36 Best Things to do in Vancouver, Canada In 2023

Vancouver is without doubt one of the most picturesque cities in the world. Located on the Strait of Georgia, spliced by False Creek, and backed by towering mountains, Vancouver, Canada balances outside actions with many cultural highlights. This year-round vacation spot has loads of mountain climbing trails and outside occasions in {the summertime} and in the winter you may go ice skating at one in every of its many arenas or hit the superior ski slopes positioned simply minutes from the downtown core.

The Top Things to do in Vancouver, Canada

Downtown Vancouver options museums, galleries, and the gorgeous Stanley Park. It’s a occurring metropolis in its personal proper. But only a few areas can lay declare to the type of surroundings Vancouver supplies. Beyond town are snow-capped peaks carved by years of slow-moving glaciers. The Coast Mountains which reduce via British Columbia are awe-inspiring permitting guests a large unfold of actions to get pleasure from. This complete information will make it easier to uncover the most effective issues to do in Vancouver, Canada.

1. Granville Island

Many cities have fantastic tales of previous warehouses reborn to change into a prime attraction. Vancouver’s model of that is Granville Island. The previous industrial port in town has been changed by a thriving arts neighborhood with eating places and microbrew pubs, boutique outlets, and leisure. Granville Island is without doubt one of the first locations you must see when visiting Vancouver.

Inside the warehouses, you’ll discover artwork galleries that includes native artists, a boisterous eating scene and impartial theaters. If you’re up for a pint, try Granville Island Brewing Company. Granville Island is technically not an island, so you may arrive by way of each automobile and ferry.

Granville Island Market

But maybe the preferred factor to do right here is to discover the Granville Island Public Market. Come right here for recent produce and scrumptious treats. The Granville Island Public Market showcases native meals and artisanal merchandise, with over 50 distributors providing all kinds of recent and locally-sourced produce, meats, cheeses, seafood, and baked items. It’s an important place to pattern the flavors of British Columbia and help native farmers and producers.

The market additionally gives academic experiences for guests, together with culinary workshops and excursions, wine tastings, and cooking lessons. Take a tour the place you may study concerning the historical past of Granville Market and its distributors, in addition to the native meals and artisanal manufacturing processes.

2. Stanley Park

The most well-known of all of the Vancouver Parks is Stanley Park. Located on the peninsula in the West End of Vancouver, Stanley Park is without doubt one of the prime vacationer points of interest providing a pure escape simply steps from downtown Vancouver. The fringe of the park carves alongside the bay, offering wonderful biking and a spot for informal strolls alongside the long-lasting Stanley Park Seawall. Beyond the water, you’ll discover one other prime attraction on this listing of issues to do in Vancouver, the Vancouver Aquarium.

Stanley Park gives guests an opportunity to escape town simply steps away from the downtown core. The Stanley Park seawall begins on the Vancouver Convention Centre and goes throughout the park to Spanish Banks Park. You can stroll, cycle, or rollerblade across the seawall to see a number of the park’s prime points of interest.

Hot Tip: At the Stanley Park Totem Poles, you’ll discover top-of-the-line views of Vancouver’s lovely skyline. Get on a motorbike to discover Stanely Park with this guided biking tour.

Stanley Park is a good spot for a day picnic with area for yard video games. In the summer time, the heated public pool is open, bringing excited households alongside for the afternoon. While in spring, colours burst via the panorama, together with vibrant cherry timber.

One of the most effective methods to see Vancouver and Stanely park is on a non-public tour. Book this highly-reviewed personal tour to see Stanley Park, Granville Island, Gastown, Canada Place, and extra on a four-hour tour all to your self.

3. Canada Place

Not to be confused with a traditional ocean-going vessel, Canada Place is a everlasting construction positioned on the Vancouver Convention Centre on Vancouver Harbour. The pier rolls approach out into Vancouver harbor, offering vacationers and locals with fantastic views of the mountains in the gap and the picturesque bay.

Beyond being a cruise ship terminal, Canada Place can be the Vancouver Convention Center which hosts over 500 occasions annually, and The Pan Pacific Hotel. But that’s not why it’s on the listing. Also on the finish of the pier is Flyover Canada. Jump in the flight simulator and discover the nation from above. Most Alaska cruises depart or finish in Vancouver. We ended two Alaskan cruises by crusing into Vancouver Harbour. Check out our cruise expertise to Alaska.

Where to Stay

Another good spot to keep close to the Vancouver Convention Center earlier than or after your cruise is the Fairmont Pacific Rim. This historic resort is opulent and opulent but the modern rooms have all of the high-tech facilities.

Trade the indoor pool for a lavish rooftop swim earlier than sitting down at one of many three on-site eating places, together with The Botanist, a famend tremendous eating expertise. With a lot to see inside straightforward strolling distance, get pleasure from an important location in type.

4. False Creek

False Creek is the center of Vancouver, British Columbia. This bustling inlet has lots of the prime points of interest in the realm that draw guests from all around the world. From Granville Island and the Island Public Market to Science World, take a stroll alongside False Creek’s Seawall to take in the views of the Vancouver Skyline.

This scenic tour takes you on a 90-minute boat tour from False Creek to Lighthouse Park. You’ll see the resident seal colony, town’s seashores, and the Lions Gate Bridge whereas taking in the Vancouver Skyline.

5. Olympic Village

Don’t neglect to go to Olympic Village, a newly developed space positioned on the southeast shore of False Creek. Vancouver’s Olympic Village was residence to the athletes throughout the 2010 Winter Olympics and has since been reworked right into a vibrant neighborhood that options eating places, outlets, and public artwork. Also referred to as the Southeast False Creek neighborhood, it’s simply minutes from town heart.

Vancouver’s Olympic Village is residence to a number of common craft breweries, together with Brassneck Brewery, Steel Toad Brewing, and Main Street Brewing, making it an important spot for beer lovers to discover the Craft Beer Scene. It can be residence to quite a few public artwork installations, together with the favored A-Maze-ing Laughter sculpture, which options 14 bronze figures laughing and enjoying.

This is a wonderful neighborhood for procuring with a wide range of distinctive outlets, boutiques, and eating places, together with the stylish eating spot, The Flying Pig, and the favored native bakery, Terra Breads.

False Creek Ferries

Make positive to hop on the False Creek Ferries to benefit from the water taxi service providing a singular approach to discover the realm. It stops at Granville Island, Science World, and Yaletown. It’s a enjoyable and distinctive approach to get across the space.

6. Yaletown

One of our favorite locations to hang around is the stylish neighborhood of Yaletown the place there are stylish eating places, boutique outlets, and a vibrant nightlife. Overall, False Creek gives a various vary of points of interest which are positive to attraction to guests of all pursuits and ages.

One of our favourite methods to see a metropolis is to be a part of a biking tour. This guided tour takes you alongside the seawall and thru town’s hottest neighborhoods together with Yaletown, and Chinatown, with a cease on the serene Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden (Another one of many prime issues to do in Vancouver) and Strathcona—Vancouver’s oldest residential neighborhood.  

Where to Stay close to Yaletown

The Opus Vancouver is a wonderful boutique resort positioned in Yaletown that’s inside strolling distance of every thing in town heart. Plus there are nice choices for eating and nightlife shut by and it’s only a brief stroll to the waterfront. Check out charges and availability on TripAdvisor / Booking.com

7. Science World

When touring round Vancouver, there’s an opportunity you’ll have observed the massive metallic dome construction on False Creek. What chances are you’ll not know, is that it’s residence to one of many prime issues to do in Vancouver with youngsters.

The family-friendly Science World options 12 interactive displays designed to get you fascinated about how the world works. Activities vary from exploring movement, water, and the historical past of innovations.

The 12 displays are complemented by varied touring exhibitions which have been part of famend museums and different science facilities. Once you’re all executed exploring, relax and watch a present on the large five-story domed display. The largest of its variety on earth.

8. Watch the Vancouver Canucks

We all know Canada to be a hockey-mad nation, so why not lean into the thrill and enterprise off to a neighborhood recreation? The Vancouver Canucks play in the NHL, which runs from October to April, and the house crew averages slightly below 20,000 for every recreation.

Playing out of Rogers Arena, seize your self a foam finger and root for the house crew. Whether you recognize a lot about hockey or not, the noise of the group is bound to get you concerned. Once the sport is over, downtown Vancouver might be at your disposal.

We love doing strolling excursions after we first arrive in a metropolis and top-of-the-line methods to see Vancouver is to guide this Guided City Highlights Tour.

9. Chinatown

After passing via the spectacular Millenium Gate, you’ve formally arrived in Vancouver’s bustling Chinatown. This a part of town mixes trendy growth with many historic buildings from Vancouver’s early years. Vancouver’s Chinatown is without doubt one of the largest in North America and is a prime spot for reasonable eats. The iconic Dim Sum at Floata Seafood Restaurant is a must-eat on any go to.

After consuming a tad an excessive amount of, discover the attention-grabbing native outlets earlier than making your approach to Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Created by way of conventional strategies, with manicured gardens and exquisite streams, the gardens are a nod to the Ming Dynasty.

10. Grouse Mountain

Crossing over the Lions Gate Bridge, we take you to North Vancouver to get pleasure from Grouse Mountain. At any time of 12 months, visiting Grouse Mountain is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Vancouver. The view from the highest supplies unmatched surroundings, with epic vistas of town skyline in the valley beneath. You can take a scenic experience up the Gondola or deal with the Grouse Grind.

The notorious Grouse Grind, typically described as Mother Nature’s StairMaster is without doubt one of the prime hikes in Vancouver. Once on the prime of Grouse Mountain, there are many issues to do from going ziplining, mountain climbing, seeing the resident grizzly bears that had been rescued as orphans 20 years in the past, and taking in the spectacular views.

When the snow falls, Grouse Mountain turns into a winter paradise, with snowboarding, skating, and snowshoeing on supply. Because of ample newbie runs, it’s a powerful spot for the household to go snowboarding.

Getting to the summit is straightforward thanks to the gondola that runs on daily basis. After the scenic experience, mountain climbing adventures await together with mountain-top eating places. Ready to discover Vancouver’s nature? Read up on the most effective hikes to do in Vancouver.

11. Capilano Suspension Bridge

While visiting Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver, it’s good to mix a go to to the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Having the moniker of Vancouver’s first vacationer attraction could make guests surprise if the Capilano Suspension Bridge is outdated. Yet town’s suspension bridge, which opened in 1889, continues to wow and thrill people who stroll throughout the Capilano River to at the present time.

The 70m footbridge connects two sides of a deep canyon with the Capilano River slicing via beneath. There are mountain climbing trails and outside adventures ready on the opposite facet. The bridge sees a whole lot of guests, so it’s a kind of points of interest that’s nicely value getting up early for.

Conveniently, you may catch a free shuttle to the Capilano Suspension Bridge from downtown Vancouver. Once you’ve arrived, up the ante by experiencing the clear Cliff Walk for an superior thrill. Pick up this self-guided tour of the attraction that features entry to the park.

12. Queen Elizabeth Park

From one park to one other, Queen Elizabeth Park has a little bit of every thing. The heart of the park referred to as Little Mountain is the best level in town. Queen Elizabeth Park is a good place to go for sundown and is without doubt one of the finest locations to see Vancouver’s Skyline. From right here you can even see the snow-capped peaks to the north.

While Stanley Park is all about nature, Queen Elizabeth Park is fun-packed. Come right here for mini and disk golf, tennis courts, and the Bloedel Conservatory. The latter options an illuminated geodesic dome. Also in the city park is the Quarry Garden. The repurposed quarry comes with a spectacular entrance and is an excellent place to stroll on a transparent day.

13. Commodore Ballroom

If you’re searching for issues to do in Vancouver at night time, try some music at Vancouver’s most historic reside music venue. Located on Granville Street, The Commodore Ballroom has seen the likes of Kiss, B.B. King, David Bowie, and The Police grace its stage. Today it’s nonetheless going sturdy and is without doubt one of the most influential venues in North America.

14. Whale Watching

Vancouver is a enjoyable metropolis to discover however it’s even higher on a ship tour. Beyond town limits lies an unbelievable place to see migrating whales. Off the shoreline of British Columbia, keen whale watchers maintain their eyes peeled for grey and humpback whales.

The whale watching season begins in March because the temperatures start to rise and final till October. You’ll uncover loads of methods to see these lovely beasts, whether or not that be from a non-public dinghy, touring boat, or from above in a airplane. Beyond whales, it’s widespread to spot orcas and minke in your journey.

Book this highly-rated half-day whale-watching tour from Vancouver. It gives straightforward cancellation inside 24 hours of tour and last-minute bookings.

15. Vancouver Art Gallery

In downtown Vancouver, town’s outstanding artwork gallery is without doubt one of the prime artwork establishments in Canada. One of the most effective issues to do in Vancouver is to join a guided tour of the Vancouver Art Gallery. It is a gathering place and hosts enjoyable neighborhood occasions

On any day throughout the week, you may discover the modern artwork area with the serving to hand of an skilled. Learn concerning the shows and the tales behind them. When you’re prepared for a break, sit down on the on-site bistro patio earlier than going out by yourself. The Vancouver Art Gallery is subsequent to Robson Square, a well-liked gathering place in town heart.

16. Vandusen Botanical Garden

An oasis in the center of town, VanDusen Botanical Garden, is a sight to behold. All advised, the backyard covers a large 55 acres with a worldwide plant choice that provides to over 7000 vegetation.

The quiet setting is the proper approach to chill out and escape from the oft-chaotic downtown Vancouver. Keep your digital camera useful as you discover the colourful gardens, artwork sculptures, distinctive structure, and even a beguiling waterfall.

There are a number of eating places on-site that provide something from a calming espresso to a delicious noon meal. If you’re in Vancouver throughout the winter, cease by for the annual Festival of Lights.

17. Vancouver Maritime Museum

Although providing splendid views of English Bay, the within of the Vancouver Maritime Museum is what company bear in mind essentially the most. One of the highest issues to do in Vancouver is to discover the historic museum and study seagoing tales that date again centuries.

The museum gives a various vary of views and takes a take a look at outstanding explorations in the Pacific Northwest and the Arctic Oceans. Inside the beautiful A-frame constructing is the gorgeous RCP Vessel St Roch. Jump behind the wheel and really feel what it might be like to helm the historic boat.

18. Vancouver Lookout

The Vancouver Lookout is a well-liked vacationer attraction positioned in town heart on the highest flooring of the Harbour Centre constructing. The 360-degree statement deck stands at 168 meters (553 toes) providing spectacular views of Vancouver’s Skyline, The North Shore Mountains, the Pacific Ocean, and English Bay.

Interactive displays: In addition to the statement deck, the Vancouver Lookout additionally contains a vary of interactive displays that educate guests concerning the metropolis’s historical past, tradition, and landmarks. These displays embody historic pictures, 3D fashions of town, and multimedia shows.

Accessibility: The Vancouver Lookout is absolutely accessible to individuals with mobility points, with elevators that present entry to the statement deck and displays. The attraction can be wheelchair-friendly, with huge doorways and accessible washrooms.

19. Lynn Canyon

Capilano Suspension Bridge could get all of the plaudits, however it isn’t the one one in every of its variety in Vancouver. The Lynn Canyon suspension bridge is a neighborhood favourite, notably because it avoids the vacationer hordes and doesn’t value a penny.

In the Lynn Valley, Lynn Canyon Park brings spectacular surroundings that’s positive to excite your inside explorer. Several forest trails lead you to distant swimming holes and pure waterfalls. Eventually, you’ll encounter the bridge, which connects to the opposite facet over 50 hair-raising meters.

20. Museum of Anthropology

Note: The Museum of Anthropology is briefly closed for many of 2023 for upgrades to be certain that the Indigenous collections are housed in this however visiting the grounds of UBC remains to be value a go to. You also can go to its rose backyard for beautiful views of the mountains and ocean.

The Museum of Anthropology is a bit of the University of British Columbia and has a eager deal with the Northwest Coast First Nations. Explore native artwork, giant totem poles, and mosaics. Beyond native human historical past, the museum appears to be like towards the South Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Europe. It all comes collectively inside an previous World War II fort reworked right into a cultural spotlight.

21. Explore Gastown

As town’s oldest district, Gastown is a must-visit in your travels to Vancouver. Gastown developed on the again of legendary John Deighton. The man was a griot, a throwback to previous storytellers, and rapidly gained the nickname, Gassy Jack. A statue of Deighton can now be discovered in Maple Tree Square.

Gastown gives an immense variety of high quality eating places, attention-grabbing galleries, and native boutiques. All are positioned inside Victorian-era buildings.

Just a quick stroll from Canada Place, Gastown is lined with cobblestone streets lit by traditional lampposts. It’s a journey again in time, particularly when the fog rolls in and the lamps shine via the clouds. You can guide strolling excursions of Gastown like This extremely rated misplaced souls of Gastown tour.

22. Kitsilano Beach

Vancouver has loads of city seashores and a technique to take in the solar when in Vancouver is with a visit to Kitsilano Beach. The native favourite is a laid-back location with dazzling metropolis and mountain views. The spacious seashore is common on summer time days when locals come to bake on the gentle sands or have enjoyable on the volleyball courts.

Jumping in the water isn’t so common, however you’ll quickly uncover a heated outside pool. Once you’re executed having a dip, dry off and benefit from the a number of strolling trails via the inexperienced area, or relax at a neighborhood cafe. You’ll additionally end up minutes from procuring on West Fourth Avenue.

23. Visit Wreck Beach

Wreck Beach has been well-known for so long as I can bear in mind. This clothing-optional seashore positioned on the western tip of Vancouver has a large expanse of sandy seashores and rocky sea cliffs. For these snug with the clothing-optional coverage, it’s an important alternative to shed your inhibitions. With regulars who’ve been visiting for years and are welcoming to new guests. There’s a relaxed and pleasant vibe, with individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and physique varieties.

Wreck Beach additionally hosts a variety of occasions and festivals all year long, together with seashore cleanups, artwork reveals, and reside music performances. These occasions may be a good way to join with like-minded individuals and benefit from the seashore in a festive environment.

24. English Bay

Close to Stanley Park, English Bay is one other common beachfront that brings the crowds on sunny days. As part of Vancouver’s West End, English Bay performs host to the Celebration of Light.

The annual pageant, held in July, sees eye-popping fireworks gentle up the sky and reside music. But on any common day you’ll discover residents stress-free below the big timber, rollerblading or taking in the numerous public artwork displays. Like Kitsilano Beach, it’s not widespread to swim at English Bay. But that doesn’t cease these braving the frigid waters for the Polar Bear Swim, held on New Year’s Day.

English Bay Beach

Dave and I used to reside in the West End of Vancouver and English Bay Beach was our seashore. We knew it as First Beach. Because of its shut proximity to town heart, English Bay Beach is one in every of Vancouver’s busiest seashores. From right here you may see views of English Bay and the North Shore mountains. We cherished this neighborhood of Vancouver with loads of eating places, espresso outlets, and procuring close by.

The water is calm providing loads of water sports activities resembling SUP, kayaking, and swimming. On the shore, you may get pleasure from seashore volleyball or this can be a great place to get pleasure from a picnic with that meals you picked up at Granville Market.

One of the highlights of English Bay Beach is the annual Celebration of Light fireworks show (we used to watch it from our rooftop!) which takes place over three nights each summer time and attracts lots of of 1000’s of tourists. The seashore can be the start line of the annual Vancouver Polar Bear Swim, a New Year’s Day custom in which courageous swimmers take a dip in the chilly waters of English Bay.

Spanish Banks Beach

Vancouver has a whole lot of waterfront property and loads of metropolis seashores. Another common seashore in Vancouver is Spanish Banks Beach. Also positioned in the West End, Spanish Banks is the place the seawall ends however will also be accessed by public transportation.

There are a number of facilities at Spanish Banks Beach, together with washrooms, picnic tables, BBQs, and concession stands. The seashore can be dog-friendly, with designated off-leash areas for canine to run and play. It’s a well-liked spot for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and seashore volleyball. At low tide, the seashore extends out to the waterline, creating a big space for strolling, kite-flying, and exploring the intertidal zone.

25. Take a Sunset Cruise

One of the most effective issues to do in Vancouver is to take a sundown cruise to benefit from the metropolis’s scenic waterfront. This sundown dinner cruise takes you out from Vancouver Harbour to the Pacific Ocean to see the Vancouver Skyline and exquisite coast. As you’re taking in the views of West Vancouver and the North Shore Mountains you’ll get pleasure from a West Coast-style buffet dinner with music. Take in the highest Vancouver points of interest out of your distinctive vantage level on the water.

26. Christ Church Cathedral

Dave and I are usually not very non secular, however after we journey we all the time have a tendency to go to cathedrals and temples. When visiting Vancouver, we stayed true to that custom. Christ Church Cathedral is an Anglican church relationship again to 1889. Located in downtown Vancouver, it options a mixture of Gothic Revival and Romanesque architectural types.

The historic landmark of Vancouver is thought for its putting bell tower, which rises 65 meters (213 toes) above avenue degree and is without doubt one of the tallest constructions in downtown Vancouver. The inside of the Christ Church Cathedral options lovely stained glass home windows, intricate woodwork, and a shocking pipe organ.

27. Explore Richmond

South of downtown Vancouver, Richmond is residence to Vancouver’s different Chinatown. Walking across the fashionable neighborhood will deliver you to a number of genuine Chinese eating places prepared to entertain your style buds.

But Richmond isn’t nearly meals. You’ll discover a good looking Buddhist temple and uncover the small village of Steveston. The lovely space of Richmond is residence to a National History Site, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. The previous boat sheds had been as soon as part of the west coast’s historic fishing business. But at the moment are stuffed with waterfront eating places and boutiques.

28. Richmond Night Market

If you’re questioning what to do in Vancouver at night time, then make your approach to the Richmond Night Market simply 20 minutes from the downtown core. The vibrant market is stuffed with attention-grabbing stalls promoting souvenirs and artwork. Naturally, it’s one other good spot to attempt some Chinese avenue eats on the many meals stalls.

The Richmond Night Market options greater than 200 distributors promoting every thing from clothes, to equipment and souvenirs. You also can pattern a variety of cuisines, together with Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Thai, in addition to extra conventional pageant meals like mini donuts and corn on the cob.

The family-friendly market is a good vacation spot for adults and youngsters with a variety of actions to maintain everybody entertained from carnival points of interest and video games to reside music, cultural shows, and loads of meals choices.

The Richmond Night Market is just open in the evenings, which supplies it a singular and thrilling environment. The market is brightly lit with colourful lights, and the sounds and smells of the distributors and leisure create a vibrant and energetic environment.

29. Sea-Plane Tour

By now you’ll have some appreciation for the spectacular panorama that flanks Vancouver. But from floor degree, it’s exhausting to perceive the sheer scale of the native mountain ranges. Book this extremely rated sea airplane tour for a scenic view of town. This small group flight additionally features a carbon offset.

One approach to expertise the dramatic environment is from the sky. Head to the heavens and look down on British Columbia. See rugged glacial mountains, far-off oceans, and Vancouver’s prime websites. These can embody Vancouver’s North Shore, Grouse Mountain, and False Creek reducing via downtown. The unforgettable expertise will see you land on the harborfront, prepared to deal with extra prime points of interest.

Want one other approach to discover Canada’s wonderful surroundings? Check out our information on the long-lasting Rocky Mountaineer.

30. Museum of Vancouver

If you may’t get sufficient of native historical past, then make certain to pay a go to to the Museum of Vancouver. Dedicated to all issues “Couve”, discover town’s historical past from the very begin.

Begin with the Coast Salish communities that first settled on the north Pacific Coast. Later, transfer on to the event of Japantown, the fascinating Kitsilano hippie days earlier than studying about Vancouver’s Twentieth-century evolution.

Vancouver Day Trips

Vancouver is positioned in a wonderful location with shut proximity to a few of British Columbia’s prime locations. From the Fraser Valley to the Coastal Mountains, there are many straightforward day journeys and weekend getaways to be had. These are a number of of our prime picks.

31. Sea to Sky Highway

If you need to get out of the bustle of Vancouver, why not full top-of-the-line scenic drives in Canada? The Sea to Sky Highway is a 90-minute journey starting in the Vancouver metropolis heart and ending on the well-known city of Whistler.

You can drive the ocean to sky freeway in one fast shot, however we advocate taking your time street journey is filled with highlights, with beautiful vistas all through. An in a single day in Squamish is extremely really useful to benefit from the Pass waterfalls, sprawling lakes, and snow-capped peaks. Have your digital camera on a full cost, since you by no means know what’s across the nook. Want to know extra concerning the epic drive? Read our information to the Sea-to-Sky.

32. Go Skiing or Snowboarding

Grouse Mountain will be the most well-known of the North Shore Mountains, however there are two different mountains which are value visiting. Cypress in West Vancouver and Mount Seymour in North Vancouver are two year-round locations for mountain climbing and biking in the summer time and snowboarding and snowboarding in the winter.

Because of its distinctive geographical place, Vancouver sees a whole lot of rain. The upside is unbelievable powder and world-class snowboarding. If you’ve gotten an additional day in your itinerary and the lifts are working, then do your self a favor and go shred. Aside from epic ski resorts of Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain and Mt. Seymour (all inside a 30-minute drive from Downtown Vancouver, Whistler Blackcomb is simply 120 km (75 miles) from town. Read extra at our Whistler Snowboarding Adventure

If you solely have a short while, you may even go to Whistler on a day journey. It actually isn’t sufficient to see all of it in at some point, however generally you may solely take what you will get. When we lived in Vancouver, we’d pop over for an epic day of snowboarding, identical to we generally do for Blue Mountain right here in Ontario. Check out extra about Whistler at 30 Awesome Things to Do in Whistler, BC

33. Squamish

Squamish is positioned simply 50 minutes from downtown Vancouver alongside the Sea to Sky Highway and makes for an important day journey. We love Squamish a lot that we recommend making at the very least an in a single day journey to town. There are loads of issues to see and do in Squamish which is why we are saying to make it an in a single day cease in your Sea to Sky Highway street journey. Read extra: 14 Amazing Things to Do in Squamish BC

34. Brittania Mine

A well-liked cease alongside the facet of the street is the Brittania Mine. We didn’t assume we’d care an excessive amount of a couple of mine, however this mining museum is superior. It begins with a practice experience into the mine to find out about how the mine was constructed, you may pan for gold and see all of the previous buildings with interactive shows. The BOOM Multimedia present that’s included along with your ticket is an extravaganza that’s not to be missed.

35. Sea to Sky Gondola

One of the preferred points of interest in Squamish is the Sea to Sky Gondola which takes you to the highest of the mountains for spectacular views of Howe Sound. If you liked the Capilano Suspension Bridge, you’ll love The Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge. The Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge is accessible by way of the Sea to Sky Gondola, which takes guests on a scenic experience to the summit of the mountain. From there, guests can take a brief hike to the bridge.

The final time we had been there, the Sea to Sky Gondola was closed however it’s now open for enterprise year-round. During the winter months, there’s snow tubing, snowshoeing, and nordic snowboarding. And in the summer time, there’s loads of mountain climbing. Plus the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge is open year-round as nicely. Read extra: 14 Amazing Things to Do in Squamish BC

Book your Tickets up the Sea to Sky Gondola in advance with free cancellation inside 24 hours of entry ought to one thing come up. The journey takes about 10 minutes a technique. If you’re feeling peckish you may go to the Summit Lodge for native British Columbia fare. You ought to guide your tickets for the Sea to Sky Gondola on-line.

36. Vancouver Island

Despite its title, Vancouver Island is 2 hours away from town heart by ferry. Nevertheless, the journey remains to be top-of-the-line issues to do in Vancouver. We have it as a day journey, however we advocate at the very least making it an in a single day getaway. In a rustic of wonderful magnificence, there’s one thing breathtaking about Vancouver Island.

The two-hour journey contains a ferry experience from town and ends on the largest island on the Pacific Coast of North America. Such is the bevy of issues to do, ideally, you’ll have a while to discover. But for those who solely have a day, then there are a number of excursions across the island. Must-see spots embody Victoria, the Pacific Rim National Park in Tofino (additionally nice for browsing), and the impeccable Butchart Gardens. Speaking of street journeys, learn up on our itinerary for driving via BC’s Sunshine Coast.

Book this Vancouver to Victoria tour that features a ferry experience throughout the Strait of Georgia and thru the Gulf Island to Vancouver Island to discover the gorgeous Butchart Gardens adopted by a sightseeing tour of downtown Victoria.

What to Know About Vancouver

Now that your itinerary is stuffed with the most effective issues to do in Vancouver, let’s discover all you want to know to benefit from the metropolis!

Getting to Downtown Vancouver

We all the time lease a automobile and discover it’s one of the best ways to get round Vancouver. You can store for automobile leases from the Vancouver Airport at RentalCars.com

The major arrival level for Vancouver is the Vancouver International Airport. The airport is roughly 9 miles from downtown and the best approach to get there’s by way of the Airport SkyPractice. The journey takes 25 minutes to full and begins simply after 5 am and ends at 1 am. A ticket prices 9 CAD (approx $7 USD) a technique except you’ve gotten a pre-purchased cross, which reduces the value to $5 ( about $3.50 USD).

Taxis are one other common choice with rides taking round half-hour, relying on the situation of your resort. Expect to pay between $25 – $30 CAD ($20 – $25 USD).

Best Time to Visit Vancouver, British Columbia

Unless you’ve come to Vancouver in winter to tear up the slopes, summer time, and early autumn are the most effective occasions to go to Vancouver. Vancouver is infamous for rain, and summer time is the most effective time to keep away from getting moist.

Spring may be very wet however you may actually count on to have rain any time of the 12 months. Festivals are occurring and spots like Stanley Park pack out with locals. Autumn is a wonderful time to go to Vancouver for fall colours, the temperature remains to be fairly nice and there are numerous fall adventures to be had.

The spring sees the countryside come to life as wildflowers paint the panorama. This time of 12 months can be much less crowded and also you’ll discover it simpler to discover the most effective points of interest in Vancouver.

Where to Stay in Vancouver

It could also be tempting to keep in Richmond or in North Vancouver, however to expertise the most effective of Vancouver, it’s really useful that you simply keep downtown. From the doorstep, you’ll be inside strolling distance of many highlights from English Bay to Gastown.

Here are some prime decisions to go well with all budgets:

Luxury: The Opus Vancouver is a wonderful boutique resort positioned in Yaletown that’s inside strolling distance of every thing. Plus there are nice choices for eating and nightlife shut by and its only a brief stroll to the waterfront. Check out charges and availability on TripAdvisor / Booking.com Mid-Range: Budget: With a extremely rated location, you gained’t have to spend a lot on the Samesun Vancouver to get pleasure from a fast stroll to Robson Street, Stanley Park, and the most effective of downtown. Check out charges and availability on TripAdvisor/ Booking.com

And these are the most effective issues to do in Vancouver with a number of concepts for excursions and lodging. We lived in Vancouver for 3 years and have gone again repeatedly. This is a metropolis that retains evolving and altering and regardless of what number of occasions we go to, we all the time discover one thing new.

Have you been to Vancouver? What are your favourite points of interest in town?