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Guest post by Chanelle Rosenbaum
Vancouver is a spectacular city. It’s an outdoor lover’s playground, is rich in culture and is recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. With a fascinating history, access to the sea and mountains, and a vibrant food scene, you won’t run out of things to do in Vancouver.
But with so many activities to choose from, it can be difficult to plan your ideal Vancouver itinerary. So, to make it easier for you, we have put together our list of the 21 best things to do in Vancouver, and everything you need to know before visiting.
Best Things to Do in Vancouver
1. Stanley Park
Stanley Park is Vancouver’s first urban park, and Canada’s most famous park, spanning 1,000 acres of beach, rainforest, gardens, playgrounds, and sporting facilities. It even houses the Vancouver Aquarium! Connect with nature by hiking some of the trails, marvelling at centuries-old trees and spotting wildlife, play a game of golf or tennis, or learn about marine life at the aquarium. You can easily spend a full day getting lost at Stanley Park!
2. Granville Island
Right in the middle of Vancouver you will find Granville Island. Although this popular food and drink hub is technically located on a peninsula, not an island. Previously an industrial site, Granville Island now houses food vendors, a brewery, a market, and a variety of unique shops and art galleries. It’s a great place to indulge in some delicious local street food, do some shopping and even take to the water in False Creek for some paddle boarding or kayaking.
3. Walk or Bike the Seawall
On the outer edges of Stanley Park, you will find the world’s longest continuous waterfront path. The Seawall is a 28 km (17.5 mi) pathway stretching from the Vancouver Convention Centre, via Stanley Park, all the way to Spanish Banks. It passes by many points of interest in Vancouver including English Bay, Granville Island, the Olympic Village, and Kitsilano Beach, so biking or walking the Seawall is a great way to see the city. Plus, it has uninterrupted coastal, city and mountain views to enjoy along the way.
4. Whale Watching
The Pacific waters along BC’s West Coast are full of interesting marine life, including thousands of whales which migrate through Vancouver’s waters each year. This makes Vancouver one of the best places in the world to go to Whale Watching. You can expect to see humpback whales, grey whales, orcas and even minke whales here. April to October is the best time of year to go whale watching in Vancouver, with a 95% chance of sightings!
5. See a Canucks Game
Vancouverites love their ice hockey, and they are particularly passionate about their local team, the Vancouver Canucks (no matter how well or poorly they’re doing). If you’re visiting Vancouver during hockey season, then experiencing a game at the Rogers Arena is a must-do. Not only to experience Canada’s favourite sport, but also to experience the spirit of fans and excitement in the Arena. This is such a fun activity to do, regardless of whether you follow sports or not.
6. Grouse Mountain
For spectacular views, outdoor activities, and the most Canadian entertainment possible, visiting Grouse Mountain is a must. Known as the Peak of Vancouver, it’s one of Vancouver’s most popular outdoor attractions. From hiking and ziplining, to grizzly bear visits and lumberjack shows, a trip up the mountain has something for everyone. Plus, if you’re up for it, you can attempt the Grouse Grind – a gruelling 2.5 km (1.55 mi) trail up grouse mountain with 2,830 stairs and 800 metres (2,624 ft) of elevation gain. Challenge yourself to see how quickly you can do it!
7. Capilano Suspension Bridge
At 70 metres (230 ft) high and 137 metres (450 ft across), the Capilano Suspension Bridge is a historic and thrilling crossing over the Capilano River in Vancouver’s Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Not only can you test your tolerance of heights by crossing the bridge, but you also get to experience wandering through a west coast rainforest canopy, with the park’s cliff walk and treetop adventure. Although there is an entry fee, it is well worth it to explore the various historic and natural sites in the park, and to cross the famous bridge.
8. Lynn Canyon
Another epic suspension bridge to visit in Vancouver is at Lynn Canyon. In fact, many Vancouver locals would consider this better than the Capilano Suspension bridge, and it’s even free to visit. Here, you can explore several trails, peer down at the river and canopy of trees from high up on the bridge, and enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings. Although Lynn Canyon does get busy, so head over early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy some serenity in the park.
9. Sea to Sky Gondola
Heading up the Sea to Sky Highway is a great activity to do on its own, due to it being one of Canada’s most stunning drives. However, for a truly spectacular experience, take the 10-minute Sea to Sky Gondola up to 880 metres (2,900 ft) above sea level, where you can enjoy various viewing platforms, hiking trails and lunch at the Summit Lodge. Located about a 40-minute drive north of Vancouver, in the mountain town of Squamish, the Sea to Sky Gondola will give you a bird’s-eye view of the best of BC’s landscapes. With mountains, the ocean, and rivers all in view, this is not an activity to miss when visiting Vancouver!
10. Richmond Night Market
If you’re a foodie, experiencing Richmond Night Market should be at the top of your list when visiting Vancouver. This vibrant and popular market is the largest night market in North America! Here, you’ll forget you’re in Canada with an abundance of Vancouver’s most interesting Asian food to try. There’s also live music and entertainment, games, and retail stall to browse at the market. Located in the neighbourhood of Richmond, the market is easy to get to from downtown Vancouver on the Canada Line, and it’s open every weekend from May to October.
11. Day Trip to Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is stunning 460 km (285 mi) island located about 97 km (60 mi) off the west coast of Vancouver. It’s home to BC’s capital city, Victoria, has some of Canada’s best beaches and surfing, and is known for its outdoor activities and hiking trails, such as the iconic West Coast Trail. But if you’re able to plan a longer trip to Vancouver Island to explore all it has to offer, it’s still a great place for a day trip! From Vancouver you can get the ferry to Nanaimo or Victoria, which takes about 90 minutes. Spend the day exploring one of these historic cities, enjoying the beautiful coastline or walking some of the island’s old-growth rainforest trails. And if you’re heading to Victoria, make sure to check out the famous Butchart Gardens, for 55 acres of the most beautiful and colourful gardens you’ll ever see.
12. Seaplane Flight
For the best views of the city, mountains, and coastline, and a thrilling and unique experience, take a Seaplane tour while in Vancouver! The feeling of taking off and landing on water is completely different to what you’re used to when flying, so this alone is worth the flight. But on top of the excitement of the flight itself, the views you will get of the city and surrounding landscapes are unparalleled. Flights are operated multiple times daily by Harbour Air Seaplanes and there are different length tours available, to suit your schedule and budget.
13. Wreck Beach
One of Vancouver’s best beaches is the famous Wreck Beach, which also happens to be the largest clothing-optional beach in North America. This all-natural sandy beach stretches for 7.8 km (4.8 mi) and offers beautiful views, interesting people and a sense of community. The beach is frequented by a lot of regulars, hosts organized events and has various vendors who set up their stalls on the sand. As long as you keep an open mind, a day at wreck beach is a fun experience! Although if this is too far out of your comfort zone, try Jericho Beach instead, which also has a great vibe, beach activities and is a good alternative if you prefer to keep your clothes on.
14. Science World
Vancouver’s Science World is an interesting place to visit, with different permanent and temporary exhibits, interactive displays and shows to keep you entertained for a few hours. And even if you don’t go inside the center, the building itself is still an interesting site to see. The shiny sphere-shaped structure is an iconic Vancouver landmark and is located in the city’s Olympic Village. This is a great place to people watch, grab a drink at the Craft Beer Market or take a ride on the False Creek Ferry.
15. Explore Gastown
As the city’s older neighborhood and original downtown core, no trip to Vancouver is complete without a stop at Gastown. This vibrant neighbourhood is full of trendy restaurants, cafes and bars, historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and boutique shops. It’s also where you’ll find Vancouver’s famous Steam Clock which is one of the only steam clocks in the world which still works today!
16. Museum of Anthropology
Located on the University of British Columbia campus, the Museum of Anthropology is a great place to learn more about the First Nations peoples of British Columbia and indigenous peoples from around the world. With hundreds of thousands of artifacts, ethnographic objects, and pieces of art, this is one of the best places in the world to learn about indigenous culture and Canada’s long history. Something to note is that the Museum of Anthropology is currently undergoing upgrades and is temporarily closed, but due to reopen at the end of 2023.
17. Vancouver Maritime Museum
Another interesting museum to visit in Vancouver is the Vancouver Maritime Museum. With a world-class collection of maritime artifacts, and a mix of featured and permanent exhibitions, the museum showcases the maritime history of the Pacific Northwest and the Arctic. This is the best place in Vancouver to learn about boating history and the importance of the maritime sector in BC.
18. English Bay
Another must-visit beach in Vancouver is English Bay, which is also known as First Beach. English Bay is Vancouver’s most popular downtown beach and for good reason. With spectacular views, volleyball courts, lifeguards on duty, kayak rentals and nearby bars and restaurants, it’s easy to stay entertained at English Bay. Plus, it’s along the Seawall, so it’s easy to get to on foot or by bike. If you’re hungry, stop in at Cactus Club Cafe, a local favourite which overlooks the beach.
19. Take a Food Tour
Vancouver is both a foodie city and a very multi-cultural city. As a result, it has an epic and diverse food scene! Although when visiting the city, it can be difficult to know where to go. A great way to get around this and try the best food Vancouver has to offer is to take a food tour. Try a wide range of delicacies, from local dishes to the city’s best Asian cuisine, popular street food and even some sweet treats.
20. Drink Craft Beer
As well as having an excellent food scene, Vancouver is also known for its craft beer. In particular, East Vancouver is full of excellent breweries, so this is a great area to visit if you want to stop by several breweries. If you’re not sure which breweries will be best to visit, you can also take a beer tasting tour, which will ensure you get to sample some of Vancouver’s best craft beer.
21. Go Skiing or Snowboarding
Given its proximity to the mountains, a day on the slopes is within easy reach of Vancouver. And in winter, this is a popular activity for Vancouver locals. The closest ski resorts to the city are Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain, and Mt. Seymour, which are all within a 45-minute drive. However, BC’s premier ski resort, Whistler Blackcomb, is also a feasible day trip from Vancouver, at around a 2-hour drive away. In fact, Vancouver’s unique position between the sea and mountains means that in the spring, you can even hit the slopes the beach all in the same day!
Vancouver FAQs
What is Vancouver known for?
Vancouver is the 3rd largest city in Canada and is best known for being one of the most beautiful and liveable cities in the world. It’s a popular destination due to its proximity to the sea and the mountains, which creates a stunning backdrop for the city. Vancouver’s beautiful natural surroundings also contribute to the outdoorsy lifestyle which many local residents live by, making it Canada’s most active city.
Is Vancouver worth visiting?
Yes, Vancouver is definitely worth visiting! Not only is it a beautiful city to see, it’s also full of history and culture, making it a great place to learn more about Canada, and its unique location between the ocean and mountains make it an outdoor enthusiasts paradise. So, whether you’re more of an urban traveler, or someone who wants to immerse themselves in nature, Vancouver should be on your list of places to visit.
What time of year is the best to visit Vancouver?
The summer months from June to August are generally considered the best time to visit Vancouver, since the weather is at its mildest. The shoulder seasons from March to May and September to October can also be great if you prefer to avoid the summer crowds. Whereas winter in Vancouver tends to be cold and very rainy. However, if you enjoy winter sports then this would be the ideal time to go as when it’s raining in the city, it’s snowing on the mountains!
How many days do you need in Vancouver?
There are so many activities to do in Vancouver that you can easily spend a couple of weeks here without getting bored. But to get a good taste of what the city has to offer, at least 3 to 4 days is ideal. This will give you enough time to explore downtown Vancouver, see the key sites, and even take a day trip from the city.
How do you get to Vancouver?
As Canada’s 3rd largest city, Vancouver is very well connected to the rest of the country and the world. Unless you’re coming from somewhere in Canada or the US which is within a few hours drive away, the best way of getting here will be to fly into Vancouver International Airport (YVR). There are direct flights available from YVR across Canada, the US, Mexico, Asia, Europe, and even to Australia and New Zealand. If you’re traveling from somewhere else in Canada and prefer not to fly or drive, then then there is also the option of getting a bus or train to Vancouver, but be prepared for a long journey!
Do I need a car in Vancouver?
No, you don’t need a car to get around Vancouver. It’s actually a really accessible city on foot, by bike, and by using public transit. Vancouver has a network of three metro train lines known as the SkyTrain, as well as buses, ferries, and water taxis. There are also plenty of regular taxis and rideshare services are now available in Vancouver.
Is Vancouver an expensive city?
Vancouver is the most expensive city in Canada, but for a vacation it is relatively cheap place to visit compared to many other big cities in the world. This is because you don’t need a car in the city, and a lot of the attractions and things to do in Vancouver are free. The cost of accommodation will be your biggest expense in Vancouver, but it’s similar to other big cities in Canada and there are things you can do to keep the price down, such as staying outside the downtown core.
Which area in Vancouver is the best?
Which area in Vancouver is the best really depends on what you’re looking for. Generally, Yaletown is considered to be one of the best places to stay due to it being a more upmarket area in a central location. Although if you want to stay in the historic centre, Gastown will suit you best. Alternatively, for a more relaxed neighbourhood with easy access to the beach and other points of interest, English Bay is a great option.
Conclusion – Best Things to Do in Vancouver
Vancouver is a wonderful city with plenty of activities for all types of travelers. From history, culture and food to outdoor activities, beaches, and mountains, there really is something for everyone!
We hope this list of the best things to do in Vancouver has given you some ideas to add to your itinerary, so you can make the most of your time in this beautiful city.
About the Author
Chanelle Rosembaum is a Canadian-based blogger and the owner of travel blog chasingchanelle.com. She has lived in Canada since 2018 and has enjoyed spending time in Vancouver and exploring BC’s west coast.
Check out these additional Canada posts:
- 16 Amazing Things to Do in Ottawa
- Day Trip to Niagara Falls
- Best Things to Do in Toronto
- Canada Outdoor Activities: 12 Amazing Experiences!
Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.
Very informative article about what to do in Vancouver. Vancouver is in my bucket list. And I will surely visit the place that you mention in your article.
Thanks for sharing.