The vibrant, multicultural city of Vancouver isn’t all that big– but it more than makes up for it with the surrounding natural beauty, culture, and adventure.
Rife with foodies, hipsters, and outdoor enthusiasts, as well as a diverse population, Vancouver is a city to explore and enjoy!
From bike riding the seawall at Stanley Park and eating Asian food to wandering around exhibits, here are some of the best things to do in Vancouver, and some tips for exploring this beautiful place!
Outdoor Adventures and Natural Attractions
1. Stanley Park
Stanley Park is one of the most famous landmarks in Vancouver. It’s a park that offers a green escape in the city, completely surrounded by the Seawall. It’s a great spot to explore the outdoors and enjoy nature.
Here you can walk, bike, or take a horse-drawn carriage for a leisurely stroll. Don’t miss the giant trees, the historical Totem Poles, and the incredible trails that span for miles.
Cost: Most things in the park are free, except for the horse-drawn carriage ride.
Transport: Easy to get to by public transportation or bicycle.
Estimated Time Spent: Plan on devoting at least half a day to see and appreciate the park in full.
Tips: Begin at the Totem Poles and don’t miss Lost Lagoon. Plan a picnic or eat at one of the park’s restaurants.
2. Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain sits above Vancouver, providing panoramic views and all-season activities. It’s a must-visit if you like mountains.
Whether hiking its challenging trademark “Grouse Grind” or just visiting the wildlife refuge, everyone can enjoy this epic park.
Cost: Some activities have entrance fees, but the Grouse Grind is entirely free.
Transport: To reach Grouse Mountain from downtown Vancouver, take the Sea Bus, then transfer right to a bus.
Estimated Time Spent: One full day is all you need to explore everything Grouse Mountain has to offer.
Tips: Wear proper shoes for hiking, and always be weather-aware. The Skyride aerial tramway is a must!
3. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is one of Vancouver’s top tourist attractions with plenty of exciting and educational activities.
Across the bridge, enjoy the view of the Capilano River below, or head to the Treetops Adventure and Cliff walk for even more fun.
Cost: There is a fee to enter the park. This covers all activities.
Estimated Time Spent: It will take you at least four hours to see everything.
Tips: I advise visiting during the early hours to beat the crowds and learning about the indigenous history at the Kia’Palano exhibit.
4. Vancouver Aquarium
Located in Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium is a world-class marine science center, ideal for family and animal fans. Live animal shows, interactive experiences, and more will captivate and entertain you during your visit.
Cost: Entry fees, which depend on age, are charged.
Transport: You can take the bus to get there, or drive. The garden lies within Stanley Park.
Estimated Time Spent: Plan on dedicating 2-3 hours to experiencing all things marine.
Tips: Be sure to see when animal enrichment and the 4D Theatre Experience are offered.
5. Queen Elizabeth Park
Queen Elizabeth Park is a scenic floral park on Vancouver’s highest spot. It also boasts panoramic views of the city, and the Bloedel Conservatory offers a tropical retreat.
Cost: Entrance is free, though certain things like the Bloedel Conservatory are not.
Transport: Public transport available as well as car parking.
Estimated Time Spent: Take two hours here, more if you do a lot of walking.
Tips: Head to the Quarry Gardens, where you can snap some photos from the highest point in the park.
6. Lynn Canyon Park
Lynn Canyon Park is hardly a secret but provides quick access to nature, just outside of town. It is a good destination for hiking, picnicking, and more adventurous activities such as crossing the smaller, nearby free suspension bridge.
Cost: Entry is free, which is always nice on the wallet.
Transport: A little further out, so driving or a bus is advisable.
Estimated Time Spent: At least three hours, longer if you plan to take a dip in the Thirty-Foot Pool.
Tips: For hiking bring comfortable, durable footwear while swimming suits are recommended should you take a dip.
7. Vancouver Seawall
The Vancouver Seawall is the longest uninterrupted waterfront path in the world! Perfect for biking and walking. It offers stunning views of mountains, ocean, and city skyline, making it ideal for outdoor enjoyment and photography.
Cost: Completely free if you have a bike or can walk.
Transport: Easy to reach from many area points downtown.
Estimated Time Spent: It will take you between one hour to several, depending on how deep you want to go.
Tips: My advice: hire a bike so you can see more at a slower pace. Stop lots.
8. English Bay Beach
People flock to English Bay Beach for a little R&R — and to ride the waves. This is a great place to relax, kayak, or paddle, and the beach has a lively vibe and hosts the Polar Bear Swim each year.
Cost: Beach is free; cost of watersports rentals varies.
Transport: That’s a bus and short walk from the city.
Estimated Time Spent: A few hours to a whole day if you get really immersed in the water scene.
Tips: Bring sunscreen and wait for the sunset—breathtaking and iconic.
9. VanDusen Botanical Garden
VanDusen Botanical Garden features a wide variety of plants, including specialty gardens, and is great for gardeners.
The garden doesn’t feature only pretty flora; there are hedge mazes and events, too, such as the Festival of Lights.
Cost: $10.67-$15.05 (adult)
Transport: Best by car with plenty of parking, but public transport works.
Estimated Time Spent: You’ll need at least two hours to get lost.
Tips: Come back during the different season to have new kinds of vegetation in bloom. And enjoy the Christmas light show.
Cultural and Artistic Experiences
10. Vancouver Art Gallery
The Vancouver Art Gallery is a shining beacon in the center of the city, exhibiting its renowned Canadian and Indigenous art collection. A must-see for anyone living or visiting here.
You will enjoy perusing the gallery’s varied collection, as well as many visiting artists’ specific exhibitions. It’s a great place to learn about art and history.
Cost: Admission fee depends; discounts for students and seniors available.
Transport: You can also reach it conveniently on many types of public transit. Otherwise, there’s parking in the vicinity.
Estimated Time Spent: Give yourself 2-3 hours to wander around the museum.
Tips: But do check the schedule for guided tours, and see if there are any art workshops running.
11. Granville Island
Granville Island is a bustling center for art aficionados, gourmands, and shopaholics.
The colorful market and craft stores attract visitors of all sorts. You’ll also find some gourmet bites and original artwork, and it’s a great place to catch a live show or enjoy a meal by the water.
Cost: Admission is complimentary, but you’ll need cash for souvenirs.
Transport: Access by car, public transport, or even a cute ferry ride.
Estimated Time Spent: Expect to spend an entire afternoon poking around.
Tips: For a quieter experience, come in the morning, and catch a show at the Granville Island Theatre!
12. Museum of Anthropology
The Museum of Anthropology is at the University of British Columbia and provides interesting exhibits about Indigenous peoples.
Home to a world-famous collection of artifacts and educational culture workshops, it is recommended for anyone curious to learn more about the history of the Indigenous people.
Cost: Entrance is not free, but students and children get a discount.
Transport: There’s a bus and plenty of parking on-site.
Estimated Time Spent: Expect to spend 3-4 hours exploring the indoor and outdoor exhibits.
Tips: Do the guided tours—they’re very, very fascinating. Don’t miss the Haida homes outside.
13. Gastown
Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood, mixes historic brick streets with fashionable restaurants and chic boutiques.
Cost: Walking is free the rest is up to you to pay for.
Transport: It’s very centrally located. Easy to get here by bus, SkyTrain, or walking from downtown.
Estimated Time Spent: Spend a few hours (or take your time shopping or eating).
Tips: Try to time your visit for 11:55 when it whistles and releases steam.
14. Vancouver Maritime Museum
The Vancouver Maritime Museum sits right by Kitsilano Beach and is a must-visit for ocean lovers. It’s a wonderful collection of maritime treasures, where you will learn about old boats such as the St. Roch.
Cost: Admission costs with family discount available.
Transport: Bus-accessible with parking for the self-drivers.
Estimated Time Spent: Allot 2 to 3 hours to explore.
Tips: Interact with the hands-on displays and think about taking one of the guided walks for additional insights.
15. Science World
Science World isn’t only for children—it’s a ton of interactive science exhibits that keeps adults entertained too.
Cost: Admission prices vary, including family tickets.
Transport: Central to SkyTrain, also reachable by bus.
Estimated Time Spent: Allow at least 4 hours to take it all in.
Tips: Don’t miss the OMNIMAX Theatre for a truly breathtaking film, and see if they’ve got any temp exhibits.
16. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
This tranquil Chinatown garden brings a piece of classical Chinese grandeur and heritage to Vancouver. This offers a tranquil escape from the urban chaos, complete with quiet walkways and fish-filled ponds.
Cost: Admission fee help keeps garden running.
Transport: Easily reached by public transport, or by a nice walk downtown.
Estimated Time Spent: Visit takes 1-2 hours instead.
Tips: Refer to the timetable for tea ceremonies for an added experience.
17. Bill Reid Gallery
The Bill Reid Gallery is all about the art of the native peoples of the Northwest Coast (in fact, the museum is named after Haida artist Bill Reid).
Cost: There is an admission charge with a concession for students/pensioners.
Transport: Located downtown, so it’s easy to visit by public transportation.
Estimated Time Spent: 1-2hours is enough for a comprehensive visit.
Tips: If there’s a storytelling event happening, it’s worth dropping by to enrich your experience of the exhibits.
18. Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, which offers top-tier concerts year round. For your ears, it’s a joy to attend a live concert and immerse yourself in the world of symphonic music.
Cost: Ticket prices change. There are student discounts.
Transport: Convenient to public transport and downtown.
Estimated Time Spent: Concerts usually go for about two hours.
Tips: Pre-order your tickets and arrive early for the best seats, including pre-concerts talk.
19. Robson Street
Robson Street is Vancouver’s main shopping and dining strip, lively with plenty of action.
It’s the best place to do some shopping and try different foods, with all the street action that comes with it.
Cost: The browsing is free, but budget for shopping.
Transport: Centrally located and not far from downtown on any major train line.
Estimated Time Spent: A couple hours, give or take.
Tips: On weekdays, there are fewer crowds and you can explore the smaller streets in the area.
Culinary Delights in Vancouver
20. Local Cuisine
Taste-testing Vancouver’s homegrown cuisine is a real treat.
You’ll want to have the Pacific salmon (famed for being both flavorful and sustainable, and a local Canadian staple found on countless menus) and try some poutine (which is basically the country’s comfort food: fries topped with cheese curds and gravy that are actually really tasty).
The sushi is exceptional and its inspired by local fish. It’s an explosion of flavors that truly represents the area. You can eat in an expensive restaurant or a hole in the wall, the seafood’s quality is consistently outstanding.
Cost: Prices here can be all over the place, with gourmet places charging much more than others.
Transport: You’ll find these culinary experiences all over, easy to get around on public transit.
Estimated Time Spent: Take your time with the food; meals enjoy slow pacing of 1-2 hours.
Tips: Head to a local market or eatery suggested by locals for the best flavors.
21. Dining Hotspots
Vancouver has lively foodie neighborhoods. For chic, creatively inspired dishes and a fun night out, visit the trendy restaurant-filled area of Yale town.
The Main Street area is home to eclectic restaurants offering everything from vegan options to dishes from around the world, and Vancouver also has a great mobile food scene with food trucks selling all sorts of delicious treats.
Cost: For restaurant pricing, think middle of the road. Food trucks are cheapest.
Transport: Easily reached by public transportation, especially the SkyTrain and buses.
Estimated Time Spent: I recommend putting aside at least 2-3 hours to explore and enjoy.
Tips: That’s why I recommend visiting during the week, when there are shorter lines for a more intimate experience.
22. Vancouver’s Craft Beer Scene
The craft beer scene in Vancouver is vibrant and ever-changing. Granville Island Brewing is a mainstay of the beer community in the area and you can take tours and tastings there.
Lots of places that do beer very well offer tastings to show off their products. Also fun are the many seasonal beer festivals in the city, at which you can try different things and talk to brewers who are into what they do.
Cost: Tours and tastings are priced fairly, so you can expect to spend a little money.
Transport: Most brewery and festival venues can be reached via public transit, or simply take a cab and drink responsibly.
Estimated Time Spent: Most tours take 1-2 hours, but for festivals you’ll need the whole day.
Tips: Plan ahead for brewery opening times and you might even want to try a beer tour.
23. Richmond Night Market
The Richmond Night Market is one of the largest in North America. It’s a foodie lover’s paradise with tons of amazing Asian street food, including bubble waffles and Taiwanese chicken.
Add in some shopping and live entertainment and you’re guaranteed a fun night!
Cost: There’s a small entrance cost. The individual food prices make it very easy to control costs.
Transport: It’s on the Canada Line of the SkyTrain, so you don’t have to drive.
Estimated Time Spent: Be sure to allow yourself at least a couple of hours to roam, sample, and soak in the bustling market scene.
Tips: Bring cash (some places don’t take card either) and get there early before it gets busy.
Unique Local Events and Festivals
24. Celebration of Light
Vancouver’s Celebration of Light is something you cannot miss. This annual fireworks show over English Bay has been a local favorite since it started in 1990.
Everyone flocks to watch the amazing fireworks, listen to live music, and enjoy some local food. It’s a feast for the senses.
Cost: The event is available to watch for free but there is also reserved seating and VIP options.
Transport: Just a short way away by biking, public transportation or walking from downtown Vancouver.
Estimated Time Spent: Expect to be here the whole night, as the fireworks don’t usually happen until after dark.
Tips: Get there early for a good space. It fills up. Bring a blanket or a chair, plus take public transportation because there’s nowhere to park.
25. Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF)
The Vancouver International Film Festival is a film lover’s dream. Celebrated each year, it provides an opportunity to watch all sorts of films from Canada and the rest of the world.
Here you’ll find film debuts, screenings, as well as panel discussions and workshops, offering up an interactive movie-going experience.
This is an opportunity to experience fresh and innovative films and interact directly with filmmakers and industry experts.
Cost: Each screening or event may have a different price, with passes to experience more.
Transport: Most events are clustered together and easy to reach on foot.
Estimated Time Spent: Here, you’ll want to spend at least a few hours, ideally most of the day.
Tips: Buy your tickets early, as screenings can fill up. You may also find festival passes which have been worthwhile.
26. Vancouver Fringe Festival
The Vancouver Fringe Festival is an exciting and diverse theatre festival. With performances ranging from the traditional to the outlandish, this annual event on Granville Island (as well as other venues) is a true celebration of creativity.
There’s also a variety of shows, such as quirky comedies and interesting dramas, so it’s a theater lover’s dream.
Cost: Tickets are not expensive and you will need a festival pass to go to concerts.
Transport: Good transport links by car, public transport, or ferry to Granville Island if you’re feeling adventurous.
Estimated Time Spent: Shows play all day and night, so you can go in as many times as you want.
Tips: Don’t be afraid to attend performances by lesser-known acts, you might find a hidden gem or two! And try to get there early, the theaters are usually first-come-first-serve
27. Cherry Blossom Festival
One of the best things to do in Vancouver during the spring is to attend the city’s Cherry Blossom Festival. These incredible cherry trees turn the city’s parks and streets into vibrant blankets of pink and white.
The festival has cultural performances, picnic gatherings, and guided walks too, helping it to be a wonderful combination of nature and culture.
Cost: Most are free; occasional paid workshops or guided tours can be budget-friendly by donation.
Transport: There are locations all over town, and most can be reached by public transportation or bike.
Estimated Time Spent: Spend a couple of hours strolling the parks and enjoying some of the scheduled events.
Tips: Take your camera for great photos and go online for the festival’s listings to see what might interest you.
28. Italian Day on The Drive
This vibrant festival is a little slice of Italy in Vancouver. Italian Day on The Drive is an event to celebrate everything Italian, offering food, music, dancing and activities for the whole family as the street turns into amore living marketplace.
Cost: It’s free but bring cash for food and gifts.
Transport: This station is easily accessible via public transportation or on foot if you are in the area.
Estimated Time Spent: Plan to dedicate one entire day to just enjoy the rides and the shows.
Tips: Bring your appetite for Italian goodies and comfortable shoes for exploring and dancing through the street.
29. Cars Free Days
These community-hosted street festivals transform bustling city roads into pedestrian-friendly spaces, offering an array of food, music, art, and activities.
It's an opportunity to enjoy neighborhoods in a traffic-free environment, encouraging sustainable practices and community bonding.
It's a fantastic opportunity to explore a city's unique neighborhood vibe without the hustle and bustle of vehicles, enjoy local street food, and engage with various art and cultural activities.
Cost: Free admission, but bring cash for street vendors, food, and local artisan crafts.
Transport: Walking or biking is encouraged as the streets are closed to vehicles; public transportation access is available nearby. Estimated Time Spent: Plan for several hours, as there's much to see and explore in various sections of the festival.
Tips: Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring sunscreen, and consider bringing a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
30. Skookum Music Festival
Set amidst a scenic backdrop, the Skookum Music Festival offers a dynamic mix of live music performances from diverse artists and engaging art installations. It's a cultural gathering that combines sound, sight, and taste for an immersive experience.
Cost: Ticketed event; prices vary depending on the pass options. Transport: Easily accessible via public transportation; consider ridesharing if attending with a group.
Estimated Time Spent: Set aside a full day to soak in the performances and experience the art exhibitions and culinary offerings.
Tips: Check the schedule ahead of time to plan your must-see performances. Bring layers, as the weather can vary, and a blanket for sitting on the ground during shows.
FAQ
1. Is public transportation easy to use in Vancouver?
Yes, Vancouver does have a public transit system, with the SkyTrain and buses you can easily manage with if you don’t have a car.
2. What’s the best time to visit Vancouver?
The best time is early summer to early autumn, when the temperatures are pleasant and most activities are possible.
3. Are there any free activities to do in Vancouver?
Absolutely! Walking the Seawall, adventurous biking, joining free-admission days at art galleries, and visiting destination parks like Queen Elizabeth Park are all great options.
4. Is Vancouver a family-friendly destination?
Yes, there are Rollercoasters in Vancouver!
5. What local food should I try in Vancouver?
Don’t skip the Pacific salmon and poutine, or one of the city’s famous sushi restaurants, for a local-inspired visit.
6. Can I explore Vancouver’s attractions on foot?
Most of Vancouver’s highlights, such as Gastown, Robson Street, and the Vancouver Art Gallery, are walkable from the downtown area.
7. the tipping culture in Vancouver?
In restaurants, it’s normal to leave a gratuity of 15-20%.
Conclusion
Exploring Vancouver is like stepping into a place where nature, history, and adventure converge in a single location.
And, as you wander the trails of Stanley Park, dine on dim sum at the Richmond Night Market, and take in the arts at Granville Island, you’ll realize the city has something for everyone.
Because that’s what Vancouver is all about: you can experience the outdoors, eat your weight in delicious food, and partake in a myriad of festivals and arts all in the same trip.
And the more you experience it all, the more you’ll discover exactly why Vancouver is not merely a place to visit but a destination you’ll want to return to time and time again.