I migrated to Vancouver in India. My impression was that I was familiar with the city due to Instagram and YouTube videos. The Granville Island, Stanley park, capilano suspension bridge all were pretty. But I believed there was more than the average tourist attractions in the city. When the person is in the age group of 18 to 34, the issue of finding hidden places is not only about sights. It is about getting to know your city, getting to know how to hang out cheaply, create memories without massive crowds. Vancouver is not about big landmarks only but about its little nooks, local market and quaint cafes. On a rainy afternoon I was walking around East Vancouver with an umbrella and came across a little bookstore cafe which is called Paper Trail. It was not on any guidebook. The visitor had left books, journals and handwritten notes in large numbers inside. The coffee and the old books smell made me feel like I was home. Such locations are very good where young adults can study, socialize or have individual time. The area that I like best as an off beat area is Commercial Drive, also known as The Drive by the locals. It is a varied place of many cultures, music, and food unlike the polished streets on downtown. Strolling down the Drive is like the brief journey to various nations without leaving Vancouver. Italian bakeries are positioned next to Ethiopian cafes, small pubs with live music. Being a person who misses the food diversity in the native country, India, visiting The Drive is a small food journey every weekend. It is one of the locations where young adults are able to hang out, sample inexpensive food, and immerse themselves in local culture. The other jewel is the Queen Elizabeth Park. Stanley Park is the home to many tourists, yet this park has less busy trails, beautiful gardens, and expansive panoramic visions of the city. The Bloedel Conservatory within the park is a tropical homeland of green plants, exotic birds, and a very peaceful atmosphere close to magic. I came to see a friend in a photo project; there were no people around and the environment was very tranquil and ideal to concentrate on nature and enjoy it in calmness. In the case of young adults who are students or work part-time, this type of park is one of the best options to go to have time to relax, meditate, or even spend a peaceful afternoon. Another secret place of interest is Trout Lake and John Hendry Park in East Vancouver. Contrary to busy lakes, Trout Lake has running tracks, community centre and picnic areas where people gathered together. I tend to attend soccer matches or yoga lessons there on weekends. The atmosphere is welcoming and also a wonderful place to interact with other young adults. In India, the parks are often congested and noisy but the feeling of community and serenity makes it a unique encounter in India. You can go out there, socialise or read a book by the water. Vancouver is lacking in micro-cafes and co-working cafes, which tourists can find in other regions of the state, especially among coffee lovers and digital nomads. Coffee shops such as 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters or The Birds and The Beets are not only selling coffee. They are comfortable with Wi-Fi, and the students or young professionals can feel at home. One of the cafes kept me busy all afternoon as I worked on my assignments and watched the drawings of local artists on the walls. These secluded locations are perfect in young adults who desire a work-leisure combination. Another street art that is a secret treasure in Vancouver is its street art. Other neighborhoods such as the Mount Pleasant and Main Street have murals and graffiti narrating the culture, history and diversity of the city. I usually conduct street art hunts on the weekend with friends and then capture pictures to post them in social media. The soul of Vancouver has a gritty, no-frills appearance accompanied by street art. Among the young adults who are artistic, these places are the inspirations towards photography, sketching or even trying out new styles. The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) at UBC is usually overlooked by unintended visitors; however, there are people who enjoy history and culture. It possesses numerous artefacts, art, and tales of the First Nation of Canada. As I strolled along the shows, I was able to identify with the history of the city in a manner that would not be possible in other tourist destinations. To students, MOA provides learning experiences that are interesting, thought provoking, yet counterintuitive to say the least. In the North Vancouver, nature lovers may visit the Lynn Canyon Park. Lynn Canyon is free and less hectic as opposed to the popular Capilano Suspension Bridge. It is equipped with hiking trails, suspension bridges and waterfalls. My friends discovered it on an impulsive trip on a Saturday and it soon became one of the favorite weekend outings. The park can be used as a place to go hiking, picnic, or take photographs. In the quest of adventure that young adults wish to make without spending their money, places such as Lynn Canyon are invaluable. Adventures in food do not end in Commercial Drive. Richmond Night Market is one of the places which must be visited to have off-beat food. It is not as congested as Granville Island as it has locals. The market is full of inexpensive food, including bubble tea, dumplings, sushi burritos, etc. It is a social and delicious experience as I usually get the company of friends after work or classes. Among the youths, night markets provide an avenue of having meals together, trying new foods, and getting a taste of the multicultural atmosphere of city. Another secret is Steveston Village in Richmond, which is a great place to visit, particularly when one is interested in history and taking walks beside the water. It is a quaint village of old time fishing with seafood stores, cobblestone walkways, and lonely marina. I went one foggy morning and the atmosphere there was quite different when compared to downtown. Among young adults, Steveston is ideal as a place where one can enjoy a bike ride over the weekend, shoot, or simply spend a relaxing time out of the city. It allows you to experience the history of Vancouver and at the same time have the comfort of the present time. Uniqueness of occurrences is also present in Vancouver that tourists usually fail to capture. The Vancouver Mural Festival or small indie music nights in such places as Biltmore Cabaret are a good example of local entertainment. By going to such events, young adults will get to enjoy the arts scene of the city, expose him or herself to like-minded people, and have a good time without necessarily spending a lot. These experiences are real and leave a permanent impression bigger than an Instagram post unlike the generic tourist spots. Vintage stores and boutiques that can be found on the Main Street are a treasure to people who enjoy curious shopping. These stores are perfect when it comes to young adults that love fashion and want to have something special; whether it is handmade jewelry or retro clothes. One of the things that I found that I liked as my daily bag is an old leather backpack. Shopping at these places is not only purchasing but discovering secret nooks, encountering the shop owners of this city, and experiencing the spirit of creativity in Vancouver. Even minor beaches such as the Second Beach or the Wreck Beach of Vancouver contain some beauty within them. These small beaches provide some serene space to enjoy sunsets, volleyball or hang with friends whereas English Bay is overcrowded. Wreck Beach is characterized by a special counterculture that attracts the attention of many young adults. These are weekend chill out beaches, photography beaches or beaches to get back to touch with nature. It is also an adventure to travel to remote locations. Young adults have the chance to visit locations that are difficult to access by car with the help of buses, SkyTrain, or cycle paths. I frequently organize weekend travels that involve using transit and walking, exploring such neighbourhoods as Commercial Drive, Mount Pleasant, or Steveston. Public transport is additionally an activity that provides the journey with fun and uncertainty and therefore makes the journey experience. To sum up, the secret spots of Vancouver do not limit themselves to the usual tourist places. To individuals between the ages of 18 and 34, the places are not just sightseeing places. It is community, culture, low end, and self development. The city has lots to offer in terms of cozy cafes and street art routes, quiet parks, markets and even quirky neighborhoods. These off-beat locations allow young adults to have an experience with the city unlike the common tourist attractions which are always full of people. They provide opportunities to socialise, create, to explore, to relax all that should be a part of the balanced city life. You will find your quiet spot in a park, sample new street food, local shows and art that you never knew existed, there is something to do in Vancouver provided one is curious and willing to seek it. As a student, young professional, or a newcomer to India and all other countries, these secret spots allow you to know the city, find friends, and avoid making memories that are mundane. It is not only about the well-known places in Vancouver, it is about discovering your own favourite one corner after another. Then take your umbrella, bike or transit card and go around the city like a true local. The city of Vancouver is callling to be visited and the new experiences that you will acquire in the city will make your experience in the city something that a tourist guide can never give.

I migrated to Vancouver in India. My impression was that I was familiar with the city due to Instagram and YouTube videos. The Granville Island, Stanley park, capilano suspension bridge all were pretty. But I believed there was more than the average tourist attractions in the city. When the person is in the age group of 18 to 34, the issue of finding hidden places is not only about sights. It is about getting to know your city, getting to know how to hang out cheaply, create memories without massive crowds. Vancouver is not about big landmarks only but about its little nooks, local market and quaint cafes. On a rainy afternoon I was walking around East Vancouver with an umbrella and came across a little bookstore cafe which is called Paper Trail. It was not on any guidebook. The visitor had left books, journals and handwritten notes in large numbers inside. The coffee and the old books smell made me feel like I was home. Such locations are very good where young adults can study, socialize or have individual time. The area that I like best as an off beat area is Commercial Drive, also known as The Drive by the locals. It is a varied place of many cultures, music, and food unlike the polished streets on downtown. Strolling down the Drive is like the brief journey to various nations without leaving Vancouver. Italian bakeries are positioned next to Ethiopian cafes, small pubs with live music. Being a person who misses the food diversity in the native country, India, visiting The Drive is a small food journey every weekend. It is one of the locations where young adults are able to hang out, sample inexpensive food, and immerse themselves in local culture. The other jewel is the Queen Elizabeth Park. Stanley Park is the home to many tourists, yet this park has less busy trails, beautiful gardens, and expansive panoramic visions of the city. The Bloedel Conservatory within the park is a tropical homeland of green plants, exotic birds, and a very peaceful atmosphere close to magic. I came to see a friend in a photo project; there were no people around and the environment was very tranquil and ideal to concentrate on nature and enjoy it in calmness. In the case of young adults who are students or work part-time, this type of park is one of the best options to go to have time to relax, meditate, or even spend a peaceful afternoon. Another secret place of interest is Trout Lake and John Hendry Park in East Vancouver. Contrary to busy lakes, Trout Lake has running tracks, community centre and picnic areas where people gathered together. I tend to attend soccer matches or yoga lessons there on weekends. The atmosphere is welcoming and also a wonderful place to interact with other young adults. In India, the parks are often congested and noisy but the feeling of community and serenity makes it a unique encounter in India. You can go out there, socialise or read a book by the water. Vancouver is lacking in micro-cafes and co-working cafes, which tourists can find in other regions of the state, especially among coffee lovers and digital nomads. Coffee shops such as 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters or The Birds and The Beets are not only selling coffee. They are comfortable with Wi-Fi, and the students or young professionals can feel at home. One of the cafes kept me busy all afternoon as I worked on my assignments and watched the drawings of local artists on the walls. These secluded locations are perfect in young adults who desire a work-leisure combination. Another street art that is a secret treasure in Vancouver is its street art. Other neighborhoods such as the Mount Pleasant and Main Street have murals and graffiti narrating the culture, history and diversity of the city. I usually conduct street art hunts on the weekend with friends and then capture pictures to post them in social media. The soul of Vancouver has a gritty, no-frills appearance accompanied by street art. Among the young adults who are artistic, these places are the inspirations towards photography, sketching or even trying out new styles. The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) at UBC is usually overlooked by unintended visitors; however, there are people who enjoy history and culture. It possesses numerous artefacts, art, and tales of the First Nation of Canada. As I strolled along the shows, I was able to identify with the history of the city in a manner that would not be possible in other tourist destinations. To students, MOA provides learning experiences that are interesting, thought provoking, yet counterintuitive to say the least. In the North Vancouver, nature lovers may visit the Lynn Canyon Park. Lynn Canyon is free and less hectic as opposed to the popular Capilano Suspension Bridge. It is equipped with hiking trails, suspension bridges and waterfalls. My friends discovered it on an impulsive trip on a Saturday and it soon became one of the favorite weekend outings. The park can be used as a place to go hiking, picnic, or take photographs. In the quest of adventure that young adults wish to make without spending their money, places such as Lynn Canyon are invaluable. Adventures in food do not end in Commercial Drive. Richmond Night Market is one of the places which must be visited to have off-beat food. It is not as congested as Granville Island as it has locals. The market is full of inexpensive food, including bubble tea, dumplings, sushi burritos, etc. It is a social and delicious experience as I usually get the company of friends after work or classes. Among the youths, night markets provide an avenue of having meals together, trying new foods, and getting a taste of the multicultural atmosphere of city. Another secret is Steveston Village in Richmond, which is a great place to visit, particularly when one is interested in history and taking walks beside the water. It is a quaint village of old time fishing with seafood stores, cobblestone walkways, and lonely marina. I went one foggy morning and the atmosphere there was quite different when compared to downtown. Among young adults, Steveston is ideal as a place where one can enjoy a bike ride over the weekend, shoot, or simply spend a relaxing time out of the city. It allows you to experience the history of Vancouver and at the same time have the comfort of the present time. Uniqueness of occurrences is also present in Vancouver that tourists usually fail to capture. The Vancouver Mural Festival or small indie music nights in such places as Biltmore Cabaret are a good example of local entertainment. By going to such events, young adults will get to enjoy the arts scene of the city, expose him or herself to like-minded people, and have a good time without necessarily spending a lot. These experiences are real and leave a permanent impression bigger than an Instagram post unlike the generic tourist spots. Vintage stores and boutiques that can be found on the Main Street are a treasure to people who enjoy curious shopping. These stores are perfect when it comes to young adults that love fashion and want to have something special; whether it is handmade jewelry or retro clothes. One of the things that I found that I liked as my daily bag is an old leather backpack. Shopping at these places is not only purchasing but discovering secret nooks, encountering the shop owners of this city, and experiencing the spirit of creativity in Vancouver. Even minor beaches such as the Second Beach or the Wreck Beach of Vancouver contain some beauty within them. These small beaches provide some serene space to enjoy sunsets, volleyball or hang with friends whereas English Bay is overcrowded. Wreck Beach is characterized by a special counterculture that attracts the attention of many young adults. These are weekend chill out beaches, photography beaches or beaches to get back to touch with nature. It is also an adventure to travel to remote locations. Young adults have the chance to visit locations that are difficult to access by car with the help of buses, SkyTrain, or cycle paths. I frequently organize weekend travels that involve using transit and walking, exploring such neighbourhoods as Commercial Drive, Mount Pleasant, or Steveston. Public transport is additionally an activity that provides the journey with fun and uncertainty and therefore makes the journey experience. To sum up, the secret spots of Vancouver do not limit themselves to the usual tourist places. To individuals between the ages of 18 and 34, the places are not just sightseeing places. It is community, culture, low end, and self development. The city has lots to offer in terms of cozy cafes and street art routes, quiet parks, markets and even quirky neighborhoods. These off-beat locations allow young adults to have an experience with the city unlike the common tourist attractions which are always full of people. They provide opportunities to socialise, create, to explore, to relax all that should be a part of the balanced city life. You will find your quiet spot in a park, sample new street food, local shows and art that you never knew existed, there is something to do in Vancouver provided one is curious and willing to seek it. As a student, young professional, or a newcomer to India and all other countries, these secret spots allow you to know the city, find friends, and avoid making memories that are mundane. It is not only about the well-known places in Vancouver, it is about discovering your own favourite one corner after another. Then take your umbrella, bike or transit card and go around the city like a true local. The city of Vancouver is callling to be visited and the new experiences that you will acquire in the city will make your experience in the city something that a tourist guide can never give.