Looking for the best things to do in Vancouver, Canada? Look no further! Nestled between the stunning mountains, lush rainforests, and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is brimming with a dynamic scene. Lucky for you and much to our delight, we spent a good chunk of time bonding with the city to put together this guide to Canada’s most photogenic winter wonderland featuring the top experiences in Vancouver – where to stay, what modes of transportation are best suited for zipping around, and all that jazz.
Western Canada’s largest city and the third-largest in the country, Vancouver offers much to love, from a glorious mountain backdrop to great food. Revered as one of the most livable cities in the world, Vancouver is nothing short of intriguing.
After a year of living in Vancouver, we greatly loved its lifestyle and recreational possibilities. As the weekends passed, we added to our Vancouver bucket list by just getting out there and enjoying a quick hike or urban adventure.
Using the perspective of our own experiences we have put together a travel guide featuring 25 of the best things to do in Vancouver, from some thrilling outdoor treks to peaceful city walks.
Though you’ll find something new whether or not you’re visiting Vancouver for the first time, our guide has everything you need to put together an unforgettable itinerary. Keep watching this space as we document the highlights of Vancouver’s urban surroundings, park hideaways, and mountain outlooks. Let’s discover the hidden gems of Vancouver together!
The Ultimate Vancouver Activity Planning Guide
Vancouver, Canada is calling! Full of cool urban vibes, exquisite natural wonders, or perhaps even both – this city guarantees an incredible trip. Whether you fancy hiking blissful landscapes or immersive city life, this guide offers the key to curating unique Vancouver itineraries.
From the stunning mountains to the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean, there is something for every traveler in Vancouver. It blends modernity with natural beauty and is one of the world’s most livable cities, Canada’s third-largest.
Having spent a year diving head first into Vancouver’s rich cultural offerings, we’ve compiled a list of 25 must-do activities-from breathtaking hikes to informative city tours. Our guide is meant to accompany your time checking out the always-changing landscape of Vancouver, whether you are a first-time visitor, or simply revisiting old acquaintances. If you’re on a budget, check out this list of affordable activities in Vancouver.
Get ready to learn some of the groundwork about it, in the center of Vancouver and also where are a few of its best parks, and why everyone is just so obsessed with Grouse Mountain. And we are going to explore the best of Vancouver together!
Where to Stay in Vancouver
If you visit Vancouver stay around the downtown area near by west end is a great location. Mount Pleasant and Kitsilano are Great neighborhoods for Awesome accommodations!
- Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Hotel by APA $$ – Enjoy stunning views from this beautiful hotel in Coal Harbour. [Find the Booking.com link here!]
- YWCA Hotel Vancouver $$ – A modern hotel centrally located in downtown Vancouver, offering private rooms. [Find the Booking.com link here!]
- Rosellen Suites at Stanley Park $$-$$$ – Enjoy unparalleled access to Stanley Park from these suites. [Find the Booking.com link here!]
List of 25 Best Things to Do in Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver is a city with so much to offer, where city life and wilderness delightfully intersect in perfect harmony. Here are our top picks for the best things to do in Vancouver!
1. Visit the Stanley Park Totem Poles
As you walk around downtown Vancouver Stanley Park is calling—a giant slice of the wild right next door in the middle of a city. If you make your way to the eastern edge of the park near Brockton Point, you will come across Totem Poles, a traditional Northwest Coast art.
A totem pole is a monumental carving, a type of Northwest Coast art, consisting of poles, posts or pillars, carved with symbols or figures. While artifacts such as these are found all across British Columbia, their presence in Stanley Park makes them a must-see on your Vancouver itinerary.
2. Have a feast at the Richmond Night Market!
Just South of Vancouver is Richmond on the SkyTrain line and is a seamless transition between cities. Richmond night market during the summer—North America’s biggest night market in North America!
A crowd favorite among both Vancouver residents and tourists, it has the same alignment to markets in Asia with streets lined with lots of delicious food. While we managed to find a number of mouth-watering options as vegans (Beaver Tails, anyone?!)
Head over to their website and secure your Vancouver Weekend tickets! Website: www.richmondnightmarket.com 2024 This is a top things-to-do-in-Vancouver lister for sure!
More Vancouver Adventures Read Day Trips to Bowen Island and the Sunshine Coast, or our Ultimate 3-Month Canadian Road Trip Itinerary!
3. Explore Dr. Sun Yat-Sen’s Classical Chinese Garden
One of Vancouver’s attractions, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is decorated with bonsai trees, serene lily ponds, and thousands of plants native to China.
A low-cost garden experience unique to Western Canada. For virtual entries, tickets are only available online at Vancouver Chinese Garden Next to the garden is a public park, offering free entertainment throughout your weekend in Vancouver.
4. Get a donut from Cartems
Tasting a Cartems donut might become one of the best experiences in Vancouver for you — or at least the best donuts ever! Cartems – with two locations in Vancouver – specializes in delicious, made-from-scratch donuts.
One of the best things about their menu is that a majority of it is suitable for vegan eaters and even a few gluten-free options. Good for runs around the city, or for heading out of town during weekends, getting a Cartems donut is an essential part of any Vancouver weekend!
Try the Sea Vancouver City and Harbour Tour to see some of Vancouver’s best features from a boat. Unfortunately, not a boat cruise but we have gone kayaking on the local waters several times during our time in Vancouver!
5. Catch a Sunset on Sunset Beach
Finish your day discovering the best of Vancouver by… relaxing at Sunset Beach and watching one of those stunning sunsets Yet, set against the western sunset over the ocean English Bay seashore brags a serene vibe that makes for an astounding approach to wrap your Vancouver experience.
The sunset is one of the best activities in Vancouver that you can experience with views of the ocean and beautiful mountains.
6. Queen Elizabeth Park
Queen Elizabeth Park is the highest point in Vancouver. The sanctuary offers pleasant roses, bamboo, and a tranquil lake with lovely ducks swimming by. From here one can admire the scenic beauty of downtown and the iconic taller, mighty mountains surrounding it.
The park is also host to the lovely Bloedel Conservatory, an indoor tropical garden that attracts a small entrance fee. Get tickets ahead of time via the Bloedel Conservatory website. Easily accessible from most parts of Vancouver, families are sure to enjoy a leisurely walk or picnic in Queen Elizabeth Park.
Ready to check out some other sites near Vancouver? Discover our 3-day Sunshine Coast itinerary – covering everything you need to know about enjoying a clear blue island escape not far from Vancouver.
7. Lynn Canyon: Wild In The City
Lynn Canyon is just a bus ride away from downtown Vancouver in North Vancouver. There’s a good chance you’ve drunk in some incredible photos of the legendary Capilano Suspension Bridge on social media.
Credit: But did you know Lynn Canyon Park has a suspension bridge, and the best part is it’s free! There are many footpaths, It is the ideal place for getting in touch with nature and spending a regenerating day. Be sure to check out their web page to make the most of your visit!
Want more of your Vancouver adventure? Head on a day trip to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. All this in a single day, but you’ll be back (in this case, in Victoria). Click to get your tickets for a life-changing journey here!
8. Explore Granville Market
Vancouver’s most famous public market is found on Granville Island where the farm meets ocean to oven. Delicious opportunities abound with a vast selection of dining choices and quaint boutiques everywhere you look, making it the perfect morning location to freely ramble.
The highlight of the day: Take part in a Food Walking Tour of the famous Granville Island Public Market with an expert local chef for visits to the best artisan chocolates and hot-out-of-the-fryer, fresh doughnuts. I promise you will not leave hungry.
While you are down there, take this 2 level experience up to the max by getting on a boat and trying paddle board or kayaking. A must-go if you are in Vancouver to visit!
9. Explore Pacific Regional Park
The natural, diversely forested paths meander for miles around Vancouver Island and are just a quick jaunt to the peaceful beach, making it an idyllic destination for those looking to get away from city life.
North America’s only officially designated naturist beach at the time (no clothing-optional beaches existed) was a portion of Hanlan’s Point on the west side of the city-owned Toronto Islands, which are off the western shore of downtown Toronto. Appreciate the breathtaking ocean views while seeing paradise islands on the horizon. There are many trails through the parklands to get lost on. Check out a few of the trails here.
10. Ride the Skyride or Grind the Grouse
One of the three local peaks that surround Vancouver, Grouse Mountain boasts a panorama over the city that is simply unrivaled – it occupies the middle position. We did not get to the winter ascent but are definitely looking forward to doing that in the summer when the sun is up—top of our Vancouver bucket list!
Also during the summer is your chance to head to Grinder and Coola, a pair of grizzly bears that live in their natural environment. They were saved as orphaned cubs in 2001 – their story is almost as interesting as the CiNENET scenery above Grouse Mountain. Interact with park rangers and learn more about this awe-inspiring wildlife.
11. Soak Up the Sun at Kits Beach
Ranked among the most popular beaches in Vancouver, Kitsilano Beach is one of the busiest waterfronts in the city with a laid-back vibe and several cafes and dining options. Nestled along the sandy shoreline with dramatic backdrops of Stanley Park’s glorious trees, city skylines and majestic mountain silhouettes.
Kitsilano offers an array of aquatic experiences – from a gentle dip in the ocean to a salty swim in the public saltwater pool at the west end of the beach. Catch the beautiful sunset for a perfect finish to a sun-filled day. One of Vancouver’s top attractions, this beach is busy when the weather is nice, and for good reason!
12. Ride your bike with Stanley Ball Seawall
If you were to look up Vancouver, the one place that is a must-see is Stanley Park. Its stunning natural beauty, the colors of the trees, the cool animals and birds, and its quiet beaches – make for a memorable journey. Watch out for seals in the surrounding waters!
While the park has numerous trails, the most famous is the picturesque seawall loop that comes in at an estimated 10 kilometers long. Though walkable biking is a quicker and more enjoyable alternative. Here you will compete with cyclists, roller skaters, and walkers while you navigate this picturesque scene.
You can rent a bike either at various local shops or via a ShawGo bike, which is found all over, for $1.50 an hour, charged to your debit or credit card.
But if you want a completely different perspective of Vancouver then I recommend hopping on one of their guided Vancouver Bike Tours. Learned guides highlight the most fascinating sites in the city, giving you depth and showing you around Vancouver’s enchantment.
13. A Bad Day Out to Bowen Island
Though technically outside city limits, Bowen Island is still one of the best day trips from Vancouver. For the complete guide, click here to see our itinerary for Bowen Island! From there, it is only a short ferry trip away to Bowen Island where everything can be accessed easily on foot.
There are fantastic kayaking opportunities on the island, some wonderful walking routes plus plenty of high-quality dining establishments. This experience was unforgettable, we just had to include it in our Vancouver bucket list!
14. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
There was no way we could leave the Capilano Suspension Bridge off our list of best things to do in Vancouver! The iconic bridge has become so Instagrammed, making it a must-visit worthy of the cost justified.
We mentioned earlier that Lynn Canyon Park is a free option for bridges and forest hikes, but Capilano will make you say wow.
Admission is on the high side for a single visit, but Vancouverites can get an annual pass; with 250 sold as of Saturday. Get your Capilano Suspension Bridge tickets here!
It is also a network of bridges that span across the treetops, providing a stunning landscape beloved by photographers all around. Expect a two-hour exploration window and perhaps a lengthier stay at the on-site cafe.
Capilano is certainly not short of proportion when it comes to its price tag, but includes our 24 other places and attractions to visit in Vancouver situated in or around nature, and it’s decently deserved.
15. Seabus to Lonsdale Quay
There you can take the Seabus – in and of itself an entertaining form of public transport, across the water. While priced around metro fees, be sure to consult the zone information in advance.
Another wonderful thing about Vancouver’s transit system is the 90-minute window, which allows you to transfer between buses and the Skytrain without paying more than one fare as long as it all stays within 90 minutes of your original entry.
Over at Lonsdale Quay, you will find a vibrant Public Market offering an array of casual dining options and shops. In summer, live entertainment accompanies the wonderful vistas of Vancouver across the water.
With a quick foot, you can easily reach the idyllic waterfront homes from Lonsdale Quay Market along with those jaw-dropping mountain views — it’s definitely one of the iconic Vancouver because items!
16. Hit the Slopes and Hike the Nearby Mountains
Upon visiting Vancouver, you are likely not visiting during the winter, so do not fret — the local mountains provide amazing experiences all year long!
The main resort areas are Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain, and Seymour Mountain. The mountains turn into ski heavens in winter for skiing, snowshoeing, and snow tubing suitable for everyone. Summer raises the ground again due to melting and untapped terrains which have restored to their full glory of hiker paths that were once cluttered with winter sports enthusiasts.
Recommended hikes for hiking enthusiasts include St. Marks Summit (Cypress Mountain) and Dog Mountain (Seymour Mountain). For an easy hike read our post about The 12 Best Easy Hikes in Vancouver, Canada
Going further back, our playground was Mt. Seymour this past winter with season pass costs effective at $399 for as many as 15 visits. We would watch the snow accumulate on the slopes, changing with each layer. It is perfect for the beginner skier, and I even made it down a black diamond run by the end of the season!
WhistlerOne of Canada’s top-rated ski resorts is Whistler, which is just a short drive from Vancouver. Located just a day trip away from Vancouver, Whistler is a great option no matter the season. Read more about not renting a car for Whistler here
17. Shop on Robson Street
Vancouver’s most famous shopping district is Robson Street, where numerous shops and eateries attract visitors. So if you have a couple of hours or an entire day to kill this vibrant street has something to offer all.
Restaurants and major North American clothiers abound, while the sprawling Pacific Centre houses several shops within its walls. Of course, the fact that luxury brands in particular populate this colorful boulevard also makes it a great place for those shopping (or window-shopping) addicts among us.
18. Explore Vancouver’s Museums
There are a wealth of museums in Vancouver where you can explore British Columbia’s history. The Museum of Vancouver is situated so as to make a day combining Kitsilano Beach and Granville Island possible.
A visit to this museum is worth the time as it gives an engaging and educational history of the city. Get your Museum of Vancouver tickets here!
Fans of indigenous cultures may want to see the Museum of Anthropology, which offers an excellent overview of not only different ways of looking at the world but also a specific collection of native cultures in British Columbia and Canada. Museum of Anthropology tickets – Click here
The Vancouver Art Gallery and Science World are also neighbors to the Pacific Place Academy giving students even more chances to learn and explore. Buy your Science World tickets, if you are keen to learn more.
19. Explore Deep Cove
Located on the North Shore, the eastern shores of Vancouver to be precise, one visit to Deep Cove and its sleepy village life will have you charmed in no time. You can paddleboard or kayak in the crystal blue waters and take it all in with views of boats mooring a stone’s throw away.
The Baden Powell Trail to Quarry Rock is a hikers’ favorite with stunning vistas of Deep Cove. Relax in the village with some ice cream or a snack from one of the lovely cafes after burning off some calories outdoors.
Hiking Abbotsford, Golden Ears Provincial Park Camping. Has anyone been to Joffre Lakes yet? Whew…it is on my list of places to visit this summer for sure!
20. Dine in Vancouver’s Chinatown
Next door to Gastown, Chinatown has dozens of great places to grab some bites and is a must for an authentic Vancouver experience. Sample some goodies at one of the many eat-inns or bakeries dotting this colorful neighborhood From dim sum at centuries-old restaurants to iconic dumplings, these are the time-honored classics, along with the new wave of hidden hangouts shaking up new-school cocktails.
In the streets of bustling Chinatown, you will find market stands, jewelers, wholesale stores and electronic goods. And the cultural influence of Chinatown spreads just beyond its boundaries to parts of the city and the rest of Richmond, ensuring a wealth of delicious discoveries throughout these regions.
21. Conquer Downtown Vancouver in a Seaplane
When I got to Vancouver, one of the things at the top of my bucket list was a seaplane flight. It is an unforgettable experience to see seaplanes soaring through the skies of this city. Harbour Air matches you with a knowledgeable pilot who brings you up into the air for dazzling views of this mountainous paradise.
Call me to fly to this aerial adventure today! The size of Vancouver and its lush natural surroundings are best appreciated from the air. Vancouver Seaplane Tours tend to sell out quickly, so it’s recommended to book in advance!
22. Discover the Gastown Vibe
It has the iconic Steam Clock of Gastown Victorian architecture and more. The cobble streets of Old Town are also jam-packed with boutique shops and tourist souvenir stores where you can buy magnets and postcards. Here you will also find a great variety of places to eat, all pretty close to Chinatown.
You cannot visit Vancouver without a stop in Gastown or Downtown Vancouver. We love the vegan hotspot, Meet – you must go to Gastown.
If you have an interest in the realm of spooky, check out the popular Vancouver Lost Souls of Gastown Walking Tour. Discover more about the chilling tales of the darker parts of this city’s history. Click here for tickets to this great event!
23. A Visit To Capilano River Hatchery
Located in North Vancouver and easily accessible by public transit, the Capilano Hatchery provides a rather unique escape from the crowds scouring downtown Vancouver. Visiting a river hatchery may not rank high on your list of things to do in Vancouver at first, but it is something that you should consider stopping by since it’s not too far from the node.
You can take a relaxing stroll along the many trails that are near the hatchery. Popular attractions include the Cleveland Dam (FREE). Whatever the time of year, you might also see salmon jumping up the fish ladders from the viewing gallery above.
Luckily for us, when we visited in September we got to watch the spectacle of salmon leaping up the ladder. One of the more interested viewers was Amy, a “freak” for the movie Brother Bear, who was eager to check out wild salmon in Canada. While we may have missed our opportunity to see them in the wild, seeing baby sea turtles hatch provided an up-close (literally) wildlife encounter.
Viewing Times: Perfect times for viewing the salmon species are included in this week’s Cleveland Metroparks fishing report, along with advice on watching: Coho Juveniles (year-round) Coho Adults (June-November) Chinook Juveniles (March-May ) Chinook Adults (October-November) Steelhead… Watch the best view in our school! Make sure to look up the Capilano River Hatchery hours before heading there.
24. Van Dusen Botanical Park
With its large collection of more than 7,500 plant species, VanDusen Botanical Garden is an enchanting place to visit any time of year. Admission is modestly priced and gives you access to acres and acres of different botanical landscapes, each more spectacular than the next.
The park features ever-morphing plant life, but it also has tranquil lakes, a cute cafe, a sit-down restaurant, and even an adventurous hedge maze. This interactive museum’s ticket price is nominal and for a fulfilling visit — Purchase your entrance tickets here to have an unforgettable time!!
25. Spanish Banks, Vancouver – Skyline viewing of Vancouver
The Jericho, Locarno, and Spanish Banks are a series of beaches in the West Grey Point area just to the west of Kitsilano that offer postcard views of Vancouver’s skyline against an exquisite cluster of sky oysters.
The sunny expanses of sand, meanwhile, are actually a great place to watch ships sail by and kitesurfers skim across the water. Volleyball poles are also set up on the beach and many evenings the locals come here to play and it is quite entertaining to watch. And never be afraid to do so, if you feel inspired.
This is definitely near to the all-band spot that you are going to die without visiting, so this adds a lot to your Vancouver bucket list!
We hope you have enjoyed this meandering journey into the Top 25 Best things you should do in Vancouver, Canada. This Vancouver bucket list was crafted meticulously and we are excited to grow it into a longer list soon!
Planning on staying in Vancouver? For a hotel with amazing views in the Coal Harbour neighborhood, see the Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Hotel by APA Booking details are available here on Booking. com!
