Vancouver is a beautiful place to visit, and everyone already wants to visit in the winter (mountains) and summer (beaches), but did you know it's also a super fun (and affordable) destination in the shoulder season too? With roundtrip flights from LAX -YVR around $175 USD for the next few months, now is the perfect time to come up to Canada for a quick visit! (and with the Canadian dollar, everything is about 30% off too!).

We wanted to show off the quirkier side of our hometown with Tourism Vancouver, so here are 7 quirky things to do with 48 hours in Vancouver that aren't your typical mountain or beach destinations (but those are good too):

Quirky Places to Eat in Vancouver

Sushi is a must in Vancouver! We like to think that sushi is the equivalent of tacos in southern California: it’s cheap, it’s on every corner, and it’s sooooooo good. One of our favorite and fun places to get sushi in Vancouver is at General Public in Mount Pleasant, and it’s suuuper quirky. There’s a ton of eclectic decor, and the sushi rolls are named after pop culture icons, like the Bob Marley roll. Near Kitsilano? Check out their sister restaurant The Eatery.

Another quintessential Vancouver experience is brunch (of course). Mezcal in Gastown is our new fave Vancouver brunch spot, it’s always busy at night time for cocktails but the restaurant is equally enjoyable for a weekend brunch in Gastown. We love the decor, the yummy Mexican food, and the quirky breakfast cocktails!

Where to Stay in Vancouver:

Wondering where to stay in Vancouver? Look no further than the comfy and chic hidden tropical oasis at The Burrard Hotel! We had the best Vancouver staycation here and loved the location, the price, and most of all, the colorful and trendy decor! The Burrard Hotel is definitely one of the best hotels in Vancouver, see more in this post here.

Where to Go in Vancouver: Quirky Chinatown

If you’re visiting Vancouver, you’ll definitely want to explore Gastown! But if you want to have a more quirky experience, we definitely recommend making your way to Chinatown. This neighborhood is in close proximity to downtown and Gastown, but the cheaper rents make it an up and coming ‘hood that’s also home to some of the best food and cocktails in the city.

If you’re looking for something a little more casual, make your way to Juke for some seriously good fried chicken. And because you’re in Vancouver, the fried chicken is also gluten-free, so anyone can indulge.

Dinner at Kissa Tanto, Canada’s Best New Restaurant

Under a neon light and up a flight of stairs you’ll find Kissa Tanto, a Japanese-Italian fusion restaurant that is the definition of a hidden gem. Reservations are booked out at least a month in advance, but you can wait for a seat at the bar as a walk-in (depending on the night).

You’ll experience a hip yet romantic atmosphere and the most amazing, incredible, delicious, and unique food at Canada’s best new restaurant. Ask your server about the lasagne del Giorno and the daily fish crudo...you won’t regret it.

Best of Vancouver's Chinatown: Quirky Craft Cocktails at Juniper

While we waited for a seat at the bar at Kissa Tanto, we walked down the street to Juniper for some appies and cocktails. Juniper is the perfect before or after dinner cocktail spot in Vancouver, and their duck wings are one of the quirkiest (and delicious) dishes we’ve found in the city!

Discover Vancouver's Unique Long Walk Lodge

One of the quirkiest places to visit in Vancouver is, of course, also in Chinatown. Wander over to Aubade Coffee and you'll find not only a vegan coffee shop, but also a barber shop and an antique shop all under one roof at Long Walk Lodge.

Last but not least, one of the quirkiest things to do in Vancouver is Eastside Flea! The market is filled with the quirky characters of East Vancouver and runs every other weekend. You’ll find a mix of local vendors, a lot of vintage, and even a few food trucks. It’s a super fun thing to do in Vancouver, especially if it’s raining and you want to experience the city like an east Van local (like us!).

Need more things to do in Vancouver? Check out our Vancouver page filled with all our favorite restaurants, coffee shops, and places to go in Vancouver. You can also check out Tourism Vancouver for EVERYTHING you need to know about visiting Vancouver!