One of the great things about studying in Vancouver is all the great places you can go when you’re not in class. And I don’t just mean the downtown library (though, depending on your tolerance for faux-Roman architecture, may still be worth a visit).

And whether it’s your first time in Vancouver or you’ve been here before, you’ll definitely want to get out and explore the city. Each neighbourhood in Vancouver has its own character, and knowing something about them might help you decide where you want to stay or spend time while you’re studying here.

Kitsilano:

Called Kits by locals, Kitsilano is a neighbourhood just south of downtown Vancouver. It’s easily accessed by bus or bike. Back in the 1960s and 70s, Kitsilano attracted a lot of hippies. The environmentalist organization Greenpeace started here in 1971. There’s not too much of Kits’ hippy past remaining these days, however. In fact, it’s now one of the most expensive parts of the city to live in. And it’s easy to see why—it’s central, has a great beach and parks, quiet, tree-lined streets and good shopping and restaurants. And they have a huge, free music and art festival every year, which is one of the highlights of summer in Vancouver.