Place, one of Vancouver’s most iconic sights. It’s hard to beat waking up to sweeping views of the city’s busy cruise terminal, with gleaming ships docking and departing against a backdrop of mountain-framed skyline.

For cruise enthusiasts and aviation geeks alike, this is a dream vantage point. On any given day, you’ll spot everything from luxury liners to floatplanes skimming across the water like dragonflies. During our stay, we ticked off a whole fleet of familiar names, including Regent Seven Seas, Oceania Cruises, Holland America Line, and Princess Cruises, just to name a few. It’s a reminder of how globally connected this port city really is, especially during the peak Alaska cruise season.

And the seaplanes? You’ll hear them before you see them, gracefully taking off or landing right in the harbour. Whether you’re lounging in bed or sipping a cocktail by the window, there’s always something moving on the water to catch your eye.

Trust us. If you’re staying in Vancouver and you love ships, planes, or just a good view, ask for a harbour-facing room. You’ll thank yourself every morning.

Wrapping up, Vancouver felt like a long-lost friend, greeting me with all the warmth and familiarity I’d almost forgotten. Returning after three decades, I rediscovered why this city stole my heart in the first place. From its evergreen skyline and ocean-kissed air to those delicious moments at The Westin Bayshore. Vancouver proves that no matter how much time passes, some places don’t just stay on the map. They stay in your soul. Until next time, my Pacific coast obsession… you’re still as effortlessly charming as ever.