vancouver british columbia places to visit

22 Top Tourist Attractions & Places to Visit in Vancouver, BC

Written by Chloë Ernst and Michael Law Updated Mar 21, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Michael Law has lived in Vancouver and returns frequently, usually adding on some time to ski at Whistler.

With its mountain backdrop and urban beaches, Vancouver has the rightly earned reputation of being one of the most beautiful cities in the world .

Downtown Vancouver is picturesquely situated on a peninsula in the Strait of Georgia, with the often snow-covered ranges of the Coast Mountains rising in behind. The setting is one of the city's main attractions.

With its extensive parks and agreeable climate keeping temperatures mild throughout the year, outdoor activities are high on the list of things to do in Vancouver. But it also boasts a busy cultural life, fantastic shopping, and incredible dining. This scenic city was showcased to the world when it hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics, in conjunction with nearby Whistler .

Find your way around the city with our list of attractions and things to do in Vancouver.

1. Go for a Walk in Stanley Park

2. do some shopping on granville island, 3. see the brockton point totem poles, 4. ski grouse mountain, 5. visit the vancouver aquarium, 6. visit the museum of anthropology, 7. relax on kitsilano beach, 8. explore gastown, 9. tour canada place, 10. soak up some culture in chinatown, 11. go for a stroll in english bay, 12. walk across the capilano suspension bridge, 13. take a ride on the aquabus, 14. shop robson street, 15. learn about history at the museum of vancouver, 16. queen elizabeth park, 17. take the kids to science world, 18. enjoy the sights of richmond, 19. go whale watching, 20. vandusen botanical garden, 21. vancouver art gallery, 22. day trip to whistler or the gulf islands, where to stay in vancouver for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to vancouver, frequently asked questions, when is the best time to visit vancouver.

Stanley Park is a lush peninsula of huge trees adjacent to Downtown Vancouver. If you are looking to get outside and enjoy some nature, this is the best place to visit in Vancouver. A paved seawall path encircles the green space and is a wonderful place to explore on foot or by bicycle.

Inland, the park offers many things to do, and you can spend a full day exploring attractions like the totem poles at Brockton Point or the Vancouver Aquarium . Spectacular views are a standard throughout the park either back towards the city or out to the ocean.

Come spring, the park's gardens and shrubs burst into a rainbow of beautiful colors, led by the cherry trees and closely followed by the rhododendrons.

In the summer, an outdoor pool operates right at the edge of the ocean. This 80-meter pool is heated and is a popular spot for families because of its gently sloped entry.

Once mainly industrial, Granville Island is now a thriving center of activity with a relaxed and distinctive atmosphere. Artists and retailers have moved into converted warehouses alongside houseboats, theaters, galleries, and restaurants.

The Granville Island Public Market is one of the most popular attractions selling fruit and vegetables, seafood, and a great variety of other specialties as well as ready-to-eat items. Not truly an island, the arts hub is linked to residential areas by one road and footbridges to the south, and to the Downtown peninsula (across False Creek) by ferry.

Location: South of and underneath the Granville Street Bridge

The Brockton Point Totem Poles are a must-see when visiting Stanley Park. These intricately carved poles are one of the top attractions in British Columbia . The totem poles were first placed in the park at a different location in the 1920s, and over the years, the collection grew and was eventually moved to Brockton Point.

Today you'll find nine totem poles carved from red cedar in addition to three gateway portals. The colorful totem poles line a wide walkway and are set back against tall evergreen trees. Nearby is a visitor center that provides additional insight into First Nations history and the totem poles themselves.

In both winter and summer, Grouse Mountain offers an unmatched panorama in clear weather. That's especially so in the evenings when the city lights are on.

A gondola operates daily running from street level to the summit, where dining, activities, and wildlife await mountaintop explorers year-round.

Skiing: When the snow flies, Grouse Mountain is a winter wonderland offering outdoor skating, snowshoeing, and some of the best skiing and snowboarding near Vancouver . The ski runs are not particularly difficult, and Grouse Mountain is a fun family outing. It's also a great place to learn how to ski.

Hiking: Come summer, Grouse Mountain is a hiker's paradise with trails, including the famed Grouse Grind - affectionately called Mother Nature's StairMaster.

Day Trip Tour: If you are staying downtown, consider this tour: North Shore Day Trip from Vancouver: Capilano Suspension Bridge & Grouse Mountain . On this 6.5-hour tour, you'll hit two of the major attractions on the North Shore.

Address: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver, British Columbia

A trip with the family to Stanley Park for most folks would be incomplete without visiting the Vancouver Aquarium . This wonderful facility teaches young and old about the wonders of the ocean and how we can protect it.

Experiences: Fun and entertaining experiences include a cold-water touch tank; a wildlife rescue area complete with a Burmese tortoise; Penguin Cove, full of cute creatures; and the non-stop action of the sea otters in their habitat. One thing not to miss is the 4D Theatre Experience with special seats, effects, and a large screen that make you feel you are part of what you are seeing.

Exhibits in the aquarium educate visitors on the unique habitats of the Amazon, the tropics, and BC's Wild Coast.

In the past, the aquarium used to have whale performances and belugas; however, the animals have since died and have not been replaced, or they have been relocated.

Address: 845 Avison Way, Vancouver, British Columbia

Part of the University of British Columbia, the Museum of Anthropology deals with cultures from around the world, but places particular emphasis on British Columbia First Nations.

Exhibits display native art, including large totem poles in the Great Hall. Other presentations explore ethnographic and archaeological objects representing Asia, the South Pacific, the Americas, Africa, and Europe.

The interesting building was originally part of a WWII-era fort, and local architect Arthur Erickson transformed the spaces into this world-class museum.

Other attractions on the university campus include the clothing-optional shoreline of Wreck Beach, the natural-history-focused Beaty Biodiversity Museum, and the rambling UBC Botanical Garden with its many interesting plantings and delicate Nitobe Japanese Garden.

Address: 6393 NW Marine Drive, Vancouver, British Columbia

The sandy shoreline of Kitsilano Beach defines the laid-back, fun-loving Vancouver lifestyle. It's a place locals hang out with friends or take a dip in the outdoor heated seawater swimming pool . The wide beach here is popular with sun bathers in the summer.

Views from Kitsilano over the city center are wonderful. In addition to the beach and oceanfront, the area has a number of cafés and walking trails, and a vibrant shopping strip lies a few blocks south on West Fourth Avenue .

A short stroll to the east of Kitsilano is Vanier Park, where you'll find wide-open spaces and the Vancouver Maritime Museum . Catch a small Aquabus to downtown Vancouver or Granville Island from the docks located here.

Address: 2305 Cornwall Ave, Vancouver, British Columbia

• Read More: Best Beaches in Vancouver, BC

The oldest part of the city , Gastown is an area of restaurants, galleries, and shops set in carefully restored Victorian buildings. Heritage structures, cobblestone streets, and iron lampposts give the district its distinctive atmosphere. Gastown is a short walk from Canada Place.

Gastown came into existence in 1867 when a man called John Deighton arrived on the scene. Deighton had a habit of launching into lengthy stories and soon acquired the nickname "Gassy Jack." As a result, the vicinity became known as "Gassy's Town" or "Gastown."

A statue of the proprietor now watches over the neighborhood in Maple Tree Square. Tourists stop for photos with Gassy Jack, and also love to visit the nearby Steam Clock, which puffs steam-powered chimes every 15 minutes.

If you arrive in Vancouver on a cruise ship, Canada Place is where your trip begins. The unusual roof design creates the impression of a huge sailing vessel. The architecturally remarkable structure is part cruise ship terminal, part convention center and hotel, and part hub for sightseeing bus tours.

At the end of the pier are panoramic views and the Flyover Canada attraction - a flight simulator that assaults all your senses while giving you a Canadian geography lesson. Also nearby, Waterfront Station is a major transit hub with ferries departing for the public market at Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver .

If you exit the building and turn right, a scenic waterfront walk towards Stanley Park begins. Along the way, you'll see the seaplanes take off and land, and massive seagoing container ships heading out to sea.

Address: 999 Canada Place, Vancouver

Beyond the ornate Millennium Gate marking its entrance, Vancouver's exotic and interesting Chinatown features modern buildings amid many older ones dating from Victorian times.

Signs at shops and restaurants are often written in Chinese characters, particularly along East Pender, Keefer, and Main streets – the main shopping areas. Local attractions include the pretty walled Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden , modeled after a traditional garden from the Ming Dynasty.

Also worth seeing is the Sam Kee Building , which at barely two meters wide, claims to be the narrowest office building in the world. Every year, Chinese New Year is celebrated with an exuberant parade.

Oceanfront English Bay centers on one of the city's loveliest and busiest beaches . Part of the West End neighborhood, English Bay offers shopping and high-end restaurants, but is also a popular outdoor area where people come to walk, bike, rollerblade, or hang out with the public art installations.

English Bay is not far from Stanley Park , and a waterfront trail joins the two. The beach is strewn with large tree trunks, which make a perfect back rest for sunbathers.

One of the biggest events of the summer is Celebration of Light. Generally occurring around the last week of July, spectacular fireworks are set to music. Another popular event is the New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim, when hardy swimmers take a dip in the chilly Pacific waters.

Vancouver's first tourist attraction, the Capilano Suspension Bridge opened in 1889 and has been thrilling visitors with its swaying bridge over a plummeting canyon ever since. The footbridge spans a 70-meter deep river canyon leading to an activity park filled with forest trails and a treetop walk through old-growth giants. There's also a collection of totem poles and a transparent suspended platform known as the Cliffwalk.

If you are staying in Vancouver and looking for an easy way to visit the bridge and see some city highlights, the Vancouver City Tour including Capilano Suspension Bridge is a convenient option. This trip includes a half-day tour of Vancouver, a visit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, and a cliff walk adventure.

Also along Capilano Road, Capilano Salmon Hatchery is worth a visit (in fall especially) to spot flashing salmon as they try to swim upstream. The fish ladder - a series of staggered pools - allows fish to bypass Cleveland Dam. Check out the underwater windows for a first-hand look at their efforts.

Address: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver, British Columbia

One of the best views of Vancouver is fortunately one of the cheapest. Jump on the small Aquabus and bob your way across and around False Creek while soaking up the incredible views. It's easy to get on board – eight pickup points are strategically placed around the downtown waterfront.

You'll never have to wait long, one of the colorfully painted 13 Aquabuses will be by to pick you up every 15 minutes. The boats are pet friendly, bike friendly, and can accommodate wheelchairs. The Aquabus is particularly handy if you are walking around downtown and would like to grab lunch or do a bit of shopping at Granville Island.

Robson Street is best known for shopping. But international brand names aside, it's also the setting for many inventive Vancouver happenings.

The main hub of activity on Robson Street is centered between Burrard and Jarvis Streets . Over these three blocks, you'll find over 150 stores and restaurants. Take a stroll up and down the street, and see if you can snag a patio seat to engage in some serious people watching.

Robson Street is central to many of the city's top attractions, so a visit here is easily combined with a stop at the Vancouver Art Gallery or nearby Robson Square.

Location: Robson Street at Hornby Street, Vancouver, British Columbia

In Vanier Park near Burrard Bridge, the Museum of Vancouver is a large institution devoted to all things Vancouver. It covers the city history from the first Coast Salish communities to Japantown, Kitsilano hippie days, and urban development.

In the same building is the HR MacMillan Space Centre with its planetarium, an observatory, and the waterfront Maritime Museum , where splendid views capture English Bay with the North Shore mountains beyond.

If you are staying downtown, catch the Aquabus across False Creek to Vanier Park and get off at the Maritime Museum Ferry dock.

Address: 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver, British Columbia

The center of Queen Elizabeth Park, Little Mountain, marks the highest point in Vancouver, and its elevated position affords excellent views of the city center and the mountains to the north.

Things to do in the park include pitch-and-putt golf, tennis, disc golf, and visiting the extensive outdoor arboretum. If the day is grey and cool, escape to the tropical environment of the Bloedel Conservatory .

Queen Elizabeth Park has an excellent restaurant called Seasons in the Park. Walk the park in the mid-morning, then stop in for lunch while you soak up the amazing views of downtown Vancouver.

The sunken Quarry Garden makes a lovely spot to stroll on a warm summer day. For more horticultural explorations, head a couple of blocks west to VanDusen Botanical Garden, where there is always something in bloom amid beds representing various regions and species.

Location: Cambie Street and West 33rd Ave, Vancouver, British Columbia

The futuristic sphere-like building of Science World is home to a child-friendly exploration center that explains phenomena through 12 hands-on exhibits and demonstrations. Themes include water, air, motion, and invention.

Visiting exhibits are often impressive and part of world tours. The building, which is an unmistakable waterfront landmark in Vancouver, was originally built for Expo 86, a World's Fair.

Address: 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver, British Columbia

South of Vancouver, Richmond is Vancouver's second Chinatown, hence you'll see many shops with Chinese characters on their signs. If you crave authentic Chinese food, you are in the right spot. Hundreds of restaurants line the streets, serving delicious food.

Richmond is also packed with sightseeing attractions, from a renowned Buddhist temple to the picturesque former fishing village of Steveston where you'll find waterfront restaurants and shops in restored old boatsheds. Located in the latter, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site is one of the most historic settings in Richmond, and it relays the history of the West Coast fishing industry.

Once you've had your fill of tourist attractions, head to the malls to find imported Asian goods and much more. In the warmer weather, come down at night, when vibrant night markets take place and are similar in nature to ones you'd find in Hong Kong.

The waters off Vancouver's coastline, known as the Salish Sea, are an excellent place to see whales. Humpback and gray whales, along with smaller minke and orcas swim in these waters.

The main whale watching season runs from March through October. Options for seeing the whales range from aerial viewing from a float plane to Zodiac boats, or for those looking for a more stable platform, larger tour boats. If you are lucky, you might even spot a few whales from the BC ferries that transit between Vancouver and Victoria .

Strict regulations are in place that limit how close the boats can get to the whales. A popular option leaves from in front of the Westin Hotel in downtown Vancouver. The Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure from Vancouver takes you out on the Salish Sea Dream, an 80-foot double decker catamaran. Along the way, interesting commentary is provided. You'll have a good chance of sighting a whale from one of the multiple viewing decks.

The British Columbia climate is ideal for producing spectacular displays of flowers, and there's no better place to see them in their full glory than the VanDusen Botanical Garden . The garden is handily located a short distance from downtown on Oak Street near the aforementioned Queen Elizabeth Park.

The garden is a pleasant place to wander, and something is always in bloom no matter when you visit. To maximize your enjoyment, be sure to check out the bloom guide that the gardens put out on their website prior to each season.

Highlights of any visit include the cherry trees bursting into color in the spring followed by the rhododendrons and laburnums, then the roses and hydrangeas putting on their show in the summer. Come fall, the Japanese maples, ginkgo trees, and rudbeckia step up and do their part in impressing guests.

The Vancouver Art Gallery is the city's premier arts institution, located in Downtown Vancouver. The gallery presents innovative, world-class exhibitions year-round featuring the works of local and international artists on a rotating basis. The gallery's collection includes paintings by renowned BC artist Emily Carr (1871-1945), as well as contemporary works by Asia-Pacific and First Nations artists.

The façade of the building faces Robson Square , an interesting public space designed by Arthur Erickson, which includes a winter ice-skating rink and law courts.

The steps with their carved lions out front of the gallery are a popular meeting spot and demonstration site for whatever causes are in the news. The Vancouver Art Gallery is located on Hornby Street, not far from Robson Street, and a visit to both is easily accomplished.

One of the most popular day trips is a drive along the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler . If you want to do some sightseeing along the way, stop in at Squamish and Shannon Falls. Then, spend the afternoon wandering around Whistler Village, where you'll find shops, restaurants, and beautiful scenery around every corner. If you are a skier and you're visiting in winter, plan on a day of skiing here.

Other popular day trips from Vancouver include visiting some of the Gulf Islands, like Salt Spring Island , or taking a ferry all the way to Victoria on Vancouver Island. Ferries run regularly and the trip to Victoria is only about 1.5 hours.

Read More: From Vancouver to Victoria: Best Ways to Get There

To experience the best of Vancouver, it's a good idea to stay right downtown. Vancouver has a vibrant and active city center, where people live, work, and play. Many of the top attractions, including Stanley Park, English Bay, Robson Street, Gastown, and Granville Island, are located in the city center, along with great shopping and dining. Below are some highly-rated hotels in convenient locations:

Luxury Hotels:

• With a superb location, looking out over Vancouver Harbour, Stanley Park, and the North Shore Mountains, the Fairmont Pacific Rim is one of the city's finest hotels.
• Just off Robson Street near the famous Vancouver Public Library, the boutique L'Hermitage Hotel is a great luxury option for families or groups, with regular rooms and multi-room suites with kitchens.
• Near Robson Square, the Rosewood Hotel Georgia , first opened in 1927, is one of Vancouver's classic luxury hotels in the heart of downtown.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• True mid-range hotels are in scarce supply in the city center. At the top-end of mid-range, the centrally located Executive Hotel Le Soleil is a lovely boutique hotel with elegant suites.
• Near False Creek and Granville Island, the Residence Inn by Marriott Vancouver Downtown is an extended-stay hotel with studios, as well as suites with full kitchens.
• At the east end of downtown, close to Roger's Center, Science World, and Gastown, is the well-appointed Georgian Court Hotel, BW Premier Collection.

Budget Hotels :

• Located near Roger's Center, the non-profit YWCA Hotel Vancouver welcomes all travelers to their clean, modern, and comfortable rooms. All room revenue, less operating expenses, is put back towards social programs for women, children, and families.
• Near Gastown, is the Victorian Hotel , in a late 1800s Victorian-style building, with comfortable rooms and modern décor.
• In a very central location and within walking distance to the Vancouver Convention Center and the Olympic Cauldron is the basic but comfortable Days Inn by Wyndam Vancouver Downtown .
• Sightseeing : Vancouver is a big city, and it can be somewhat confusing with the water and bridges. A great way to see the attractions and get acquainted with the layout of the city is on a Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour . The bus tour stops at 24 locations. Tickets are valid for either one or two days.
• Day Trips : Vancouver Island is one of Canada's most beautiful destinations, and it's less than two hours away by ferry from Vancouver. One of the easiest ways to see a bit of the island, including the beautiful provincial capital of Victoria, is on a Vancouver to Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour . This tour takes you by bus and scenic ferry ride through the Gulf Islands to Victoria, where you'll have time to explore the city and see the famous Butchart Gardens, located just outside the city. This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, round-trip ferry, bus, and admission to the gardens.

Tourists tend to flock to Vancouver in the summer when the days are long and the sun is shining. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are less busy, but the weather is a little less predictable. Even the winter — known for being dark and damp — has something to offer.

Spring: Vancouver experiences spring much earlier than the rest of Canada, and it is arguably when the city is at its most beautiful . It doesn't take long for the daffodils to poke out of the earth and for the infamous cherry blossoms to make an appearance, covering the city in delicate pink petals.

Of course, it takes rain to make flowers grow — and early spring can be a rainy time in Vancouver. Luckily, the temperatures this time of year are relatively warm, meaning it is still very pleasant to take in the sights of the city — though you may prefer to do so from under an umbrella.

In late spring, the rainy days become fewer, and the days get longer, but the crowds tend to stay away until the end of June. The late May to mid-June period offers the optimal conditions for a perfect Vancouver visit: great weather, but not too busy.

Summer: If you'd rather skip out on experiencing the notorious rain, then the summer months are your best bet for a visit to Vancouver. While there are no guarantees, the odds are good that you'll be treated to plenty of clear, sunny days in July and August , which are traditionally the warmest and driest months in Vancouver.

In the summer, the entire city tends to head outdoors. Whether exploring Stanley Park by bike, hiking the surrounding mountains, or just lounging at one of Vancouver's many beaches , there's simply no better way to experience summer in Vancouver than by being outside.

The fact that summer in Vancouver is spectacular is, unfortunately, not a very well-kept secret. Expect to pay a premium to enjoy summer in Vancouver, and always aim to show up early if you want to beat the crowds.

Fall: Fall in Vancouver can be somewhat hit or miss. If you happen to catch it on a "hit" day, then you're in for a real treat: crisp air, leaves changing colors, and clear views of the North Shore mountains as they get their first dusting of snow up top.

Hiking this time of year can be phenomenal. The bugs are a non-issue, the weather stays comfortable throughout the entire day, and the crowds of summer are long gone. Be mindful of hiking at elevation, as trails on the mountains can get covered in snow in the fall months. Always keep your eye on the time: as the daylight hours shrink, you are left with less time for those longer hikes.

Winter: While winter in the rest of Canada conjures up images of ice, snow, and bitter cold, that couldn't be further from winter in Vancouver. You'll want to dress properly if you visit Vancouver in the winter, but you're more likely to need to protect yourself from the rain than from the cold. The average temperature in Vancouver in January is 7 degrees Celsius (about 45 degrees Fahrenheit) — but the average rainfall for the month is about 140 millimeters (5.5 inches)!

While the rest of Canada is hibernating from the cold, people in Vancouver are able to get out and about thanks to its mild winters . The holiday season in Vancouver is, in a word, magical , with the Festival of Lights in VanDusen Gardens, the German-inspired Vancouver Christmas Market, and the spectacular Bright Nights at Vancouver's famous Stanley Park.

Though you're likely to experience at least some rain in the winter months, you also might get lucky with a few bluebird days. It isn't unusual to see people out on the golf course, even in the middle of winter!

If you're caught in a rainy spell, simply hop on a shuttle and head up to Whistler . Just two hours north of Vancouver, this world-renowned ski resort is best enjoyed in the winter months. If it's raining in Vancouver, chances are good that Whistler is getting covered in snow.

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Vancouver, Canada   Travel Guide

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20 Best Things to Do in Vancouver, Canada

Enveloped by snow-dusted peaks and home to sandy beaches and an abundance of forested trails, Vancouver is meant to be experienced outdoors. Explore the nearly 1,000-acre Stanley Park and stroll along its seawall for picture-perfect views of the

• All Things To Do
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• 2-Day Itinerary
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Stanley Park Stanley Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're walking along the north side of the Stanley Park Seawall, keep your eyes peeled for the Girl in a Wetsuit sculpture that sits on a rock in the water. It's a Vancouver landmark. –  Ann Henson, Assistant Managing Editor

This nearly 1,000-acre park on the tip of Vancouver's "thumb" (just north of the West End) is home to some of the city's favorite, most-visited attractions. In fact, you could easily spend more than a day here and still not see everything this urban oasis has to offer. If you want to experience the park the way the locals do, walk, cycle or jog around the nearly 20-mile seawall that hugs Vancouver's waterfront. The path starts at the Vancouver Convention Centre and ends at Spanish Banks Beach Park . If you're not up for the walk, you'll find several bike rental companies near the park. With your bike, you'll be able to explore the more than 17 miles of forest trails that are much less crowded than the rest of the park. Travelers recommend biking the South Creek Trail, which leads to the lily pad-covered Beaver Lake. If you're not up for all that exercise, you can ride in a horse-drawn carriage or hop on the train for a 15-minute ride through the forest. Recent visitors said the park offers a great escape from the city and has one of the prettiest seawall walks around.

Granville Island Granville Island free

U.S. News Insider Tip: The food market is the main draw here, but you'll also want to peruse the unique shops in the Net Loft building. – Ann Henson, Assistant Managing Editor

This former industrial site is now one of Vancouver's most beloved neighborhoods. Practically its own mini-city, Granville Island's former factories now house trendy restaurants, galleries and theaters. But the main draw here is the Granville Island Public Market, often described as one of the best markets in North America. Among the seemingly endless aisles of fresh produce and local crafts, you'll find a variety of food stalls selling everything from baked goods to authentic Mexican cuisine. If the weather is nice, try and grab a seat outside by the water. You can watch ferry boats putter back and forth in English Bay while enjoying the performances of the buskers who regularly play for market crowds. After filling up on market eats, head to the perpetually busy Kids Market. This playtopia sells toys and crafts and features an indoor play area. If you don't have kids in tow, visit Canada's first microbrewery –  Granville Island Brewing . You can enjoy a selection of ales and India pale ales.

Queen Elizabeth Park Queen Elizabeth Park free

Queen Elizabeth Park is one of Vancouver's most popular outdoor spaces (second only to  Stanley Park ). Spread out across nearly 130 acres, the park features a rose garden, a meticulously manicured quarry garden, and an arboretum with about 1,500 native and exotic trees. When you're not admiring the park's flora, head inside the Bloedel Conservatory to visit the fauna. The conservatory features more than 100 free-flying exotic birds, not to mention 500 tropical plants and three different climate zones. Step outside the conservatory and you'll spot the Dancing Waters fountain display, along with several sculptures scattered throughout the plaza. Since the park sits at the highest point in Vancouver, it offers spectacular views of the city skyline, mountains and shoreline from the fountain plaza.

If you don't have time to devote an entire day to touring Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, located about 2 miles due south of downtown Vancouver, is a great alternative. Many visitors say it has the best views of the city you can find and the grounds are well maintained.

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Museum of Anthropology at UBC Museum of Anthropology at UBC

The MOA is currently closed for seismic upgrades until June 2024. You can learn more about this closure as well as upcoming events on the museum's website .

While the city itself hasn't celebrated a large amount of birthdays, the area on which Vancouver was founded possesses a rich, cultural past. The Museum of Anthropology (part of the University of British Columbia) houses one of the world's most impressive collections of art and artifacts from the Northwest Coast First Nations. In the Great Hall alone, you'll spot ornately decorated canoes, ritual masks, totem poles and other Native American relics. Other areas of the museum display 15th-century European pottery, priceless jewelry and local art. You can embark on your own self-guided walk-through of the museum, but recent travelers highly suggest following one of the docents. Tours are offered an average of three times per day; consult the MOA website for exact times.

Mount Pleasant Mount Pleasant free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Join in-the-know locals for an intimate night out inside a dimly lit speakeasy. Find classic and elevated cocktails at Key Party , hidden behind an old-school accountant's office on Main Street. – Vivian Chung

Bordered to the north by False Creek, the south by East 16th, the west by Cambie and the east by Clark Drive, Mount Pleasant is a hipster enclave found in East Vancouver. Though a largely residential area boasting modern apartment towers and heritage homes that are more than a hundred years old, the neighborhood's main thoroughfare of Main Street is jampacked with local roasters, vintage boutiques and a bevy of Michelin-starred and Michelin-recommended restaurants that range from SUYO 's modern Peruvian to Anh and Chi 's authentic Vietnamese fare. Plus, the area hosts a collection of well-loved craft breweries and leafy neighborhood parks hidden between the side streets.

Kitsilano Beach Kitsilano Beach free

When the weather's nice, follow Vancouverites down to the shores of English Bay to Kitsilano "Kits" Beach. Often compared to L.A. 's  Venice Beach , this shoreline along the northern edge of Kitsilano is the city's most popular swim spot, especially for the city's 20-something crowd. Kits is an accessible beach with a beach mat on-site and free water wheelchairs are available to borrow (on a first-come, first-served basis and you must make reservations in advance). When you're not relaxing on the sand or admiring the skyline views, you'll find areas for in-line skating and volleyball, along with tennis courts and a playground. Visitors do warn that the beach can get quite busy in summer, but it is clean and always has "good vibes." If you're in the mood for swim but the bay water is just a little too chilly for your liking, try the area's heated, saltwater Kitsilano Pool (open May to mid-September). Fido will be happy here, too, as there's dog parks and off-leash areas. You can also visit the nearby Vancouver Maritime Museum, which offers an educational respite from the summer sun. When you need to grab a refreshment, you'll find several concession stands as well as a more formal dining room at The Boathouse Restaurant.

You don't have to pay to access the beach, but you will have to pay for parking. Parking from April 1 to Sept. 30 will cost you CA$4 (about $3) hourly and CA$17 (about $13) daily. From Oct. 1 to March 31 hourly parking rates decrease to CA$3 (about $2.25); daily rates decrease to CA$9 (about $7). If you're traveling via public transportation, the No. 2 bus offers service between downtown and Kits Beach. Entrance to the pool will also cost you. Single-day admission for adults costs about CA$7 (about $5.25); youths ages 13 to 18 years old get in for around CA$5 (about $3.75) and children ages 5 to 12 enter for about CA$3 (about $2.25). Check out the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation  website  for more information on Kits Beach.

Gastown Gastown free

U.S. News Insider Tip : Book a stay at the Skwachàys Lodge on West Pender, Canada's first Indigenous arts hotel. Aside from its 18 guestrooms and art gallery, the hotel also provides on-site housing and studio space for a vibrant community of 24 Indigenous artists. – Vivian Chung

Paved with cobblestone and studded with antique lampposts, the streets of Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood and original downtown core oozes historic charm. A humble tavern founded by English riverboat captain and saloon keeper John "Gassy Jack" Deighton in 1867 laid the foundation for Gastown, from which the community expanded. Now boasting a thriving fashion scene and trendy wine bars alongside kitschy souvenir shops, Gastown is an eclectic neighbourhood to explore on foot. Stroll along Water Street to the part steam-powered and part electric motor-powered steam clock, which whistles every 15 minutes and its five whistles chime in unison every hour. Along the way, pass by well-preserved Victorian-era buildings and peruse galleries dedicated to Indigenous art.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

U.S. News Insider Tip: Around the corner from the garden in the historic Wing Sang building on East Pender Street is the Chinese Canadian Museum . Complete your afternoon in Chinatown by learning about the efforts of the Chinese-Canadian community that shaped this Vancouver neighborhood. – Vivian Chung

A tranquil oasis nestled at the edge of Chinatown, the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden is the first Ming Dynasty-style garden built outside of China. Guided by the Taoist principles of yin and yang and feng shui, the garden was brought to life over the course of 13 months by 53 master craftsmen from Suzhou, including architects, masons, tilers and painters. Plus, the materials, including stone pebbles, hand-made tiles, Ginkgo wood and limestone rocks, were also sourced from China. A guided tour of the garden reveals not only the legacy of the Chinese philosopher and politician, Dr. Sun Yat Sen, to whom this garden pays homage, but also the fascinating symbolism woven into the design of the garden. The zigzag pattern of the walkways, the deliberate placement of rocks and flora and the green waters of the pond all beckon visitors to dive into Chinese culture and philosophy.

Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

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VanDusen Botanical Garden VanDusen Botanical Garden

Often described by travelers as a hidden gem, the VanDusen Botanical Garden is spread across 55 acres in the center of Vancouver. Recent visitors called the garden very peaceful. The garden features several sections, including a stone garden and a hedge maze – a favorite among past visitors. One popular feature is the Laburnum Walk. The path is made memorable by the yellow, chain-like blooms that hang from the Laburnum branches. Peak bloom for these plants occurs in mid-May, but if you're not in Vancouver during their prime blooming period, check out what will be in season during your visit with this bloom calendar  here .

You can explore all of the garden's meandering paths with a self-guided tour – themed tours are developed by volunteers and can be accessed online . Docent-led tours are subject to volunteer availability from April through early October. Contact the garden ahead of your visit to see if a tour will be available. If all that walking makes you hungry, refuel at the two eateries located on-site, the Shaughnessy Restaurant and the Truffles Cafe.

Yaletown Yaletown free

Vancouver's definitive late night hot spot, Yaletown has steadily increased in popularity since it transformed from a warehouse district to the trendy area it is today. Often compared to  New York City 's SoHo neighborhood, Yaletown features chic boutiques, restaurants and hotels (including one of the city's top properties , OPUS Vancouver). Even if you don't plan to hang your hat at OPUS, you should still plan to check out the hotel's cocktail lounge, The Spritz. Other top nightlife spots include  Yaletown Brewing Co. , Pierre's Lounge and  Bar None .

Recent visitors said there is something for everyone in Yaletown, with a wide range of dining and drinking options in a variety of prices. For a little help navigating the neighborhood, consider signing up for one of the best Vancouver tours .

English Bay English Bay free

Also known as First Beach, English Bay Beach draws visitors and locals alike in droves. It's an accessible beach thanks to Mobi-Mat paths and water wheelchairs (available from May through September). Water fun includes kayaking and slides, while land-based activities include volleyball courts and walking, biking or jogging along the Stanley Park Seawall, which runs alongside the sands. You'll also find the A-maze-ing Laughter sculpture on the beach's northeast side. And when hunger strikes, the Cactus Club Cafe dishes out a variety of meals like poke bowls, sandwiches and burgers with a heaping side of ocean views.

If the beach itself doesn't draw you, perhaps its events will. Vancouver's annual Polar Bear Swim takes place on English Bay each New Year's Day. The event features music and food trucks, as well as the star event: a plunge into the chilly waters of English Bay. If that's too cold, stop by in late July for the Honda Celebration of Light, an annual fireworks festival.

Grouse Mountain Grouse Mountain

Towering over North Vancouver, Grouse Mountain has been a popular outdoor getaway for years, especially since the views from the summit span the entire city on a clear day. Originally used only for skiing, Grouse now offers year-round activities, including the Grouse Grind, a nearly 2-mile trail often referred to by residents as "Mother Nature's Stairmaster" (there are a total of 2,830 stairs along the trail).

During a winter visit to the mountain – a favorite time for locals – you'll have a bevy of activities to occupy your time. Grouse Mountain's slopes boast 33 ski and snowboard runs, four chairlifts and six terrain parks, not to mention four snowshoeing trails. There's also a zip line, a skating pond, sledding, a high-definition cinema, a wildlife refuge and several eateries, including a Starbucks and Fondue Experience at The Observatory, a formal dining room with 360-degree mountaintop views. Many past visitors raved about the excellent (albeit pricey) food at the top.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Capilano Suspension Bridge

U.S. News Insider Tip: Set aside at least two to three hours to experience all of the park's attractions. –  Ann Henson, Assistant Managing Editor

Overcome your vertigo and experience Vancouver the way the birds do. The Capilano Suspension Bridge is the oldest tourist attraction in the city (it dates back to 1889), and the 450-foot-long, 230-foot-high bridge offers spectacular views of the Capilano River below. Visitors call it thrilling, exciting and an overall great experience. The fun doesn't end once you reach the other side of the canyon; more suspension bridges and daredevil activities await at the Treetops Adventure. With this canopy walk – set among the park's 250-year-old Douglas fir trees – you'll have the chance to walk 110 feet above the forest floor, from viewing platform to viewing platform. Continue to tempt fate along the Cliffwalk, a set of cantilevered and suspended walkways that meander along the canyon's edge.

Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Trip from Vancouver

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Spanish Banks Beach Spanish Banks Beach free

Spanish Banks boasts a few features that set it apart from the city's other beloved shorelines. Thanks to its location about 5 miles southwest of downtown Vancouver, Spanish Banks is the least crowded and most quiet. It's also the best place to try your hand at skimboarding – a cross between surfing and skateboarding – due to the low tidal conditions (at low tide the water is more than half a mile off shore). If the ocean water is too chilly, there are plenty of volleyball courts available for pick-up games.

Recent visitors called the beach beautiful and say exploring at low tide can be lots of fun, especially for kids.

Museum of Vancouver Museum of Vancouver

U.S. News Insider Tip: The Museum of Vancouver (MOV) shares the same entrance as the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, making it easy to check off two popular Vancouver attractions in one visit. – Vivian Chung

As Vancouver's oldest museum and Canada's largest civic museum, there's no better place to dive into the history of the city than at the Museum of Vancouver. Founded in 1894, the institution's more than 70,000 black and white photographs, interactive and audiovisual displays and historic fashion and household items document Vancouver's transformation from a relatively small city into a multicultural and dynamic metropolis with modern infrastructure. The stories and objects of the History Galleries also highlight the population growth, economic transformation and cultural and social changes in Vancouver between 1900 and 1970. Recount the economic hardship faced by Vancouverites during the Great Depression in the 1930s and immerse yourself in the iconic hippie movement of the 1960s, where Kitsilano stood as the epicenter of Canada's flower-power revolution. 

Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art

Bill Reid was a Haida artist who blended modern aesthetics with Indigenous arts through goldsmithing, jewelry making, writing and more. Throughout his career, he researched Indigenous art (especially Haida art) and it became a large influence in his work. Following Reid's death in 1998, the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art opened in 2008 to honor Reid and the incomparable art created by Northwest Coast peoples.

Today, museumgoers can tour several galleries and a series of rotating exhibits. Themes have included song, beadwork, Indigenous queer identity, watercolor painting and more. Additionally, there are a variety of events, such as artist talks and art workshops, throughout the year.

Steveston Village Steveston Village

U.S. News Insider Tip: Its location at the mouth of the Fraser River makes Steveston the ideal jumping-off point for an up-close look at the region's marine life. Join Vancouver Whale Watch on a tour for the opportunity to spot orcas, humpback whales, dolphins and seals. – Vivian Chung

Seen in popular TV shows like "Supernatural" and "Once Upon a Time" as the fictional town of Storybrooke, Steveston Village in Richmond is a historic neighborhood with a rich fishing heritage. Join the locals at 75-acre waterfront Garry Point Park and soak up uninterrupted views of the South Arm of the Fraser River and the Gulf Islands, stroll along the wooden boardwalks while gorging on frozen yogurt and dive into the area's maritime past with a visit to the more than 4,000-square-foot restored Gulf of Georgia Cannery, which was BC's largest until 1902. As an active fishing port, visitors can shop freshly caught seafood at Fisherman's Wharf, depending on the season, or savor fresh catches at local restaurants, where they're skillfully featured across a range of dishes, like sushi, pizza, pasta and more.

Lynn Canyon Park Lynn Canyon Park free

Sitting less than 10 miles northeast of downtown Vancouver, Lynn Canyon Park offers all the benefits of Capilano Suspension Bridge Park , but without the hordes of tourists, according to recent visitors. The park spans nearly 620 acres and is full of winding trails, a swimming hole, waterfalls and its own suspension bridge.

The suspension bridge, which the park calls its main attraction, sits 164 feet in the air and spans Lynn Canyon. Views from the bridge are breathtaking, but walking the bridge isn't for the faint of heart: it sways as you move and is narrow, which makes it tricky for two-way foot traffic. Afterward, take a hike to Twin Falls or trek the Baden Powell Trail, which challenges hikers of all abilities. Also on-site is the 30-Foot Pool. Weather permitting, you can take a dip to cool off during your time outdoors. But be warned: the water is cold at all times of year. Before your adventure, stop by the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre to view its nature museum and get information about Lynn Canyon Park. (Suggested donation to visit the center is CA$2 per person, or about $1.50).

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Vancouver City Hop-on Hop-off Tour

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Robson Street Robson Street free

Since the 1940s, Robson Street has been a hub for shops and markets. Though you may not find the classic markets and quintessential candy stores of the mid-20th century, Robson Street is the place to be for shopaholics. Stores range from well-known brands like Steve Madden and Nike to shops selling everything from high-end beauty products to eyewear to fine jewelry. You'll also find the street lined with eateries. Casual bakeries sit next to Korean restaurants. Japanese restaurants are next door to health food establishments, while a few doors down sits a gelato parlor. Needless to say, there's a wide variety to fit all tastes on Robson Street.

Travelers generally enjoy a stroll down the thoroughfare, encouraging others to save time for a meal at one of the restaurants lining the street. Some suggest that if shopping and dining aren't for you, then you may want to skip this street.

Vancouver Aquarium Vancouver Aquarium

Those in the know say the Vancouver Aquarium is definitely worth exploring, whether you're traveling with kids or just looking for a little extra marine knowledge. As the home of more than 50,000 different animals across more than 30 exhibits, this is a great place to become acquainted with local animals as well as exotic creatures. But don't come here expecting SeaWorld: Past visitors say the aquarium's focus is more on interactive exhibits and education and less on choreographed animal performances. Different exhibits mimic various habitats, from the icy tanks of the Canada's Arctic exhibit to the colorful clownfish and intimidating black-tip reef sharks sheltered in the Tropics. Don't miss the Graham Amazon Gallery, a giant atrium where three-toed sloths and caimans take shelter from the hourly simulated rainstorms.

While some recent visitors comment on the steep cost of admission, they also say that if you schedule enough time, it's worth the price. 

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The 15 Best Things to Do in Vancouver

By Jennifer Van Evra

There are a few refrains Vancouverites always hear from travelers: “It’s so beautiful,” “Everybody's so nice here” and “There’s so much to do.” And they’re right on all three counts: surrounded by mountains to one side and the ocean to the other, the stunning city is a paradise for people who love the outdoors. You can ride out to see a pod of killer whales, hike over a jaw-dropping suspension bridge, take a kayak tour, climb a mountain—all 2,830 steps—or simply stroll the seawall in an urban park that’s ranked among the best in the world. But it’s not all about the elements: Vancouver has culture too, and boasts stellar museums, a public market that makes foodie hearts sing, and one of the most acoustically perfect concert halls in North America.

Read our complete Vancouver travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Capilano Suspension Bridge & Park Arrow

For people whose knees shake at the mere thought of walking a wooden suspension bridge 230 feet above terra firma, this is definitely not a top spot, but travelers who love the thrill of heights and gorgeous rainforest views are handsomely rewarded at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. First built as a tourist attraction in 1889, the North Vancouver park continues to draw droves of visitors who stroll the bridge and other high-level offerings.

Prince of Whales Whale Watching Arrow

The Prince of Whales tour is a sure-fire way to get an up-close look at some of British Columbia’s incredible marine life—orca whales, humpbacks, Pacific white-sided dolphins, elephant seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and more. The tours are conservation-focused—no cetacean-chasing cowboys here—and along the way, travelers also pick up fascinating facts about whale biology and behavior, marine conservation, and Vancouver’s history as a port city. Options include three- to five-hour tours from Vancouver or Victoria on a luxury catamaran, or if you’re departing from Victoria or Telegraph Cove, you can get down to water level on a Zodiac tour.

Snowshoe Tour on Cypress Mountain Arrow

If you’re not a downhill diehard or a Nordic racer but still want to find some "Frozen"-level winter magic, the snowshoe tours at Cypress Mountain are well worth the trek from downtown. After a fresh snowfall, there's nothing like walking through a forest of cedars and firs laden with snow, the ground sparkling all around, especially when you have certified guides leading the pack. The tours, which are currently on pause due to the pandemic , typically run daytime and evening, and range from a kid-friendly Hollyburn Meadows tour to the magical evening cheese and chocolate fondue tours. 

Stanley Park Arrow

Regularly heralded as one of the best parks in the world, Vancouver’s 988-acre Stanley Park is larger than the city’s entire downtown core, and is best known for its ocean and mountain views, its beaches and seaside swimming pool, its playgrounds and miniature train, and its walking trails through soaring fir and cedar forests. But it's especially beloved for its six-mile seawall, which draws millions of walkers, joggers, and cyclists every year.

Rebekah Peppler

CNT Editors

Lauren Dana Ellman

Ashley M. Biggers

Chan Centre for the Performing Arts Arrow

When visionary Canadian architect Bing Thom designed this University of British Columbia landmark, he hired some of the world’s finest acousticians to create an optimal-sounding space. So it’s no wonder “The Chan,” this performing-arts venue is known, is famous for its impeccable acoustics, which draw top international musicians, many who typically play far larger venues. With curved maple walls, the distinctly modern concert hall is shaped like the inside of a cello, and features a striking 25-ton acoustic canopy over the stage. The lobby is equally breathtaking: floor-to-ceiling glass walls tilt at a perfect angle.

Granville Island Arrow

In the 1970s, a polluted waterfront industrial site got a massive makeover and became one of Vancouver’s most beloved attractions: a tiny island packed with everything from a huge indoor public market and cozy artisan studios, to sunny cafes and a two-level kids’ market that makes little eyes go wide. With butchers, bakers, cheesemongers, florists, tea companies, fishmongers, craftspeople, confectioners, and produce vendors—not to mention a food court filled with delectable local eats—the bustling public market alone can keep your senses rapt for half a day.

Vancouver Aquarium Arrow

Vancouver is surrounded by water, but the best way to get an up-close look at the area’s marine life—as well as aquatic animals from around the globe—is at the Vancouver Aquarium, located in picturesque Stanley Park. For more than 60 years, locals and visitors have flocked to the seaside facility, which houses more than 65,000 animals—sea otters, penguins, sea lions, fish, jellyfish, eels, sea turtles, birds and reptiles—among them Joey the sea otter, Señor Cinco the penguin, and the recently rescued Donnelly the harbor seal. But don’t expect Marineland-style dolphin shows; the Vancouver Aquarium is more focused on education, research, and conservation.

Grouse Mountain Arrow

Towering high behind downtown Vancouver’s gleaming towers, Grouse Mountain—known as “the Peak of Vancouver”—has been a top destination for locals and tourists for more than a century. What you do there depends on the season: in summer you can hike, mountain bike, zipline over the treetops, catch an uber-Canadian lumberjack show, tour a high-tech wind turbine, and meet giant orphaned grizzly bears. In winter it’s skiing, snowshoeing, sliding, ice skating, and other sports that lure snow lovers. And whether summer or winter, the Skyride gondola offers jaw-dropping views of the city, the ocean, the Gulf Islands, and beyond.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden Arrow

Step out of the downtown fray and into Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and it feels like you’ve entered an island of calm. Perched at the edge of Chinatown, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen is modeled after the Ming Dynasty–era scholar’s gardens in Suzhou, China. It’s also regularly named among the best city gardens on the planet. The serene spot is far from a touristy knockoff, too. A collaboration between governments in Canada and China, the garden and structures were designed and built by 53 Suzhou specialists using rare trees and prized rocks shipped in from Asia.

Museum of Anthropology at UBC Arrow

With its soaring totem poles, cedar canoes, bentwood boxes, Indigenous masks, sculptures, ceramics, weavings, and more, Vancouver’s Museum of Anthropology, or MOA, is the city’s most beloved museum, making it a must-see for visitors and locals alike. Designed by renowned Canadian architect Arthur Erickson, the iconic 1976 building is considered a modernist masterpiece, and regularly draws architecture buffs. Located on the University of British Columbia campus, MOA is also an academic institution that houses close to 50,000 ethnographic objects, as well as 535,000 archaeological objects in its building alone.

VanDusen Botanical Garden Arrow

An Elizabethan hedge maze made of 3,000 pyramidal cedars, an Instagram-ready walkway under glowing yellow laburnum blooms, more than 7,500 plant species from every continent, and a picturesque lake are just a few of the features that have kept travelers and nature-loving locals flocking to the 55-acre VanDusen Botanical Garden for more than half a century. Just don’t expect highly arranged and coiffed gardens of annuals; this place is purely perennials, and although they are beautifully arranged, they still have a wild side.

Pacific Spirit Regional Park Arrow

Pacific Spirit Regional Park is the real deal: more than 2,000 acres of wild, Douglas fir–forested lands vivisected by almost 50 miles of trails (including 22 miles suitable for bikes and horses), much of it set along the waters of the Georgia Straight. It’s a bit out of the way—the University of British Columbia is at Vancouver’s westernmost reaches—but it’s one of the city’s best gems. Don't miss Wreck Beach, Vancouver’s legendary clothing-optional beach.

The Commodore Ballroom Arrow

First, you don’t just walk in off the street and have a pint at The Commodore—it’s a performance venue, so you’ll have to buy a ticket to gain entry. A true piece of local history, the downtown Granville Street club dates back to the 1920s, although the 1,000-seat bar really came of age in the 1970s, when visiting bands ranging from the Police and The Ramones to KISS, David Bowie, and Tina Turner played here. Vancouver’s answer to the Sunset Strip’s Whiskey-a-Go-Go is truly one of the finest live venues in North America.

Queen Elizabeth Park Arrow

Built in on a former quarry 500 feet above sea level, the 130-acre Queen Elizabeth Park is the highest vantage point in Vancouver, with extraordinary views that extend to the North Shore Mountains and beyond. But there’s more to Queen E, as locals call it, than just the vistas. With manicured lawns and impeccably groomed flowering plant beds, the gardens are the main draw. There's also the Bloedel Conservatory, an exotic plant and bird arboretum contained within a geodesic dome, and Seasons in the Park Restaurant, a destination dining spot.

Chinatown Arrow

The neighborhood draws every type, from locals who have been shopping there for generations to upscale foodies checking out the latest culinary hotspots, and from history buffs to authentic culture seekers. It absolutely lives up to the hype, and makes you want to learn more—especially if you soak in the serenity of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, discover the neighborhood’s history at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre, check out thought-provoking art at the Rennie Museum, and treat yourself to a world of food and drink. If you’re ever in town during Chinese New Year, it’s also well worth catching the parade.

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Must Do Canada

The Best Things to Do in Canada

38 of the Best Things to Do in Vancouver

May 23, 2022 By Matthew G. Bailey 20 Comments

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Things to Do in Vancouver Last updated: April 18th, 2023

When people ask us what we think is the most beautiful city in Canada, Vancouver is our answer. Although it’s one of the most densely populated cities in North America, it’s also surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including lush rainforest, mountains, and the Pacific Ocean. It’s because of its setting that we often rank Vancouver, British Columbia as one of the prettiest cities on Earth.

Vancouver is also vastly urban, with hundreds of skyscrapers dotting the landscape. You can easily be surrounded by a concrete jungle in the morning and out in the forest in the afternoon. This is what makes it such a great place to visit. However, it’s also one of the most expensive cities in Canada, especially when it comes to real estate and accommodation.

If you’re looking for a vibrant art scene, loads of delicious restaurants, historic districts, thriving markets, incredible urban parks, and beautiful vistas, Vancouver should be on your bucket list. In this Vancouver Travel Guide, we’ll share with you some of the best things to do in Vancouver while also sharing some tips on saving money, how to get around, where to stay, and more.

Table of Contents

Things to Do in Vancouver

Vancouver is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada, which creates loads of attractions, activities, and other things to do. Below is a list of some of the best things to do when visiting Vancouver.

Stanley Park

Whenever we go to Vancouver, we always make sure we take time to ride a bike or go for a walk around Stanley Park . It’s Vancouver’s first urban park and remains the largest with over 400 hectares of natural West Coast rainforest. It’s filled with beautiful beaches, local wildlife, and historical landmarks. It’s also home to the incredible aquarium. Whether you walk within Stanley Park while marvelling at magnificent trees, or take the seawall for stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Stanley Park is a great place to go to be immersed in nature while inside the city. The park is open from 6 am until 10 pm unless otherwise posted.

Vancouver Aquarium

While visiting Stanley Park, you may want to pay a visit to the Vancouver Aquarium as well. This is Canada’s largest aquarium with more than 70,000 beautiful creatures, such as dolphins, anacondas, sea otters, sloths, and more. The Vancouver Aquarium is also well respected for its research and marine stewardship and is a great place to learn about the region’s marine life.

Granville Island

Located right in the middle of the city is a little peninsula that’s become a popular hub for food and drink. Granville Island has a wonderful food market, a famous brewery, and a variety of cool shops. In the summer, it’s also alive with boat taxis, paddle-boarders, and kayakers.

Ride a Ferry

Speaking of Granville Island, one of the best ways to get there is by ferry! When walking around the waterfront, you’ll notice all sorts of little ferries travelling between places such as Kitsilano Beach, Granville Island, and Science World. It’s fairly cheap and is a fun way to just travel around and see Vancouver from the water. Consider buying a day pass and just enjoying it throughout the day.

Vancouver Maritime Museum

Speaking of riding a ferry, one of the dock locations is near the Vancouver Maritime Museum , a hidden gem in Kitsilano that shares stories about the Pacific Northwest and the Arctic while creating experiences that build bridges between the past and future. From their unique waterfront location,  visitors can explore  exhibitions and take part in programs about life on and around the Pacific Northwest and Arctic oceans. Their most popular exhibition is the RCMP Vessel St. Roch, a National Historic Site housed in an iconic mid-century modern A-frame shelter. 

Take a Boat Tour

Soak in the unparalleled views of Vancouver’s breathtaking coastline aboard one of Sea Vancouver’s zodiac-style vessels, which is the fastest and most exciting way to see Vancouver from the sea!

Your trip starts with a relaxing cruise along Vancouver’s Inner Harbour before soaring up to 55 km/h as you cross through the Burrard Inlet. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the sights of Vancouver’s Coal Harbour, the North Shore, English Bay, False Creek and Stanley Park. Tours are 90 mins in length and depart hourly from Granville Island.

Rent a Seadoo, Kayak, or Paddleboard

Surrounded by water, Vancouver is an excellent city to go kayaking, paddle boarding , or jet skiing . Whether you’re looking to go solo or join a guided tour, Vancouver Water Adventures has something for everyone. Their fleet includes 35 jet skis, 80 paddleboards, 60 kayaks and two beautiful tour boats. They’re located at Granville Island and at a kiosk on Kitsilano Beach. Whether you are experienced or inexperienced, a local or a visitor looking for a local experience, they will help you find the best activity for your trip.

Grouse Mountain

Quite possibly Vancouver’s top outdoor attraction, Grouse Mountain is a great place to go for gruelling mountain hikes or even an easy gondola ride to get jaw-dropping views of the city and the surrounding mountains. You can also see wildlife like bears and owls, enjoy outdoor shows like the Lumberjack show and Birds in Motion. In the winter, enjoy adventures including the stunning Light Walk, Sliding Zone, outdoor skating pond, or give snowshoeing a try on an array of trails. You can also rent skates, sleds and snowshoes.

The Gondola costs approximately $80 for a return-trip. Get your tickets here!

Rent a Bike

Vancouver is one of the best cities in Canada for biking. Whether you’re looking to share the urban streets with cars while cycling next to skyscrapers or heading off for an adventure in Stanley Park to cycle along the seawall, there’s no shortage of options for peddling a bike. In fact, due to its immense popularity, there’s a plethora of places to rent a bike from as well. Some options include English Bay Bike Rentals, Cycle City Tours, Spokes Bicycle Rentals, and Freedom Bike Rentals.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

Another popular attraction is the 450-foot-long Capilano suspension bridge, which hangs over the Capilano River in North Vancouver. For those afraid of heights, it’s quite the thrill. Soar over the Capilano River as you cross the suspension bridge, climb through old-growth fir trees on the Treetops Adventure, and rise high above the canyon along a towering wall of granite on the new Cliffwalk.

Buy Your Capilano Suspension Bridge tickets here.

Lynn Canyon Park Suspension Bridge

If you’d like to live like a local and go for a hike in a beautiful area complete with another suspension bridge, Lynn Canyon Park is a great option. For one, the suspension bridge here is free and it’s still 150 feet high! There are also short scenic hikes, swimming holes, and waterfalls. It’s a great place to spend a good half day.

The Polygon Gallery

The Polygon is a vibrant art institution that inspires and provokes cultural insight through adventurous programming. The Gallery is committed to championing artists and cultivating engaged audiences. Its lens of inquiry creatively responds to shifting perceptions of the world, through the histories and evolving technologies of photography and related media.

• Vancouver Whale Watching

If you really want to see something magical while visiting Vancouver, consider a Vancouver whale watching tour. Vancouver and Vancouver Island are famous for Orca whales, including resident orca whales and transient orca whales. We’ve had spectacular whale-watching experiences around Vancouver and also out in Port Renfrew on Vancouver Island. While nature can be unpredictable, your chances of seeing them are very high. Tours cost approximately $145 CAD. The only company we’ve gone with is Seabreeze Adventures, which is located in Steveston. During our tour with them, we saw a pod of resident killer whales and a pod of transient killer whales. Pretty amazing, especially when you consider it’s only 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver!

Gastown and the Steam Clock

No visit to Vancouver would be complete without visiting Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood. Once home to a single tavern back in 1867, it’s now a very trendy part of the city with a plethora of restaurants, cafes, vars, and shops. It’s also home to beautiful historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and the famous Steam Clock, which goes off every hour.

Beaty Biodiversity Museum

Located on Vancouver Campus, the Beaty Biodiversity Museum gives you the chance to fall in love with the diversity of life through more than 500 exhibits, more than 2 million specimens, and Canada’s largest blue whale skeleton. Enjoy more than 20,000 square feet of exhibits, including dinosaur trackways from BC’s early Cretaceous period, and myriad fossils, mammals, reptiles, and plants from around the region and across the planet.

Take a Historic Walking Tour

If you really want to learn about Vancouver’s history while taking in the shabby East Village and Gastown districts, consider taking a Forbidden Vancouver walking tour . You’ll learn all about Vancouver’s dark history, including bootlegging, opium dens, corruption, and riots.

Go on a Date

As you can imagine, Canada’s most beautiful city has no shortage of options when it comes to romantic date ideas in Vancouver . Whether you’re looking for something in nature, such as a hike in Lynn Canyon, or something in the city, such as visiting one of the many museums, there are many options to choose from.

Vancouver Mysteries

If you love solving clues and are looking for an outdoor activity in downtown Vancouver, Vancouver Mysteries offers four outdoor games to uniquely explore the city. Choose the game, date and time and then watch for an email with digital waivers to sign, further instructions and the secret start location where you meet a Game Operator in character as a detective, spy or Agent X. They start your story and provide you with everything you need to solve your mystery, including a map, clues, artifacts and tools. This is real-life (no apps to download), self-guided, and only available in Vancouver.

Robson Street

If you’re visiting Vancouver, you probably want to spend some time in the city itself and one of the best streets to walk around is Robson Street. It’s full of delicious international restaurants, hipster cafes, and shops. It’s a great place for people-watching and feeling the soul of Vancouver. For lovers of Japanese food, there’s no shortage of it in Vancouver and you’ll find plenty of sushi bars, ramen shops, and Japanese bars to enjoy here.

This recently-converted industrial neighbourhood is now home to some of the city’s most popular pubs and eateries. It’s one of those places where you can eat lunch on a patio, go for a walk along the neighbouring Seawall, admire the street art, or just hang out in one of the nearby parks, such as David Lam Park or George Wainborn Park.

Watch a Sporting Event

If you’re into professional sports, Vancouver’s a great place to be. Vancouver is home to both a Canadian Football Team – the BC Lions – as well as a National Hockey League team – The Vancouver Canucks. If you’re visiting in the summer, football is on the agenda, whereas in the winter, it’s all about the Canucks. Vancouver is also home to the White Caps soccer team.

Find Filming Locations of Your Favourite Movies

Did you know that Vancouver is known as the Hollywood North? In fact, many Hollywood productions are filmed in Vancouver and you can join Fans of Vancouver on one of their filming location tours, seasonal walking tours, or urban adventures around Vancouver. Vancouver has productions filming all over the city on a regular basis and they will give you the best “movie tour” possible.

Go Nude at Wreck Beach

If you’re looking for a nude beach, this is the only one in the city. Here you’ll find naked folks just “hanging” out, sunbathing, swimming, and listening to music. It’s places like this that made Vancouver famous back in the ’70s. It’s located in Pacific Spirit Regional Park.

Vancouver Art Gallery

If art is your thing, you won’t want to miss the collection of national and international artwork at the Vancouver Art Gallery. It’s home to more than 9,000 works of art, a whole exhibit devoted to Emily Carr (BC’s favourite historical artist) and late-night parties with live music. Admission is $24 CAD approx but is pay-what-you-want on Tuesdays.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

Did you know? This was the first authentic Chinese garden built outside of China. It’s also been named the top city garden in the world by National Geographic and is located right in the heart of the city. Admire the ponds filled with koi fish, the 150-year-old miniature trees, and the various covered walkways as you walk around the tranquil Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. It’s made even more special considering it was made using 14th-century methods, which means no glue, power tools, or screws! Admission is just $14 CAD (approx).

VanDusen Botanical Garden

VanDusen Botanical Garden is a beautiful botanical garden situated in Vancouver’s Shaughnessy neighbourhood. The Garden covers 22 hectares (55 acres) and displays plants from all over the world, including an extensive collection of native British Columbia (Northwest Coast) plants.

In addition to water features throughout the rolling landscape, special features in the garden include carved totem poles, a small Japanese garden and large stone sculptures. There’s also a beautiful maze adjacent to VanDusen’s heirloom vegetable garden.

Nitobe Memorial Garden

Located at the University of British Columbia, Nitobe Memorial Garden is a traditional Japanese stroll garden with an authentic tea house and is considered one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan.

The garden is beautiful in all weather and highlights the passing of the seasons such as cherry blossoms in spring, blooming irises in summer, maple leaves glowing red and yellow in the fall, and both native and Japanese trees pruned in winter. No matter what time of year, carpets of moss, bridges that span a koi pond and iris bed, and stone paths that cross waterfalls, create a peaceful atmosphere that invites the visitor to reflect on both the beauty of nature and its place in their lives.

Greenheart TreeWalk

Also located at the University of British Columbia, the Greenheart TreeWalk will spark your adventurous spirit as you navigate suspended walkways and tree platforms high above the forest floor. Located in the heart of UBC Botanical Garden, the 310 metre-long treetop canopy walkway hangs from huge Douglas firs, cedars and grand firs, many of which are over 100 years old. Reaching a height of nearly 20 metres above the forest floor, the walkway will give you a bird’s eye view of Vancouver’s magnificent coastal temperate rainforest.

Get a View from Harbour Centre Observation Deck

If you’re looking for a view of the city, head on over to the downtown Harbour Centre’s observation deck for panoramic views over the city, mountains, and ocean. Admission is $18 CAD (approx).

Museum of Anthropology at UBC

If you’re looking for one of the world’s finest displays of Northwest Coast First Nations arts, this is the place to go! Located at the University of British Columbia just 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver, you’ll find spectacular carvings, weavings and contemporary artworks inside a gorgeous building overlooking the mountains and sea. You’ll also find the world’s largest collection of works by acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid, 9,000 objects from around the world, a collection of European ceramic unique to North America, and monumental Haida houses and totem poles on the museum grounds. Admission is $18 CAD (approx).

Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art

This Gallery is the only public Gallery in Canada dedicated to contemporary Indigenous Northwest Coast Art , making it a spectacular place to witness art from the region. Inside you’ll find the Bill Reid SFU Art Collection, as well as special exhibitions and programs that build bridges between all peoples. It’s located in downtown Vancouver, within walking distance of the Pacific Centre. Admission is $13 CAD.

Richmond Night Market

For all the foodies out there, one of the coolest – and tastiest – spots you can visit in the city is the Richmond Night Market. Open between May and September, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped foot into Asia, enjoying a wide range of Asian food, culture, and shopping. Snacks start at $2 CAD.

Go on a Food Tour

Vancouver is a great place for food lovers and Vancouver Foodie Tours is one of the most popular food tours in the city. They’ll take you to as many as eight different spots around Gastown and Granville Island, making sure your tastebuds are satisfied. Tickets start at $95 CAD.

Experience Canada with FlyOver Canada

Want to get a taste of the second-largest country on Earth in just 8 minutes? Located at Canada Place on Vancouver’s waterfront, FlyOver Canada utilizes state-of-the-art technology to give you the feeling of flight. You will hang suspended, feet dangling, before a 20-metre spherical screen while the film whisks you away on an exhilarating 8-minute journey across Canada , from east to west. Special effects, including wind, mist and scents, combine with the ride’s motion to create an unforgettable experience. This motion ride is extremely popular and some people even told us that it made them cry from seeing all the beauty of Canada.

Vancouver Police Museum

The Vancouver Police Museum and Archives are dedicated to preserving the history and memory of British Columbia’s largest independent municipal agency, the historic City Coroner’s Services and the City Analyst’s Laboratory, serving as an educational institution, living memorial, cultural anchor, and bridge between Vancouver citizens, visitors and local law enforcement.

The museum is located on the top floor of the city-owned Coroner’s Court building and permanent exhibits include the original morgue and autopsy suite. The museum maintains a collection of more than 30,000 objects, including archival documents, photographs, publications, confiscated firearms and other weapons, counterfeit currency, and various other artifacts and memorabilia, of which an estimated 40% is on display.

Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site

If you’re into history, this could be a great thing to add to your Vancouver bucket list. The Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society honours the importance of Canada’s West Coast fishing history by sharing stories of the fishing industry and fishing communities through exhibitions, collections, programs, and events.

Explore the Sea from Sewell’s Marina

Whether you’re looking to rent your own speed boat, go fishing, or join a sea safari, Sewell’s Marina has you covered. Located in Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver, Sewell’s Marina has been introducing visitors to Vancouver’s ocean playground since 1931. This includes Fishing Derbies, Sea Safari Eco Tours, Company Scavenger Hunts and their famous self-drive boat rental fleet. You can also enjoy lovely ocean and mountain views from their “deck of the bay”, even if you’re not up for an ocean adventure. Howe Sound offers over 300 sq. miles of sheltered islands and bays to explore and the Sunshine Coast and Gulf Islands are within easy sailing distance of Horseshoe Bay.

Take a Day Trip to Whistler

If you want to explore Whistler Village and marvel at the beautiful waterfalls in the famous Sea to Sky region, you might want to opt for a day tour from Vancouver to Whistler with BeWild Adventures . They also offer a number of guided hikes as well.

Taste Craft Beer at the Many Vancouver Breweries

Trying to decide on the best breweries in Vancouver is like trying to decide on the best pizza joint in Italy. There are so many breweries in Vancouver and all of them are good. You can’t go wrong. However, we reached out to a local and asked them to name five. Here they are:

Brassneck Brewery: According to many locals, Brassneck Brewery makes the best beer in the city. Whether you order your favourite pint or a flight of four, the prices are very reasonable and they have a great location on Main Street.

Stanley Park Brewing: Located right inside Stanley Park, not far from Second Beach, Stanley Park Brewing is an excellent place to sample some craft beer and munch down on some delicious food. They also have an awesome patio and are surrounded by tennis courts and nature.

33 Acres Brewing Company: If you’re looking for coffee and beer, this is the place to go.  It’s now become so popular, that they’ve had to expand…but not too much.

Callister Brewing Company: Located within walking distance of must-see Gastown, this cool little brewery creates tiny, collaborative brews. People love it not only for their great beer but because 4 microbreweries share the same space, giving you lots of options. We’ve also heard great things about the bacon cheese board.

Powell Brewery: If you love Tiny and Old Skool, this is the place to go. This husband-and-wife-team-owned nano-brewery won “Beer of the Year” from the Canadian Brewing Awards for their Old Jalopy Pale Ale. Suddenly, they weren’t so small, as more people requested their all-natural, hand-crafted beers.

If that’s not enough for you, consider a day trip out to Port Moody or North Vancouver for their walkable brewery districts. Both are accessible by transit. Cheers!

Where to Eat in Vancouver

Vancouver has so many dining establishments that an entire website could be dedicated just to that. However, if you just want some quick recommendations based on places we’ve been, here are a few that stand out.

Water St. Café : Located in the popular neighbourhood of Gastown and literally across the street from the world-famous Steam Clock, Water St. Café is a great place to go for some Italian-influenced fine dining. It has a fancy look on the inside, making it great for a date as well, in addition to a lovely patio and an upstairs dining area that is known for its nightly live music. They also have a very good happy hour menu if you’re looking to sip back on a cocktail while enjoying the variety of people across the street admiring the Steam Clock. We visited during the month of May when they were hosting their annual Crab Fest, allowing us to indulge in many crab-inspired dishes. We really loved their Crab Panzanella, which featured BC Dungeness crab served on a giant garlic crouton. Yum!

Honey Salt : Another beautiful restaurant that’s located right inside BC Place is Honey Salt . This neighbourhood restaurant combines classic comfort with a relaxed sophistication, serving chef-driven, farm-to-table cuisine with an emphasis on locally and regionally sourced ingredients that highlight the bounty of British Columbia in an approachable and comfortable setting. We were able to try a variety of dishes during our visit, such as their Pan Roasted Halibut, Delmonico Ribeye, and their delicious Crispy Brussels Sprouts, which come with lemon, Parmigiano Reggiano, and crushed chili flakes. They also serve breakfast, lunch, and dessert. We recommend trying their Society Chocolate & Banana Cake.

Stanley Park Brewing Restaurant & Brewpub : Also recommended for anyone looking for craft beer, Stanley Park Brewpub is a great place to eat as well. Located inside Stanley Park, this brewpub serves up brunch, lunch and dinner, including some really delicious bowls. We had both their Schezuan rice bowl with chicken, crispy noodles, and kimchi, as well as the Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl, which features soy-marinated tuna, crab, edamame, tempura puffs, and more. Both were delicious but made even better when washing it down with a pint of craft beer . They also feature a variety of appetizers, pizzas, burgers, and snacks.

Tips for Saving Money in Vancouver

When it comes to costs, Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities in Canada, especially when it comes to real estate. However, there are still some ways you save some money.

Free parks and gardens: There are loads of free parks and gardens to enjoy around the city, such as the world-famous Stanley Park. Spend some time outside, enjoy the fresh air, and don’t spend a dime.

Free Walking Tours: Every time we take a “free” walking tour somewhere in the world, we’re impressed. It’s just a great way to learn some key facts and stories before enjoying the city at your own pace. You should definitely be prepared to tip but still, it’s a cheap way to enjoy a new city.

Discounted Entertainment: If you want to experience the entertainment side of Vancouver, check out ticketstonight.ca to look for half-priced entertainment tickets.

Enjoy Happy Hour: Eating and drinking during happy hour is a great way to save money and most bars and restaurants have discounts at certain times. Search for the Ultimate Happy Hours website for updated info across the city.

Same-Day Sports Tickets: If you want to watch a sports game and save money at the same time, the Tourism Vancouver Visitors’ Centre actually offers “Tickets Tonight”, which is half-priced tickets for events that haven’t sold out.

Spend Tuesday evening at the Vancouver Art Gallery on a Tuesday: Want to check out some incredible art for cheap? After 5 pm on Tuesday nights, the Vancouver Art Gallery is by donation only.

Coupon Sites: Like most cities, Vancouver has lots of deals on sites like Groupon and Living Social.

Purchase Tickets Online: Vancouverattractions.com lets you purchase tickets in advance, saving you up to 30%!

Where to Stay in Vancouver

Vancouver is home to a plethora of accommodation , ranging from budget hostels to super high-end hotels and everything in-between. For those on an extreme budget, you might want to try Couchsurfing, which can be great to meet like-minded people as well. Other recommendations include:

Samesun Hostel: For those on a budget, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better hostel than Samesun Vancouver. It’s centrally located, near the Skytrain, and is within walking distance from Granville Island and Gastown. It’s one of the most popular hostels in Vancouver and for good reason.

Best Western Premier Chateau Granville Hotel & Suites : Located right in the heart of Vancouver, within walking distance to almost everything, this Best Western Premier is a great option for those looking for a mid-range hotel with all the amenities you need. Many of the rooms have balconies as well, allowing you to get some fresh air while admiring some very beautiful views of the city.

Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre: Way back in 2010, we scored this beautiful hotel on Priceline for a 50% discount. While I’m not sure you’d find a deal like that anymore, all I can say is that the views from our balcony on the 27th floor were hard to beat. Like any Sheraton hotel, it’s beautiful inside and out.

Getting to Vancouver

If you’re a visitor looking for different ways of getting to Vancouver, here’s some practical advice on how to get here.

Getting to Vancouver by Plane

If you’re flying into Vancouver, you’ll most likely be flying into Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Although there are other smaller airports around, this is the one that gets used by most visitors. It’s located just 25 minutes from downtown, is rated as one of the best airports in North America, and offers easy access to downtown Vancouver, including the Skytrain.

From the airport to downtown, take the Canada Line for just $13 CAD (approx).

Getting to Vancouver by Car

Vancouver is also a great place to visit by car. Most people would be either driving west from interior BC or the mountains or driving up from the USA. Vancouver shares one of the busiest border crossings in the country and lots of people traverse the border for work. The drive between Seattle and Vancouver is less than three hours. If you’re on a Canada Road Trip , the drive from Calgary to Vancouver is one of the most scenic drives in the country, passing through numerous national parks and jaw-dropping scenery.

Getting to Vancouver by Bus

Although western Canada lost the service of Greyhound, there are still a few options for getting to Vancouver by bus. From Calgary, there’s the Rider Express, which takes just over 13 hours. From Seattle, the bus takes around 4 hours and is served by Greyhound, Bolt Bus, and Quick Shuttle. The easiest way to check options is by using Busbud.com.

How to Get Around Vancouver

Vancouver is probably one of the best cities in Canada for public transportation. This is due to the fact that the city is so densely populated, similar to places like New York. Because of this, tourists will find it quite easy to use the train, buses, or other modes of transportation.

Train: Both the SkyTrain Rapid Transit system and the Canada Line are common ways of traversing the city of Vancouver. You can get almost anywhere with one-way tickets ranging from $3 to $5.75 CAD. You can also buy a day pass for $10.50 CAD or a Compass Card for loading money onto. For schedules and more, visit Translink.ca.

Bus: Vancouver’s bus system also works well but only operates on one-zone fares, which can be annoying at times. Tickets between the trains and the buses are non-transferable either unless you use the Compass Card. However, if you’re travelling around at night, the buses run later than the trains, so they might be your best choice.

SeaBus: If you’re travelling by water, such as from Downtown Vancouver to the North Shore, you can jump on the SeaBus, which is also run by Translink.ca.

Taxi: Like most of Canada, taxis are not cheap but they can be convenient. Prices start at $3.50 CAD and it’s $1.89 CAD per kilometre after. As of January 2020, Uber and Lyft are also possible in downtown Vancouver.

Bicycle: Vancouver is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country and there are many places to rent them. We definitely recommend renting one to bike around Stanley Park, but traversing the city can be a good option as well. The public bike rental system is called Mobi, which costs $12 CAD per day for unlimited 30-minute rides.

Weather in Vancouver (Best Time to Visit)

Vancouver is one of the mildest cities in Canada, receiving very little snowfall and rarely dipping below 0°C. It does, however, get a lot of rain, especially in the winter months.

The busiest time to visit Vancouver is just like all cities in Canada – the summer! It gets quite hot and sunny during the summer months, averaging around 25°C. Like all Canadian cities, this is when the city truly comes to life. However, prices are also the highest at this time.

As mentioned, the winters in Vancouver are milder than almost anywhere else in Canada, with temperatures averaging just 6°C. However, you can still enjoy a “classic winter” by hitting the slopes of the world-famous Whistler Mountain Resort or Grouse Mountain.

Other times to visit would be the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. These can be rainy times to visit but are generally warm in temperature. Not hot. However, prices are less, crowds are fewer, and certain activities are in their prime, such as whale watching , which is best between April and May.

Fun Things to Do Beyond Vancouver

Another great part about Vancouver is that there are so many things to do outside of the city as well. From taking the ferry over to magical Vancouver Island, road tripping up to Whistler, driving to wine country around Kelowna, or going all the way past the Canadian Rockies to Calgary, Alberta, there are so many things to do for all types of travellers.

For more on what to do outside of Vancouver, check out these articles below:

• Things to Do in British Columbia
• Things to Do in Whistler in Winter
• Things to Do in Victoria, BC 
• Things to Do in Kelowna
• Things to Do in Nanaimo

About Matthew G. Bailey

Matthew G. Bailey is the founder and editor-in-chief of Must Do Canada. Growing up in Alberta to a mother from Quebec and a father from Newfoundland, Matt spent his childhood playing hockey under the Northern Lights and hanging out in the forest before moving to Calgary and travelling to more than 250 cities spanning 42 countries and 6 continents. He loves travel, learning new things, playing sports, writing, making videos, photography, and scuba diving. You can also find him at LiveLimitless.net .

Reader Interactions

April 21, 2020 at 6:15 pm

This is a very high-quality report! I would like to share it with my classmates at The University of Calgary! This travel information would be helpful for those of us who will be studying at The University of British Columbia soon! And The Saver Card would be a great resource for Students also! Especially the International Students!

April 21, 2020 at 11:22 pm

Thanks, Chris. I’ll have to reach out to the universities and see what they think!

May 10, 2021 at 10:13 am

Vancouver is an awesome city. Been there many times. Can’t wait to go back for another visit.

May 12, 2021 at 12:38 pm

Love visiting Vancouver. Two of my favorites are Fly Over Canada & Stanley Park.

May 15, 2021 at 12:45 pm

Great ideas!

May 18, 2021 at 11:31 pm

Really neat reading about one’s own city…nicely done!

May 24, 2021 at 2:13 pm

We have a trip planned for the fall and are so looking forward to taking advantage of some of these great Vancouver sites!

May 26, 2021 at 12:07 am

This is a great article! Born and raised in the Fraser Valley and we are always checking out new trails or parks in all the neighbouring cities.

May 26, 2021 at 7:20 am

Thank you sharing the list of things to do in Vancouver. This will be very useful for them who are new in this city.

May 26, 2021 at 7:22 am

Thank you sharing the list of things to do in Vancouver. This city is best to explore.

May 26, 2021 at 7:43 am

I’m moving to Vancouver in the fall and absolutely can’t wait to try some of this stuff out, thanks so much for all the tips!

May 27, 2021 at 7:40 am

Hit up Wreck Beach last Friday, absolutely loved it!

February 6, 2022 at 10:16 pm

I recently started watching your videos and must have watched atleast 20 of them over the past weekend. They ave given me amazing travel goals. I came to your website from your youtube channel and while reading this article I could hear both of your voices dictating this article 😀 Thank you for your great informational videos!

February 8, 2022 at 4:47 pm

haha that’s awesome! Thanks so much, Isha!

April 5, 2022 at 11:35 pm

Thank you for sharing this informative blog. This must be very helpful for those who are new to the city.

May 25, 2022 at 9:22 pm

Looks like an amazing place. Really hoping yo visit sometime soon.

May 26, 2022 at 2:50 pm

Bang on! Been many times!

June 1, 2022 at 10:54 am

These all sound awesome!

June 7, 2022 at 6:39 am

Hope to go one day!

August 29, 2022 at 8:18 am

We plan on going west and this guide will certainly help guide us. Saved on my favorites.

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20 Best Things to Do in Vancouver — From Stunning Hikes to Incredible Cultural Experiences

Here are 20 of the top things to do in Vancouver.

Naimul Alam/Travel + Leisure

Vancouver’s beauty is notable, with its majestic mountains, stunning skyline, and sparkling sea luring visitors from around the world. But the city is more than just good looks — it has personality too. Culture and cuisine shine here, the people are friendly, and it’s a safe and welcoming city. Whether you take a trek through the trees, meander through the metropolitan streets, cycle the seawall, or stroll through the shops, one thing’s for certain: you’re sure to get in your steps in this city. With the help of Candace Campo (ancestral name Xets’emits’a, Shíshálh Nation), artist and owner/operator of Talaysay Tours ; Rodolfo Parra, chief concierge of JW Marriott Parq Vancouver and the Douglas Autograph Collection Hotel ; and Alex Chen, executive chef, Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar , we’re sharing the best things to do in Vancouver.

Related: T+L’s Guide to Vancouver

Take an Indigenous-led Talking Totems tour.

Courtesy of Talaysay Tours

The best way to start a visit to Vancouver is to learn about the area’s beginnings. Located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, the city that is now known as Vancouver has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Towering totem poles have stood erect in Stanley Park since 1920, and the Talking Totems tour offered by Talaysay Tours provides an eye-opening journey from past to present through the stories shared by an engaging Indigenous guide.

Grab goodies at the Granville Island Public Market.

Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure

Vancouver’s most celebrated chefs shop at the Granville Island Public Market , like Chef Chen, who picks up fresh sausages from Oyama Sausage Co and warm loaves of bread from Terra Breads when he wants to make a standout charcuterie on his days off. Campo loves it here too, sharing, “My dad and I ate everything here, from Chinese and Greek to Ukrainian and West Coast seafood. Then we’d explore the art studios, walk the boardwalk, and listen to live music.”

Take a tranquil stroll through the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.

vkyryl/Getty Images

The first Chinese “scholar’s garden” to be built outside of Asia, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is one of the city’s most ornamental green spaces — and it’s right in the heart of clamorous Chinatown. A mirror-calm pond houses colorful carp, and twisted trees and quiet covered walkways provide a tranquil space to stroll. Make time for a free guided tour, and be sure to conclude your visit with a complimentary cup of traditional Chinese tea.

Shop the Lonsdale Quay.

Leopoldine Bauer/Travel + Leisure

“The Seabus ferry ride to the Lonsdale Quay from downtown Vancouver is a fun must-do experience on its own,” shares Parra. “Once you’re there, walk through the local artisan shops, explore the pier that overlooks a picturesque view of the Vancouver skyline, and then grab a table at Tap & Barrel Shipyards and enjoy the views.”

Admire art at the Vancouver Art Gallery.

As Western Canada’s largest public art museum, the Vancouver Art Gallery is a top attraction for art enthusiasts. Browse the works of Emily Carr, British Columbia’s beloved painter, and explore the blockbuster international shows and contemporary collections found throughout the three-story historic space. 

Related: The Best Times to Visit Vancouver for Lower Prices, Beautiful Weather, and Outdoor Adventures

Take a day trip to Bowen Island.

Alex_533/Getty Images

“I highly recommend taking a day trip to Bowen Island , located in the middle of Howe Sound, just a short flight or ferry ride away. While there, experience the purest form of the West Coast. Explore the local farmers market, hike up to Dorman Point Lookout, or kayak along the shoreline and experience the stunning beauty BC has to offer,” shares Parra of his top-recommended day trip from the city.

See sea creatures at the Vancouver Aquarium.

Set in Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium is Canada’s largest. Get up-close (and in some cases, hands-on) with the over 65,000 aquatic animals that are housed here, including charming sea otters and swimming sea lions (one weighing in at nearly 1,900 pounds). Not only is this a top tourist spot, but the site is also a center for marine research, ocean literacy, and climate activism.

Walk around the Capilano River Hatchery.

L. Toshio Kishiyama/Getty Images

Built to save the declining salmon stocks in the area, the Capilano River Hatchery is a popular place for a hike. “We like to take our dogs for a walk around the hatchery,” shares Chen. “We hike around the canyon and see schools of salmon spawning there, then have a late picnic lunch by the water, with treats from nearby Thomas Haas .”

Meander through the Vancouver Mural Festival.

A self-guided walking tour of the Vancouver Mural Festival (Aug. 4-13 this year) will give you a great perspective of the city through an artistic lens. Over 300 murals and public art displays can be spotted in neighborhoods throughout Vancouver, featuring the works of both local and international artists.

Visit Olympic Village by boat.

Naimul Alam/Travel + Leisure

First created as a housing hub for athletes during the 2010 Winter Olympics, Olympic Village has now become a popular spot for pub hops and patio dining. “Take the Aquabus — just steps from the Douglas — to Olympic Village where you can explore the local microbreweries such as 33 Acres Brewing and enjoy a day of brewery hopping, a big part of Vancouver culture. While you’re there, enjoy a bite to eat at Argo Café , a hidden gem located in Olympic Village,” shares Parra on how to enjoy the experience.

Browse the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art.

Located up the street from the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art honors hailed Haida artist Bill Reid, who was known for building bridges between Indigenous and settler people through his work as an artist, broadcaster, and community activist. The space showcases some of his artwork, as well as works of art by contemporary Indigenous artists.

Entertain the family at Science World.

Vancouver’s oceanfront orb is a sight to see, but inside the geodesic dome is a multi-level space for science exploration that the kids (and parents!) are sure to enjoy. At Science World , you can get hands-on with learning galleries, watch engaging science showcases, and catch a show on the largest domed screen on the planet, the Omnimax Theatre, which puts you in the center of the action.

Eat seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf in Steveston.

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Chef Chen lives in Steveston — a 30-minute drive from Vancouver — and enjoys riding his bike around the dyke towards Gary Point Park with his family. “I would ride down to the dock to check out the catch of the day. I love the side stripe prawns, and will often pick up a fresh Dungeness crab for dinner,” he shares of the city’s seafood capital. Don’t feel like cooking it yourself? The area is full of seaside seafood spots serving everything from casual fish and chips to upscale fine dining.

Dine around the world at the Richmond Night Market.

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During the summer months, a visit to Richmond Night Market — the largest outdoor market of its kind in North America — is a must for foodies. There are over 110 food stalls here, serving 600+ dishes and drinks from all around the world. You’ll find Pan-Asian snacks, along with food offerings from Indonesia, Turkey, Mexico, and other parts of the world. Live entertainment and endless snacking make for a fun-filled evening here.

Snowshoe the Howe Sound Crest Trail.

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Found 30 minutes by car from Vancouver, the Howe Sound Crest Trail in West Vancouver is a quiet alternative to the more popular local mountains, and it’s a preferred spot by Campo for winter snowshoeing. “While snowshoeing is something I often do for winter work, I love when I can bring friends and family on an adventure to check out the Howe Sound Crest Trail, overlooking Átl'ka7tsem (Howe Sound). Our peoples have traveled these mountains for generations and I like to think I am a part of this legacy and tradition,” shares Campo of her personal connection to the experience.

Find alpine adventures on Grouse Mountain.

See Howe Sound from a bird’s-eye view with a ride in an enclosed gondola up to the peak of Grouse Mountain . At the top, hike around weaving trails, and meet Coola and Grinder, a pair of orphaned grizzly bears who call the mountaintop habitat home. Kids can climb their way through the Kids Tree Canopy Adventure, and thrill-seekers can try the zipline.

Visit the Chinatown Storytelling Centre.

Vancouver has a rich Chinese-Canadian history, with one of the oldest Chinatowns in the country. The Chinatown Storytelling Centre is a new addition to the area and the first exhibit of its kind in Canada. Inside, you’ll find a showcase of the stories and people who have shaped the city’s past, present, and future through interactive exhibits.

SUP the Salish Sea.

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Campo loves stand-up paddleboarding on the water, especially on Vancouver’s North Shore in the early hours of the morning. “I have on many occasions sat in my car and waited for daylight to launch my paddleboard and paddle from Ch’tl’am (Ambleside) to Dundarave,” she shares. Once she’s far from shore, Campo sings traditional Salish songs and watches as cormorants, loons, harbor seals, and even salmon swim past her board. “They don't see you as a threat and on occasion will swim right up to you,” she explains of one of her favorite pastimes.

Teeter across the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Since 1883, the Capilano Suspension Bridge has been a top tourist spot. Visit to teeter across the bridge that hangs 230 feet above the forest floor and reaches a distance of 450 feet long. While you’re there, creep along the Cliffwalk, a cantilevered walkway that dangles over the canyon, and take a trek through Treetop Adventures, a series of seven smaller suspension bridges connected to treehouses and towering viewing platforms.

Play at Creekside Park.

Adjacent to Science World, Creekside Park is home to Vancouver’s largest playground (which cost nearly $1 million to build), featuring nature-inspired climbing structures, a massive tube slide, and a zippy zipline. Water and sand play areas keep little ones busy, and a rubberized surface makes the playground more accessible for people with mobility challenges. Water views of False Creek and tree-shaded sitting areas make for the perfect picnic spot.

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The 21 best things to do in Vancouver

The best things to do in Vancouver combine magical nature with history and culture. The results are magnificent.

Vancouver is one of the most liveable cities in the world, and it also happens to be a darling when it comes to tourism. Canada’s western metropolis ticks all the boxes, from inspiring nature to fascinating history, with a conveyor belt of bars, restaurants, spas, beaches and more. Long story short? Vancouver is brilliant. The best things to do in Vancouver cover all this and more, with a collection of attractions that are informed by its history as much as its future. There are whales too—from April through October you're practically guaranteed a sighting. Follow our guide to the best things to do in Vancouver and see why this Canadian city truly lives up to the hype and then some.

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🍔  The best restaurants in Vancouver 🎡 The best attractions in Vancouver 🏨 The best hotels in Vancouver

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Fun things to do in Vancouver

1.  Stanley Park

This must-see park is a whopping 1,000 acres and contains beaches, an aquarium, playgrounds, a pool and splash park, botanical gardens, a golf course, 17 tennis courts, and much more. With all the park offers, you could easily spend a day within its perimeter. Try biking the exterior Seawall or venture inside to get lost amongst ferns and centuries-old cedars on 40 miles of trails. Keep an eye out for beavers, raccoons, great blue herons, bald eagles, coyotes, and sometimes even whales. In the fall, ride the Ghost Train for a spooky Halloween experience.

2.  Grouse Mountain

Known as the Peak of Vancouver, locals and tourists flock to Grouse Mountain for outdoor activities, whatever the season. From hiking and ziplining in the summer to ice skating and snowshoeing in the winter—plus lumberjack shows and grizzly bear visits in between—Grouse Mountain is a year-round destination. Up for a challenge? Try the Grouse Grind, a 1.8-mile trail featuring 2,830 stairs that takes you 2,800 feet up the mountain. Or just take the gondola up for amazing views of the city and the ocean.

3.  Vancouver Whale Watch

British Columbia has a wealth of marine life, including orcas, humpbacks, seals, dolphins, and more. A conservation-minded whale watch tour like Vancouver Whale Watch offers an up-close look at the stunning creatures and an educational experience. Learn about whale biology and migration, marine conservation, and more as you witness the beauty of Vancouver’s waters.

4.  VanDusen Botanical Garden

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Packed with towering trees, these botanical gardens are a great spot to unwind or take a few nature selfies. VanDusen Botanical Garden is 55 acres of green and splashes of color, with 7,500 plant species from all over the world. There is a picturesque lake and a hedge maze made from 3,000 cedars.

5.  Sea to Sky Gondola

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Open throughout the year, this ten-minute gondola ride takes you up almost 2,800 feet past Shannon Falls. Drive the stunning Sea to Sky Highway to Squamish and gaze out the gondola window for even more spectacular views of Howe Sound and the mountains surrounding Vancouver. Hike the trails, try the Via Ferrata, cross the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, dine at the Summit Lodge and, during the winter, ski the backcountry.

6.  Granville Island

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Overhauled in the 70s, Granville Island is a former waterfront industrial site (technically a peninsula rather than an island) home to a public market, food shops, restaurants, artist studios and galleries, shopping and inviting green space. Take a cute little Aquabus to spend an afternoon on the island. The vast public market features everything from confections to cheeses to bread to meats. Pick up a few items and picnic next to False Creek, or indulge in the market’s food court, filled with delicious local eats and treats.

7.  Rogers Arena

Home of the Vancouver Canucks hockey team (that Stanley Cup has to come eventually, surely), Rogers Arena hosts major concerts and events throughout the year. During hockey season, checking out a Canucks game is a must. Canadians love hockey, and Vancouver adores their Canucks, no matter how wonderful or frustrating they may be. Catch the spirit from October to April, May or June, depending on how the team’s doing.

8.  Richmond Night Market

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Open weekends and holiday evenings from May to October, this is the largest night market in North America. The Richmond Night Market will give you a taste of Asia’s famed night markets. Sample foods like grilled squid, pho fries, gyozas, roti mac and cheese and nitrogen ice cream at the food stalls, then shop for gifts and accessories at the retail stalls. There are games, live music and entertainment, and always great people-watching.

9.  Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden

This tranquil garden at the edge of Chinatown is the first Chinese garden or “scholars garden” built outside of China. Designed and built by specialists from Suzhou (where the Ming Dynasty-era scholar’s gardens that inspired this one are located) using rare trees, prized rocks, and the principles of balance and harmony, the Chinese Garden is an oasis of tranquillity. Stroll the free park, then enter the gardens by paid admission. Learn the symbolism behind the placement of each plant, structure, and path, or just enjoy peace, quiet, and beauty.

10.  Pacific Arts Market

This nearly 2,500-square-foot gallery space features art, jewelry, and other handmade crafts from more than 40 artists from Vancouver and around British Columbia. Browse talented local artists and bring home a unique souvenir. You’ll find paintings, ceramics, jewelry, woodcarving, fiber arts, and products like handmade candles and teas. The colorful space is packed with art for every taste and budget. Artists change regularly, so it’s worth visiting again and again.

11.  The Seawall

The 17.5-mile paved pathway starts at the Vancouver Convention Centre and then winds around Stanley Park to English Bay, False Creek, Olympic Village, Granville Island, Kitsilano Beach, and the beaches of Spanish Banks. The 5.5-mile section in Stanley Park is the most popular, but tackling the whole seawall will give you an excellent (and active) tour of Vancouver. It’s the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path, and you’ll see mountains, sculptures, the skyline, and beaches.

12.  Gastown

The original downtown core of Vancouver, Gastown is now a vibrant, trendy neighborhood with unique shopping, dining, art galleries, and more. Densely packed but stylish, it is all cobblestone streets and beautifully refurbished buildings. After browsing the boutiques and galleries, grab a cocktail or dinner and make it a night out. This is also where you'll find the famous Gastown Steam Clock, one of only a few working steam clocks in the world. Every quarter-hour, the clock shoots steam from its five whistles, and on the hour, it gives off a toot from each whistle.

13.  Capilano Suspension Bridge

Capilano Suspension Bridge is 230 feet high and 450 feet across the Capilano River through the temperate rainforest on Vancouver’s North Shore. Test your mettle as you walk the bridge, and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular rainforest views. The park also features a cliff walk, nature tours, a treetop adventure, and a Living Forest exhibit.

14.  Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia

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Located on the traditional territory of the Musqueam people, the Museum of Anthropology (MOA) features art from indigenous peoples from Canada and around the world. One of Canada’s largest teaching museums, MOA is home to hundreds of thousands of ethnographic objects, artifacts and works of art, including textiles, ceramics, massive totem poles, masks, and more. The iconic building was designed by renowned Canadian architect Arthur Erickson.

15.  Mr. Bannock

This popular food truck serves indigenous cuisine using fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods like smoking and stone baking. British Columbia’s First Nations people know all about the richness and nutrition of the land and sea and how to harvest products sustainably. Mr. Bannock is named after the traditional unleavened bread, served alongside salmon, wild meats, juniper berries and local mushrooms.

16.  Wreck Beach

Stretching along for 4.8 miles, Wreck Beach is impressive in size and beauty. It’s also North America’s largest naturist (i.e. clothing optional) beach. One of Vancouver’s best beaches, the views here are spectacular. There’s also a real sense of community, as represented by the active Wreck Beach Preservation Society. Keep an eye out for events like Skinny Dip Day, Bare Buns Run, and spa/pool nights.

17.  Vancouver Aquarium

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A Stanley Park highlight, Vancouver Aquarium focuses on sustainability and conservation. The staff rescues marine animals and aims to educate the public in everything they do. The Vancouver Aquarium originated the Ocean Wise sustainable seafood and ocean protection initiative. Giggle at the antics of the otters and penguins, zen out watching the jellyfish and gain a greater appreciation of the importance of protecting the world’s oceans.

18.  English Bay Beach

Located in the West End, English Bay is a bustling neighborhood of beaches, shopping, and dining and hosts annual events like the Celebration of Light fireworks competition and the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim. In the summer, English Bay Beach draws throngs for sunbathing and swimming. But the whole neighborhood is a top destination year-round for shopping, dining, waterfront strolling, beautiful scenery, and art (don’t miss the Laughing Man statues or the Inukshuk monument). Head to Sunset Beach for, you guessed it, beautiful sunset views.

19.  Jericho Beach

If you’d rather not hit the beach in your birthday suit, Jericho Beach offers a more typical waterside experience. With its calm surf, Jericho is a top spot for watersports like kayaking, paddle boarding, windsurfing, and sailing. Equipment is available for rent, and lessons and tours are offered for a good bit of the year.

20.  False Creek

This short inlet cuts through the heart of Vancouver, separating Downtown from the rest of the city. It is popular for walking and boating activities. There are three waterfront walks along False Creek—North, South, and Olympic Village. Walkthrough reinvigorated industrial areas and the neighbourhood revitalized by the 2010 Olympics. For watersports lovers, False Creek is a prime spot to rent a kayak to paddle past the likes of Yaletown and Granville Island, stopping for a drink or a bite along the way.

21.  Pam Rocks

The curious seals in the colony at Pam Rocks in Howe Sound often interrupt their sunny snoozes to dive in and swim over to see what the kayakers and snorkelers are doing. Enjoy a day on the water, learn about protecting Vancouver’s marine environment, see the seals and maybe catch a glimpse of some bald eagles and other wildlife.

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25 Epic Things to Do in Vancouver (Perfect First Time Visit)

Things to do in vancouver: the 25 best places to visit (all highlights).

You want to visit Vancouver during your next trip?

Great idea!

Nestled between ocean and mountains , this western Canadian city boasts an exceptional location . It offers a bounty of varied natural landscapes and a wealth of activities to dive into.

Whether you’re there in winter, summer, autumn or spring , you’ll always find something to do in Vancouver!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared this guide of the 25 best things to do in Vancouver , with all points of interest and must-see attractions.

In addition to my list of things to do and activities, I will also give you optimized itineraries to visit Vancouver in 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days as well as my selection of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Vancouver? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

1. Downtown Vancouver

2. the vancouver lookout, 3. whale and orca watching, 4. stanley park, 5. vancouver aquarium, 6. canada place, 7. the flyover canada, 8. granville island, 9. the museum of anthropology in vancouver, 10. flying over vancouver in a seaplane, 11. chinatown and dr. sun yat-sen’s chinese garden, 12. the vandusen botanical garden, 13. shopping in vancouver, 14. vancouver’s beaches, 15. the seawall, 16. more activity and visit ideas in vancouver, 17.  what to do in vancouver with the family, 18. watch a hockey game in vancouver, 19. capilano suspension bridge, 20. lynn canyon park, 21. grouse mountain, 22. victoria, 23. deep cove, 24. burnaby, 25. whistler, how long should you visit vancouver for, one day in vancouver, 2 days in vancouver, 3 days in vancouver, where to stay in vancouver, where to eat in vancouver, how to get to vancouver, vancouver tourist map, you’re traveling in canada these articles will help you.

Visiting Vancouver and its surrounding area is about uncovering a city consistently listed amongst the world’s best places to live .

Nestled between ocean and mountains , this western Canadian city boasts an exceptional location . It offers a bounty of varied natural landscapes and a wealth of activities to dive into. Whether you’re there in winter, summer, or spring, you’ll always find something to do in Vancouver!

To help you organize your trip to Canada , I’ve prepared a comprehensive guide of all the must-see spots in Vancouver .

And to make the most of your visits, you’ll find our itinerary advice for exploring Vancouver and its environs over 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days plus my pick of the best accommodations .

So, what are the best things to do and see in Vancouver? Where to stay

Visit Vancouver: All must-see attractions

To kick off your Vancouver exploration and soak up the local atmosphere, nothing beats a little jaunt downtown . That’s where you can admire the skyscrapers and find yourself in the heart of the city’s bustle .

I particularly recommend these 2 neighborhoods :

1) Gastown, Vancouver’s historic district , to see some of the city’s most beautiful Victorian buildings . You can take a photo in front of the “Steam Clock” , a steam-operated clock that whistles every 15 minutes. The neighborhood is super cool with lots of open-air cafes and restaurants, perfect if you’re peckish.

2) Yaletown, the trendy and chill neighborhood.

Formerly a warehouse district, they’ve been renovated to house loads of little shops and many of Vancouver’s top restaurants .

The nightlife there is buzzing, the ideal place to go in Vancouver to party .

To miss nothing of Vancouver and benefit from a guide’s insights, you should go for a guided tour .

You’ll not only visit Gastown , but also Chinatown, Granville Island, Stanley Park, Canada Place, the Vancouver Lookout, and Robson Street (all Vancouver essentials!).

This is the best guided tour to discover Vancouver.

You can book it by clicking on the button below:

Every big city must have its observation tower and Vancouver is no exception.

Toronto has the CN Tower, Vancouver has the Vancouver Lookout ! The building is located near Gastown’s Steam Clock and just 5 minutes from the Waterfront.

In just 40 seconds with a glass elevator, you’ll ascend to 170 meters to view the city . An unbeatable 360° panorama awaits you.

Plus, there’s a revolving restaurant at the top of the tower , where you can munch your way around the city in just one hour without leaving your seat. It’s pretty cool!

Your ticket to the tower is valid for the entire day, so you can pop in and out – maybe once in the morning and then again at sunset . What a delightful idea!

If you’re keen on experiencing Vancouver’s premier tourist spot, I strongly advise grabbing your skip-the-line ticket in advance to avoid the pesky queues. Just hit that green button below:

Vancouver is brimming with companies offering whale and orca watching tours.

I especially recommend this half-day boat trip provided by GetYourGuide and operated by a local tour company . The departure point is right in the heart of downtown Vancouver.

You’ll embark on a 4-hour covered boat cruise on a quest to spot orcas and whales!

From start to finish, you’re taken care of – your only worry is snapping the perfect shot of these impressive sea mammals. It’ll be an unforgettable part of your Vancouver adventure, and only for €143 per person !

Advanced booking is required – just click the button below:

In major Anglo-Saxon cities, it’s a common sight to find a “ green lung ” where nature thrives amidst the urban landscape: Montreal boasts Mount-Royal Park, while New York has its iconic Central Park.

In Vancouver, it’s Stanley Park where you can enjoy a stroll and take in some nature. This enormous 400-hectare park is an absolute must-visit for a gorgeous waterfront walk. It offers stunning panoramas of the city and coast.

The place is also popular with joggers and cyclists . I recommend renting a bike if you want to see all the park has to offer – it’s definitely the best way to explore!

You’ll simply follow the 9km Seawall promenade that circles the park .

During your park tour, I suggest making a few pit stops :

• At Brockton Point to see the Native American totems (a standalone tourist site in Vancouver)
• At Siwash Rock
• To see the “Girl In Wetsuit” sculpture
• The Viewpoint, to admire Lions Gate Bridge.

And if you want to make sure you don’t miss a thing, there are guided bike tours of Stanley Park available. Find all the details by clicking the button below :

If you rent a bike, make sure to follow the park’s traffic flow – only counter-clockwise circulation is allowed!

Located within Stanley Park, you’ll find the Vancouver Aquarium. This is a perfect spot to visit in Vancouver with kids !

Canada’s largest aquarium , it is home to over 65,000 animals including dolphins, otters, and penguins. Here, you can discover the unique wildlife of the West Coast and Pacific Ocean .

As the aquarium is a much-loved Vancouver attraction , so you’d better purchase your skip-the-line tickets in advance to avoid queues. Your ticket even gives you access to the 4D theatre , where you can catch a short and immersive film.

Book your tickets for the Vancouver Aquarium by clicking on the button below:

Canada Place is a truly cool Vancouver spot for a walk along the Waterfront. This national monument boasts a unique architectural design with its five white sails evoking a ship.

It’s as if you’re wandering around a ship’s deck. The Canadian Trail is divided into sections representing the provinces and territories of Canada.

You’ll also get to enjoy views of Stanley Park and the mountains .

Continuing your stroll along the Waterfront, don’t forget to snap a photo of the gigantic Olympic Cauldron created for the 2010 Olympic Games, and the Digital Orca , a giant pixel art orca. Something you won’t see anywhere else on your Canadian journey !

Nested within Canada Place, there’s a must-do attraction on your Vancouver tour: the FlyOver Canada .

This ride offers you the chance to soar over Canadian landscapes and cities in just 8 minutes! Don’t sweat it, you’ll be comfy in your seat while you live out this 4D experience .

Thanks to a massive screen, dynamic seats, and wind effects, you’ll feel like you’re touring Canada by plane . It’s super well-done, and the sensory experience is truly immersive!

To ensure your spot, it’s essential to book your session for FlyOver Canada in advance . Don’t wait, secure your experience by clicking the green button below:

Next on our Vancouver journey is Granville Island .

The main highlight of Granville is its massive covered market . You can find loads of fresh products (fruits, veggies, cheeses) and local goods at affordable prices.

I recommend going there for lunch as there’s also a large food court offering dishes from cuisines around the world. Indian, Mexican, American, Chinese, there’s something for everyone.

You can then enjoy your meal outside, by the water . Don’t forget to pair your meal with a good beer, as there are plenty of microbreweries in Granville .

If you prefer, you can also opt for a 2-hour guided tour of the market including tastings. Info and reservations right here !

Granville is also the perfect place to hunt in vintage shops and look for original and unique creations made by local artisans.

To get to the island, you can take the Aquabus which will get you from Hornby Street to the shores of Granville.

If you’re a museum lover, I suggest you visit the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver (MOA). You’ll find it on the University of Vancouver campus.

The museum traces the history of the “First Nations” , the indigenous peoples of British Columbia and Canada.

Vancouver attaches particular importance to this and as you stroll around the surrounding cities, you’ll see that the town names are also indicated in First Nations’ languages.

This is a truly interesting museum to see in Vancouver that presents more than 16,000 objects related to the first peoples and other cultures around the world, especially from China and Africa.

You’ll see an impressive collection of totems , similar to those in the Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa .

Info for your visit is on the official website .

For a unique activity in Vancouver, I recommend a city tour by seaplane .

It’s the perfect way to discover the city from a unique angle , original and unprecedented.

You should book your excursion right away with GetYourGuide.

This 20-minute flight will take you over the whole city, parks, and beaches of Vancouver . You’ll fly with Harbour Air, the local company with the largest seaplane fleet. Safety standards are top-notch.

For a little over €100 per person, you can have a unique experience during your Canadian escape . As always, just click on the button to book this great Vancouver activity:

You’re going to Vancouver?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

And that’s even worse in big touristic cities like Vancouver 😅.

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Lots of people will be visiting Vancouver on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Vancouver.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Seville, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Vancouver!

Another commonality shared with cities like New York and Montreal, among the main attractions in Vancouver, is Chinatown .

Like in all Chinatowns around the world, you’ll find good, affordable Chinese restaurants and can buy your souvenirs at the most reasonable prices in town.

In Chinatown, I especially recommend visiting Dr. Sun Yat-Sen’s Chinese Garden or Classical Chinese Garden . Fun fact: it’s the first Chinese garden to be built outside China.

The garden is absolutely beautiful and hosts several events according to the season, including Chinese New Year celebrations. It offers a lovely display of flora as well as Chinese architecture . It’s really a nice place for a walk.

Tickets for the Chinese Garden are on sale here!

Another must-see garden in Vancouver: the VanDusen Botanical Garden . It’s located south of the city , a bit away from the center.

This 55-hectare garden is enormous and considered one of the most beautiful gardens in North America .

You can stroll amongst 7,500 varieties of plants and trees from around the world. The garden is artistically designed with waterfalls, fountains, wooden bridges, several ponds, and even a maze . Amazing!

If you want to visit the botanical garden during your Vancouver holiday , you should buy your ticket in advance here !

During your trip to Vancouver, you’ll probably want to do some shopping .

You’ll find your bliss along Robson Street, the commercial artery of downtown Vancouver. All major brands are represented, but there are also cool and original small shops and souvenir stores. You’ll be spoilt for choice.

Further from downtown, you can also visit Metrotown, the 3rd largest shopping center in Canada or the Park Royal Shopping Centre located in a pleasant setting by the ocean.

Vancouver has many beaches for a relaxing afternoon of swimming, reading by the water, or playing beach volleyball.

Here’s a quick tour of where to go in Vancouver:

• Sunset beach – true to its name for enjoying the sunset.
• Second beach – featuring a long outdoor heated pool.
• Third beach (okay, they didn’t strain themselves for the name 😋 ).
• English Bay Beach – also known for its sunset and the 14 funny statues you’ll find there.
• Kistilano beach
• Wreck Beach, a “clothing optional beach,” meaning you can swim either in a swimsuit or naked! It has a peace-and-love vibe.
• Ambleside Beach and its view of the Lions Gate Bridge.
• Jericho Beach
• Spanisk Banks beach.

Let’s keep this Vancouver travel guide rolling with the Seawall, a lengthy promenade that hugs the ocean’s edge for nearly 22 kilometers .

You can either walk it or bike it .

Indeed, the Seawall is split into 2 zones throughout : one for pedestrians and one for cyclists. The whole path is one-way and should only be taken counter-clockwise.

The walk kicks off from Canada Place , passes through Stanley Park for 9 km (which I mentioned earlier), False Creek, Science World, Granville , and ends up at Kitsilano Beach .

Let’s beef up this list of things to do in Vancouver with a few more visit suggestions . Just click the orange links to book:

• Vancouver hop-on hop-off bus tour . 24h or 48h pass with included English audio guide.
• Commentated one-hour cruise in Vancouver’s harbor
• Sunset cruise in Vancouver with included buffet dinner. Duration: 2h30
• Gastown foodie tour + Food and drink tastings. Duration: 2h30
• Guided walking tour themed around the city’s dark history with a professional actor.
• Vancouver Art Gallery admission ticket.
• Vancouver Museum ticket exploring civic history.
• Ticket for Vancouver Maritime Museum.

Aside from the aquarium and FlyOver Canada, I suggest you visit Science World, the science museum.

It hosts various permanent interactive exhibits and fun activities where kids can learn more about fundamental physics concepts like light or sound. And for dinosaur enthusiasts, there are even awesome reconstructions !

Book your ticket for Science World right here:

Another fun idea for a family outing in Vancouver is Playland .

Playland is Canada’s oldest amusement park. Don’t worry, though, all the rides are modern and regularly updated!

It’s located in Hastings Park . There, you’ll find traditional roller coasters and other thrill rides . There are also rides for younger kids.

A great way to have a delightful time with your family during your Canadian holiday.

Still wondering what to do in Vancouver?

During your road trip in Canada , I highly recommend attending a hockey match at least once.

You’ll see that Canadians take their national sport seriously — the atmosphere during the matches is incredible.

In Vancouver, you should root for the Canucks, the local team . While shopping, don’t forget to grab a team jersey. It’ll make a great souvenir later!

Best things to do around Vancouver

If you’re planning to stay in Vancouver for several days , I recommend taking the opportunity to explore the surrounding area.

Here are my picks for the most beautiful places to see around Vancouver .

One of the most popular attractions near Vancouver is the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

It’s about 15 minutes from downtown .

At the park, you can trot across the iconic suspension bridge that hangs over the canyon , all 137 meters of it, and perched 70 meters up high ! Just a heads up, the more folks on it, the more it swings, so if you’re prone to vertigo, you’ve been warned!

You can also stroll along the trails, embark on a treetop adventure, and walk on the cliffwalk, a wooden platform hanging out in the void.

Don’t wait any longer! Book your Capilano Park entrance ticket now by clicking the green button below:

To get to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, hop on the free shuttle departing from Canada Place .

The Lynn Canyon Park is a bit like the Capilano Suspension Bridge but in the free version . It’s a fantastic alternative for sightseeing.

The Lynn Canyon Park is about twenty kilometers from downtown and you can easily get there by public transportation , which is super convenient.

You can also cross a suspension bridge – sure, it’s smaller and not as high as its big brother, but it’s still pretty cool.

You can also go hiking on one of the many trails set in the midst of the forest and enjoy a picnic in a tranquil and nature-filled spot.

Access information is right here .

If you’ve decided to visit Vancouver over the weekend , you could head to Lynn Canyon Park on an organized excursion . A bus will pick you up directly from your downtown hotel, and then you’ll get a guided tour in the park .

The detailed information about this excursion around Vancouver is available by clicking here !

Another iconic point of interest to visit near Vancouver is Grouse Mountain .

Located 20 minutes from Vancouver , Grouse Mountain offers a ton of activities:

• If you’re wondering what to do in Vancouver in winter, it’s a ski resort with some slopes offering a breathtaking view of the city .
• And in summer, you can hike, zip-line, paraglide, and even watch a lumberjack show where they chop logs faster than their shadows (promise, it’s not a joke!).

To get there, take the free shuttle from Canada Place , which will take you to the base of the cable car , at the bottom of Grouse Mountain.

Once you arrive and to avoid queuing , it’s better to have booked your cable car ticket in advance . You can do it right now by clicking on this button:

If you don’t have a car, it’s possible to visit Grouse Mountain and Capilano Bridge in the same day , thanks to an organized excursion and round-trip transport from Vancouver. It’s really very practical to see a maximum of things in one day.

Here is the link with the information:

If you’ve had your fill of Vancouver, I’ll invite you to take a trip over to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia . This place is a must-visit when you’re on a tour of western Canada.

You’ll find it at the southern end of Vancouver Island . To get there you have several options:

• By ferry from Vancouver (departing from Tsawwassen).

And hey, make sure to book your crossing in advance (this also includes a bus transfer from the city centre to the ferry terminal):

• Or for the thrill-seekers, how about getting there by seaplane ? Way faster than the ferry and the perfect way to soak up the landscape! Book here !

Victoria exudes a distinctively English charm , think Victorian houses with blooming gardens and grand old buildings.

In Victoria, here’s what I recommend you check out:

• The stunning Empress Hotel
• The Parliament
• The Royal BC museum
• Fisherman’s Wharf, a floating village of colourful houses
• Beacon Hill Park

You can also take day tours from Vancouver to visit Victoria . They include a visit to the beautiful Butchart Gardens and a journey through the historic centre of Victoria .

Just hit the button below to book:

Located about 15km north of Vancouver is the quaint seaside village of Deep Cove .

A popular vacation spot for Vancouverites. The village is delightfully charming with its waterside homes.

You can indulge in various water sports, with kayaking being a firm favourite. And why not take a scenic walk on the hiking trails, especially the one that leads to Quarry Rock for a breathtaking view over Deep Cove .

In the vicinity of Vancouver, Burnaby is another lovely place to check out.

Here, a typical 1920s village has been recreated, complete with all its shops : bakery, post office, church, school, and even a blacksmith and a printing press…

You’ll be greeted by villagers in period costumes . And you can also peek inside the heritage houses, old buildings listed as city heritage.

Though the village has a retro vibe , it’s this charm that makes it truly special.

Whistler is a renowned ski resort located about 2 hours drive from Vancouver.

It’s one of the largest ski resorts in North America , famous for hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Apart from skiing, there’s a whole range of activities such as hiking trails, spas, golf courses , and plenty of shops, along with bars and restaurants .

In winter, you can also try your hand at snowmobiling, dog sledding, and snowshoeing .

You can find all the necessary information on the resort’s website .

From Vancouver, organized tours are available to visit Whistler as well as the Shannon Falls provincial park (including a ride on the famous Sea to Sky Gondola). Click here for more details !

I’d say, you should set aside at least 3 days to explore Vancouver , particularly if you’re keen to venture beyond city boundaries to spots like Capilano Bridge or Grouse Mountain.

And if you really want to soak up the city and its surrounding areas, 5 days won’t be excessive.

Now, I’m excited to present my suggested itineraries for exploring Vancouver in 1, 2, or 3 days !

If you’ve got just one day to tour Vancouver , here’s my suggested itinerary :

• Kick-off in Vancouver’s historic neighborhood, Gastown
• Check out Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden and seize the opportunity to wander around Chinatown
• Stroll over to Canada Place and try out FlyOver Canada
• Lunch break
• Spend the afternoon exploring Stanley Park (by foot or on a bike)
• Head up to Vancouver Lookout at the end of the day to catch the sunset
• Dine and enjoy the evening in the Yaletown neighborhood , home to some of Vancouver’s best eateries

To explore Vancouver in 2 days , just pick up where day 1 left off and add:

• A city flyover via seaplane for a unique Canadian experience
• Head to Granville Island to stock up on local products
• Lunch break: either a picnic option with the goodies you’ve bought from the market, or a “world cuisine” option by grabbing a dish from the massive market’s food court
• Visit the Museum of Anthropology to learn about the history of the First Nations
• Stop by Wreck Beach (right next to the museum)
• Walk through VanDusen Botanical Garden
• Wrap up the day with some shopping on Robson Street

To see Vancouver in 3 days, simply follow the itineraries from the previous 2 days. Then, I’d suggest a few options depending on your interests and budget .

• Spend half the day whale watching
• An afternoon at the Capilano Suspension Bridge or the Lynn Canyon Park for a budget-friendly alternative
• Spend the morning at Capilano or Lynn Canyon
• Afternoon at Grouse Mountain or Deep Cove (closer to Lynn Canyon)
• Spend the day in Victoria , reachable by ferry from Vancouver . Considering the round-trip will take about 4 hours, you might choose to spend a night in Victoria and head back to Vancouver the next morning.
• If you’re in Vancouver during the winter and you’re a fan of skiing, you could go skiing in Whistler or even try snowmobiling .

Of course, if you’re spending more than 3 days in Vancouver, you could dedicate a day to each of these 4 options . There’s so much to do, you could easily spend 4-5 days, even a week, in and around Vancouver . That way, you won’t have to pick and choose – you can see it all!

• Samesun Vancouver : This funky youth hostel is right in the middle of the city, a stone’s throw away from Yaletown district. Bunk in a dorm from €40, breakfast included. Strong points: location in the city centre, the vibrant atmosphere, comfy beds, and a cracking breakfast with muffins and bagels. A top-notch pick for budget-friendly accommodations in Vancouver !
• The Sylvia Hotel : Located just a two-minute stroll from Stanley Park and a minute from the beach. Spacious and bright double rooms starting at €120 per night. Strong points: prime location, friendly staff, and the authentic charm of the place.
• Blue Horizon Hotel : This gem is on Robson Street, the main shopping artery of Vancouver. Super spacious, comfy double room with a killer view from €170. Strong points: fantastic location to explore Vancouver by foot, the view, plenty of shops and restaurants close by, room comfort. My favorite for its value for money In my opinion, the best hotel in Vancouver.
• The St Regis Hotel : Nestled right in downtown, a hop, skip, and a jump away from Vancouver Lookout. Spacious and cozy double rooms from €240 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: optimal location, helpful and warm staff, room comfort, and a scrumptious and plentiful breakfast.
• Rosewood Hotel Georgia : A splendid 5-star hotel in downtown Vancouver offering beautifully decorated rooms from €350 per night. Strong points: indoor swimming pool, spa, and top-notch services. The best hotel in Vancouver for a luxury stay !

• Salmon n’Bannock Bistro : Located on West Broadway Street. The restaurant serves authentic Indigenous cuisine. The dishes are creative, generous, and beautifully presented. Bison burgers, elk, wild salmon with maple syrup – it’s all mouth-wateringly good.
• Gotham Steakhouse & Cocktail : Situated on Seymour Street. As the name suggests, the restaurant dishes up meaty mains. The meat is superb, tasty, well-seasoned, and cooked to perfection. A tad pricey, but hey, you get what you pay for.
• Ramen Danbo : Located on Robson Street. The restaurant specializes in Ramen. The cool thing is that you get to choose your soup base, noodle thickness, seasoning, and the amount of meat in your soup! The dishes are delicious, hearty, and offer excellent value for money. It’s the perfect quick lunch before getting back to sightseeing.

And don’t forget to check out the tasty restaurants in the Chinatown district, the food court of Granville Island and the famous Japadog from the food trucks (a Japanese-inspired hot dog!).

From France, numerous airlines offer flights to Vancouver. Only flights departing from Paris are direct. If you’re leaving from another French city, like Nice for example, there will be a layover.

 As flight prices for Vancouver can vary dramatically, it’s a good idea to compare them as early as possible. To do this, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner . It’s the guarantee of getting the best price .

To help you visualize the city a bit better, I’ve created a tourist map of Vancouver, with all the best things to do and must-see attractions.

You can display the map’s legend by clicking the button with a small arrow located in the top left corner.

And you? What would you like to visit in Vancouver?

Discover all my articles about Canada : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Canada are listed there.

• 20 Best Things to do in Canada
• 20 Best Things to do in Quebec – All best places to visit in the French-speaking province!
• Itinerary: One week in Canada: The perfect itinerary to visit Canada in 6, 7 or 8 days!
• Itinerary: 10 days in Canada: All my best tips for organizing your 10-day trip to Canada
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Canada: How to visit Western Canada in 15 days.
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Canada: My epic itinerary to visit Western and Eastern Canada in 21 days
• Itinerary: 1 month in Canada: How to visit Eastern Canada in a month!
• Itinerary: One week in Quebec: How to visit Quebec in 6, 7 or 8 days, with all my best tips!
• Itinerary: 10 days in Quebec: An amazing 10-day itinerary in Quebec
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Quebec: All my best tips to visit Quebec in 14, 15 or 16 days
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Quebec: the perfect 3-week road trip in Quebec !
• Road trip in Canada: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month
• Road trip in Quebec: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15 and 21 days
• Calgary : Top 11 things to do during your visit
• Montreal : 33 best things to see and do
• Ottawa : 15 epic places to visit
• Quebec City : Top 17 things to do and see
• Toronto : The 17 things to do during your stay
• Vancouver : Top 25 places to visit and activities
• Toronto in 3 days – The perfect itinerary to visit the city in 72 hours!

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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25 Best Things to Do in Vancouver, BC (Canada)

Home | Travel | North America | Canada | Vancouver | 25 Best Things to Do in Vancouver, BC (Canada)

Vancouver is a popular tourist destination in British Columbia, and during our last trip there, I quickly discovered why that is. There are tons of things to do in Vancouver . The city is also surrounded by some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes, but you can find plenty of Vancouver attractions downtown  too.

Since I’m crazy about whales, we did a 2-day layover in Vancouver before heading to the Canadian Rockies (Yes, Vancouver is one of the best places in the world for killer whale watching). However, I was surprised by the number of places to visit in Vancouver, Canada, so I came back six months later to keep exploring the city.

There is never a wrong time to visit, as there are always things to do in Vancouver . I recommend you spend at least one day in Vancouver ’s downtown district, another day if you want to take a whale watching tour, and one more day to explore the fjords and mountains that surround this beautiful city. However, if you’re short on time, I recommend this 4-hour tour or this 7-hour city tour . There is also a hop on, hop off sightseeing bus that will take you to the most popular areas in case you want to explore the city on your own.

To help you plan your trip and figure out what to do in Vancouver , check out our top 25 things to do in Vancouver, BC, below.

1. Biking in Stanley Park, the best thing to do in Vancouver

Stanley Park is one of the best places to visit in Vancouver . It’s full of walking and biking paths, and one of the most popular things to do in Vancouver is to take a bike tour there. We did this one , which takes you around the park as a guide shares historic tidbits about the area.

If you’re willing to pay a bit more, you can bike around the park and other parts of the city on this tour . Still, when considering what to do in Vancouver , I recommend budgeting enough time for Stanley Park.

As you pass by Brockton Point on the east side, be sure to check out the lighthouse and the First Nations totem poles , which represent the indigenous Coast Salish people. To the northeast, try to spot the Girl in a Wetsuit sculpture sitting on a rock in the water.

Prospect Point is also on the park’s northern tip and offers great sightseeing in Vancouver . Here, you’ll be at the highest point in Stanley Park, so you’ll have views of the city, the Lions Gate Bridge, and the walkers and bikers along the Seawall Path . The path makes a 5.5-mile loop around the park, so it’s a nice place for a leisurely stroll.

Nearby, you can see Siwash Rock, a basalt outcropping that towers over the water. It was formed 32 million years ago and is the subject of a Squamish legend about a man who was transformed into an indestructible rock.

If you want a more nature-centered adventure, I suggest walking along the Cathedral Trail or Beaver Lake Trail. The latter path will take you to Beaver Lake , a mile-long wetland where you may spot native wildlife and enjoy some quiet time. Alternatively, you can visit the Second Beach or Third Beach on the southern coast. These are some of the best beaches in Vancouver, which I will share more about later in this article.

2. Granville Island, a place you don’t want to miss in Vancouver Canada

Another great attraction by the water is Granville Island . This peninsula shopping district is accessible via the Granville Street Bridge. The moment you cross the bridge, you can feel the relaxed vibe of this place.

As an artistic and cultural hub, one of the best Vancouver attractions here is the Granville Island Public Market. Open 7 days a week, it’s where you can find fresh produce, artisan foods, and all sorts of accessories and items. This multi-cultural market is one of the fun things to do in Vancouver , not to mention a great way to support local businesses.

I also recommend checking out the Granville Island Brewing Co . for some seasonal beers. This is what to do in Vancouver if you want to totally immerse yourself in easy-breezy island culture. For something more action-packed, check out the island’s waterpark or rent a kayak or paddleboard and hit the water. You could also walk along the Seawall to get away from it all and take a nature break.

Granville Island is also kid-friendly, so a visit here is one of the best things to do in Vancouver for families. There are lots of kids’ markets, playgrounds, and specialty shops like toy stores and magic shops. The island is also a popular spot for whale watching and boating.

3. Capilano Suspension Bridge & Cliffwalk

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of the best things to do in Vancouver BC , and it’s much more than a simple bridge. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Vancouver , so I recommend booking this self-guided tour in advance (it includes a discounted entrance + shuttle from Vancouver city).

You’ll stand 230 feet above the ground while traversing the 450-foot-long suspension bridge. What’s cool about the Capilano bridge is that it has several lookout points. In addition to the bridge itself, you can check out Treetops Adventure, which is a collection of seven attached bridges hanging among gorgeous Douglas-firs. The bridges and platforms are at various heights, so you can observe the forest from wherever you feel most comfortable.

3. Capilano Suspension Bridge & Cliffwalk, one of the most spectacular views over Vancouver

You can also brave the Cliffwalk, a circular and narrow path that winds 700 feet through the rainforest. While the safety rails stand at about shoulder-height, it’s still a heart-stopping experience! After this thrilling activity, I recommend checking out the educational center where you can learn about the First Nations people at Kai’palano and their traditional totem poles.

The suspension bridge is very touristy and crowded, but still a worthy thing to do in Vancouver. It overlooks the Capilano River and Regional Park , which you may also want to visit. Unlike the Capilano Bridge, entry to the park is free, as is the Cleveland Dam, which has a walking bridge and observation deck above it. The huge and thunderous spillway, which can hold 16.5 billion gallons of water, is quite a sight. For more tranquil things to do in Vancouver, I suggest kayaking or canoeing in the regional park.

If you find the Capilano Bridge entrance expensive, another suggestion is Lynn Canyon , which is less impressive but free. Here, you can find hiking trails, swimming holes, waterfalls, and a suspension bridge 160 feet above the canyon. Located further east, it’s a bit more out of the way, but still a pretty (and more peaceful) place to visit.

4. Gastown, something interesting to do in Vancouver, BC

Gastown is a must-see neighborhood in Vancouver. Not only it is a historical place, but it’s also one of the most enjoyable places to go in Vancouver . It has a downtown feel, but the old-time details are still there, including cobblestone streets and the Steam Clock, one of the most famous Vancouver attractions .

You can find the Steam Clock on the corner of Cambie and Water Streets. While at one time it was powered by electricity, today the clock uses a low-pressure steam heating network to operate a pendulum clock. When it strikes the time, you can hear it whistle throughout the square.

While you’re in Gastown, you must try the food. I suggest this walking food tour , which will take you to nine different restaurants and shops. You’ll get to sample a variety of cuisines as well as some sweet treats.

This old neighborhood is also known for its nightlife scene, so if that’s your thing, I recommend checking out some bars. Some of the places host live music, while others are more laid-back. Gastown is also the host of the Vancouver International Jazz festival every summer. Whether you want to browse the boutiques, grab a bite to eat, or listen to live entertainment, this Vancouver neighborhood is one of the hippest spots to check out.

5. Chinatown, an awesome place to visit in Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver has the largest Chinatown in Canada, and it offers lots of free things to do in Vancouver . The first and most obvious attraction is the Millennium Gate , which you can find on Pender Street. The gate stands three stories tall and features a tiled roof made of terra cotta, bright colors, and two stone lions on either side.

Over the past decade or so, Chinatown has undergone a huge transformation, thanks to revitalization efforts and recognition as a National Historic Site. Today, you can explore the modernization of this neighborhood while glimpsing a few remnants from the past.

The Ho Ho Restaurant and Sun Ah Hotel has been around for decades and still displays its 1950s neon sign. The five-story building was built in 1911 for a wealthy Chinese merchant, and today it offers authentic Chinese fare like chop suey. I also suggest trying dim sum while in Chinatown. This is a meal of small Cantonese dishes, such as dumplings, buns, seafood, and vegetables.

Besides food, there is a lot of history in Chinatown. The oldest building in the area is the Wing Sang Building, the former home of a Chinese immigrant who came to Canada in search of gold in the late 1800s.

I also highly recommend the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden , Canada’s first Chinese “scholars” garden (and the first outside of China).  The surrounding park is free to enter, and the garden admission fee is CAD $16. Here, you can walk through lush greenery, stroll past serene lakes, and take a peaceful moment of rest in a pagoda-inspired gazebo. Throughout the grounds, you’ll see feng shui and Taoist elements, including koi ponds, symbolic dragons, and delicate plants juxtaposed with large rocks. It’s one of the downtown Vancouver attractions you can’t miss.

6. Grouse Mountain, an unforgettable place to go in Vancouver

We love to get out in nature no matter where we go, and Grouse Mountain is one of the best places to visit in Vancouver at any time of year. While it offers plenty of winter activities, it’s the most-visited natural attraction in Vancouver year-round.

Grouse Mountain is one of the North Shore Mountains of the Pacific Range, and just a 20-minute drive from the city center. If you’re not sure what to do in Vancouver , I suggest taking a day trip here since there is something for everyone.

The mountain has two cable cars. The Super Skyride is the main one and can carry about 100 passengers at once from the valley to the top of the mountain. A round-trip Skyride ticket is included with general admission, which you can purchase in advance here along with a complimentary shuttle from Vancouver downtown.

The great thing about Grouse Mountain is that it’s open year-round. Depending on the season, you can enjoy mountain biking, hiking, eco-walks, paragliding, disc golf, ziplining, ice skating, skiing, or snowboarding. The mountain has a popular hiking trail, the Grouse Grind , which is nicknamed “Mother Nature’s Staircase.” It’s a nearly two-mile climb that takes you up 2,800 feet. An alternative is the elevator-accessible observation deck, where you can see the Eye of the Wind , a 1.5-megawatt wind turbine. It provides 25% of the resort’s energy supply.

Grouse Mountain has some add-on attractions that you can purchase separately, one of which is the Mountain Zipline . The five-line circuit passes over the valleys below and the entire “tour” lasts about two hours, but it is one of the most memorable things to do in Vancouver.

If you want something equally as exciting but maybe closer to the ground, this combo ticket includes Grouse Mountain and the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

7. Whale Watching Tours, the best thing to do in Vancouver, BC

If you are in Vancouver between April and October, be sure to add whale-watching to your things to do in Vancouver . This is the best time of year to catch orcas, humpbacks, dolphins, and even sea lions. There are several tours available in the area as I already wrote in our Vancouver whale watching guide.

The thing with seeing whales in the wild is that they can’t guarantee that you’ll see these majestic creatures. However, if you go during the summer, you have a good chance of spotting some whales. This is always one of my favorite activities in Vancouver , and the reason why I took the tour again during my second trip to this marvelous city.

Wild whales are the best things to see in Vancouver , and since it’s a coastal city, you don’t have to go far. I took this tour from Granville Island both times I’ve been in the city and I was lucky in May and even in November. Both times I saw killer whales, humpbacks, and sea lions. However, don’t worry. If you don’t see any whales the first time around, you get a complimentary second tour.

A whale-watching tour is a wonderful family activity to do in Vancouver , too. Just be sure to dress for the weather, and don’t forget to bring a camera. Safely observing these wild creatures from a distance, in a beautiful place like British Columbia, is a one-of-a-kind experience.

8. Panorama Tour by Seaplane, a unique thing to do in Vancouver

Lots of cities have bus and boat tours but seeing the city from a seaplane is an entirely different experience. A panorama tour by seaplane is a great way to see all the top places in Vancouver from a birds-eye view. It’s also an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Riding in a seaplane is especially exciting because you get a huge spray of water when you take off and land. To be honest, it feels quite different from being in a typical airplane!

I didn’t take the tour during my first trip but, after seeing how the seaplanes landed next to Stanley Park, I thought it would be a great idea to do it when we were back in the city, so I took this tour six months later.

It is the most popular one, and it departs from downtown, at Vancouver Seaplane Terminal, next to Stanley Park. Plus, it flies over the city in a loop, so you get a complete tour. During those 20 minutes, you’ll see Vancouver Island and the North Shore Mountains, as well as aerial views of hotspots like Stanley Park, Grouse Mountain, and Granville Island. If you would also like admission to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, check out this combo tour .

Right next to the seaplane terminal, at the Convention Center, be sure to check out the digital orca statue . The sculpture was created in 2009 and is made of powder-coated aluminum and steel. It has become a popular landmark in the city, and its interesting pixelated form is something you don’t see every day. Visiting it is one of the fun things to do in Vancouver, BC for free.

9. Waterfront Sightseeing Adventure, a popular thing to do in Vancouver

You can’t leave Vancouver without a waterfront sightseeing adventure . This is a tour that takes you on a 1.5-hour boat ride along the English Bay, North Shore , and more. The waterfront offers lovely views of the city, making it one of the nicest things to do in Vancouver . It’s pretty popular and there are different companies offering it, but we took this one.

Some of the best places along the waterfront include Coal Harbour , North Shore, and False Creek . Coal Harbour is the area of the Burrard Inlet between the downtown peninsula and Brockton Point. This is where you’ll see lots of piers, marinas, and rowing clubs, as well as a good view of the Vancouver skyline.

The North Shore is another section of the Burrard Inlet where you can get views of Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain, and Mount Seymour. This area is popular with water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. The south side of the inlet is where you’ll find False Creek, which got its name from a hydrographer in the 1850s. This body of water is crossed by major transit bridges and is a popular spot for kayaking and boating.

As you make your way to English Bay, you’ll approach Stanley Park, and you might see some seals or dolphins too.

If you’re traveling on a budget, a good alternative is to take the ferry to North Vancouver. It’s not the same, but at least you can see the city skyline and Canada Place . This huge building includes the Vancouver Convention Centre, digital orca statue, and FlyOver Canada , a virtual flight ride.

10. Whistler, one of the most popular places to go in Vancouver

Whistler sits in the Coast Mountains along the southern Pacific Ranges, about 75 miles north of Vancouver. The region is most known for its Whistler Blackcomb ski resort , the largest in North America.

Whistler was the 2010 Winter Olympics venue, and it’s easy to see why. The area offers 200 ski runs, dozens of lifts, and over 400 inches of snow each year. It’s the ultimate playground for winter sports, so a visit here is one of the best things to do in Vancouver in winter.

While you’re there, check out the Sliding Center , where you can race down the ice track in a bobsleigh or skeleton sled. There are also snowmobile tours and Zipline tours , in which you glide down a series of ziplines. The most popular one is the Ziptrek , the longest zipline in North America. The Glacier sightseeing experience by seaplane from Whistler is another of the top activities you can do here. When it’s time to relax, head to the Scandinave Spa for a massage or Scandinavian bath. Pricing depends on the service, but it is a separate charge from Whistler Blackcomb admission.

Whistler is about a 90-minute drive from the city center, so if you don’t have a car, I suggest booking this full-day tour with transportation included. It’ll take you along the Sea to Sky Highway, where you can take in the views of Horseshoe Bay and Tantalus Glacier .

If you visit Whistler in the warmer months, it’s still one of the most fun things to do in Vancouver, BC. Summertime activities at the resort include mountain biking, hiking, and the Cloudraker Skybridge . The suspended bridge extends nearly 430 feet long over the Whistler valley. Admission is included in the Peak 2 Peak Gondola ticket that you can buy when you get there.

No matter the time of year, a Whistler visit is one of the best things to do in Vancouver, BC .

11. Sea-to-Sky Gondola, another thing to experience in Vancouver

The Sea-to-Sky Gondola is one of the top tourist attractions in Vancouver any time of year. It takes you from the Shannon Falls Provincial Park basecamp up to the Summit Lodge 9,000 feet above ground. To make the most of your time, I recommend this day trip , which combines the Sea to Sky Gondola with some of the best attractions in Metro Vancouver.

The area that the Sea-to-Sky Gondola covers is full of photo opportunities. Shannon Falls Provincial Park has the third-highest waterfall in British Columbia, at nearly 2,000 feet. Howe Sound is on the edge of the park and joins a series of fjords around the Strait of Georgia. The nearby islands are accessible via ferry and see few visitors during the year.

At the summit of the Sea-to-Sky Gondola, you’ll have views of Whistler Village, Pacific Ocean, the Sea to Sky Highway, and the surrounding mountain peaks. The Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge is another one of the cool things to do in Vancouver. Those who are brave enough to step across this 330-foot-long bridge will get 360-degree views of the natural landscape. It leads to a series of observation decks, including the 5,000 square foot Summit Lodge Viewing Deck , which hosts events throughout the year.

You can grab a bite to eat at the Summit Lodge or embark on a hiking or walking adventure. A series of paths are accessible form the top of the gondola, as is the Via Terrata , a fixed-ropes course overlooking the Squamish area. It requires a certain level of physical fitness since it involves hiking and climbing.

Whether you choose to stay at base camp, or you climb to the Summit Lodge, the Sea-to-Sky Gondola is one of the most amazing things to do in Vancouver .

12. Vancouver Island – Victoria, one of the best places to go near Vancouver

One of the nicest things to do in Vancouver, British Columbia , is to take a trip to Victoria . Situated in southern Vancouver Island, Victoria is home to urban green spaces and hiking trails. You can get to Victoria by plane but I always recommend this option since it includes the ferry to Vancouver Island and you can see whales on your way there. Besides, it also includes admission to Victoria’s Butchart Gardens.

The gardens are a National Historic Site of Canada and bring in over a million guests annually. Established over 100 years ago, the gardens now cover 55 acres and include 26 greenhouses and 900 plant varieties. Butchart Gardens offers activities year-round, such as electric boat tours and fireworks in the summer, Christmas events in the winter, fall foliage and greenhouse tours, and beautiful springtime blooms.

Another site worth visiting in Victoria is Beacon Hill Park , which opened in 1882. Here, you can visit landscaped gardens and ponds, walking several trails, or hang out by the playground or tennis courts. The park is a scenic spot to picnic or people watch, and various events are held at the pavilion throughout the year.

Besides Victoria, Vancouver Island has many other places that are worth visiting. If you are into outdoor activities, I suggest checking out the West Coast Trail for some great hiking or backpacking. The trail is part of the Pacific Rim National Park , which has world-renown hiking trails. Along the West Coast Trail, you’ll find waterways, campgrounds, forests, and bogs. There are a few climbing and rappelling spots around here, too. The rest of the national park has recreational areas for water sports, including scuba diving at Long Beach .

Victoria and Vancouver Island is a can’t-miss day trip during your stay in Vancouver, especially if you love being in nature.

13. Richmond Night Market, a place to enjoy the nightlife in Vancouver

Every major city has a vibrant nightlife, and that includes Vancouver. During the summer months, be sure to check out the Richmond Night Market , which brings the River Road area along the Fraser River to life. The night market is one of the fun things to do in Vancouver, BC both for locals and tourists.

It’s in the Richmond neighborhood, south of downtown, and it’s the best place to learn about the impact of Asian influence on Canada’s west coast. The population of the neighborhood is mainly Asian, making up 65% of the total population. Restaurants, shops, grocery stores – for a second you will think you’re somewhere in China. Canada is one of the most multicultural countries in the world and at Richmond Night Market, we experienced this firsthand.

Here, you can sample some of the best Asian food in the city. It is one of the things to do in Vancouver that engages all your senses, and you won’t go home hungry since there are over 250 food stalls. The convenient location makes it easy to get there, simply take the Canada Line on the SkyTrain . Before you arrive, be aware that there is a CAD $4 entry fee and most of the stalls are cash-only. I suggest taking public transportation to avoid the headache of finding a parking spot.

The Richmond Night Market isn’t just for food. You can also find arts and crafts and other goodies. There is also nightly entertainment, so you may hear local musicians and performers on the main stage while you’re there. The venue is open from 7 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays. It’s open from May to October, so if you visit during this time, be sure to check it out.

14. Second Beach, one of the best beaches in Vancouver

When you think of where to go in Vancouver, you probably think of mountainous areas. However, the city also has lots of beaches that I recommend checking out. One of the most popular beaches is Second Beach , which is in Stanley Park. Here, you can enjoy beach volleyball, picnicking, a dog-friendly area, and a stroll along the Seawall.

There is also the Second Beach Pool , a heated, oceanside pool that’s a huge hit with visitors. The entrance fee is around CAD $6, and you can check the pool’s schedule here . It’s open daily, but there are specific time slots for public swimming sessions.

While you’re exploring Second Beach, it may be worth visiting the other beaches in Vancouver. First Beach , also known as English Bay, is also in Stanley Park. This family-friendly beach has a café, kayak rentals, a water slide, volleyball courts, and parking. This is also the site for the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim in Vancouver.

Stanley Park’s Third Beach is a crowd favorite for watching the sunset. It’s surrounded by lush forest, so it offers a nice break from the noisier areas. Jericho Beach is another beach with a relaxed vibe, located to the west of Kitsilano. People come here to picnic or play sports. For an even more laid-back beach, there is Wreck Beach , where clothing is optional. Close to the University of British Columbia, this beach is part of Pacific Spirit Regional Park, a nature reserve with over 45 miles of hiking trails, as well as horseback riding and bike paths.

The Spanish Banks are a few blocks west of Jericho Beach and is a great spot for water sports like kitesurfing. If you go past Jericho Beach, you’ll arrive at Kitsilano Beach , a summertime hotspot. Facing the English Bay, it features a salt-water outdoor pool, playgrounds, and several sports fields. Clearly, hitting the beach is one of the things to do in Vancouver Canada !

15. Indian Arm, a tranquil place to visit in Vancouver

Indian Arm is one of the nicest places to visit in Vancouver , and a must-see for water lovers. It’s a beautiful glacial fjord that extends out of the Burrard Inlet and runs into Burnaby Mountain . This tranquil waterway was formed during the last Ice Age and remains relatively untouched, with no crossings and limited road access.

I highly recommend this half-day cruise of Indian Arm for a calm and scenic four-hour boat ride. Traveling on Indian Arm is a reminder how vast the natural world is, and you’ll be surrounded by lush forests and granite cliffs. The surrounding area is home to several waterfalls, including Granite Falls, Silver Falls, and Spray of Pearls Falls .

The isolated and pristine nature of this place means that you have a high chance of coming across various wildlife, such as seals, bald eagles, black bears, and waterfowl. Nearby is Indian Arm Provincial Park, which covers nearly 17,000 acres and includes a few campgrounds. Here, there are also areas for kayaking and diving.

To the southeast, you can find Panorama Park in Deep Cove. This is another haven for nature and water sports enthusiasts. While there, you’ll have views of Burnaby Mountain in the distance. Getting time away from the big city is a great idea, and Indian Arm is one of the top things to do in Vancouver, Canada.

16. Elaho Whitewater, something exciting to do in Vancouver

Another gorgeous waterway in Vancouver is the Elaho River . Unlike Indian Arm, this river has some invigorating rapids. If you’re down for it, Elaho whitewater rafting is one of the coolest things to do in Vancouver, Canada .

I suggest booking this tour in advance, which meets at either Squamish, Vancouver, or Whistler. It includes your wetsuit, safety gear, lunch, and guidance from an experienced rafting instructor. The rapids are Class 3-4, so they’re fine for beginners who aren’t afraid to challenge themselves.

Along the Elaho River, you’ll witness a gorgeous alpine forest, one of the most beautiful things to see in Vancouver . The entire river is over 40 miles long and starts in the Coast Mountains near Whistler. The tour we did was incredible because our guide shared a lot of information about the area, such as the geography and native wildlife. We even spotted some native birds and a beautiful waterfall.

17. Commercial Drive Dining (aka “The Drive”), a must-visit in Vancouver

For things to do in Vancouver downtown , you can’t miss Commercial Drive . Lovingly known as “The Drive” among locals, this is one of the oldest and most unique streets in the city center. The road extends from the East Vancouver neighborhood north to the Grandview-Woodland district, where it approaches the waterfront at Powell Street.

The Drive is full of local businesses, cultural icons, and residential homes. It’s also easily accessible via the SkyTrain, just hop off at the Commercial-Broadway Station . I recommend The Drive if you’re in the mood for great food. The restaurants and cafes on this street will take your taste buds on a cultural journey. Here, you can find lots of ethnic cuisines spanning Italian, Latin American, Asian, Indian, African, and other communities.

Many people consider The Drive to be a beautiful testament to Vancouver’s diversity, and I couldn’t agree more. It’s a great place to simply walk around and take in the sights, although you could also support local business and restaurant owners. If you head towards John Hendry Park to the south, you can find a nice green space. From May to October, there is a Saturday farmer’s market there, too.

Visiting The Drive is one of the fun things to do in Vancouver, British Columbia , and a must-do when you’re downtown. In addition to cafes, coffee shops, and bars, you can find alternative shops, clubs, and other entertainment venues. The neighborhood is LGBT-friendly and open to Canada’s counterculture, so it’s a great place to learn something new and meet outgoing people.

This area also hosts cultural events throughout the year. If you visit in early July, you can catch Car Free Day, where Commercial Drive is closed to vehicles to make room for performers, artists, and outdoor activities.

18. Greenheart TreeWalk, another fun thing to do in Vancouver

The Greenheart TreeWalk is one of the best things to do in Vancouver with kids. It’s also a lot of fun for adults! This hanging walkway is over 1,000 feet long and is suspended over 65 feet in the air. As you journey across the pathway, you’ll get up close and personal with the forest, trees, and the lush ambience of the rainforest.

This attraction is part of the largest UBC Botanical Garden at the University of British Columbia. It’s the oldest university botanical garden and covers 110 acres. On the grounds, you’ll find smaller gardens including an Asian garden, medicinal garden, and alpine garden. There is also the Nitobe Memorial Garden, a 2.5-acre Japanese Garden.

I would plan a few hours to visit the UBC Botanical Garden as well as the Greenheart TreeWalk. The TreeWalk is open between April 1 st and October 31 st , and guided tours are available. General admission to the Botanical Garden costs CAD $10 for adults and CAD $5 for kids, while the TreeWalk is an additional CAD $13 for adults and CAD $5 for kids. The Nitobe Memorial Garden has a CAD $5 entry fee for everyone over six years old.

The UBC Botanical Garden has several smaller areas to check out, such as the BC Rainforest Garden, Carolinian Forest Garden, and Food Garden. If you’re wondering what is there to do in Vancouver , the University of British Columbia has got you covered.

19. Kayak in the Gulf Islands, a tranquil place to go in Vancouver

To the southwest of Vancouver, you can find the Gulf Islands , a beautiful area for outdoor recreation. If you need some time away from the city but you don’t want to go far, visiting the Gulf Islands is one of the best things to do in Vancouver, BC .

Here, you can explore provincial parks and protected areas and spend some much-needed time in nature. The Gulf Islands are in the Strait of Georgia, between the mainland and Vancouver Island. The Islands are typically split between the north and south and are accessible via ferry.

There are regional parks and recreational areas on several of the islands. For example, Galiano Island is home to the Dionisio Point and Montague Harbour Marine provincial parks. Both offer hiking trails, and Montague Harbour Marine park is popular with kayakers. The area is camper-friendly, so it’s a nice spot to spend the day kayaking and resting on shore.

If you want a no-fuss kayaking trip to the Gulf Islands, I suggest booking this tour , which includes equipment, lunch, guided kayaking along the Canadian Pacific Coast, and a short seaplane flight. It’s truly one of the most memorable things to do in Vancouver, British Columbia, and something I will do for sure on my third trip to Vancouver one day.

If you decide to journey out on your own, you might want to check out Hornby Island’s Helliwell Provincial Park . It’s a great spot for scuba diving and canoeing, plus the cliffs overlooking the Strait of Georgia are magnificent.

20. Museum of Anthropology, an interesting attraction in Vancouver

In addition to the botanical gardens, there is other stuff to do in Vancouver at the University of British Columbia. The school also houses the Museum of Anthropology , a major attraction with a collection of nearly 50,000 ethnographic objects and 535,000 archaeological artifacts.

The MOA is a teaching museum as well as an internationally recognized facility for conservation, anthropology, archaeology, and First Nations works. Founded in 1947, some of the museum’s first objects were salvaged totem poles and First Nations art. Over the years, the facility expanded to include offices, laboratories, research rooms, exhibition halls, and a recording studio.

The museum’s exterior is quite impressive too and features a reflecting pool out front. Inside, there are several galleries where you can browse through ceramics, cultural artifacts, sculptures, textiles, photographs, and more. Admission costs CAD $18 and the museum is easily accessible via public transportation (get off at the West Mall stop).

The MOA hosts temporary exhibits to accompany its permanent collection. Some highlights include the Great Hall, Bill Reid Rotunda and The Raven and the First Men sculpture, and the outdoor museum grounds, where you’ll find a Haida house and Mortuary House designed by indigenous artists. A visit to the MOA is one of those things to do in Vancouver if you want to learn more about the culture and history of the area.

21. Vancouver Art Gallery, a great activity to do in Vancouver

One of the other cultural things to do in Vancouver is to visit an art gallery. The Vancouver Art Gallery is where you can see the city’s greatest collection of fine art, all nestled in a neoclassical courthouse. It’s the largest public art museum in Western Canada and makes for a nice way to spend a few hours.

The art gallery contains over 10,000 pieces by North American and Vancouver artists. The works span a variety of media, including photographs, paintings, sketches, and ceramics. The facility holds complimentary tours and lectures. Admission is CAD $23 for adults, or by-donation on Tuesdays.

Another place to check out some art is at the Vancouver Contemporary Art Gallery (CAG). It offers free admission and works from local, national, and international artists. The exhibitions change throughout the year and range from art installations to photography collections to video content and more traditional media.

You might also want to check out South Granville Street , also known as “Gallery Row.” This strip of road is home to different art and antique stores as well as public art displays. It’s a less formal way to take in the local arts culture and maybe bring home a new piece for your collection.

22. VanDusen Botanical Gardens, a lovely place to go in Vancouver

Another gorgeous outdoor attraction in Vancouver is the VanDusen Botanical Garden . The garden covers 55 acres and houses plants from all over the world, including native Northwest Coast varieties. May is the perfect time of year to visit since both the Laburnum and Rhododendrons are in full bloom. Even so, the garden is open year-round and offers a stunning display of foliage and plant life no matter the season.

Between April and October, you can take a volunteer-guided tour of the grounds via golf cart to learn more about the plant and tree varieties. In the springtime, there is a huge plant sale where you can pick up some blooms like the beautiful blue poppy. The VanDusen Garden is open to the public, and admission ranges from CAD $8 to CAD $12, depending on the season.

Nearby, you can find the Bloedel Conservatory , which sits in Queen Elizabeth Park . The conservatory is an impressive 70-foot dome structure made of plexiglass and measuring 140 feet in diameter. It is separated into three habitats: a tropical rainforest, subtropical rainforest, and desert. Throughout the dome, you’ll see birds flying free, as well as hundreds of species of plants ranging from citrus trees to figs to yucca. Admission costs CAD $5.30.

Taking a stroll around Queen Elizabeth Park is one of the free things to do in Vancouver, BC , and I suggest paying a visit while you’re at the Gardens or Conservatory. You can get a nice view of the grounds from the top of Little Mountain, and the park includes an arboretum, fountains, gardens, and serene resting spots.

23. Pacific Spirit Park, a must-see in Vancouver

For some natural sightseeing in Vancouver , I recommend visiting Pacific Spirit Park . Located near the University of British Columbia, this wide expanse of green space is super accessible and perfect for catching a break from the city’s hustle and bustle.

The park covers over 2,100 acres and offers miles of walking, hiking, and biking paths. If you follow Trail #7, you’ll arrive at Wreck Beach, and there are other trails that can take you to the Spanish Banks or Jericho Beach. Pacific Spirit Park is within close proximity to several tourist attractions such as the UBC Botanical Gardens and Museum of Anthropology, so it’s one of the top-rated places to visit in Vancouver .

This place has something for everyone and offers plenty of things to do in Vancouver, BC . You could travel along the hiking trails through forests and bogs, or spend some time soaking in the sun at one of the beaches. Besides being accessible for all ages and abilities, the park is free to access. It opens at 7 a.m. and closes around dusk, although hours vary depending on the time of year.

Whether you choose to spend a few hours here or just stroll through on your way to a nearby attraction, you’ll want to check out Pacific Spirit Park. It’s one of the best places to get your nature fix without leaving the city center.

24. Ice hockey match, something you can’t miss in Vancouver

It’s impossible to visit Canada without hearing about hockey. Watching an ice hockey match is a Vancouver must-do if you’re a sports fan. The Vancouver Canucks are the local team here, and they play their home games at the Rogers Arena in the city center.

The arena not only hosts the Canucks games, but it was also a venue for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Throughout the year, the facility hosts concerts, UFC events, and WWE matches. So, even if you’re not into ice hockey, there are other fun things to do in Vancouver ’s Rogers Arena.

If you want to check out other local ice hockey teams, I recommend checking out the Pacific Coliseum , which is about 3.5 miles east of Rogers Arena. Known to locals as the Rink on Renfrew, the Pacific Coliseum hosts several sports teams, and in the past has offered community skating events. It’s one of the things to do in Vancouver if the weather isn’t cooperating!

25. Visit the Canadian Rockies, the best thing to do from Vancouver

As I said during the intro of this article, we did a 2-day layover in Vancouver before our trip to the Canadian Rockies. Actually, for many international travelers, Vancouver is the biggest city they can pass through to reach the Canadian Rockies.

If you’ve never been there, it’s not only one of the best places to visit from Vancouver , but one of the most beautiful destinations worldwide. It will take your breath away.

These mountains include the Alberta Rockies and B.C. Rockies , and it’s no surprise they’ve been named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. A trip to this area is one of the top things to do in Vancouver , and well worth the traveling. To make things easier, you might consider a guided 5-day tour like this one , which also includes a visit to Monte Creek Winery and Spahats Falls on your way there.

Of course, there are numerous national parks and recreational areas to visit in the Canadian Rockies, and it’s impossible to list them all here. So, you should check our guide for visiting the Canadian Rockies. Still, there are a few places I must recommend.

First are the national parks: Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, Yoho, and Waterton. Banff is where you’ll find gorgeous and world-famous lakes, including Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. If you travel along the Icefields Parkway , you can journey into Jasper National Park . This is where you can visit the Athabasca Glacier and Falls, the Columbia Icefield, and Pyramid Mountain. Besides, it’s one of the best places for wildlife spotting in Canada.

Kootenay National Park is home to the Radium Hot Springs and the Sinclair and Marble Canyons. Waterton Lakes National Park borders the state of Montana and features scenic trails and prairies. Yoho National Park is smaller, but has some of the most stunning geology, including Takakkaw Falls, Wapta Falls, Mount Stephen, and Mount Burgess. If you go to Yoho, I recommend stopping by Emerald Lake and the Natural Bridge of the Kicking Horse River.

The Rockies may be last on our list, but it’s one of the most exciting adventures to do in Vancouver .

Finally, I’ll conclude this guide with a handy map of Vancouver .

I hope you find our list of what to do in Vancouver useful! This Canadian city is full of activity, but there is no denying its easy-going Pacific Northwest feel. We’d love to know which Vancouver attractions you are most excited to see! Feel free to drop us a comment or reach out if you have any questions.

Ascen Aynat

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99 Things to do in Vancouver British Columbia

If you are looking for the best things to do in Vancouver, then you are in for a treat! Vancouver is a world-class city in British Columbia with plenty of things to do at any time of the year. Located on Canada’s west coast, it is full of natural beauty, and a temperate climate. Vancouver is a multicultural city making it full of cultural delights and unique cuisines. The farm to table movement in the restaurant industry provides seasonal delights for diners and the local’s sustainability desires make it one of the most sustainable cities in the world.

While the peak season to visit is over the warm summer months, that does not mean that there are only summer things to do in Vancouver. It just means that you need to plan for the weather! In Vancouver, you can really ski in the morning and hit the beach in the afternoon. You can hike all year round and plenty events make visiting Vancouver at any time a pleasure for all who visit.

While there are countless things to do in Vancouver, here are 99 things to do whether you have lived in the region your whole life, or if you are visiting for just a few days!

Top 10 Things to do in Vancouver

Stanley park.

Stanley Park is the jewel of Vancouver. Home to the Vancouver Aquarium,  beautiful old-growth forest, biking and walking paths and stunning views! You can rent bikes and ride the Seawall, you can bring your walking shoes and walk, or you can drive around and park at all of the beautiful spots around the park. At Prospect Point you can enjoy stunning views of the Fraser River, North Vancouver and the Lions Gate Bridge. Grab an ice cream on a sunny day while you take a few photos! There is also a restaurant at Prospect Point.

To kick off the holiday season in November and December , the Vancouver Parks Board hosts Bright Nights Stanely Park. The 20 gauge, 2 km track winds through the forest over ground cleared by Typhoon Freda, the most devastating storm in Vancouver history which blew through in 1962.   Passengers can get a close-up look at a vintage engine and a quick photo before boarding for the 15-minute ride. The jewel of the Stanley Park Railway’s collection of old locomotives is a locally-built replica of Canadian Pacific Railway Engine #374, famous for pulling Canada’s first transcontinental passenger train into Vancouver in the late 1880s

Granville Island

Wander Granville Island and check out the local shops (the kids market is a favourite), fresh food and even the water park for the kids! This is one of the popular tourist spots in Vancouver and is also flooded with locals looking to browse the Granville Island Public Market . This is also one of the best places to find Vancouver souvenirs and unique Canadian gifts.

Location: 1689 Johnston St, Vancouver. How to get to Granville Island.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

Capilano Suspension Bridge is another one of the popular Vancouver sights. Completed in 1889, the bridge has seen millions of visitors over the years. The Capitano Suspension Bridge Park now boasts a variety of activities including a cliff walk, and treetop platforms, and also has self-guided programs for kids! While this is actually in North Vancouver, it is a must-do for the outdoor lover visiting British Columbia.

If you are visiting without a vehicle, you can take this popular half-day tour .

In November and December, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is transformed into a twinkling wonderland full of holiday lights. You can read more about it and where else to see Christmas lights in Vancouver.

Location: 3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver

Fly Over Canada

If you have never seen Fly Over Canada, then you are in for a treat. During the Ultimate Flying Ride, you will see numerous cities and vistas across the country. The production team for FlyOver Canada was able to select 18 scenes from over 100 hours of footage to represent Canada in the ride film. There are no subtitles or voice-overs during the experience, as we did not want to detract from the flying sensation. Fly over Canada is located inside Canada Place right next to the cruise ship terminal.

Tickets: Book your tickets online in advance here for the lowest price and to ensure availability.

Location: 999 Canada Place

VanDusen Botanical Garden

VanDusen Botanical Gardens is a 55-acre oasis, with over 7,500 plant species from around the world. Take your time within this quiet setting and explore the inspiring architecture, sculptures, a peaceful waterfall , breathtaking lake, and 50 botanical collections. VanDusen Botanical Garden has are two restaurants with patios – Truffles Café and Shaughnessy Restaurant. Vancouver souvenir shoppers will also enjoy the gift shop on the way out!

VanDusen Botanical Gardens hosts seasonal events during the year. It is a popular place to visit in the fall because it is one of the most popular places in Vancouver to see the changing leaves. It is also popular in the spring when the Vancouver cherry trees are in bloom.

During the Christmas season is their Festival of Lights. If you are visiting during the holidays, this is one of many popular Christmas activities in Vancouver.

Location: 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver

Vancouver Art Gallery

The Vancouver Art Gallery is located in Downtown Vancouver, next to Robson Square. It is recognized as one of Canada’s most renowned and innovative visual arts institutions. It is a National Historic Site and was designed by Francis Rattenbury, the same architect responsible for the parliament buildings in Victoria. Due to its central location, it is often used for gatherings and protests. If you are looking for a date night idea in Vancouver, the VAG is on that list!

Location: 750 Hornby St, Vancouver

Hit the Beach in Vancouver at Kits Beach

If relaxing, or people-watching is your thing, grab your beach essentials and head over to Kits Beach for the afternoon! No trip to Canada is complete without enjoying some of the West Coast beaches that are right in the city of Vancouver! There is so much more than just Kits Beach though, it is home to a the longest swimming pool in Canada.

Metro Vancouver has plenty of beaches, you can read more great locations in this list of swimming beaches in Metro Vancouver .

Kits Beach Location: The North end of the Kitsilano neighborhood

Stanley Park Seawall

One of the must-dos when visiting Vancouver is to walk Stanley Park’s SeaWall and enjoy everything the park has to offer. With beautiful beaches and views of Deep Cove it is a stop you do not want to miss! While it is long, it is on my list of easy hikes in Vancouver.

One of the notable stops is the totem poles at Brockton Point. These nine totems are one of British Columbia’s most visited attractions. The collection started in the 1920s when the Vancouver Park Board bought 4 totems from Alert Bay on Vancouver Island. The most recent installation was in 2009, carved by Robert Yelton of the Squamish First Nations.

Marvel at Stanley Park’s Siwash Rock

The iconic Siwash Rock is the only sea stack you can find in Vancouver. It can be found along the SeaWall and is a popular spot for great photos. It is made of basalt and exists due to a volcanic dyke that formed in the sandstone and mud foundation, forcing the hot magma up and creating a stack as it cooled.

Visit Grouse Mountain at any time of the year

Grouse Mountain  is an amazing summer or winter activity in Vancouver! With the hill covered in snow in the winter and amazing hiking and entertainment in the summer, it is well worth a visit! Did you know they have daily shows, a grizzly bear habitat, and wolves? The two resident grizzlies, Grinder and Coola, have lived on a five-acre refuge on Grouse Mountain since 2001.

Grouse Mountain (and the other local mountains) also offers night skiing in the winter months, making it one of the popular things to do in Vancouver at night with the locals!

Location: 6400 Nancy Green Way, North Vancouver

Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge

Explore Lynn Canyon Park and Suspension Bridge and experience North Vancouver’s amazing parks. Standing 50 meters above a raging river, this is a hidden gem when it comes to Vancouver’s best Instagram spots, as it is much less crowded than nearby Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. 

The surrounding park is full of trails, waterfalls, and swimming areas.

Location: 3663 Park Road, North Vancouver

Book a Photo Shoot

Whether you are a local to Vancouver or in town visiting, it is easy to find a local photographer and book a photo session online! If you are looking for a new Christmas card photo, want to update family pictures or commemorate a family vacation to Vancouver then book a photo shoot before your trip!

If you use the code LINDSAY you will get $25 off your booking as well!

Click here to search and book a photo shoot in Vancouver .

Shop on Robson Street

In its prime area roughly between Burrard and Jervis Street, Robson Street has every store that you could desire for your fashion wants. All the major national and international chain stores are located here, from more casual and athletic wear companies such as to well-known clothing retailers. Popular footwear retailers, lingerie and beauty products are all here. You can also pick up some popular Vancouver souvenirs and things you can only get in Canada at souvenir shops Grand Maple Gift and Canadian Crafts on Robson.

More Things To Do in Vancouver

Take the kids to science world.

Spend the day exploring the geometric dome that is Science World  and make sure to catch a movie on the giant five-story high IMAX screen! It is the largest dome screen in the world. Kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens can explore the interactive science exhibits at the Telus World of Science.

Location: 1455 Quebec St, Vancouver

Attend a Canucks Game

Take on a Canucks game! While everyone loves to joke about the Vancouver Canucks, hockey is still a passion for so many Vancouverites. The Vancouver Canucks play at Rogers Arena from October to April each season.

Location: 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver

Daytrip to Fort Langley

Explore British Columbia’s origins at  Fort Langley , a Parks Canada National Historic Site , on the bank of the Fraser River. Positioned on the south bank of the Fraser, Fort Langley was built by the Hudson’s Bay Company as a trading post in 1827. While that does not seem very old compared to other settlements in the world, by Canadian standards, it was a very early settlement in what would become the province of British Columbia. Today, the historic charm in this quaint town of about 2900 residents, attracts over 60 000 visitors per year! Fort Langley is one of the  most popular things to do in Langley

You can also find some great pumpkin patches in Langley while you are there for a fall visit! Also check out the best restaurants in Fort Langley while you are in the area. Read more about Fall in Vancouver , things to do in Vancouver in October and things to do in Vancouver in November for more fall ideas!

Location: 23433 Mavis Ave, Langley

Hike the Chief in Squamish

Hike the Stawamus Chief (or take the new Sea to Sky Gondola!) to experience stunning views of Howe Sound and Garibaldi Provincial Park. This hike is a few hours long, with a large elevation gain and would not be suitable for young children. There are a few small ladders and chains to help navigate the steep sections, but this is a hike that can be done in good running shoes.

Check out the Water Parks in the Fraser Valley in Summer

Drive out to the Fraser Valley and visit the Otter Coop Outdoor Experience at the Aldergrove water park. It is one of the most popular Langley outdoor pools! It is open from June to September and is a very popular activity. Click the link above to read more and make sure to book online in advance!

Take the Seabus to Lonsdale Quay Market

The Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver is where you can catch a ride on the Seabus, a passenger-only ferry service in Metro Vancouver. Enjoy a quick 10-12-minute ferry ride as you cross the Burrard Inlet towards the Lonsdale Quay terminal. This is the extension of the transit system. This takes you directly to the Lonsdale Quay Market.

The Lonsdale Quay Market is a waterfront public market that is open year-round. With over 90 specialty shops and services, Lonsdale Quay is the place to visit.

Location: 123 Carrie Cates Ct, North Vancouver

Photograph the Murals in East Van

If you like street art, you’ll enjoy exploring the backstreets of East Vancouver, specifically the  Mount Pleasant neighborhood  on Main Street (between 4th and 14th Avenue). This is where you will find the best street art in Vancouver. Whether it is photos for instagram or enjoying the art, this is one of the free things to do in Vancouver that is quite popular!

Visit Vancouver’s Chinatown

Vancouver’s Chinatown is one of the largest, most vibrant, and historic Chinatowns in North America.

Wander and eat in Gastown.

Gastown is the oldest commercial district in Vancouver and is located along the waterfront between Granville and Main Streets, and north of Hastings Street. It is filled with heritage brick buildings, historic charm, tourist shops, and fine restaurants. Read more: Things to do in Gastown.

Visit the Museum of Anthropology

Did you know that the Indigenous people of Canada have been in the Vancouver area for over 10 000 years. If you thought it was a country populated by European settlers then you will learn a ton at the Museum of Anthropology. See the magnificent indigenous carvings, weavings and contemporary artworks in a spectacular building overlooking mountains and sea. There are various guided tours available throughout the museum.

Location: 6393 NW Marine Dr, Vancouver

Head out on a Whale Watching Charter

April to October is the best time to go whale watching in Vancouver. There are several whale-watching tours from Vancouver that offer guests a glimpse into the waters off British Columbia’s coast. They are rich with marine life and Orcas, humpback, gray and minke whales are the most common whales that you will see on a Vancouver whale-watching trip!

Check out more things to do in April in Vancouver.

Take the Hop-on Hop-Off Bus

Did you know Vancouver has a hop on hop off bus? Well if you did not, now you do! It has 29 stops around the city!

Book: Online here

Sea to Sky Gondola

Just outside of Squamish is the Sea to Sky Gondola. Your adventure starts with a 10 minute gondola ride,  885m above sea level. This newer attraction just outside of Vancouver offers stunning views of Howe Sound as well as hiking trails, a suspension bridge and plenty of outdoor beauty. If you are visiting in the winter, YES, the Sea to Sky gondola is open! It is a popular place to go snowshoeing in Vancouver , so grab some snowshoe rentals at the top and enjoy this winter paradise!

Location: 36800 BC-99, Squamish

Daytrip to the Britannia Mine Museum

Nestled along the mountainside on the Sea to Sky highway between Vancouver and Whistler is the Britannia Mine Museum. This former copper mine is now one of Canada’s National Historic Sites and was once the largest copper mine in the British Empire.

The Britannia Mine Museum was established in 1974 and recently renovated. It provides visitors with a unique blend of experiences offering a soft adventure attraction and education venue that allows guests to leave with a better understanding of mining in BC; past, present, and future. You can buy tickets online in advance here .

Location: 150 Copper Dr, Britannia Beach

Bike Around the City

Vancouver is very bike-friendly. It boasts various bikes lanes and even closes off a lane of the road in the summer to allow cyclists more room to ride in Stanley Park in the summer months. There are plenty of bike rental shops as well as short-term bike rentals (called Mobi but I know them as the Shaw bikes since they have a big Shaw logo on them) all over the city.

Make sure to download the Mobi app on your phone to use the city bikes.

If you want someone to show you the city by bike, you can also book a bicycle tour online. If you want to see more of the city without the workout, try a e-bike tour! Once you have tried one, you will not want to get off!

Try a Food Tour

Food tours are popular all over the world. On this Gastown food tour tantalize your taste buds as you enjoy a 2.5-hour walking food tour of Vancouver’s historic Gastown. Enjoy this culturally rich area while you are taken to 7 eateries to enjoy some delicious food.

Hike the Grouse Grind.

Join in what Vancouverites call “fun” by trudging 850M uphill on Grouse Mountain. Known as the Grouse Grind, or “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster” this 2.9 km uphill hike is very popular with locals and plenty of visitors get in on the fun as well. When you reach the top (which is essentially the base of the ski hill) enjoy stunning views of Vancouver, summer activities, food and a ride down on the Grouse gondola. (At this time you are only allowed to hike UP the hill due to its popularity and you must download on the Gondola. Arrange your tickets in advance if you do not want to wait to get back down!)

Slow hikers take up to 2 hours to complete the stair climb. Regulars do it in well under an hour.

This hike is not available in the winter months due to winter conditions on the mountain.

Location: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver (also accessible on Public Transit Bus #232 – Phibbs Exchange or Bus #236 – Lonsdale Quay)

See Vancouver from a New Vantage Point

Want to see Vancouver from above. Take a harbor seaplane tour for views above the city! These float plane tours depart from downtown Vancouver’s Coal Harbour. Take in complete aerial views of the city’s beautiful scenery, the surrounding parks, its beaches, and Vancouver’s stunning coastline.

Seek out a Photo Spot

Vancouver is an Instagrammable city and a photographer’s paradise. With stunning views, a beautiful waterfront, and a busy city vibe, there is plenty to be had for all photography styles. Check out this guide to Instagram spots in Vancouver.

Eat at World Class Restaurants with Epic Views

Vancouver is full of postcard-worth views. While in town, check out these top waterfront restaurants in Vancouver and enjoy the patio with an epic view! If you want my personal recommendation, try Yasma in Coal Harbour!

Go Nude at Wreck Beach

Did you know that Wreck Beach is one of the biggest google searches for beaches in Vancouver? Located on the edge of the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Pacific Spirit Regional Park, Wreck Beach is where Vancouverites can go if they want to sunbathe naked. Wreck beach is located near the Museum of Anthropology. If you want to see the beauty of this beach, visit in the winter and you are less likely to run into any nude sun bathers!

Visit Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge & Park

Vancouver canadians baseball.

Take me out to the ballgame! Enjoy the footlong hotdogs, the peanuts, the sushi run? It is all there for you when you watch the local minor league Vancouver Canadians at Nat Bailey Stadium. If you have never attended a game, then take your date to an evening of fun and entertainment!

Location:  Nat Bailey Stadium 4601 Ontario St, Vancouver

Dates: various dates in the summer months.

Tickets: canadiansbaseball.com

Visit an Animal Cafe

Vancouver has three cafes where you can enjoy snacks while petting cute kitties and bunnies. And the best part: all of the animals are available for adoption! If your date is an animal lover, visiting an animal cafe on a date night is a cute way to support these locatl businesses (and get some animal snugges!)

Catfe Animal Cafe Location:  Unit #2035 (Second floor, International Village Mall) 88 West Pender Street, Vancouver

Book ahead online  as it is often full.

Catoro Pets Cat Forest Location:  666 East Broadway Vancouver

Book ahead online  for Cat Forest

Bunny Cafe: 1696 Venables Street, Vancouver

Bunny Cafe website

More Popular Things to Do in Vancouver

• Visit the Bill Reid Gallery.
• Explore the Craft Beer Scene.
• Explore Dr. Sun Yat Sen garden and find your Zen.
• Visit the PNE
• Spend the day at the lake.
• Hike Lynn Canyon.
• Visit the Richmond Night Market
• Take the Dumpling Trail in Richmond.
• Try out Surrey’s spice trail.
• Take the ferry to Victoria for one day (or more!)
• Try a coffee shop, or two! While Tim Horton’s is super “Canadian” you will find much better coffee elsewhere! Try Honolulu Coffee Company or Cafe Artigiano!
• Get tacos from Chanchos!
• Grab a SUP and visit one of the many paddleboard-friendly lakes!

Where to Stay in Vancouver

While working your way through these things to do in Vancouver, book a stay at one of these hotels.

LUXURY:  Pan Pacific Vancouver,   Fairmont Pacific Rim  

BOUTIQUE:   Blue Horizon Hotel

MIDRANGE:  Sandman Suites on Davie

Things to do in Vancouver by Month:

Things to do in Vancouver in January

Things to do in Vancouver in February

Things to do in Vancouver in March

Things to do in Vancouver in April

Things to do in Vancouver in June

Things to do in Vancouver in September

Things to do in Vancouver in October

Things to do in Vancouver in November

Things to do in Vancouver in December

Vancouver Travel Resources for 2024

If you are from out of town these resources should be helpful for your trip to Vancouver!

RENTAL CAR: You want to rent one in advance and grab it at the airport. Start with a rental car comparison company like this one .

LOCAL TOURS: Looking for the perfect city tour, whale watching tour, bus tour, or brewery tour (these are awesome) Start with  Get Your Guide  and  Viator Tours.

BOOK A PHOTOSHOOT: Capture those memories! Book a romantic or family photoshoot while on holiday!  Click Here  to find a local photographer.  Use code LINDSAY to save $25 off  your first photoshoot!

HOTELS: Find the best hotel selection on  booking.com or  hostelworld.com

CRUISING? If you are cruising from Vancouver or even considering it in the future, find information and cruise reviews on  cruisecritic.com

INSURANCE: Medical care in Canada is very expensive. Make sure you come to Canada with proper emergency medical coverage. We suggest checking out policies with World Nomads.

PACKING TIPS:

• Rain Jacket for any time of year
• Waterproof walking shoes
• Universal Adapter
• Reusable water bottle
• Shopping bag

Lindsay Nieminen is the creator of UncoveringBC.com. She grew up and still lives in the suburbs of Vancouver with her family. She aims to inspire inform, and educate others about traveling in her home province of British Columbia. She is also the creator of carpediemourway.com  which aims to show parents how to seek out adventure at home or abroad, with their children in tow!

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27 Things to Do in Downtown Vancouver: What to Do DT

If you’re looking for the best things to do in downtown Vancouver, I’ve got the mother lode.

These downtown Vancouver attractions run the gauntlet from a chill urban oasis to epic food and drink to full-on nights out.

Let’s figure out what to do in downtown Vancouver!

Things to Do in Downtown Vancouver

Check out stanley park.

Stanley Park is a 405-hectare (1,001 acres) public park situated alongside the Westernmost border of Downtown Vancouver.

This is one of the best things to do in Vancouver , downtown or not. And trust me, it’s not just any park. In fact, Trip Advisor has recently christened it “The Best Park in the World.”

Stanley Park is a uniquely natural evolution of the pre-existing coastal rainforest that has been adapted to its surrounding urban environment.

Here you can bike along the park’s world-renowned Seawall, marvel at the exotic Coast Salish  totem poles , or explore the wonders of the Vancouver Aquarium .

I also suggest taking Stanley Park tours to get the full experience.

Related : Best Hotels Near Stanley Park

Take a Tour of Downtown Vancouver

You can check off all the places to visit in downtown Vancouver by taking one of Vancouver’s top sightseeing tours .

I find this the best way to take in the sights, learn about the city, and even get in some exercise.

Some of the top tours include:

• Lost Souls of Gastown : Live the Great Vancouver Fire, smallpox outbreaks, and  tales of revenge   and redemption in this delightfully  macabre Vancouver walking tour .
• Stanley Park Bike Tour : Take a guided bike tour of Vancouver and weave through  old-growth forest trails , learn about local flora and fauna, and live  Coastal First Nations history .
• Vancouver City Highlights Tour : Check out the Vancouver Lookout and Capilano Suspension Bridge and get a Vancouver downtown city highlights guided tour all at once.

Related : Best Walking Tours in Vancouver

Walk Through Gastown

When people ask me what to do in downtown Vancouver my gut reaction is to direct them to Gastown.

Vancouver’s most historic district is famous for its cobblestone streets and bars, and the best things to do in Gastown include:

• Epic souvenir shopping at places like the Coastal Peoples Gallery
• Happy hour craft beer and cocktails at places like Clough Club
• Some of the city’s best restaurants, like St. Lawrence
• The Gastown Steamclock : Vancouver’s most photographable object
• The Vancouver Police Museum : maybe the most macabre museum in Canada

Looking for more places to eat? Check out my post on the best restaurants in Gastown .

Related : Best Gastown Hotels

View Local Indigenous Art at the Bill Reid Gallery

A Vancouver itinerary cannot be considered complete without exploring the history and culture of the indigenous people who’ve called the area home for time immemorial. 

Nestled in the heart of downtown, this small gallery is the only facility dedicated entirely to contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous Art .

It is named after the acclaimed Haida artist, carver and goldsmith Bill Reid who did more to popularize the style than any other.

The Bill Reid Gallery contains an extensive collection of his works and those of his contemporaries. If you can’t make it out to UBC’s Museum of Anthropology , then a trip is highly recommended.

Related : Best Things to Do in Summer in Vancouver

Eat at Some of Vancouver’s Best Restaurants

Booking a table at one of Vancouver’s best downtown restaurants should be an automatic for anybody, visitor or local.

Here are a few amazing options:

• Blue Water Cafe : Fresh , high-quality , sustainable seafood. An extensive raw bar features premium cuts of sushi and sashimi and an extensive selection of local and imported oysters  and caviar .
• Cioppino’s : Award-winning chef and owner Pino Posterano masterfully combines the rustic simplicity of his Calabrian roots with elevated Italian culinary techniques and fresh West-coast ingredients.
• Marutama : Ramen spot that was initially founded in Japan, famous for its creamy chicken broth and house-made noodles . Also a great gyoza spot and one of the best value places downtown.

Take a Downtown Vancouver Food Tour

Eating must eat Vancouver food doesn’t have to mean booking a table at Vancouver’s best restaurants .

One of the best ways to get a guided tour of downtown Vancouver is to see the city while scheduling stops at some amazing Vancouver treat spots.

Two of my favourite Vancouver food tours that include Vancouver downtown activities include:

• Gastown Historic Food Walking Tour : A walk through Gastown’s classic cobblestone streets with an improv comic as a guide and stops for seven food tastings and three alcoholic beverages . Expect poutine, dumplings, cheesecake, and more.
• Wok Aroun d Chinatown : Prowl for goodies at traditional medicine shops, cookware stores, and a Chinese bakery – all led and narrated by a neighbourhood chef. You’ll learn the streets and crispy BBQ duck.

Walk Through Chinatown

Chinatown Vancouver is the second largest in North America, and it’s a great way to experience a bit of Chinese culture in the city.

It’s conveniently located right on the outskirts of downtown. Some of the best things to do here include:

• Dr. Sun Yat-sen Classical Garden : The first Chinese “Scholars” garden built outside of China remains the largest outside of Asia and is an amazing urban escape right in the chaos of downtown Vancouver.
• The Chinese Cultural Centre Museum : The first Chinese Canadian culture museum. Here you can experience the Chinese Canadian immigrant experience in the 19th and early 20th centuries. 
• Chinatown Millennium Gate : These terracotta tiled arches create one of the most emblematic spots in downtown Vancouver and make an awesome photo spot.
• Chinatown BBQ : The best BBQ chicken, pork, or duck you’ll ever get – done in the traditional Hong Kong style, this is one of the best value meals in the entire city.

Take a 4D Flight Across Canada

Right at Canada Place , next to the  Vancouver Cruise Terminal , you can strap in and prepare yourself for an amazing flying experience.

The Flyover Canada  ride uses state-of-the-art  4D video technology  to create a flight simulator for the ages. This contraption takes you on an eight-minute ride through Canada’s best natural and urban landscapes

You’ll get special effects, such as wind, mist, and scents and a thrilling, realistic flight experience. Who needs to buy a flight across Canada when it’s right here?

Plan My 4D Flight Now

Shop up a Storm on Robson Street

Some of Vancouver’s best shopping is along Robson Street , right in the heart of downtown.

The fun begins on Granville Street , where you can find the Pacific Centre Mall . This spot is home to popular department stores, the Hudson Bay Co. and Holt Renfrew .

At Robson Square , you’ll find a multitude of shops and boutiques, including favourites like Roots , Lululemon , Nike , Muji and Aritzia

Head a block North to the “ Luxury Zone, ” which can be found on Alberni and West Georgia Streets. This area is perfect if you’re looking for something more opulent.

Related : How Many Days Do I Need to Spend in Vancouver?

Experience Vancouver Nightlife

Fun things to do in downtown Vancouver usually stop (and end) at Vancouver’s best bars .

Downtown Vancouver also has a handful of nightlife districts bound to make you turn it into a crawl. Here are a few areas you’ll want to check out:

• The Granville Strip : Vancouver’s closest answer to the Vegas Strip, the Granville Entertainment District, is six blocks of bars, mostly frequented by young people, backpackers, and clubbers.
• Yaletown : A plethora of bars, restaurants and lounges catering to yuppies, celebrities, foodies, and anybody else cool. It’s Vancouver’s most stylish nightlife area.
• Gastown : World-class cocktail bars and cheap and cheerful dive bars serving up the best Vancouver craft beers are the names of the game here. If you’re a drinker through and through, this is it.

Take in the Views at Vancouver Lookout

Located a stone’s throw away from Waterfront Station , the Vancouver Lookout is a 553-foot (168 metres) tall  observation deck . It provides visitors with stunning panoramic views of the Vancouver skyline, the North Shore Mountains and Burrard Inlet.

Take advantage of the interactive displays or a multi-lingual tour from a knowledgeable local guide. That way, you can learn more about the city’s past, present and future.

The best part is that admission is valid all day! So you can head up in the morning and return at dusk for sunset views over the Pacific Ocean. This is one of the best things to do in Vancouver when the sun is going down.

Vancouver Lookout Tickets

Catch a Canucks Game

Hockey is so deeply intertwined with Canada’s cultural identity that it’s arguably as much of a  national religion as a national pastime .

Playing out of downtown’s Rogers Arena , the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks  have just celebrated their 50th anniversary. While their play has resulted in more broken hearts and hockey riots than championships, Vancouverites still can’t get enough.

If you’re in town between October and April (or June if we make the playoffs!), read up on your hockey slang and grab some Canucks tickets .

Maybe this year is the year! (editor’s 2023 note: no, it isn’t )

Related : Best Things to Do in Vancouver in Winter

Hit up the Art Gallery

Housed in a stunning 165,000-foot neo-classical building in the heart of Downtown Vancouver. The Vancouver Art Gallery is guaranteed to add a little culture to your visit.

You’ll find it adjacent to Robson Square, which frequently hosts political rallies and cultural festivals. The VAG (I swear I didn’t make it up!) is the city’s informal cultural heart.

You can head inside and marvel at any of the 11,000 pieces . These include  Coastal Indigenous works, famous local artists such as Emily Carr and a significant European Classical collection.

Grab My Tickets Now

Things to Do Downtown Vancouver Map

Whether you’re up for cool things to do in downtown Vancouver or something a little more laid back, downtown contains many of the top areas to stay in Vancouver .

Let’s take a closer look at the area’s geography to clear up the confusion.

Related : Best Vancouver Festivals

The Downtown Core

The central portion of downtown contains the Financial District , the Granville Strip entertainment district and Robson Street – arguably Vancouver’s best shopping district.

This is where you’ll find most of the best hotels in Vancouver , and some of the best cheap hotels in Vancouver .

A former warehouse district transformed into one of the city’s hippest neighbourhoods .

The area is home to sidewalk cafés, chic restaurants, trendy bars and various beautiful parks along its stunning stretch of the Vancouver Seawall .

Related : Best Hotels in Yaletown

The Stadium District

The location of Rogers Arena and BC Place, the home to the city’s perennially suffering professional sports franchises; the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks , the MLS’s Vancouver Whitecaps and the CFL’s BC Lions .

The area also contains a variety of hotels, bars and restaurants catering to sports fans and concertgoers.

It’s even home to Parq: our number-one choice on our list of the best Vancouver casinos .

Related : Best Hotels near Rogers Arena

The West End

This largely residential neighbourhood is most widely known as the gateway to Stanley Park.

However, the West End also contains Davie Village, the home to much of the city’s LGTBQ community .

The area also houses numerous bars and restaurants, a collection of parks and some of Vancouver’s best beaches nestled along the shores of False Creek.

Coal Harbour

Stretching between Canada Place and Stanley Park, Coal Harbour is a peaceful waterfront area contains a mix of residential and commercial buildings.

The area is most known for the striking juxtaposition between its large glass condominium towers and the peaceful tranquillity of Burrard Inlet.

Related : What is Vancouver Known For?

Gastown and Chinatown

Technically downtown includes the neighbourhoods of  Chinatown and Gastown .

However, due to the abundance of attractions in these historic neighbourhoods, we’ve elected to grant them the special attention they deserve.

You can get free visitor tips, things to do, food, and nightlife options by clicking the links below:

Related: The Best Things to Do in Gastown Vancouver | Chinatown Vancouver Neighbourhood Guide

Looking for Things to Do in Downtown Vancouver?

Still looking to fill out your downtown Vancouver things to itinerary?

I invite you to write me in the comments below with what you want. That way, I can give you custom advice for your travels.

Whichever of my top things to do in downtown Vancouver you choose, I wish you the best of luck! ?

Related posts

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12 Things to Do in Vancouver with Kids

The Vancouver Lookout: Visit a Panoramic Paradise

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A local’s guide to Vancouver

Discover Canada’s artful and adventure-filled urban oasis in the Pacific Northwest.

A kayaker paddles along the Coal Harbour near downtown Vancouver.

“Vancouver is a wonder city,” Canadian author Stephen Leacock once wrote. “It has the combined excellence of nature’s gift and man’s handiwork.” Today this statement rings truer than ever. The glittering glass metropolis—set against temperate rainforest, ocean inlets, and the Coast Mountains of British Columbia —keeps finding new ways to shine.

Over the past five years, the city has taken important steps toward reconciliation with the native Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh people, and a thriving indigenous tourism industry has grown along with it. More restaurants and bars are sourcing local ingredients—from foraged berries to Douglas fir infusions—and a booming brewery and distillery scene rivals that of Portland .

An ethic of sustainability permeates the culture of Vancouver , which brims with community gardens and farmers markets, plus LEED-certified buildings and more than 275 miles of bike paths. You can now pedal from the cedars of Stanley Park to the nudists of Wreck Beach. From there, mountains, islands, and wonder await. ( See Vancouver like a Nat Geo Explorer. )

Coolest neighborhood: Chinatown

When you spot the terracotta-tiled Millennium Gate and the dragon-topped red lampposts, you know you’ve arrived in Vancouver’s vibrant Chinatown . For a primer on the neighborhood, join Historical Chinatown Tours to venture inside 100-year-old clan houses, where Chinese elders play mah-jongg, and behind the scenes at Sai Woo , the modern rendition of a restaurant that first opened in 1925. The sign out front is a crowd-funded replica of the original, which pays homage to Pender Street’s neon glory days. ( See a Nat Geo photographer’s favorite Canadian places .)

The Millennium Gate welcomes visitors into Vancouver’s Chinatown.

Other highlights include the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden , an oasis of flowering trees, koi ponds, and stone courtyards built in Ming dynasty style, and the Rennie Museum , showcasing one of Canada’s biggest contemporary art collections (by appointment) in the district’s oldest building. In summer 2019, the Chinatown Storytelling Center opened with displays detailing the arduous path from Chinese immigrant to Canadian citizen. After dark, get a taste of the dining scene that’s redefining Chinatown. Opt for mantou buns and “kick-ass fried rice” at Bao Bei or Japanese-accented Italian fare at its raved-about sister spot, Kissa Tanto . For a nightcap, try the Opium Sour at The Keefer Bar , a sexy twist on a traditional Chinese apothecary.

The Rennie Museum, which features the works of more than 300 artists, has one of the largest assemblages of contemporary art in Canada.

Choose your adventure

For nature lovers : Walk through the rainforest of Stanley Park with Candace Campo, the First Nations owner of Talaysay Tours , and you’ll start to see cedar bark as clothing, hemlock needles as the makings for tea. “The forest is our grocery store, our pharmacy,” Campo says. Take that notion to Deep Cove , for a paddle up Indian Arm before checking out the North Shore Spirit Trail , a new greenway luring pedestrians, joggers, bikers, and in-line skaters.

For culture vultures: The UBC Museum of Anthropology curates innovative programs and in 2017 opened the Gallery of Northwest Coast Masterworks. Led by Vancouver Art Gallery , the contemporary art scene has expanded with the new Polygon Gallery , dedicated to Canadian photography. Fans of Coast Salish art should stay overnight at Skwachàys Lodge , where 18 rooms were designed by indigenous artists like Richard Shorty, whose work is sold in the lodge gallery. ( Journey through the indigenous art scene in Canada .)

From historic music venues to a brewing bar scene, nighttime adventures are in abundance in the Granville neighborhood.

For music mavens: Downtown’s Granville Entertainment District is still one of the best spots to catch a show, thanks to a trifecta of historic venues— Vogue , Orpheum , Commodore Ballroom —that attract top talent. In other areas, discover hidden gems such as the Rogue Folk Club , which stages bluegrass and roots music in a churchlike hall in Kitsilano. Below the cobblestone streets of Gastown, Guilt & Co offers pay-what-you-can jazz, soul, and cabaret.

For craft connoisseurs: Vancouver Foodie Tours will shepherd you to the tastiest treats at the Granville Island Public Market : Oyama sausages, Benton Brothers cheeses, Lee’s honey donuts. The neighborhood of East Van, aka “Yeast Van,” hosts breweries and distilleries including Bomber and Off the Rail brewing and Odd Society Spirits . Go behind the tanks with Canadian Craft Tours . Nearby, the semimonthly Eastside Flea is a hip gathering of indie makers.

What to eat

Native roots: A pioneer of First Nations–inspired cuisine, the indigenous-owned Salmon n’ Bannock serves the namesake bannock (a traditional quick bread) with mushrooms, as well as maple-cured salmon and slow-cooked bison. Mr. Bannock , the city’s first indigenous food truck, began offering Squamish-style smoked meats and clay-oven creations last year. Head to Forage for dishes made with wild ingredients, and belly up to Botanist for cocktails like Candy Cap Magic, which arrives in a cloud of wood-scented dry ice. ( Explore authentic food cultures around the world .)

Standout sushi: The restaurant that introduced flame-seared aburi and pressed oshi sushi to Canada, Miku makes its own sake to pair with the Aburi Prime platter of nine rice bites topped with everything from jalapeno-spiced sockeye to Japanese Wagyu. Kishimoto offers six types of oshi—rectangular rice pedestals for delicacies such as pickled mackerel and flamed eel. Be sure to arrive early at Raisu for the Oceans Offering: 12 multicolored oshi squares presented in a bamboo box. The izakaya makes only 10 orders each night.

Miku’s Aburi Prime sushi platter features nine tasty varieties.

Dumpling trail: Dumplings reign supreme in Richmond, an epicenter of Asian cuisine. Start at Su Hang Restaurant with intricately pleated xiao long bao (Shanghai soup dumplings) stuffed with pork and broth. The nearby Dinesty Dumpling House serves eight types of soup dumplings, plus pan-fried guo tie and water-boiled shui jiao . In summer, stroll to The Dumpling Master at the Richmond Night Market, whose gyoza range from kimchi beef to vegan spinach. Korean dumplings, or mandu, are a popular side dish at Samsoonie Noodle & Rice .

Tea time: The Vancouver version of a London fog means a frothy Earl Grey latte laced with vanilla syrup. Just about every café makes one, and the flavor has seeped into Earnest Ice Cream , baked goods, and local beers. Granville Island Tea Company supplies 12 loose-leaf varieties of Earl Grey for custom cups, while Parallel 49th Café & Lucky Doughnuts boils its own vanilla bean syrup. Cartems Donuts has created a London fog variety stuffed with tea-infused whipped cream and iced with Earl Grey glaze. It also sells tasty vegan options.

Runners passing through Brockton Point in Stanley Park will find stunning views of the century-old lighthouse and totem poles.

Where to stay

A star of the new Parq Vancouver casino complex, The Douglas mixes playful sophistication with Pacific Northwest earthiness. An illuminated, glass-enclosed Douglas fir tree presides over the check-in counter, and wood features in the decor throughout, along with mid-century furnishings and views of Vancouver. On the sixth-floor rooftop, The Victor restaurant sends out classic steaks plus regional seafood such as Dungeness crab and British Columbia king salmon.

Unveiled in 2018, the EXchange Hotel occupies 11 floors of the 1929 Stock Exchange Building. During its LEED Platinum conversion, the first in Canada, the Edwardian facade was integrated into a modern tower. A Mediterranean restaurant, bar, and café—named after the Greek island Hydra—opened this spring.

The marble fireplace and grand staircase in the Rosewood Hotel Georgia ’s 1927 lobby hark back to the days when Nat King Cole stayed here. In 2011 the hotel debuted the indulgent Sense spa and sleek new rooms with soaking tubs. In the basement speakeasy, Prohibition, find a throwback haunt for live music, creative cocktails, and traditional pours of absinthe.

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Vancouver highlights: 14 best places to visit in vancouver bc.

The beautiful, oceanside city of Vancouver British Columbia , Canada, has been named the World’s Most Liveable City many times over in the past decade, and there are innumerable reasons why that title is spot on.

Not only is the city quite cosmopolitan – with fantastic restaurants, arts, and entertainment – but it’s one of the most beautiful seaside cities you’ll find, with lots of fresh air, maritime activities, open spaces to roam, and views for miles.

If you haven’t been to Vancouver before, you should definitely start planning a trip. As you’ll quickly find that a lot of the best things to do in Vancouver can be found in or near the downtown area, along with a lot of great food options . These are our favorite places to visit in Vancouver Canada so feel free to pick and choose the activities that appeal to you the most! Enjoy your time exploring

» Interested in other parts of Canada? Read our full Canada travel guide for inspiration and additional tips. Also see our road trip guide . We also have info on Montreal and Toronto .

Table of Contents

What Makes Vancouver, British Columbia So Great?

• There are dozens of brilliant outdoor adventures to be had, from hiking and climbing, skiing (let’s not forget that Whistler , the premier Northwest ski area, is only a couple hours away), and every type of water sport imaginable.
• The city is relatively small by big city standards — only around 650,000 residents — but it has world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment venues.
• It’s oceanside location is an ideal setting for fully enjoying the beautiful Northwest summer, complete with pretty darn good weather.  Summers bring long, gorgeous days of near-perfect weather, making it easier to withstand the rainy season from October to March. The average daily temperature is about 52 degrees, with four distinct seasons.
• With so many fun things to do during the day, world-class BC wine to savor, lots of great locally grown foods and  cuisine to indulge in , you’ll never run out of reasons to love Vancouver.

If you’ve got kids along, check out this post for dozens of fun things to do with kids in Vancouver.

Top Vancouver Highlights

1. granville island.

Formerly an industrial area across the water from the city, Granville Island has been reborn as a mecca for local produce and products and is our top choice place to go in Vancouver. The old factories have been turned into a public market where you can find pretty much any product or food item your heart fancies.

Within easy walking distance of the market are dozens of waterfront cafes, restaurants, pubs, galleries — you name it. Take the quick five-minute water taxi from any of a handful of stops on the city side (get a deal if you buy a round-trip ticket in advance).

My advice is to go there when you’re hungry because there are so many mouth-watering options for lunch or snacking as you go. On our last trip, we bought local artisan maple syrup, delicious cured meats, fresh pasta, and bread.

If I’d had room for more, I would have definitely indulged in a savory clam chowder pot pie from A La Mode. After seeing the market, don’t forget to walk around the backstreets and stop at Granville Island Brewery for a taster of their popular beers.

>> Book this Food Walking Tour of Granville Island Public Market here.

2. Granville Street

Located right in the middle of downtown Vancouver , Granville Street is a neighborhood teeming with life. If you’re staying downtown, you’ll likely be spending at least a little of your time on Granville Street.

The main section runs from the waterfront down to Robson Street. You’ll find hundreds of high-end stores and restaurants, nightclubs, bars, and businesses, as well as crowds of all ages. This is where people go to be seen in Vancouver.

At night — and sometimes all weekend in the summer — a large stretch of the street is shut off to vehicular traffic and the younger set takes to the bars and clubs for a crazy night out. It’s a good place to go out for dinner, see a show, grab a drink at an outdoor cafe or bar, and do some shopping.

The Skytrain has a stop at Granville Street, so it’s easy to get there via public transportation, which is a much better idea than driving. If you’re staying in a downtown hotel, park your car with the valet and don’t bother with it until you leave. You can walk everywhere downtown.

3. Commercial Drive

Commercial Drive runs through the neighborhood of Grandview/Woodland, and it is made up of so many diverse restaurants and shops – a true international district — that it’s known affectionately as “The Drive” to insiders and locals.

I want to call it Little Italy , because of all the Italian shops and eateries, but that wouldn’t be doing justice to the dozens of other ethnicities that are represented here.

The Drive is located on the east side of the city and can be reached easily by driving (parking may be difficult), or by Skytrain. Get off at the Commercial/Broadway stop and walk north. Along the way, you’ll find a plethora of places to eat, sit down for a drink, enjoy the people-watching, or buy fruits and veggies. It’s got a whole lot of character.

4. Stanley Park

Every big city has it’s signature park. In Vancouver, it’s Stanley Park . Located on a peninsula in the northwest corner of downtown, the 1,000-acre park is one of the top tourist destinations in the city.

There are miles of walking and biking trails, numerous gorgeous beaches to relax on, Canada ‘s largest aquarium, plus a pool, a waterpark, a miniature railroad, not to mention all of that incredible greenspace in which to frolic on a summer afternoon. If that’s not enough, there are also four restaurants to choose from in the park.

You could easily spend an entire day (or more) in Stanley Park and not run out of things to do. It’s a bit of a hike from downtown if you’re planning to walk, or take a quick taxi ride. There are parking spaces, so driving is also an option.

>> Book this Stanley Park Bike Tour or Vancouver Secrets of Stanley Park Walking Tour here.

5. Grouse Mountain

Located only 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Grouse Mountain is just one big playground. The Super Skyride gondola whisks you up the mountain where you’ll can participate in dozens of winter activities (skiing, sleigh rides, snowshoeing and ice skating), go hiking, ziplining, visit the animals in the wildlife refuge (read: bears!), or soak up the amazing view at one of the top-notch restaurants.

Grouse mountain can be enjoyed year-round, not just in the winter. Tickets range from $42 to $56, depending on which option you choose. The Alpine Experience ticket ($42) gets you a round-trip ride on the skyride and access to some activities up top, like visits to the resident grizzly bear!

It’s quick and easy to drive to Grouse Mountain (there’s good signage along the way), but beware that during busy times when the parking lots get full fast, you may have to park far away and walk up to the entrance.

>> Book this Small Group Tour: Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain from Vancouver here.

The city’s oldest neighborhood is Gastown, named for “Gassy” Jack Deighton, who opened the first saloon in the area. It’s very picturesque, with its centuries-old Victorian architecture and proximity to the waterfront. It feels as though you’ve stepped into a part of history, miles away from the new, modern parts of town.

There are tons of souvenir shops, bars, cafes, restaurants, and fashion and interior design stores to check out along the 10 or so blocks. And of course, you don’t want to miss the Gastown Steam Clock at the corner of Cambie and Water streets which was built as a way to harness the steam from the city’s steam heating system.

Just keep in mind that Gastown is slightly gritty, with a good number of homeless people, and set your expectations properly. It’s got a very unique and artsy feel to it.

>> Book this Forbidden Downtown and Gastown Walking Tour or Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour here.

7. Richmond Night Market

I’m calling it the Richmond Night Market because I can’t take it seriously when I call it by its real name, Magical Candyland. Yes, I’m serious. But Magical Candyland does start to feel more appropriate after I’ve stuffed my face with dozens of Asian specialties like grilled squid, hand-pulled noodles, pizza-flavored Rotato, Chow Mein and Dim Sum.

The night market is open from mid-May to mid-October. The hours are Friday and Saturday from 7pm to midnight and Sundays from 7pm to 11pm. The market features dozens of vendors selling everything from cell phone accessories to cheap jewelry and every Asian food specialty you can think of.

You’ll want to take the skytrain to get there because it gets crowded and parking gets tight. Get off at the Bridgeport stop and walk across the street from the bus area, through the fence and along the railroad tracks. You’ll see the market sprawled in front of you.

Food ranges anywhere from a couple of bucks to $15 or so for a full plate of food. If you’re really into this type of market, there’s another one called the International Summer Market that’s very similar but in a slightly different location.

It runs every weekend and holidays from May to September. You can reach the market via public transportation on bus 430 from Metrotown or 407 from No.2 Road. The current location is a 10-acre site located at 12631 Vulcan Way (behind Home Depot on Sweden Way).

8. Local Craft Breweries

Microbreweries are located all over the city, so it’s high time you get out there and experience the best breweries in Vancouver. Many Vancouver breweries feature up to a dozen or more unique brews, and most of them have tasting rooms where visitors can stop in for a taster tray, a pint, or a pitcher, and even a bite to eat.

Our guide encompasses four of the top brewery clusters around the city along with details for the top breweries to visit in each location.

Read all about the best craft breweries to visit , along with a walking guide.

>> Book this Vancouver Behind-the-Scenes Brewery Tour here.

9. Capilano Suspension Bridge

When visiting the city, you might not even know about the Capilano Suspension Bridge unless you do research in advance. You can thank us later for turning you on to it. The bridge is located about a 15-minute drive from downtown and is a huge trip highlight.

What makes it so unique is how long it is. The swaying footbridge hangs 230 feet above the Capilano River and spans 450 feet. You can walk over the bridge and admire the views – or just hang on tight, because it’s a bit scary. Might not be your favorite place if you’re afraid of heights.

There is also a colorful Totem park, trails through the West Coast rainforest, and much more.  One of the best ways to go to the bridge is on a city tour that includes it as a stop. That way you can see a lot more along with the bridge.

>> Book this Capilano Suspension Bridge Park Ticket here.

10. Canada Place

The first stop for anyone coming to Vancouver should be to walk along the spectacular promenade of Canada Place at Waterfront Station. It was constructed as the Canadian pavilion for the World Expo 1986 and now houses the city’s Convention Center.

A stroll around Canada Place allows the visitor to take in the beautiful harbor of Burrard Inlet, with its vista of snow-capped mountains, Stanley Park, and the modern glass towers of Coal Harbour nearby.

Canada Place also showcases the dynamism of Vancouver’s economic might and place in the global market. The inlet seethes with container ships bound outward to China and parts beyond. In the summertime cruise ships from the world’s major lines dock along the pier en route to Alaska.

Floatplanes taking off for the wild natural coves of the Inside Passage and helicopters departing for Vancouver Island augment the energetic scene.

11. Robson Square

Situated in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Robson Square is more than just a public plaza—it’s the city’s pulsing social hub. Imagine a space where urban life and natural beauty converge, complemented by a fusion of art installations, impromptu performances, and public events.

The square is flanked by the Vancouver Art Gallery on one side and the Provincial Law Courts on the other, but the real essence of Robson Square lies in its ability to go with the flow of life around it.

In winter, the lower level transforms into a free public ice rink, drawing crowds eager to trade their walking shoes for skates.

Between the cascading water features and the hidden corners perfect for a quiet lunch, you’ll find it’s easy to spend a whole afternoon here. And if you’re into photography, the architectural designs by Arthur Erickson offer a dynamic playground for your lens. In short, Robson Square embodies the eclectic and harmonious spirit of Vancouver, serving as a microcosm of the city’s diverse offerings.

12. Sunset Harbor Dinner Cruise

A Sunset Boat Cruise in Vancouver offers a great way to see the serene and picturesque backdrop of the harbor at sunset. As the boat navigates through the city’s harbor, you’re treated to panoramic views of landmarks like Stanley Park and the Lions Gate Bridge, beautifully framed by the setting sun. The water reflects the city lights, adding a magical touch to an already extraordinary setting. It’s an experience that you’ll never forget.

» Book your tour here .

13. Vancouver Aquarium

The Vancouver Aquarium offers a captivating and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Nestled in the picturesque Stanley Park, this world-class marine science center allows you to explore the wonders of the ocean through engaging exhibits and interactive displays. From awe-inspiring marine life, including playful dolphins and majestic sea otters, to insightful conservation initiatives, the aquarium provides a unique opportunity to connect with the beauty and importance of our oceans.

14. Taking a Vancouver Walking Tour

Going on a Vancouver walking tour is the ideal way to intimately connect with the city’s vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history.

Usually, it kicks off in vibrant neighborhoods like Gastown, where you soak up the historic vibes, check out the famous Gastown Steam Clock, and meander through cobblestone streets. The guides often throw in interesting anecdotes and historical tidbits that bring the city to life.

These tours often wind through iconic spots like Stanley Park, where you get up close and personal with nature and maybe catch sight of the totem poles or take a stroll along the scenic seawall. It’s not just about the landmarks; the guides dish out local tips, share stories, and might even point you to some off-the-beaten-path gems.

Where to Stay in Vancouver

We always choose to stay somewhere in downtown Vancouver, because of the easy walking proximity to just about everything. You can park your car and use your legs instead. Popular areas include Gastown, Yaletown and Downtown.

No matter which area you choose, you’ll find some really great restaurants and bars within a block or two that exemplify the neighborhood.

Here are our recommended hotels:

Sutton Place Hotel

4.5-star hotel in downtown Vancouver (West End), stellar location, great restaurant.

Read Reviews | Book a Stay

Listel Hotel

Comfortable 4-star hotel with a spa, restaurant, and free wifi in downtown.

Shangri-La Hotel

5-star luxury hotel with beautiful, well-appointed rooms and an outdoor pool.

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Frequently asked questions on vancouver city highlights, what’s special about vancouver’s art scene.

Vancouver’s art scene is thriving, with the Vancouver Art Gallery being a focal point. It houses an impressive collection of indigenous and contemporary art, providing a comprehensive overview of the region’s artistic heritage.

Are there family-friendly attractions in Vancouver?

Absolutely! The Vancouver Aquarium, Science World, and the Vancouver Maritime Museum are fantastic options for families. These attractions offer interactive exhibits and activities suitable for all ages.

Is there parking available at these attractions?

Most attractions provide parking facilities, but it’s advisable to check each attraction’s website for specific information. Additionally, public transportation is a convenient option for visiting Vancouver’s highlights without worrying about parking, there are great transport options from the airport also.

What’s the benefit of taking a guided walking tour?

Guided walking tours provide an intimate and immersive experience. You’ll have the chance to interact with a local tour guide who can share hidden gems, answer questions, and offer a deeper understanding of the city’s culture. It’s a leisurely way to explore neighborhoods like Gastown, Yaletown, and Chinatown while soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the city’s highlights. Vancouver also offers day tours that are helpful if you are unsure of what attractions you would like to visit.

See what I mean? So many reasons to love Vancouver British Columbia. And these 9 of our favorite places to visit in Vancouver are just the beginning. If you’re looking for a really great city to explore, with the beauty of the sea and the mountains surrounding you, and plenty of great food and outdoor activities, you can’t go wrong with Vancouver.

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

• Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
• Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
• Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
• Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

Like this post? Why not save it to Pinterest? FOLLOW US  on  Pinterest ,  Instagram ,  Facebook  for more great travel inspiration and tips.

Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

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• Travel Resources

5 Places To Visit in British Columbia

B ritish Columbia is known for its stunning natural scenery, including rugged coastlines, majestic mountains, and ancient rainforests—bringing many people together to enjoy nature by camping, hiking, trekking, or even doing music festivals.

The Canadian province has numerous national parks and protected areas, popular tourist destinations for breathtaking views and abundant wildlife.

British Columbia is also known for its vibrant cities, such as Vancouver and Victoria, which offer a unique blend of urban culture and natural beauty.

Consider the following five places to visit when planning a trip to British Columbia.

Where To Go in British Columbia

1. vancouver .

Vancouver is one of Canada's most diverse cities, with a large population of immigrants from around the world. It is named after British navigator George Vancouver, who explored the region in the late 18th century. 

Indigenous Peoples originally inhabited Vancouver for thousands of years before the arrival of European explorers.

For that reason, Indigenous culture is an integral part of Vancouver's history and present-day identity, with several Indigenous cultural centers and events throughout the city.

The city is known for its seafood, particularly salmon, crab, and oysters, caught locally and served in many restaurants.

Although Vancouver has a diverse food scene that reflects the city's multicultural population, with influences from Asia, Europe, Latin America, Africa, and all parts of the world.

A classic restaurant to dine at is Joe Fortes, located in the heart of Vancouver, known for its exquisite seafood and chop house cuisine since 1985.

The restaurant features a cozy and elegant atmosphere with dark wood paneling, dim lighting, and white tablecloths. 

Joe's is known as the best oyster bar in Vancouver. I recommend using OpenTable to book a table , as it can be complicated to get seated just by showing up. 

Tofino is a small town located on the west coast of Vancouver Island. One of the main draws of Tofino is surfing.

The town is situated on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, and its beaches offer some of the best surfing opportunities in Canada.

Surfing lessons and equipment rentals are available for beginners and experienced surfers alike.

Tofino is also known for its whale-watching tours, where you can see gray whales, humpback whales, orcas, and other marine mammals up close. You can also go kayaking, hiking, and fishing or relax. 

To get to Tofino from Vancouver, take a scenic drive along the Pacific Rim Highway, which takes approximately five to six hours.

Another option is to take a ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island and then drive to Tofino, which takes approximately three or four hours.

If you don't have much time, take a seaplane or helicopter from Vancouver directly to Tofino, which takes less than two hours and offers breathtaking coastline views.

3. Whistler 

Whistler is a world-renowned resort town approximately two-hour drive north of Vancouver; beyond Vancouver, it's one of the best-known places to visit in British Columbia.

Best known as a winter sports destination, offering some of the best skiing and snowboarding opportunities in North America. Home to two world-class ski spots, Whistler Blackcomb and Whistler Mountain. 

During the summer, Whistler transforms into a hub for outdoor recreation, with endless hiking, mountain biking, golfing, and fishing opportunities.

You can explore the town's beautiful alpine trails, lakes, and rivers or participate in adrenaline-pumping activities such as ziplining , bungee jumping, and whitewater rafting.

4. Squamish

Approximately an hour's drive north of Vancouver , you can reach Squamish, a tiny town worth visiting for a day hike in the Stawamus Chief. This towering granite monolith rises over 2,296 feet (700 meters) above the surrounding landscape.

The Stawamus Chief is a world-renowned destination for rock climbers, offering some of North America's most challenging and rewarding climbs. The Chief boasts over 280 climbing routes, ranging from beginner-friendly to expert-level.

The park's most popular hike is the Stawamus Chief Trail, a challenging 6.8-mile (11-kilometer) round trip that takes you to the summit of the Chief, offering panoramic views of the Howe Sound and surrounding mountains.

5. Garibaldi Provincial Lake 

A stunning wilderness area located between the towns of Squamish and Whistler, named after Mount Garibaldi, a prominent peak located within the park.

Garibaldi Provincial Park is known for its rugged alpine landscapes, pristine lakes, and ancient glaciers, making it a must-visit destination if you are a nature enthusiast or outdoor adventurer.

The park boasts over 55 miles (90 kilometers) of trails, ranging from easy day hikes to multi-day backpacking adventures, offering endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.

One of the most popular hiking trails in the park is the Garibaldi Lake Trail, an 11-mile (18-kilometer) round trip that takes you through stunning old-growth forests and past turquoise-colored lakes, culminating in the breathtaking view of Garibaldi Lake. 

Other popular hikes include the Black Tusk Trail, the Panorama Ridge Trail, and the Cheakamus Lake Trail, each offering unique vistas and experiences.

As you can see, there's no shortage of spectacular places to visit in British Columbia. And this list is just the tip of the iceberg for Canada's Pacific province.

This story is brought to you in partnership with Open Table.

The post 5 Places To Visit in British Columbia appeared first on Go Backpacking .