Leeside Tunnel Skatepark in Vancouver has a fascinating origin story. It was created in an old, unused bus tunnel and transformed into a skatepark by local skaters. Named after skateboarder and community activist Lee Matasi, who was tragically killed in 2005, the skatepark serves as a tribute to his memory. The walls of the tunnel are covered in vibrant graffiti art, making it not just a skatepark but also an ever-evolving urban art gallery. This unique combination of skate culture and street art has made Leeside Tunnel a beloved spot for both skaters and artists in Vancouver.

"Walking Figures" consists of headless cast-iron sculptures created by Polish artist Magdalena Abakanowicz. These figures evoke a sense of aimless wandering, devoid of sight, creating a somber atmosphere that alludes to themes of time and loss. Another extensive collection of sculptures, also cast in the artist's studio, is titled "Agora" and serves as a permanent installation in Chicago's Grant Park.

The title "Agora" refers to the ancient Greek agora, a gathering place where the foundations of democracy were established. Reflecting democratic ideals of equality before the law, this inclusive way of life empowered every citizen with the right to vote.

This mural, a fusion of skate culture and pop-art collage, made its debut at the inaugural Vancouver Mural Festival in 2016. Crafted by the Portland-based artist Jack Grayson, also known as Toilet Snake, the artwork incorporates symbols from skateboarding and embraces the rebellious spirit synonymous with the nearby Anti-Social Skateboard Shop. Grayson skillfully intertwines diverse cultural symbols, infusing them with vibrant colors and the iconic pop-art style reminiscent of skateboarding during the 80s and 90s.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Vancouver, often referred to as the Holy Rosary Cathedral, has an interesting fun fact related to its bells. The cathedral’s bell tower contains a set of eight bells, which were cast in France and installed in 1900. Each bell is named after a different saint, and they range in weight from 218 kilograms to 2,074 kilograms. These bells are rung manually by a team of volunteer bell ringers, who use a traditional method called change ringing. This method creates a complex and harmonious sequence of sounds, making the Holy Rosary Cathedral one of the few places in North America where you can experience this unique and ancient form of bell ringing.

The vibrant totem poles captivate attention with their vivid colors, intricate carvings, and unique designs. These cultural artifacts vary in age, with some dating back nearly a century and others being more recent creations. Regardless of their age, each totem pole stands out for its distinctiveness.

The collection of totem poles originated in the 1920s when officials considered reconstructing a First Nations village in the park. By the 1960s, the poles had been relocated to their current home at Brockton Point. Over the years, the collection has expanded, with the most recent addition being made in 2009.

St. Andrew's Wesley United Church in Vancouver is known for its stunning Gothic Revival architecture. A fascinating aspect of this church is its impressive stained glass windows, which were crafted by the renowned Canadian artist Guido Nincheri. Nincheri is often referred to as the "Michelangelo of North America" for his prolific work in creating beautiful stained glass and frescoes throughout Canada and the United States. The windows at St. Andrew's Wesley depict various biblical scenes and saints, adding to the church's historic and artistic significance.

A fun fact about Splitsville Riverport in Vancouver is that it’s not just a regular bowling alley; it features glow-in-the-dark bowling lanes. This unique and vibrant setting, often referred to as "Cosmic Bowling," transforms the bowling experience with neon lights and lively music, creating a party-like atmosphere that's perfect for both casual outings and special events. The eye-catching visuals and energetic ambiance make it a favorite spot for families, friends, and even corporate gatherings.

Vancouver is home to a newly opened cat cafe, featuring a unique “Cat Forest.” This spacious area is decorated with cardboard trees and artificial greenery, where cats of various breeds and ages roam freely, offering plenty of opportunities for interaction. If you form a special bond with any of the cats, you can apply for adoption.

The cafe is perfect for those who can’t have cats at home but still want to enjoy kitty snuggles. Visitors can also indulge in a variety of cafe beverages, including Vietnamese coffee, brown sugar milk tea, and fruit punch.

Casa Mia was built in 1932 by the rum-running magnate, George Reifel. The mansion includes a ballroom designed to resemble a nightclub, complete with a sprung dance floor and a mural painted by the same artist who worked on Vancouver’s Orpheum Theatre. The mansion’s opulent design and lavish features made it a popular spot for high-society parties and events during its heyday.

108 Steps stands as a sculptural installation, taking the shape of an independent ladder towering at a height of 126 feet and a width of 2 feet.

Constructed with 108 rungs made of galvanized steel, this artwork will ascend into the sky adjacent to Kensington Gardens. Its purpose is to inspire onlookers to aspire for lofty aspirations, urging them to strive for seemingly unreachable objectives.

The Vancouver Convention Centre is home to the world's largest non-retractable living roof. Covering 6 acres, the green roof features over 400,000 indigenous plants and grasses, providing a natural habitat for birds, insects, and small mammals. This sustainable feature not only enhances biodiversity but also helps to insulate the building, reducing energy consumption. The Convention Centre's commitment to sustainability has earned it LEED Platinum certification, making it one of the most eco-friendly convention centers globally.

Shannon Mews in Vancouver is a unique residential complex with an interesting history. Originally, it was the estate of sugar magnate Benjamin Tingley Rogers, who founded the British Columbia Sugar Refining Company. The estate, known as Shannon Estate, features an impressive Italianate-style mansion designed by the architectural firm Somervell & Putnam. A fun fact is that the estate's grand gardens and architecture have been preserved and integrated into the modern development, offering residents a blend of historical charm and contemporary living.

The Blarney Stone Pub has a tradition where patrons can kiss a replica of the famous Blarney Stone from Ireland, believed to bestow the gift of eloquence. The original Blarney Stone is set in the wall of Blarney Castle in Ireland, and kissing it is said to give one the ability to speak with charm and persuasion. The pub’s replica offers a playful nod to this tradition, adding to its authentic Irish pub experience.

Vancouver artist Myfanwy MacLeod is captivated by the ability of public art to convey political and historical significance. Her creation, "The Birds," located at Southeast False Creek Olympic Plaza, occupies the last expansive waterfront space near downtown Vancouver and is inspired by the community's dedication to sustainability. MacLeod's artwork highlights the dual nature of introducing non-native species to an environment, revealing the allure of birds that can mask their potential threat to biodiversity.

Located beneath the Granville Street Bridge and hovering over the junction of Beach Avenue and an unnamed alley, this installation occupies a previously underutilized space. Created by artist Rodney Graham, it serves as the public art component of Vancouver House—a 60-story condominium complex designed by architect Bjarke Ingels.

The chandelier performs a cyclical display three times daily at 12 p.m., 4 p.m., and 9 p.m. The sequence includes the illumination of the artwork, its descent to the lowest point, a four-minute rotation, a gradual slowdown, a brief pause, and then its ascent back to its original position.

Inspired by 18th-century design, the chandelier weighs approximately 3,400 kg (7,500 lb) and measures 7.8 meters by 4.3 meters (26 feet by 14 feet). Made of stainless steel, LED lights, and adorned with 600 polyurethane crystals, it was meticulously crafted by the Walla Walla Foundry in Washington, USA.

Di Beppe Restaurant in Vancouver is known for its unique dual concept, blending an Italian café and a traditional restaurant. One fun fact about Di Beppe is that it was inspired by the Italian “bar” culture, where locals gather for a quick espresso or a leisurely meal. The restaurant’s interior features a classic and charming design, with vintage posters and an old-world ambiance that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a cozy café in Italy.

Douglas Coupland’s Golden Tree, towering 13 meters high at the intersection of Marine and Cambie Streets, is a precise, life-sized replica of Stanley Park’s Hollow Tree, beautifully finished in gold.

The original Hollow Tree, an 800-year-old natural marvel, has captivated tourists and locals alike for over a century. Today, it stands with the aid of cables and steel supports.

Fun tidbit is that the school has a tradition of hosting an annual “Zombie Walk” every Halloween, where students and teachers dress up as zombies and parade through the neighborhood. This event has become a beloved local spectacle, drawing crowds from all over Vancouver.

One fun fact about Antique Alley is that it has become a popular spot for set designers and prop masters in the film industry. Many of the unique items found in the shops have been featured in films and TV shows shot in Vancouver, often referred to as “Hollywood North.”

The alley’s authentic retro atmosphere and diverse selection of antiques make it an ideal location for capturing scenes set in different historical periods.

Located in the heart of Chinatown, this bar presents refined Asian-inspired cuisine made with ingredients sourced from local Chinese markets and herbalists. Embracing a medicinal theme, the establishment features decor such as X-rays, IV drips, and an array of apothecary vials and potions.

Enjoy a "remedy or cure" served as an artful cocktail, or follow the doctor's orders with a "seasonal prescription."

The Ovaltine Café in Vancouver is a beloved historic diner that has been serving customers since 1942. A fun fact about this iconic establishment is that it has preserved much of its original charm, including its neon sign, vintage décor, and classic diner ambiance. The café's nostalgic atmosphere has made it a popular filming location, featured in various movies and TV shows, including "The X-Files" and "I, Robot." Its enduring appeal and retro vibe continue to attract both locals and visitors looking to step back in time.

The Templeton, nestled in the bustling entertainment district on Granville Row in Vancouver, delivers a nostalgic and delicious dining experience. Enjoy hearty, comforting dishes that remind you of the meals your mom used to make—or the ones you always wished she did!

Drop a coin into the jukebox and treat yourself to a breakfast made with free-range eggs and naturally smoked bacon. Or, join us for dinner and savor a gourmet burger paired with an authentic milkshake.

The sculptures are arranged in close proximity, engaging with and reflecting one another. Each sculpture features a void shaped like an eye, emphasizing its significance.

The artists drew inspiration from renowned city planner Jane Jacobs, who emphasized the importance of constant vigilance in urban environments. She famously stated, "There must be eyes upon the street, eyes belonging to those we might call the natural proprietors of the street."

Jacobs referred to the watchful eyes of numerous residents in densely populated areas, who continuously observe and record the life and activities on the street and within their surroundings.

The art installation is located along the downtown seawall, next to the Coal Harbour Community Centre and with a view of Stanley Park. Inspired by the historical boat sheds that once lined the waterfront, the artist created a half-scale model using aluminum, coated in luminescent paint. Perched atop cast pilings, the artwork softly glows from within at night.

Commissioned by Grosvenor, a global real estate company, Liz Magor designed this piece as a gift to the city. The casting of the artwork was completed at Harman Foundry in Robert's Creek, run by Stephen Harmon, the son of artist Jack Harman.

The Digital Orca, a striking sculpture by Douglas Coupland created in 2009, stands proudly next to the Vancouver Convention Centre in British Columbia, Canada. Owned by Pavco, a crown corporation managing BC Place Stadium and the Vancouver Convention Centre, this artwork is crafted from powder-coated aluminum and supported by a stainless steel frame.

The sculpture features a killer whale composed of black and white cubes, creating a pixelated, digital appearance. With its steel armature and aluminum cladding, the Digital Orca adds a unique and captivating element to Vancouver's urban landscape.

Glitch Arcade & Games Room is a nostalgic retro arcade and grill that brings back the vibrant spirit of the 80s and 90s. Tailored for a mature audience aged 19 and above, our venue provides a dynamic bar and grill experience featuring pool tables, dart games, and more.

The Drop is a striking steel sculpture in the shape of a raindrop, created by the German art collective Inges Idee. Located in Bon Voyage Plaza in the Coal Harbour district of downtown Vancouver, this 65-foot (20 m) tall artwork is covered with Styrofoam and coated in blue polyurethane. Inges Idee describes the sculpture as "a tribute to the force of nature," symbolizing our connection to and perspective of the surrounding water. Commissioned as part of the 2009 Vancouver Convention Centre Art Project, The Drop is owned by BC Pavco.

The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, located at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, is renowned not only for its stunning architecture and acoustics but also for an interesting architectural quirk: the stage’s back wall can be opened to reveal a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean and the forested UBC campus.

A-Maze-ing Laughter, crafted by Yue Minjun, was installed in Morton Park at the intersection of Davie and Denman, overlooking English Bay in West End, Vancouver, in 2009.

Hail Mary’s in Vancouver is not your typical dining spot. It’s a place where food and faith collide in the most delightful way, making it one of the most unique restaurants in the city. This restaurant takes you on a culinary pilgrimage, offering a heavenly twist on classic dishes.

The menu is a showcase of creativity. From saintly starters to divine desserts, each dish reveals a new flavor experience. Their ‘Last Supper’ platter, featuring a mix of their best offerings, is a communal feast that encourages sharing and indulgence.

Hail Mary’s stands out as one of the best restaurants in Vancouver for those seeking a dining experience that’s out of the ordinary. Plus, the moderate prices make it accessible for a range of budgets.

Booking in advance is a good idea, especially on weekends. This spot is a hit for those looking for a meal served with a side of playful reverence. Dining here is an experience you’ll remember for life!

A fun fact about the Vancouver Central Library is that its architectural design was inspired by the Colosseum in Rome. Designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie, the library features a distinctive colonnade and a wraparound outer wall that gives it a striking resemblance to the ancient Roman amphitheater. This unique design not only makes the library an iconic landmark in Vancouver but also provides a beautiful and functional public space for reading, studying, and community events.

Granville Island in Vancouver was originally an industrial manufacturing area but has since transformed into a bustling hub of arts, culture, and food. One fun fact is that Granville Island is home to the famous Granville Island Public Market, which opened in 1979 and has become a must-visit destination for foodies. The market offers a wide variety of fresh produce, gourmet foods, and unique local products. Additionally, Granville Island boasts a thriving arts scene with numerous theaters, galleries, and artisan workshops, making it a vibrant cultural hotspot in the heart of Vancouver.