I could never move back to Canada near Toronto after being in Thailand for so long. Even my current stay in Portugal short term has me longing for Chiang Mai. Just can't beat everything Thailand offers and especially for the cost of living. 😊
Thailand is one of my favorite places on earth, but last time I went in June I got the worst food poisoning of my life.... Had me thinking twice about going back lol
Yes me too. Born and raised in Vancouver. I live in Thailand now and there is not enough money to make me move back to that drug infested, overpriced. unfriendly and overrated city, I was lucky to grow up there but not for me anymore.
Those musicians know what's up! 'everybody's working for the weekend'. 'Is this the real life? is this just fantasy?'' Did the whole Thailand experience last year and realised many Thai people would love the opportunities we have in the west. To anyone who is lucky enough to live abroad, never forget the country you grew up in gave you that opportunity.
Welcome home (for however long you'll be here)! I'm sure you're experiencing sticker shock! 💰 My goodness, we Canucks put up with an eye-watering cost of living.
The biggest problem with the whole drug addiction issue is there is ZERO consequences for anything they do, they get away with whatever they want to do, all "petty crime" is handled with a slap on the wrist, zero consequences, it is totally embarrassing as a Canadian that we have allowed this situation to get this bad. A handout never (EVER) works, a hand-up can work if the person wants to get better, we are failing badly in Canada, and it will not get better until we hold people accountable, longer jail sentences, mandatory drug treatment, consequences. Stop using the excuse of addiction as a license to do whatever you want, taking drugs is a choice, no different than any other choices in life, we all get to make them, and we have to be responsible for all our choices. RANT OVER
Five stars for this comment! I would add that this also applies to our politicians! I don't need the (biased, corrupt/financially incentivized) media telling me how deplorable leaders in other countries are -- get the job you signed up for *here* done, and serve the people who elected you here! Cheers!...from North Vancouver
Vancouver has really lost it's luster. Very overpriced, crappy weather a good portion of the year and culturally, it's just not that interesting. Oh, dont forget the prevalent drug crime and money. Born and raised there, left 13 years ago and don't miss much. After a few days of visiting, I'm so happy to leave. Lots of other great places to live in Canada that offers a good lifestyle and is much more affordable. Vancouver is overhyped; pretty but that's about it.
I am a Canadian Currently living in hua hin Thailand just in Tokyo visiting my wife family . love Vancouver but would not change my situation in Thailand for Canada at the moment but love love Vancouver and the surrounding are I am originally from New Brunswick :)
Man.. ! You've opened my eyes to see the city I grew up in has changes s o o o much ! I believe the largest and most significant change to Vancouver's landscape happened after hosting the World Transportation Exposition, Expo '86. But the explosion of tower construction blows me away. It was a nice contrast that you stepped into the Sylvia Hotel, albeit for that brief moment. I was a somewhat frequent patron at the Sylvia Bar, where the barmen still built some of the classic cocktails that are lost on the new crews that, sometimes, don't know what a 'short pour' is when you mention it to them. Speaking of barmen, I too tended bar at both establishments that you gave honorable mention to; those being Bridges Pub on Granville Island and the Bayside Lounge in the Best Western Plus Sands Hotel at the corner of Davie & Denman streets. I've lived in Kelowna since 2001, moving from Brackendale in the Squamish Valley where I lived the previous 9-years. But seeing Vancouver through your eyes and hearing your commentary makes me think I'd been away just a bit too long. To have so many options of places to see and things to do gives no person an excuse to be bored. It's apparent that, like you, one has to be away for a few years to really appreciate Vancouver. Perhaps I might have taken much at least somewhat for granted. [Caveat : The best Fish & Chips, hand's down... was always at the City run beach concessions in the summertime ! ] For what it's worth, I'm now excited to seeing the next in this series of videos of Vancouver and surrounding areas, if not even more so, than I am always looking forward to your SE Asia clips, especially of Thailand. I've followed your channel now for about 3-years. You commented about possibly sharing your year 6-months at a time between Thailand and Vancouver. I've entertained the idea of leaving Canada to live in Thailand full time, but I realize now that, just as Kelowna has had soaring summer heat these past few years, it isn't a viable option. But I can imagine 6-months in Thailand and 6-months in a community on Vancouver Island's east coast, from Nanaimo north to Campbell river, on the ocean where summers are very pleasant and not quite so hot. Thank you for the work that you do. You provide an insightful, informative and enjoyable public service, content that towers head and shoulders above most expat TH-camrs posts. BTW... I wanted to buy you another beer - but I can't seem to find that option ... jus' sayin' Cheers
Wow fom the Westend to Squamish & Kelowna, you've lived and worked in some great spots! I used to work and live up at Whistler as well back when, great memories. I think you're right, 6 months Thailand & 6 on the Island (with sidetrips;) would be the sweet spot for sure. Beers? Doh! Forgot to add the link again. ah well, next time. Cheers!
Backatacha, big Seattle fan as well. Used to be part of the 12th man Seahawks's Canuck contingent (there's loads of us up here eh;) also headed down the I-5 for some tailgating and games, still a hawks fan!
Paused for a minute here -- *Excellent* job showcasing my former Kits Beach "frontyard" -- I think you picked up a shot or two of former councillor George Puil's house, fronting part of Kits beach, near the Maritime museum ( the one protesters dumped a load of manure on the frontyard -- he happily made use of it for his lawn and shrugged it off, Lol). Your "mini-rant" was spot on, just *not nearly strong enough* of a rebuke, imho. Love your Van-life solution to rents. Seems our plans/ideas are quite similar -- I hope to spend 4 - 6 mos a year in Thailand and a few months in the summer in Vancouver and other parts of Canada and/or abroad. I'm sure you'll make your way to the Island at some point -- might want to make use of the (also First Nations) Hullo passenger ferry to Nanaimo if you're not taking the RV across. Cheers!...from North Vancouver PS -- I know you were able, in the past, to street park overnight at Jericho, just past Locarno, with showers available -- not sure if that's changed at all. PPS -- An Alaska cruise can be both affordable, and perfect in October still, depending on temperatures -- you may be in luck with a warmer than normal October this year?
Another Vantastic video STL…brought back memories in the sense that it reminds me of Oregon in many ways, my home town of over 5 decades. The lush greenery, very bike friendly areas, weather, mountains, coastlines, and the fact my great grandpa Taylor escaped England with his 2 sisters on a boat when he was 7 and ended up living in Canada at first. My grandma Joy and Aunt Ruth were both born in Canada and eventually they all moved to Oregon around the Columbia Gorge area. (Area that separates Oregon from Washington). I finally visited 1 time to Canada in 2014 for about a week. It’s absolutely stunning and I’d love to visit again sometime and do a lot more exploring. I loved riding on the ferry and was amazed how many cars they can carry…I think it was $7 then. The glass buildings and the whole surrounding area is gorgeous indeed. Love that your dad offered you his self contained van….very fortunate way to travel I think considering overall housing prices in Canada, even with the high price to pay to park at freaking Walmart, lol. Thank You for the journey through time episode, enjoyed it immensely❤
2:32 Yes, this has changed since you were away. New Westminster, I think, kicked it off during Covid. At least from my experiences. Shocked me when my "Thais" friends whipped out a beer to my surprise, then showed me the sign. LOL Kits Beach: I have had American colleagues from Cali (Venice Beach) say that Kits beach is more closer to Hollywood movies in terms of good looking people versus Venice beach, which Hollywood portrays the California Girl, but it is not in reality. For the most part, people look very healthy in Vancouver. It's a lifestyle city. 19:15 That's not busy at the market. As you usually say about the Thai markets, "You could not slip a cigarette paper between the people". Very true for Granville market on a sunny summer weekend. For those wishing to bring their car. Good luck. Do what STL did and take the water taxis, you will save money and time. 20:54 Try Go Fish, which is outside of the market. Best french fries I ever had at a Fish and Chips vendor. It's a small walk along the seawall path. Ajarn Google can show the route. 24:24 Tap and Barrel Bridges has updated while you were away. I know the front of house 'coach' who was helping them open. Their goal was to take the Canadian record for most bums in seats at a Canadian restaurant. Which can happen on the August long weekend. During a sunny weekend, they can easily clear $100k a day in revenue. 28:52 Agreed. All those beautiful areas you are showing could have added 'tents' in the years to come. Yes, people need help to get 'dry', not have more product dangled in front of them. We will see what happens provincially in the Oct 2024 election. 30:52 My favourite 'corporate' lunch area. Go pick something up, sit on a bench and enjoy the comings and goings of people, planes, boats... and, on the very rare occasion, a pod of orcas! So, not really agony if you plan your break. Or, what I have done, walking meetings with my exec sponsors. 34:07 For those who might like transit. Bus 19 (a trolly bus) goes from Stanley Park to the largest Mall in BC - Metropolis at Metrotown. (I'm sure you might cover to compare mall life) Very Vantastic. I'm on the same goal path. 6mo in Thailand / 6mo in Van or some nice combo! Great trip report and cheers all!
Vantastic Thankyou for this really wonderful vid, I doubt very much that I will ever see anything of the American continents in real life, but you have captured the essence and charm of Vancouver.. and made it possible for me to be there too.
my wife & i sold homemade patties at wreck beach back in the early 80s. lived in a van outside of our friend's house off cambie for a while too lol. 🇨🇦VANTASTIC 🚙 TIMES❕
Bidwell & Harwood my old stompin' grounds in the 80s/90s. F'n Paradise ;-) ... Tennis in Stanley Park ... dodging the Great Blue Heron sky bombs ... those were the days ! Have loads of fun !! Luv the wheels too ....
lol much has changed but can still play tennis in Lord Stanley's Park and of course dodge sky bombs from Heron's to Geese to gulls/sh*thawks, still loads of fun, thanks for coming along.
Our home ... Langley. We have followed you for over a year and visited Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. Your videos extremely motivating as well as helpful. Thank you. Fantastic for sure! (Incidentally some camp sites near the border Hwy 15!)
You are bang on about the drug problems but this is what the people have Vancouver have chosen. The sad part is that this policy has been exported to the rest of the province.
absolutely beautiful and looks like an amazing place to be. thank you for showing us Vancouver. heck yeah, sure looks like a good place to live, for awhile, haha
It’s been years since I’ve been to Vancouver, love it there though it is a bit pricy…..the van life thing is something we have explored doing for the few months that we are in the US every year…..great tour of a beautiful city and your home town STL!
Thanks Howey and enjoy your return to Thailand. Btw any looking in check out @MauiHowey for vids from Michigan (and The Guess Who -good but prefer Bachman/Cummings eh;) to great Thailand content.
Thanks for the video , I have lived in Vancouver for decades. Spent half the year in Van during the summer months and half the year travelling around, biggest portion in Southeast Asia . Never got out of the real estate market . If you can afford to live here there is plenty to do and plenty of culture….. Bangkok is my home base in the winter, the ‘em district….
Ha! We must have just missed you, we were there the third week of August, got some rain but it was still lovely. It was our first time there, and since we're from Oregon, the rain doesn't bother us. We stay in the Capilano RV park, the Sylvia Hotel for one night, and then in Victoria at Salish Sea RV resort. We don't have a van, but the camper works, and it's great in Baja as well if you're considering van life, maybe for the other six months? We can't wait to get back to BC to explore some more!
Hi guys. Btw thanks for the kind offer you sent, may take you up on a visit to Salem one day and drop by your witchin looking westsidetaphouse. Meanwhile, have a feeling you might like my next vid... see you then, cheers STL
Vantastic video by STL - I loved this intro to Vancouver tho reading the comments there may be another side to the place somewhat different from this delightful video from the "prodigal son" 😁 I've always loved your Thailand content but my interest switched to Cebu, Philippines (where I now have a base in addition to Davis, CA) in recent years. I also bought a (Sprinter) van and drove from NYC to Davis, CA some years ago and had it properly converted here a year ago. So far I've only used it in Yosemite for a month in May 2024 but would love to take it up and explore Vancouver one of these months/years. I plan to head back to Cebu by beginning of November so maybe on my next trip back to USA in early 2025. I need to get back to Thailand sometime soon also (maybe with my Filipina fiancée) so also hope to catch up with you there one of these years. Keep up the great work.
Vancouver is gorgeous. I live here and am mesmerized every time I take a trip to the seawall and beaches. I spend 3 winter months a year in Thailand and can't handle the heat any longer than that. I'm considering selling all and living the nomad life. Anyways, I enjoy your channel and the info you share in Thailand. Thanks!
I was there 3 weeks ago jumping on a Princess Cruise to Alaska, a wonderful time was had on the cruise. And I loved the harbor at Canada Place in Vancouver, stunning 😊
Portlander here, and we have many of the same problems. Vancouver is a gorgeous world-class city and I have enjoyed it so much every time I've been there, starting with Expo 86. Pretty expensive compared to Thailand though so we'll get our big city fix from Bangkok!
"Vantastic", meaning I always make it to the end....although I probably watched it 3x over....rewinding to read screen, listen to commentary, plus viewing scenery. Hey, STL, why DID you move to Thailand 20 yrs ago? Or have you covered this in a previous video? Thanks Em from Winnipeg (I'm considering 6 months Canada, 6 months abroad as well). Are you back for Turkey Day with the fandamily? I guess not too much turkey in Thailand.
Vantastic! I was always curious about Vancouver, but knew it was very expensive. I was amazed at the amount of Asians there. I lived in Hua Hin for over a year. I miss it a lot but do not miss the constant heat. There was enough heat in the Denver area to keep me uncomfortable, and there is the same homeless/drug problem/crime here.
VANTASTIC! Enjoyed this! I've visited Vancouver and loved it but won't live there. Too pricey. Anyway, enjoying all your vlogs from Wilmington NC and hoping to retire to Thailand in a few years.😊
I just clicked on this to comment, will watch it after work but no friggin way you’re even considering Van Life here in Canada 🇨🇦 . I’m assuming you’re getting sticker shock very quickly already!! 😂😂. Salud and welcome back to 🍁 🍻 !!
It is pretty nice, haven’t really watched any Vancouver videos previously and only been as far as Edmonton myself. I have to say, and I hope this doesn’t start a “thing”. That has to be the largest collection of white folks I’ve seen in a while in a Canadian city video. Not the same ratio I see when I go to my local Costco. Struck me as odd…..thought you were in Sweden or similar for a while!! 😬 Great look at Vancouver, as always great content. 👍
Love Vancouver in the summer (3 months MAX), the rain in the oher 9 months is DEPRESSING. I am in Penticton BC, far better weather and very beautiful. Let me know if you are coming this way (Kelowna/Penticton). Maybe see you in Thailand (Hua Hin) soon!!! We bought a condo in Marvest Condo building, LOVE THAILAND
Vantastic STL. Vancouver looks absolutely beautiful. As an Aussie I thought the prices of food/drink were very similar, but must be a shock compared to SEA though. Great vid.
I live in British Columbia's Okanagan and have been viewing your videos for several weeks. Interesting how Thailand appears to have very low crime compared to how crime and drug use has exploded in North America due to soft on crime politics. Also impressed with the much cheaper cost of living in Thailand yet similar standard of living in terms of clean beaches, modern accommodations and cost of food. I'm hoping that British Columbians, Canadians and Americans have had enough of the downward spiral of living and elect to take a new direction to restore Canada's way of life.
Love your video. We are from Ontario but have the lucky privilege to spend our winters on Van Isle (Qualicum Beach). Can't wait for your Nanaimo trek. Hope you make it to cathedral grove and goats on roof. Cheers.
Going back to my born and raised Vancouver next week from Thailand. Last time there 3 years ago when I moved to SEA. Vancouver is stunning on a beautiful day and you make it look so inviting however I don't need to tell you the issues of living there. It will be a short trip to visit family and friends and back to my new home.
For that kind of money in Thailand you could live right on the beach in a posh hotel, get a soapy massage every day and eat fresh seafood daily. I lived in Vancouver as a kid in 1962, for a year, all I remember was grey skies and lots of cold rain and large red brick apartment buildings. Tinned smoked oysters were cheap, and I liked them.
Van tastic great video, found you researching Asian beach destinations, but was great to see Vancouver in the summer as we go in the winter to ski in the Okanangan
Vantastic How can I have watched, enjoyed and appreciated your Thai adventures, and not have known you would turn my second home, Vancouver into the new, big, brightest place I never knew existed. Have spent 35 years in BC, from Parksville to Gabriola Island to Calvert Island, Shearwater, Bella Coola, and now Williams Lake to just realize I have not even wore the dust off the surface scratch that is British Columbia. Thank You!!!
Vancouver surely is pretty, haven't been there in 25 years and can tell a lot more $$ has flowed into the place. It's got its issues like any large metro but it sure is pretty! Can't believe they actually get all those palms to grow there, I guess because it doesn't freeze?
Vantastic. Currently in Thailand, van stored in USA. I made reservations at The Fishermans house in PKK but ended up in Hua Hin because of proximity. Hope to catch you someday. BTW , your enthusiasm for home is understandable.
The homeless/ drug situation is an entire west coast thing, from San Diego to Vancouver. No idea what the solution is, but it certainly affects my town 3.5 hours south of you. Vancouver is looking lovely...nice vid.
BTW, we currently live in the mountains, five hours north of Whistler. We lived in Whistler for the duration of the nineties, but it became too commercialized for our taste, so we moved in to an RV and have spent the past eleven years glamping here. Temperatures range from 130°F in the summer, to -60°F in the winter time. It’s a land of extremes, and frankly, with the current political climate here, which won’t improve any time soon, we’re eager to make the move to Thailand. Blessings! 🙏🏻 Jess.🌹
Vantastic.....I grew up in Vancouver and retired to the Okanagan. Miss the city very much, this was a great video. I usually park my RV at Spanish Banks for overnighting but have heard that the city was cracking down on the campers there. Looking forward to the rest of this series just as I look forward to your Thailand videos. See you in the next one
Having just visited my home in Australia after being in Thailand a year, we are very lucky to have two countries that are home to us. Canada isn’t so bad too hey 😊
I looked at buying a house in Vancouver, but holy sheet was it expensive. You could get a very small vacant lot for 350K. I read an article about how outsiders(not Canadian but Asian) were buying homes and holding them (not living in them), and the costs kept getting driven upward, to the point that most locals cannot afford to buy and were starting to complain to the Government. I believe the article was written buy a local Canadian news outlet.
Born and raised in Vancouver but it's BC that I love--could easily go backroading here for 6 months a year -S.E.Asia would be fun to explore for the other half year--anyway love this channel good luck in whatever you do
Great to see Vancouver in the summer, I hope that you get to the Tomahawk Restaurant for a Canadian breakfast. Maybe you can install a "bum cannon" in your dad's camper. Keep up the good work.
Wow!!! Vancouver looks amazing. So clean and organised. Yea expensive but all relative. Why did I ever move to Thailand when there are so many more beutiful places in the world. Ha! Never mind. Enjoy your time there. Lucky guy ❤️
Great video Vancouver looks vantastic, the prices seemed reasonable, did you have to take the scooter back to the same place you got it from or can you return them to other locations ? Look foreward to seeing more of Canada.
FACT and actually one night in an avg Vancouver hotel can cost more than a 1 month at a condo with pool/gym in Thailand: th-cam.com/video/towFyXTfvWU/w-d-xo.html
I was in Hua Hin about 7 weeks ago with my red Brompton folding bike in a restaurant, and I'm sure someone just like you (in the starting credits....with the mirror and sunglasses) came over to inspect my bike and take a photo..... If it was you, shame, I didn't get the chance to speak to you. If I'm incorrect......forgive me. Thanks
Sounds familiar and I am looking for a folding ebike. How's the Brompton in the rain and battery in real life use? Looks ideal to chuck in the back of my car, bring on trips around Thailand and use locally.
@SideTripLife itz awesome.....ive been flying with Bromptons for 10 years or so to SE Asia. The one in Hua Hin has been converted with a Swytch Air conversation which means I can fly with the batteries as they are only 90WH......if you need any assistance. PM me I will will be able to advise on Bromptons or other folding bikes (I collect them). But I would seriously recommend a Brompton......however there are Pros and Cons too.
Thanks for the "vantastic" tour. It looks beautiful there, but i could never afford it! I am planning a (maybe) 12+/- month stint in an RV or similar in the US and then hopefully heading to Thailand thereafter and living i the Land of Smiles till the big Hereafter, lol.
Love Van .. just like Queensland Australia .. fantastic vibe. Great markets spent days in n out of there so much to see n do. 6 months in each would be good I reckon. Bushyboy Oz
I live in seattle and love going to yvr. I stay a block from Main and Hastings and have a meal at the Carnegie. Comfort is a state of mind. I don’t know a town in north America that feels like it use to be. Change or get left behind or become bitter
The last time I was in Vancouver was the 1986 worlds fair. It was over cast and the town seemed kind of Dingy to me. Now, I would move there in a heartbeat. Seems like a completely different vibe compared to then. Does the sky tram still operate?
GETTING HERE: th-cam.com/video/LOwfhbtqtOg/w-d-xo.html
Buy me a beer eh? bit.ly/3Le6Ex8
Flights: bit.ly/3STHLvf
Hotels: www.agoda.com/city/vancouver-bc-ca.html?cid=1898974
Vantastic! Thanks for the tour of Vancouver have always wondered what it looked like. I like it.
I could never move back to Canada near Toronto after being in Thailand for so long. Even my current stay in Portugal short term has me longing for Chiang Mai. Just can't beat everything Thailand offers and especially for the cost of living. 😊
Been here in Chiang Mai for a month. Leave for Da Nang Saturday. It's nice.
Thailand is one of my favorite places on earth, but last time I went in June I got the worst food poisoning of my life.... Had me thinking twice about going back lol
Yes me too. Born and raised in Vancouver. I live in Thailand now and there is not enough money to make me move back to that drug infested, overpriced. unfriendly and overrated city, I was lucky to grow up there but not for me anymore.
@@mikeyboy3054 Couldnt agree more. "overrated" sums it up perfectly. I might toss in an "overpriced" too. Never going back!!!!
@@DiamondMind949can happen anywhere. Enjoy da Nang.
"Dad" has taken very good care of that coach. ❤
A great base for creating tempting travel daydreams.
My pops is tops, van too
Great to see you back in Canada and thanks for sharing your trip always a great video
Those musicians know what's up! 'everybody's working for the weekend'. 'Is this the real life? is this just fantasy?''
Did the whole Thailand experience last year and realised many Thai people would love the opportunities we have in the west. To anyone who is lucky enough to live abroad, never forget the country you grew up in gave you that opportunity.
Welcome home (for however long you'll be here)! I'm sure you're experiencing sticker shock! 💰 My goodness, we Canucks put up with an eye-watering cost of living.
I enjoy all your vids STL, not least the lovely way you present your home town in your 'enjoy every moment' ethos. Thank you mate
The biggest problem with the whole drug addiction issue is there is ZERO consequences for anything they do, they get away with whatever they want to do, all "petty crime" is handled with a slap on the wrist, zero consequences, it is totally embarrassing as a Canadian that we have allowed this situation to get this bad. A handout never (EVER) works, a hand-up can work if the person wants to get better, we are failing badly in Canada, and it will not get better until we hold people accountable, longer jail sentences, mandatory drug treatment, consequences. Stop using the excuse of addiction as a license to do whatever you want, taking drugs is a choice, no different than any other choices in life, we all get to make them, and we have to be responsible for all our choices. RANT OVER
hear hear, we need to change course and asap
@@SideTripLife Penticton is really bad too, so is Kelowna!!!
Five stars for this comment!
I would add that this also applies to our politicians!
I don't need the (biased, corrupt/financially incentivized) media telling me how deplorable leaders in other countries are -- get the job you signed up for *here* done, and serve the people who elected you here!
Cheers!...from North Vancouver
Vantastic!!!
Thanks for sharing STL 👍🍻
Vantastic. loved living in Vancouver for 7 years prior to Olympics. Our daughter lives there now and has for 6 years. Enjoy all your vids.
Vancouver has really lost it's luster. Very overpriced, crappy weather a good portion of the year and culturally, it's just not that interesting. Oh, dont forget the prevalent drug crime and money. Born and raised there, left 13 years ago and don't miss much. After a few days of visiting, I'm so happy to leave. Lots of other great places to live in Canada that offers a good lifestyle and is much more affordable. Vancouver is overhyped; pretty but that's about it.
I agree it’s awful. 😣
Sorry you had a bad experience. We love Vancouver!
Vantastic!!! I thank you for sharing your hometown with us in the same style you shared Bangkok/Hua Hin/Cha'am and the rest of Thailand!
Vantastic!!! OMG I LOVE that you are rocking that thing. I would totally do it!
I am a Canadian Currently living in hua hin Thailand just in Tokyo visiting my wife family . love Vancouver but would not change my situation in Thailand for Canada at the moment but love love Vancouver and the surrounding are I am originally from New Brunswick :)
wonderful tour . Thanks. Love all of your videos
Man.. ! You've opened my eyes to see the city I grew up in has changes s o o o much ! I believe the largest and most significant change to Vancouver's landscape happened after hosting the World Transportation Exposition, Expo '86. But the explosion of tower construction blows me away. It was a nice contrast that you stepped into the Sylvia Hotel, albeit for that brief moment. I was a somewhat frequent patron at the Sylvia Bar, where the barmen still built some of the classic cocktails that are lost on the new crews that, sometimes, don't know what a 'short pour' is when you mention it to them.
Speaking of barmen, I too tended bar at both establishments that you gave honorable mention to; those being Bridges Pub on Granville Island and the Bayside Lounge in the Best Western Plus Sands Hotel at the corner of Davie & Denman streets.
I've lived in Kelowna since 2001, moving from Brackendale in the Squamish Valley where I lived the previous 9-years. But seeing Vancouver through your eyes and hearing your commentary makes me think I'd been away just a bit too long. To have so many options of places to see and things to do gives no person an excuse to be bored. It's apparent that, like you, one has to be away for a few years to really appreciate Vancouver. Perhaps I might have taken much at least somewhat for granted.
[Caveat : The best Fish & Chips, hand's down... was always at the City run beach concessions in the summertime ! ]
For what it's worth, I'm now excited to seeing the next in this series of videos of Vancouver and surrounding areas, if not even more so, than I am always looking forward to your SE Asia clips, especially of Thailand. I've followed your channel now for about 3-years.
You commented about possibly sharing your year 6-months at a time between Thailand and Vancouver. I've entertained the idea of leaving Canada to live in Thailand full time, but I realize now that, just as Kelowna has had soaring summer heat these past few years, it isn't a viable option. But I can imagine 6-months in Thailand and 6-months in a community on Vancouver Island's east coast, from Nanaimo north to Campbell river, on the ocean where summers are very pleasant and not quite so hot.
Thank you for the work that you do. You provide an insightful, informative and enjoyable public service, content that towers head and shoulders above most expat TH-camrs posts.
BTW... I wanted to buy you another beer - but I can't seem to find that option ... jus' sayin'
Cheers
Wow fom the Westend to Squamish & Kelowna, you've lived and worked in some great spots! I used to work and live up at Whistler as well back when, great memories. I think you're right, 6 months Thailand & 6 on the Island (with sidetrips;) would be the sweet spot for sure. Beers? Doh! Forgot to add the link again. ah well, next time. Cheers!
I’m from Seattle, I love Vancouver😊
Backatacha, big Seattle fan as well. Used to be part of the 12th man Seahawks's Canuck contingent (there's loads of us up here eh;) also headed down the I-5 for some tailgating and games, still a hawks fan!
Enjoying your video and getting your joy of returning to your origins. We were there in 2011. Eagerly awaiting next video! Vantastic
Vancouver is home for me as well and haven't been back for 4 years now. Was nice to see the old stompin grounds! Such a Vantastic view ;)
What a lovely trip to your hometown...thanks for taking us along
Paused for a minute here --
*Excellent* job showcasing my former Kits Beach "frontyard" -- I think you picked up a shot or two of former councillor George Puil's house, fronting part of Kits beach, near the Maritime museum ( the one protesters dumped a load of manure on the frontyard -- he happily made use of it for his lawn and shrugged it off, Lol).
Your "mini-rant" was spot on, just *not nearly strong enough* of a rebuke, imho.
Love your Van-life solution to rents. Seems our plans/ideas are quite similar -- I hope to spend 4 - 6 mos a year in Thailand and a few months in the summer in Vancouver and other parts of Canada and/or abroad.
I'm sure you'll make your way to the Island at some point -- might want to make use of the (also First Nations) Hullo passenger ferry to Nanaimo if you're not taking the RV across.
Cheers!...from North Vancouver
PS -- I know you were able, in the past, to street park overnight at Jericho, just past Locarno, with showers available -- not sure if that's changed at all.
PPS -- An Alaska cruise can be both affordable, and perfect in October still, depending on temperatures -- you may be in luck with a warmer than normal October this year?
I love Vancouver but I love Thailand so much more.
😊Hi Mr. STL..
Hope your enjoying revisiting your favs, many memories for me. Thx for sharing..
Another Vantastic video STL…brought back memories in the sense that it reminds me of Oregon in many ways, my home town of over 5 decades. The lush greenery, very bike friendly areas, weather, mountains, coastlines, and the fact my great grandpa Taylor escaped England with his 2 sisters on a boat when he was 7 and ended up living in Canada at first. My grandma Joy and Aunt Ruth were both born in Canada and eventually they all moved to Oregon around the Columbia Gorge area. (Area that separates Oregon from Washington). I finally visited 1 time to Canada in 2014 for about a week. It’s absolutely stunning and I’d love to visit again sometime and do a lot more exploring. I loved riding on the ferry and was amazed how many cars they can carry…I think it was $7 then. The glass buildings and the whole surrounding area is gorgeous indeed. Love that your dad offered you his self contained van….very fortunate way to travel I think considering overall housing prices in Canada, even with the high price to pay to park at freaking Walmart, lol. Thank You for the journey through time episode, enjoyed it immensely❤
Wonderful backstory, thanks for sharing :)
2:32 Yes, this has changed since you were away. New Westminster, I think, kicked it off during Covid. At least from my experiences. Shocked me when my "Thais" friends whipped out a beer to my surprise, then showed me the sign. LOL
Kits Beach: I have had American colleagues from Cali (Venice Beach) say that Kits beach is more closer to Hollywood movies in terms of good looking people versus Venice beach, which Hollywood portrays the California Girl, but it is not in reality. For the most part, people look very healthy in Vancouver. It's a lifestyle city.
19:15 That's not busy at the market. As you usually say about the Thai markets, "You could not slip a cigarette paper between the people". Very true for Granville market on a sunny summer weekend. For those wishing to bring their car. Good luck. Do what STL did and take the water taxis, you will save money and time.
20:54 Try Go Fish, which is outside of the market. Best french fries I ever had at a Fish and Chips vendor. It's a small walk along the seawall path. Ajarn Google can show the route.
24:24 Tap and Barrel Bridges has updated while you were away. I know the front of house 'coach' who was helping them open. Their goal was to take the Canadian record for most bums in seats at a Canadian restaurant. Which can happen on the August long weekend. During a sunny weekend, they can easily clear $100k a day in revenue.
28:52 Agreed. All those beautiful areas you are showing could have added 'tents' in the years to come. Yes, people need help to get 'dry', not have more product dangled in front of them. We will see what happens provincially in the Oct 2024 election.
30:52 My favourite 'corporate' lunch area. Go pick something up, sit on a bench and enjoy the comings and goings of people, planes, boats... and, on the very rare occasion, a pod of orcas! So, not really agony if you plan your break. Or, what I have done, walking meetings with my exec sponsors.
34:07 For those who might like transit. Bus 19 (a trolly bus) goes from Stanley Park to the largest Mall in BC - Metropolis at Metrotown. (I'm sure you might cover to compare mall life)
Very Vantastic. I'm on the same goal path. 6mo in Thailand / 6mo in Van or some nice combo! Great trip report and cheers all!
Thanks for the terrific summary, appreciated :) STL
Great video of Vancouver, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Vantastic Thankyou for this really wonderful vid, I doubt very much that I will ever see anything of the American continents in real life, but you have captured the essence and charm of Vancouver.. and made it possible for me to be there too.
Your video is Vantastic & VanCanadatastic & Vancouvertastic, well done 👏👏👏
my wife & i sold homemade patties at wreck beach back in the early 80s. lived in a van outside of our friend's house off cambie for a while too lol. 🇨🇦VANTASTIC 🚙 TIMES❕
Cool!
A very vantastic look at Vancouver!! :)
We MISS your Thailand adventures, were retiring to Hua Hin next summer, Greetings from Alberta Canada
Thanks guys, will be back posting from Thailand soon, enjoy Hua Hin, great choice.
Thanks for the trip
Now i don’t need to do it myself 😊
Cheers from Indonesia.
Vantastic ! Thanks for another great video !
Bidwell & Harwood my old stompin' grounds in the 80s/90s. F'n Paradise ;-) ... Tennis in Stanley Park ... dodging the Great Blue Heron sky bombs ... those were the days ! Have loads of fun !! Luv the wheels too ....
lol much has changed but can still play tennis in Lord Stanley's Park and of course dodge sky bombs from Heron's to Geese to gulls/sh*thawks, still loads of fun, thanks for coming along.
Our home ... Langley. We have followed you for over a year and visited Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. Your videos extremely motivating as well as helpful. Thank you. Fantastic for sure! (Incidentally some camp sites near the border Hwy 15!)
You are bang on about the drug problems but this is what the people have Vancouver have chosen. The sad part is that this policy has been exported to the rest of the province.
absolutely beautiful and looks like an amazing place to be. thank you for showing us Vancouver.
heck yeah, sure looks like a good place to live, for awhile, haha
It’s been years since I’ve been to Vancouver, love it there though it is a bit pricy…..the van life thing is something we have explored doing for the few months that we are in the US every year…..great tour of a beautiful city and your home town STL!
Thanks Howey and enjoy your return to Thailand. Btw any looking in check out @MauiHowey for vids from Michigan (and The Guess Who -good but prefer Bachman/Cummings eh;) to great Thailand content.
Thanks for the video , I have lived in Vancouver for decades. Spent half the year in Van during the summer months and half the year travelling around, biggest portion in Southeast Asia . Never got out of the real estate market . If you can afford to live here there is plenty to do and plenty of culture….. Bangkok is my home base in the winter, the ‘em district….
You've got the perfect lifestyle, well done! PS, Bangkok Em District: th-cam.com/video/xm80l7JBGlg/w-d-xo.html
We loved our trVels to BC and especially Vancouver. Thank you for the memories again. Great post.
You smacked this one out of the park for me STL!! Always wondered what Vancouver was like. Much appreciated!! ❤
Ha! We must have just missed you, we were there the third week of August, got some rain but it was still lovely. It was our first time there, and since we're from Oregon, the rain doesn't bother us. We stay in the Capilano RV park, the Sylvia Hotel for one night, and then in Victoria at Salish Sea RV resort. We don't have a van, but the camper works, and it's great in Baja as well if you're considering van life, maybe for the other six months? We can't wait to get back to BC to explore some more!
Hi guys. Btw thanks for the kind offer you sent, may take you up on a visit to Salem one day and drop by your witchin looking westsidetaphouse. Meanwhile, have a feeling you might like my next vid... see you then, cheers STL
Vantastic video by STL - I loved this intro to Vancouver tho reading the comments there may be another side to the place somewhat different from this delightful video from the "prodigal son" 😁
I've always loved your Thailand content but my interest switched to Cebu, Philippines (where I now have a base in addition to Davis, CA) in recent years.
I also bought a (Sprinter) van and drove from NYC to Davis, CA some years ago and had it properly converted here a year ago. So far I've only used it in Yosemite for a month in May 2024 but would love to take it up and explore Vancouver one of these months/years. I plan to head back to Cebu by beginning of November so maybe on my next trip back to USA in early 2025.
I need to get back to Thailand sometime soon also (maybe with my Filipina fiancée) so also hope to catch up with you there one of these years.
Keep up the great work.
Vancouver is gorgeous. I live here and am mesmerized every time I take a trip to the seawall and beaches.
I spend 3 winter months a year in Thailand and can't handle the heat any longer than that. I'm considering selling all and living the nomad life.
Anyways, I enjoy your channel and the info you share in Thailand. Thanks!
I was there 3 weeks ago jumping on a Princess Cruise to Alaska, a wonderful time was had on the cruise.
And I loved the harbor at Canada Place in Vancouver, stunning 😊
Great video as always STL! Vancouver is a fantastic place as long as you have 2 wallets😮
Portlander here, and we have many of the same problems. Vancouver is a gorgeous world-class city and I have enjoyed it so much every time I've been there, starting with Expo 86. Pretty expensive compared to Thailand though so we'll get our big city fix from Bangkok!
Vantastic love Vancouver IN THE SUMMER.
"Vantastic", meaning I always make it to the end....although I probably watched it 3x over....rewinding to read screen, listen to commentary, plus viewing scenery. Hey, STL, why DID you move to Thailand 20 yrs ago? Or have you covered this in a previous video? Thanks Em from Winnipeg (I'm considering 6 months Canada, 6 months abroad as well). Are you back for Turkey Day with the fandamily? I guess not too much turkey in Thailand.
Such an amazing episode it was!
Vantastic! I was always curious about Vancouver, but knew it was very expensive. I was amazed at the amount of Asians there. I lived in Hua Hin for over a year. I miss it a lot but do not miss the constant heat. There was enough heat in the Denver area to keep me uncomfortable, and there is the same homeless/drug problem/crime here.
VANTASTIC! Enjoyed this! I've visited Vancouver and loved it but won't live there. Too pricey. Anyway, enjoying all your vlogs from Wilmington NC and hoping to retire to Thailand in a few years.😊
Vantastic. WOW that place looks awesome
I just clicked on this to comment, will watch it after work but no friggin way you’re even considering Van Life here in Canada 🇨🇦 . I’m assuming you’re getting sticker shock very quickly already!! 😂😂.
Salud and welcome back to 🍁 🍻 !!
It is pretty nice, haven’t really watched any Vancouver videos previously and only been as far as Edmonton myself. I have to say, and I hope this doesn’t start a “thing”. That has to be the largest collection of white folks I’ve seen in a while in a Canadian city video. Not the same ratio I see when I go to my local Costco. Struck me as odd…..thought you were in Sweden or similar for a while!! 😬
Great look at Vancouver, as always great content. 👍
Love Vancouver in the summer (3 months MAX), the rain in the oher 9 months is DEPRESSING. I am in Penticton BC, far better weather and very beautiful. Let me know if you are coming this way (Kelowna/Penticton). Maybe see you in Thailand (Hua Hin) soon!!! We bought a condo in Marvest Condo building, LOVE THAILAND
Penticton/Hua Hin, perfection!
@@SideTripLife Actually we are going to sell our home in Penticton and move to Thailand FULL TIME, we just got our DTV Visa today, game changer!!!!
Never thought I'd see my own neighbourhood on STL :)
Vantastic STL. Vancouver looks absolutely beautiful. As an Aussie I thought the prices of food/drink were very similar, but must be a shock compared to SEA though. Great vid.
I live in British Columbia's Okanagan and have been viewing your videos for several weeks. Interesting how Thailand appears to have very low crime compared to how crime and drug use has exploded in North America due to soft on crime politics. Also impressed with the much cheaper cost of living in Thailand yet similar standard of living in terms of clean beaches, modern accommodations and cost of food. I'm hoping that British Columbians, Canadians and Americans have had enough of the downward spiral of living and elect to take a new direction to restore Canada's way of life.
Love your video. We are from Ontario but have the lucky privilege to spend our winters on Van Isle (Qualicum Beach). Can't wait for your Nanaimo trek. Hope you make it to cathedral grove and goats on roof. Cheers.
English Bay, my old neighbourhood! Homesick!!!!! 😍😍😍😍
Looks a very good city,price of fish and chips not to bad similar to some places in England haha 😆 enjoy your trip home ,Jimmy England
Going back to my born and raised Vancouver next week from Thailand. Last time there 3 years ago when I moved to SEA. Vancouver is stunning on a beautiful day and you make it look so inviting however I don't need to tell you the issues of living there. It will be a short trip to visit family and friends and back to my new home.
For that kind of money in Thailand you could live right on the beach in a posh hotel, get a soapy massage every day and eat fresh seafood daily. I lived in Vancouver as a kid in 1962, for a year, all I remember was grey skies and lots of cold rain and large red brick apartment buildings. Tinned smoked oysters were cheap, and I liked them.
Vantastic; wonderful city to live in for someone who has not been there
Vantastic… brings back memories for me
Van tastic great video, found you researching Asian beach destinations, but was great to see Vancouver in the summer as we go in the winter to ski in the Okanangan
Vantastic. Beautiful place. My wife is from there, we live in Australia now and frequently visit Samui
Loved it. Thanks!
Thanks, much appreciated :)
Vantastic
How can I have watched, enjoyed and appreciated your Thai adventures, and not have known you would turn my second home, Vancouver into the new, big, brightest place I never knew existed.
Have spent 35 years in BC, from Parksville to Gabriola Island to Calvert Island, Shearwater, Bella Coola, and now Williams Lake to just realize I have not even wore the dust off the surface scratch that is British Columbia.
Thank You!!!
Thanks Paps, indeed! Nice cruise machine 🎉...
Yep, thanks to my amazing Dad
Vancouver surely is pretty, haven't been there in 25 years and can tell a lot more $$ has flowed into the place. It's got its issues like any large metro but it sure is pretty! Can't believe they actually get all those palms to grow there, I guess because it doesn't freeze?
Vantastic.
Currently in Thailand, van stored in USA.
I made reservations at The Fishermans house in PKK but ended up in Hua Hin because of proximity. Hope to catch you someday.
BTW , your enthusiasm for home is understandable.
The homeless/ drug situation is an entire west coast thing, from San Diego to Vancouver. No idea what the solution is, but it certainly affects my town 3.5 hours south of you.
Vancouver is looking lovely...nice vid.
Also Denver, CO and surrounding cities.
Vantastic, enjoy your trip home 😎
BTW, we currently live in the mountains, five hours north of Whistler. We lived in Whistler for the duration of the nineties, but it became too commercialized for our taste, so we moved in to an RV and have spent the past eleven years glamping here. Temperatures range from 130°F in the summer, to -60°F in the winter time. It’s a land of extremes, and frankly, with the current political climate here, which won’t improve any time soon, we’re eager to make the move to Thailand.
Blessings! 🙏🏻
Jess.🌹
Vantastic.....I grew up in Vancouver and retired to the Okanagan. Miss the city very much, this was a great video. I usually park my RV at Spanish Banks for overnighting but have heard that the city was cracking down on the campers there. Looking forward to the rest of this series just as I look forward to your Thailand videos. See you in the next one
Usually I'm in Canada watching you in Thailand, now I'm in Koh Samui watching you in Canada. 😂
Having just visited my home in Australia after being in Thailand a year, we are very lucky to have two countries that are home to us. Canada isn’t so bad too hey 😊
I looked at buying a house in Vancouver, but holy sheet was it expensive. You could get a very small vacant lot for 350K. I read an article about how outsiders(not Canadian but Asian) were buying homes and holding them (not living in them), and the costs kept getting driven upward, to the point that most locals cannot afford to buy and were starting to complain to the Government. I believe the article was written buy a local Canadian news outlet.
I also live in Asia and whenever I come back in summer, I miss Vancouver. It is just perfect.
Born and raised in Vancouver but it's BC that I love--could easily go backroading here for 6 months a year -S.E.Asia would be fun to explore for the other half year--anyway love this channel good luck in whatever you do
Great outro Thanks 😍
Great to see Vancouver in the summer, I hope that you get to the Tomahawk Restaurant for a Canadian breakfast. Maybe you can install a "bum cannon" in your dad's camper.
Keep up the good work.
Yep, my people are heathens, no bumguns lol. Tomahawk you say? What a coincidence, see next vid;)
Wow!!! Vancouver looks amazing. So clean and organised. Yea expensive but all relative. Why did I ever move to Thailand when there are so many more beutiful places in the world. Ha! Never mind. Enjoy your time there. Lucky guy ❤️
You showed the Vancouver dream but the majority of ppl in Van are stuck in the suburban jungle away from the best parts.
I miss Thailand already;))
No worries, will be back and posting Khanom series plus more Thailand content soon.
Bbq at wreck beach and you may become a wreck😊
Vancouver house prices ridiculously over the top.
Great video Vancouver looks vantastic, the prices seemed reasonable, did you have to take the scooter back to the same place you got it from or can you return them to other locations ? Look foreward to seeing more of Canada.
Vancouver is my hometown too but it will cost you more for 1 week than a month in Thailand.
FACT and actually one night in an avg Vancouver hotel can cost more than a 1 month at a condo with pool/gym in Thailand: th-cam.com/video/towFyXTfvWU/w-d-xo.html
The man returns, great too see u STL
I was in Hua Hin about 7 weeks ago with my red Brompton folding bike in a restaurant, and I'm sure someone just like you (in the starting credits....with the mirror and sunglasses) came over to inspect my bike and take a photo.....
If it was you, shame, I didn't get the chance to speak to you. If I'm incorrect......forgive me.
Thanks
Sounds familiar and I am looking for a folding ebike. How's the Brompton in the rain and battery in real life use? Looks ideal to chuck in the back of my car, bring on trips around Thailand and use locally.
@SideTripLife itz awesome.....ive been flying with Bromptons for 10 years or so to SE Asia.
The one in Hua Hin has been converted with a Swytch Air conversation which means I can fly with the batteries as they are only 90WH......if you need any assistance. PM me I will will be able to advise on Bromptons or other folding bikes (I collect them). But I would seriously recommend a Brompton......however there are Pros and Cons too.
Thanks for the "vantastic" tour. It looks beautiful there, but i could never afford it! I am planning a (maybe) 12+/- month stint in an RV or similar in the US and then hopefully heading to Thailand thereafter and living i the Land of Smiles till the big Hereafter, lol.
Vancoucer looks a great place tk visit for a three nights ,and then the wilderness, watching from uk
I love hua hin the best in Thailand
Thankyou
Love Van .. just like Queensland Australia .. fantastic vibe. Great markets spent days in n out of there so much to see n do. 6 months in each would be good I reckon. Bushyboy Oz
Looks nice but water is too cold. Thanks for sharing! Get back to Thailand that’s your spot bro !
No worries, will be posting Thailand content again soon. Meanwhile, thanks for watching my visit back home series, much appreciated
I live in seattle and love going to yvr. I stay a block from Main and Hastings and have a meal at the Carnegie. Comfort is a state of mind. I don’t know a town in north America that feels like it use to be. Change or get left behind or become bitter
Fish & Chips...Dave's in Steveston (I agree)
Dave's for the win :)
The last time I was in Vancouver was the 1986 worlds fair. It was over cast and the town seemed kind of Dingy to me. Now, I would move there in a heartbeat. Seems like a completely different vibe compared to then. Does the sky tram still operate?