Best Arts and Culture Places in Downtown Vancouver

"The Vancouver Art Gallery is the fifth largest art gallery in all of Canada. The VAG has rotating exhibitions, along with its permanent collection that boasts over 9,100 items. Art junkies will be impressed by the 200 major works by the Group of Seven, Emily Carr and Mark Chagall, which are all housed in the VAG."

"Located in Vancouver’s former main courthouse, the Vancouver Art Gallery is the largest art museum in Western Canada. Francis Rattenbury designed the neoclassical building in 1905, and it features marble imported from Vermont, Tennessee, and Alaska. In 1980, it became a Canadian National Historic Site."

"Vancouver's best museum is studded with spectacular First Nations totem poles and breathtaking carvings – but it's also teeming with artifacts from cultures around the world, from Polynesian instruments to Cantonese opera costumes. Take one of the free daily tours (check ahead for times) for some context, but give yourself at least a couple of hours to explore on your own. It's easy to immerse yourself here. "

"Museum of Anthropology at UBC: An informative museum highlighting The First Nations of Canada. Kitsilano Beach: An excellent place to relax with scenic views of Vancouver. You can also swim here when the weather is warm."

"With a Pacific Northwest look and feel, exceptionally rated Skwachàys Lodge is heavy on the artistic heritage of the region. With a 40-foot totem pole, striking carvings and a lobby gallery displaying Aboriginal art, this is not your ordinary downtown hostelry. Each of the bedrooms at this creative Vancouver boutique hotel features unique and unusual themed artwork from well-known tribal artists and offers top-of-the-range comforts including high-quality linens and walk-in showers."

"An enormous totem pole greets visitors at the entrance to this historical building which has been redesigned to showcase indigenous culture and art. It gives a global platform to tribal artists, and its Fair Trade Gallery features original paintings, jewellery, pottery and wood carvings for sale. But even sleeping in one of the 18 unique suites is a 101 in First Nations folklore; designed by six local artists, each room tells a visual story through installations."

"The massive totem pole jutting out from the peaked roof gives you a hint why Skwachàys Lodge, Canada’s first aboriginal boutique arts hotel, occupies its own niche. Part visitor accommodation and part social housing, the property isn't just a place to stay, but rather a cultural experience unlike any other you’ll find in Vancouver. Skwachàys was once a rundown single-room occupancy hotel, but a CDN$10.5 million renovation gave it a brand-new life."

"Housed in the historic Wing Sang building (51 East Pender Street), which is Chinatown’s oldest building (1889), the Rennie Museum is a private collection owned by real estate mogul Bob Rennie. Local and international artists are showcased in the gallery and free tours are available to the public. Continue to 9 of 10 below."

"A private museum that you have to book to get into, but definitely worth the minimal effort required. Make a story out of the exhibition, and take a main page post on the roof, it’s a win-win scenario. Definitely one of the coolest buildings you can check out in Vancouver."

"Make sure to stop off for a drink at Keefer Bar and Fortune Sound Club and check out Rennie Collection at Wing Sang (which offers free entry). You can also visit some of the firm-favourites such as; Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and the Millennium Gate."

"Known previously as the Presentation House Gallery, this North Van gallery is the largest non-profit photographic gallery in Western Canada. Operating since 1981, The Polygon focuses on – but is not limited to – contemporary photography with an emphasis on Canadian work. The gallery itself is a modern and bright 25.000-square-feet (2322-square-metre) building with stunning water views."

"Just steps away from the hotel, North Vancouver’s stunning new waterfront art attraction, The Polygon Gallery, truly offers a one-of-a-kind space to encounter photography and media art. The Polygon is open Wednesday 10:00am to 5:00pm, Thursday 10:00am to 8:00pm, and Friday to Sunday 10:00am to 5:00pm. No appointments required to view the exhibitions."

"In terms of contemporary art galleries, Access Artist Run Centre is one of the best non-profit organizations you can visit in Vancouver. Access doesn’t just seek to promote local artists, either. The museum accepts works from people all over Canada."

"2247 Granville Street Vancouver, BC V6H 3G1 604 732 6505WEBSITE | MAP. An auction house selling fine Canadian, American and European art."

"2233 Granville Street Vancouver, BC V6H 3G1 778-737-9888WEBSITE | MAP. We have the largest private collection of original fine art by Contemporary Artists and Old Masters in Canada,"

"Revolver elevated Vancouver’s coffee scene to world-class heights when it opened in the historic, cobbled streets of the Gastown neighborhood in 2011. It continues to brew each serving with scientific attention to detail, showcasing a revolving menu of beans from leading roasters. As with other cafés on this list, the coffee here is best experienced in its purest form – black and unmarred by milk, sugar or pumpkin spice."

"The Giannakos brothers love coffee in a mad scientist kind of way. They spend lots of time tweaking, sipping, tasting and evaluating to ensure great tasting coffee every time. Though simple, this coffee program is precise, consistent and always using beans from world class roasters."

"Revolver has been on every top 10 list pretty much since they opened. They blend New York aesthetics with a massive coffee program and a selection of light sweet treats. Their staff are friendly but more importantly, very skilled in every aspect of coffee brewing."

"If you prefer delicious Italian style ice cream, stop by Brazza on Lonsdale in North Vancouver. You will find a delectable array of gelato and sorbeto. Brazza gelato is made fresh daily on the premises, using only the highest quality natural ingredients."

"Famous Canadian chicken chain Mary Brown’s is officially landing in Vancouver this summer. The national, quick-service eatery was founded in St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador in 1969 and has since grown to operate nearly 200 locations across the country. It’s known for offering up a menu of signature chicken made from whole, fresh, local Canada Grade A chicken alongside eats like taters and coleslaw."

"There is an eatery in Vancouver that offers both regular and deluxe versions of all-you-can-eat poutine, and they offer it in 17 different varieties. Poutine-crazy fiends can head to La Belle Patate at 1215 Davie Street to enjoy AYCE doses of hand-cut double-cooked fries, fresh squeaky cheese, gravy, and toppings at just $19.50 for a regular, and $24.50 for the deluxe version. Address: 1215 Davie Street, VancouverPhone:604-569-1215"

"At this point, it’ll be early afternoon, so make your way to La Belle Patate downtown for a filling lunch. Despite the fact that the majority of Canadians told me that there was no way I’d find good poutine outside of Quebec, my experienced taste buds told me that La Belle Patate was a worthy choice. My food tour guide also gave it the stamp of approval. I ordered the smoked meat poutine and devoured the entire thing."

"In the area and wanted to find out how their chicken was and they did not disappoint. Crunchy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside...not too..."

"Situated off Commercial Drive in the heart of East Van, this park has long had a permanent pot cloud over it. Accept it or head to nearby Victoria Park where you can watch Italian old-timers play bocce. Don’t limit yourself to the park itself."

"A quiet place to unwind and enjoy nature and the most iconic aspects of Vancouver’s skyline, including BC place, Hinge Park in Olympic Village is perfect for packing a picnic and staying awhile. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Darlene (@darfunkel)"