With the sheer size of Vancouver, even the most experienced traveller may have trouble finding everything in the city. There’s simply so much to see and do, and unbeknownst to many residents or visitors, many of the really quirky and downright fun things in the city are quietly tucked away, waiting to be stumbled upon.
Here are a few such hidden gems.
Univrs Virtual Reality Lounge
100-8160 Park Road, Richmond, BC
Whether you want to strap on a headset yourself and go on an amazing virtual adventure or simply watch others navigate their way through obstacles and courses you can’t see, Univrs makes for a unique night out. Each room of the lounge is chic yet minimal, giving the whole place a vague futuristic quality. The virtual reality headsets are issued on site, so if you’ don’t owna device, you can still join in on the fun.
Japadog Hotdog Stands
899 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC
Vancouver is a foodie paradise in its own right, brimming with styles and cuisines from all over the globe. What makes Japadog so special as an Asian fusion eatery is the combination of Japan’s most unique culinary offerings with the simple American hotdog. True to the spirit of food stands, Japadog serves up orders with all the speed of an NYC street vendor but still displays the artistry in arrangement that Japanese food culture is known for. If you’ve been wowed in the past by the color and flavor combinations Japanese dishes have, wait until you see it on the narrow space that is a frankfurter.
6Pack Indoor Beach
13180 Mitchell Road #115, Richmond, BC
Summertime can be anytime you choose to visit 6Pack Indoor Beach. What was once an empty warehouse has now been filled with sand, volleyball nets, other beach equipment, and beer to round off the experience. The only thing that’s missing is the water and the sun. If you’re a fan of beach recreation or just relaxing on the sand, 6Pack can scratch your itch year-round. But the best part of it all (besides the beer, of course) is you can leave the sunscreen at home.
The Shameful Tiki Room
4362 Main Street, Vancouver, BC
Odd name, great place. The Shameful Tiki Room has all the appearances of a tropical island lounge wrapped in an air of secrecy and exclusivity. Seating is extremely limited, and to make things even more enticing, the owners intentionally don’t advertise the exact location very much. A tiny sign lets you know when you’ve found the place, but it’s easy to miss given that the windows have been blocked out, preventing you from seeing the tell-tale signs of a tiki lounge lurking within. If you want a quiet place to get a few drinks and relax, The Shameful Tiki Room provides.
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
578 Carrall St., Vancouver, BC
Vancouver is an international city that takes diversity and cultural representation farther than most. Case in point – this15th century-style garden in the heart of the city’s Chinatown district. The structure was a joint effort of Canada and the People’s Republic of China to build an accurate modern recreation of Ming Dynasty architecture and philosophy. The garden playshost to everything, from yoga classes to concerts and festivals. To top it all, it’s the only garden of its kind outside of China itself.
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