Insider Itinerary: Arts & Culture

Head to the North Shore’s Polygon Gallery
Start your day with a SeaBus ride over to the North Shore from downtown’s Waterfront Station. You’ll disembark about 10 minutes later over at Lonsdale Quay, and after grabbing a quick breakfast at the market (al fresco if the sun is shining), head next door to the Polygon Gallery. Focusing on photography and related art forms, the gallery is critically acclaimed, and often features work by locals, BIPOC artists, and others from diverse backgrounds. If you have a little extra time, explore the Lower Lonsdale neighbourhood, which is also home to some great microbreweries, distillers and cideries.

Explore East Van’s mural tour
This afternoon, take the SeaBus back downtown, then head to Mt. Pleasant. While the murals themselves have now spread to other neighbourhoods around the city, Main Street is still homebase for the annual Vancouver Mural Festival. The side streets between East 2nd and 12th are home to many of the colourful creations by both local and internationally-renowned artists that were painted during the public art celebration or have been added afterwards. Download the festival’s app for a self-guided tour and to learn more about the meaning behind the murals.

Catch the symphony at the Orpheum
Back downtown again, enter the opulent Orpheum Theatre and take a step back in time to an elegant era of entertainment. Opened in 1927, the Orpheum Theatre now hosts classic and contemporary concerts and is home to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Look out for their ‘VSO Pops’ series of concerts, where they play popular tunes from doo wop to rock ‘n’ roll. Best of all? It’s only a short stroll back to The Burrard and your bed after the concert.

Walk an al fresco art trail
Wake up, put on your walking shoes, grab a bite to eat at Elysian Coffee in our lobby, and set out on a self-guided public art walking tour. A great start is the Destination Downtown Walk route created by the Vancouver Biennale, taking you from Vancouver Art Gallery, down Robson Street, out to the seawall and back, along which you’ll see everything from a digital orca to a giant blue raindrop. The Vancouver Biennale also has a ton of other routes to explore, and the City of Vancouver also offers a map and guides to public art around the city.

Discover the best of BC art
Before exploring the Vancouver Art Gallery, grab a light lunch at the 1931 Gallery Bistro. If the weather allows, refuel al fresco on the gallery steps before heading to see the exhibits within. VAG hosts major touring exhibitions and the permanent collections include contemporary Asian art, Indigenous art from the region, and works by renowned BC artists such as Emily Carr. Skip the queue by purchasing your ticket in advance online.

Enjoy dinner on Granville Island (then maybe a show!)
Take the tiny Aquabus ferry from the foot of Howe Street across to Granville Island to explore the food market, boutiques, artisan studios and restaurants. Pick up a casual dinner at Popina Canteen, right on the water, or dine on local seafood at The Sandbar. Then take in a post-dinner show at the Arts Club‘s Granville Island Stage, a performance at one of the theatres that’s part of the Granville Island Theatre District, or live comedy at the Improv Centre.