VANCOUVER FAVOURITES WITH MATT TAYLOR

Photos and words by Matt Taylor (@mjtphoto.org_)

Nestled between the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities, and for good reason. With its striking natural landscapes, thriving multicultural food scene, and abundance of arts and culture, Canada's third largest metropolis has something to offer every type of traveler. Vancouver has so many excellent spots, and today, we’re going through my favourites.

Downtown Vancouver

Downtown Vancouver, the city's heart, boasts an impressive skyline and dynamic street scenes. With overpasses and sweeping views all around, it really is a blast to capture the daily life of locals and visitors alike. I would recommend stopping anywhere along Granville Street for the best angles. 

Gastown

Gastown's cobblestone streets blend historical and modern architecture, becoming a favorite spot for street photography. Water Street, the heart of Gastown, is lined with historic buildings, providing a perfect backdrop for urban landscape shots. A handy tip for photographers is to use a tripod to capture some motion in those long-exposure shots. Lee’s donuts should not be missed while here! 

Coal Harbour

Coal Harbour is celebrated for its waterfront and stunning views of natural and urban landscapes. The Coal Harbour Walkway offers a scenic route with views of the North Shore Mountains, making it ideal for capturing the beauty of sunsets or sunrises. Remember to bring a polarizing filter to reduce the glare on the water and buildings. This area also has my favourite happy hour in the city- at Riley’s Restaurant.

West End

The West End has a mix of nature and vibrant street life, offering endless photographic opportunities. A tip for photographers is to capture the interactions between humans and nature, which adds a unique storytelling element to your photos.

Granville Island

Granville Island is known for its vibrancy and liveliness, with its colorful market scenes and waterfronts. Make sure to head onto the Granville Street Bridge for unique perspectives from above, capturing both the market and the waterfront in your shots. Be sure to go to the Public Market there for some amazing bites!

Thanks for following along- reach out to Matt if you’re ever in need of more Vancouver-based suggestions. 

~Matt