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All White Deklan Wynne spends his off-season in Vancouver. Here, he shares his top tips for visitors to his second home.
Why is Vancouver a good place to visit?
The city is beautiful and modern. There are lots of shops and, in terms of nature, there are many hikes close by and beaches to go to in the summer. What would surprise Kiwis about the city? You can see mountains with snow on them while sitting at the beach — even on a summer’s day.
What is your favourite thing about living there?
I love going for a bike ride around Stanley Park, along the sea wall.
Where is the first place you take Kiwi visitors?
My go-to is the waterfront, where can have stunning views of North Vancouver and the mountains.
What is a good area to base yourself? Definitely Yaletown or along Robson St. They are not on the main drag, that’s Granville St, but are close enough to walk to the city centre.
What are two great places to eat?
The Cactus Club Cafe chain or the steakhouse KEG Restaurants. Both have branches all around Vancouver. Cactus is modern bistro-style with great sharing plates and KEG makes a great steak.
Where are your favourite places for a night out?
You can count on Granville Strip for a good night with plenty of variety to choose from.
Where is the best place for brunch? Yolks, on the corner of East Hastings and Clark in East Vancouver. They have great poached free-range egg sandwiches. What is a good day trip outside the city?
Whistler. It’s about two hours’ drive and is a great day out of Vancouver, summer or winter. I highly recommend it.
What do the locals like to do in the weekend?
They love their sport, and enjoy watching the Vancouver Canucks (hockey) and Vancouver Whitecaps (my football team) play. They are a bit like Kiwis in that they also enjoy having summer drinks on the deck.
What are two things to do as a thrill seeker?
The local theme park, Playland. Check it out — it is the oldest amusement park in Canada.
Great place for a walk?
Along the sea wall — you get beautiful views of the city and Stanley Park. It is the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path, spanning 28km from the Vancouver Convention Centre to Spanish Banks Park. What one thing should a tourist do before they leave?
Attempt the Grouse Grind, an almost 3km hike (with 2800 steps) leading up to Grouse Mountain’s peak — some call it Mother Nature’s Stairmaster, and for good reason.
All Whites defender Deklan Wynne has spent his off-season playing for the Vancouver Whitecaps for two years. The All Whites play Peru in the Intercontinental Playoffs, at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium on November 11. ticketek.co.nz