Vancouver is one of the most diverse cities in Canada and is proud to celebrate different cultures through cuisine, art, literature, and music. Whether you’ve been a resident for years or are considering moving in the near future, this city has something for everyone. So, we created a short list of multicultural marvels for you to explore to help you take advantage of all the city has to offer.
Restaurants
Food is one of the most important parts of a culture, and Vancouver offers many diverse dining options for anyone and everyone. Here are some delectable spots to get you started:
Minami
Located in the vibrant neighbourhood of Yaletown, Minami serves contemporary Japanese cuisine carefully curated by traditionally-trained chefs. This restaurant takes a sustainability stance by using a Vivreau water filtering system and being a proud member of the Ocean Wise Program and various community initiatives. It also pioneered Aburi Sushi in Canada — a technique that sears seafood to create exciting new textures and flavours.
Harambe Ethiopian Restaurant
On Commercial Drive, just a few blocks north of East Broadway, Harambe, translating to “all put together” in Swahili, is a local favourite for authentic Ethiopian cuisine. You can dine the traditional way by eating entrées with your hands using pieces of Injera, a type of flatbread. Spices are organically grown, blended by the owner’s family, and used to bring dish flavours to life. You can also celebrate Ethiopia’s culture by taking in the restaurant’s music and artwork.
Other Diverse Dining Options in Vancouver
- Carlino (Italian)
- Silvestre (Peruvian)
- Sula (Indian)
- Mui Ngo Gai (Vietnamese)
- Pinpin (Filipino-Chinese)
- Zarak (Afghan)
- Alimentaria Mexicana (Mexican)
- Apollonia (Greek)
Festivals
Numerous festivals throughout the year honour the different stories, experiences, and histories close to people’s hearts in Vancouver. Here are some highlights:
Talking Stick Festival
This performing arts festival, run by Full Circle: First Nations Performance, attracts over 20,000 people yearly to celebrate Indigenous arts and culture. It is a two-week event that showcases workshops, exhibitions, performances, powwows and more in various locations across the traditional land of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Monsoon Arts Festival
Inspired by the coming of the monsoon in India, this event commemorates the symbols and spiritual significance of these heavy rains by sharing the talents of South Asian artists and
performers. Every year since 2016, the Monsoon Arts Festival has filled various venues in the city of Vancouver with dance, music, theatre, and film celebrations while offering workshops and readings for learning opportunities.
Other Cultural Festivals in Vancouver
- Carnaval del Sol
- Vancouver Chinatown Festival
- Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
- explorASIAN Festival
- 5X Festival
- European Festival
- Harvest Haus
Learning Opportunities
The city offers many opportunities at venues for learning and appreciation. For example, the Museum of Anthropology showcases different perspectives from around the world and emphasizes Indigenous culture. Other museums and galleries that give you a chance to hear and understand stories and histories include the following:
- Museum of Vancouver
- Vancouver Art Gallery
- Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art
- Chinese Canadian Museum
A celebration of culture is an appreciation of food, art, music, history, and, ultimately, people. This list captures a small look at Vancouver’s diversity, with hundreds of more gems to check out. It’s a beautiful place to call home, and at CLV Group and InterRent REIT, we have apartment options right in the heart of it all. Explore our listings today to discover more.
