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Photo courtesy Kathryn Anderson

100 Things to Do in Vancouver Before You Die

Published 3:37 PDT, Wed August 5, 2026

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100 Things to Do in Vancouver Before You Die

Our City Tonight sat down with author Kathryn Anderson

OCT: Kathryn, you have a new book out called “100 Things to Do in Vancouver Before You Die”. We travel a lot for work, yet it's amazing how many things we don't know about our own city. We found at least four places in your book that completely surprised us.

KA: That's exactly what I hoped people would say. I love hearing that.

OCT: What's great is that this book is perfect for visitors, whether they're from elsewhere in Canada or around the world, but it's also a fantastic guide for locals. Can you tell us how the book came about?

KA: As a travel writer, I'm always looking for stories wherever I go. When I'm home, I explore Vancouver with the curiosity of a tourist. This book is really a love letter to my city. The idea came while I was speaking at a travel writers' conference in Tacoma, Washington. Another writer gave me her book, ”100 Things to Do in Tacoma Before You Die”. When I got home, I wondered if Vancouver had one. It didn't, so I pitched the idea. It became the first Canadian city to join the “Reedy Press 100 Things” series.

OCT: I understand that you travelled extensive- ly with your parents, and your father also loved writing about travel. I also understand that when he passed away unexpectedly, travel be- came an important part of your healing. Can you tell us about that?

KA: His passing came completely out of the blue. He wasn't sick, and it happened just a month be- fore my first semester of university. As you can imagine, that semester was difficult. I took the following semester off and backpacked through Australia for three months. Today there's a term called "grief travel," and it perfectly describes what I was doing, although I hadn't heard it back then. I needed to be somewhere people weren't constantly asking how I was doing. I needed space to figure out what life would look like with- out my father. When I came home, I felt more at peace. I knew he wouldn't have wanted me to stop living. He would have wanted me to contin- ue travelling, creating memories, and honouring the wonderful experiences we shared as a family.

OCT: Travelling with your parents when you were young must have made travelling on your own much less intimidating.

KA: Absolutely. Growing up travelling interna- tionally with my family gave me the confidence to explore the world independently. My first solo trip abroad felt much less overwhelming because of those experiences.

OCT: Your book is divided into categories in- cluding food and drink, entertainment, sports and recreation, culture, and history. Vancou- ver certainly has an incredible food scene. You highlight some outstanding places, including Botanist at the Fairmont Pacific Rim.

KA: The book covers all of Metro Vancouver, so I was able to include one of my favourite win- eries, Chaberton Estate Winery in Langley. Their restaurant, tasting room, and picnic area are all wonderful. We're fortunate to have so many great dining experiences throughout the region.

OCT: We also have excellent restaurant groups, like Executive Table Group and Glowbal Restau- rant Group, that consistently deliver high-qual- ity dining. Today we're at Hydra Restaurant, part of Executive Table Group.

KA: I agree. One dining experience that really surprised me was Tojo's. I knew Chef Tojo was famous for creating the California roll, but I didn't expect such a personal experience. I sat at the sushi bar while Chef Tojo prepared and served my meal himself. There's even a photo of that moment in the book. I was amazed that someone of his stature is still there every day, greeting regular guests by name.

OCT: Vancouver also has a great entertain- ment scene.

KA: It does. Granville Street often gets labelled as just a nightclub district, but there's so much more. Places like Frankie's Jazz Club offer in- credible live music alongside fantastic Italian food. For an evening, it feels like you've stepped into another city.

OCT: Speaking of unique experiences, tell us about the circus school.

KA: It's located in New Westminster, and it's ex- actly what it sounds like. You can join the circus for a day and try activities like the trampoline, aerial hoop, and trapeze.

OCT: And you actually did it?

KA: I did! In fact, I've personally completed all 100 experiences featured in the book. My favou- rite discovery was the “Greenheart Tree Walk” at the University of British Columbia. UBC has so many hidden gems, but this elevated walk- way through the forest canopy is especially beautiful. It's a peaceful experience that many people don't even know exists.

OCT: Your book includes Metro Vancouver, so this covers Steveston Village. What's some- thing you can do there?

KA: There is a marina there so you can watch the fishing boats come in and have really great food there too with some of the freshest sea- food right off the docks, and there’s lots of cute artisan shops.

OCT: There really is so much to discover in our city. From walking tours and cultural attrac- tions to hidden gems, your book showcases the very best Vancouver has to offer. “100 Things to Do in Vancouver Before You Die” is available at Indigo, independent bookstores throughout Vancouver, and online. Where can people learn more about you?

KA: Visit coffeeandmascara.org. I'm a travel writer, so I need coffee to stay awake—and mascara to look awake!