My Hometown: A High-Low Guide to Vancouver with Actress Olivia Cheng - Full-Time Travel

My Hometown: A High-Low Guide to Vancouver with Actress Olivia Cheng

My Hometown: A High-Low Guide to Vancouver with Actress Olivia Cheng

Explore the city like a local.

By Phoebe Neuman

In this installment of Full-Time Travel’s My Hometown series, actress Olivia Cheng, who plays the formidable Ah Toy in Netflix’s action-packed Warrior (which was picked up by the streaming platform earlier this year after debuting its third season on Max in 2023), shares her favorite spots in Vancouver, Canada. From the best chicken wings in the city to a celebrity-favorite spa and a beach with some serious local flair, here are her insider picks for Van City visitors.

The most special thing about my hometown is its unparalleled proximity to nature! Rainforests, oceans, mountains, hot springs, and vineyards are all either a stone’s throw from downtown or within a day’s short road trip.

The coolest neighborhoods in my hometown are Kitsilano and English Bay because you’re close to great shops, restaurants, downtown, Stanley Park, and the ocean. I love Main Street as well, because it’s got a boutique shopping culture that’s very local—you won’t find any big-box brands here.

When you’re in my hometown, you absolutely need to get a Coconut Lover’s dessert from BaBa Tang on Robson Street. It is a fresh coconut filled with coconut juice jello and coconut cream that you can top with a variety of fresh fruits and sago pearls. It’s so fresh and delicious—the perfect treat for anyone with a sweet tooth like me.

When friends visit my hometown, I always take them on the Aquabus to explore various points on the seawall. It blows their mind that Vancouver has this public boat service, and sometimes we’re the only ones on it so it feels like a private boat ride. It’s a fun way to take them to the artisan villages of Granville Island, the restaurants of Yaletown or Olympic Village, and the beaches of Kitsilano or English Bay.

If you are looking for something a bit more adventurous, check out the zip lines in Whistler. This is such a great day trip out of Vancouver and a really fun way to bring friends into the mountains. Not everyone knows how to ski, but everyone can definitely strap in for a zip line! I highly recommend packing a picnic and taking your time getting up to Whistler. There are so many incredible stops along the way with waterfalls, stunning lakes, and quick trails.

I spend far too much money at the Skin Girls spa on Cambie Street. They take care of a lot of the actresses who come into town for production. They have a long list of services, but the one I’m always going in for is called the Celebrity Facial. It’s basically exfoliation and hydration, hydration, hydration, which is exactly what I need because of how much I travel and fly—my skin always takes a beating!

When you’re in the mood for some “me time,” head straight to the seawall. Walking or biking along the water always clears my head. I like the people watching too, and putting my bare feet into the sand or onto some of the boulders that line the shore feels like it energetically resets me.

My secret obsession is Shorba Bone Broth by chef Mithalee Rawat. I found her at the Vancouver farmers market, and then went back a week later and bought 10 packs at once. Her bone broth is Ayurveda-based, which is great for gut health, and hearing how much care she puts into it makes me feel really good drinking it. It's also so easy to freeze and pull out when I’m tired and want a simple meal.

Photo by Nadia Von Scotti

Something only locals know about my hometown is that Wreck Beach is the best beach in the city. Tourists never seem to have this place on their radar, and it is a little hard to find if you don’t know where the entrance is via the UBC campus. But it is well worth the trek down the long set of stairs to get to the sand. The beach is beautiful—it’s sheltered from the wind by the horseshoe-shaped cliffs that surround it—and, because it is an optional nude beach, it is definitely an experience! You don’t have to go nude, but get ready to see the human body in all of its forms. Oh, and be sure to never, ever pull out your phone to film or take photos…You don’t want a naked angry hippie scolding you for harshing their vibe.

Don’t end a trip to my hometown without checking out the chicken wings at Phnom Penh in Chinatown. Locals line up to fight for a table there…if you know, you know.

Sunsets in Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey offer a mesmerizing sight with vibrant colors against the backdrop of fairy chimneys and rock formations. It`s a serene and unforgettable experience, perfect for capturing stunning photographs and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.

Reel : adrianbaias
...

2170 16

Vietnam is a stunning blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. From the lush rice terraces to the serene waters of Ha Long Bay, its landscapes are captivating. The warmth and resilience of its people add a unique charm, whether in bustling cities like Hanoi or historic sites like Hue. Vietnam offers a profound experience that merges breathtaking scenery with a vibrant local culture, leaving visitors enchanted and inspired.

Reel: zayyarlin84
...

770 4

Explore Madeira`s stunning coastline: rugged cliffs, volcanic formations like Ponta de São Lourenço, and charming fishing villages like Funchal. Discover the natural beauty and vibrant culture of this Portuguese gem!

Reel: andrechaica
...

423 4

Elevate your date night at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas! Start with a meal at one of the property`s 40+ restaurants, then head to the stunning new High-Limit Gaming Lounge in The Palazzo. Whether you`re spinning the slots or going all-in at the tables, you`re in for an unforgettable experience. Ready to get lucky? Link in bio! ...

37 1

The pool at krallerhof is an elegant and inviting oasis, nestled within the beautiful surroundings of the Austrian Alps. It offers a serene retreat for guests to relax and unwind, with both indoor and outdoor options available. The pool area is meticulously maintained and features luxurious amenities, providing a tranquil escape for visitors to enjoy during their stay.

Reel: nichodebiasio
...

174 0

Point Reyes: A coastal gem with diverse landscapes, wildlife, and stunning views. Perfect for hiking, beachcombing, and stargazing.

Reel: tylerwayneglass
...

478 2

The Busan Air Cruise, also known as the Sky Capsule Train, is a popular attraction in Busan, South Korea. This unique train ride takes passengers on a journey above the city, providing stunning panoramic views of Busan`s coastline, mountains, and urban landscape. The futuristic capsule-shaped cabins offer a comfortable and immersive experience, making it a must-try activity for visitors exploring Busan.

Reel: belet_ryu
...

308 0

"Checking into Estelle Manor, the closest thing to a Saltburn-esque staycation you`ll ever experience in the UK. Imagine a beautifully restored Jacobean manor on the cusp of the Cotswolds and nestled within 3,000 acres of Oxfordshire parkland, with extravagant interiors to match (expect bold artworks and intricate details around each corner), a Riviera-style pool to lounge by, and three different restaurant to sink your teeth into. The addition of the hotel`s new Eynsham Baths (an incredible spa modelled on traditional Roman baths) really takes the hotel up another notch, despite it already being in a league of its own." - ginagoesto ...

190 0