Vancouver is a fantastic destination for a vacation with plenty of activities and sights to see. You can’t beat the spectacular views of snow capped mountains and blue water surrounding the city. Whether you enjoy the outdoors or exploring city life, Vancouver has a lot from which to choose. Here are 10 things to do on your adventure in Vancouver!
1. Stanley Park
There’s so much to do in Stanley Park, a 1000-acre oasis of lush forests, gardens, and trails. Kids will love its playgrounds, wooded paths, Stanley Park Train (currently closed as of 2023), and cooling off in the public water park. Take in the sights and skyline of Vancouver from the Seawall or relax in the beautiful flower gardens. Pack a picnic, explore the beaches, ride your bike, or take pictures and learn about the totem poles.
2. Vancouver Aquarium
Located in Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium is Canada’s largest aquarium with over 30 exhibits. Explore the touch pool, see the penguins and sea otters, or catch a show at the 4D Theater. It’s all included with your admission and don’t forget to take advantage of the plan-ahead pricing for discounts on tickets.
3. Gastown
Explore Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood, which is full of trendy restaurants, shops, and galleries. Take a stroll along the cobblestones of Water Street or see the famous Gastown Steam Clock, which is a clock powered by steam and chimes on the hour. Sit down at a restaurant to enjoy a night in the city or stop for a quick bite to eat at a local pub.
4. Granville Island
This urban oasis is home to an array of art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. Explore the Public Market and browse the unique artisanal goods, fresh produce, and handcrafted gifts. Grab some locally-made craft beer at Granville Island Brewing Co. or check out the Kids Market which offers rotating events, a great selection of toys, gifts, and clothing, and fun entertainment such as an arcade and bumper cars. Stroll along the harbor front of Granville Island to see beautiful views of the Vancouver skyline. Take advantage of the free parking before 11am and grab breakfast from one of the many stalls that offer fresh pastries, tarts, pot pies, donuts, and bagels.
5. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
The Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of the most iconic attractions in Vancouver. Spanning the Capilano River, the 450 foot bridge offers breathtaking views of the lush, surrounding forest and the majestic mountains in the distance. You can easily spend a couple hours here exploring Douglas-firs via seven suspension bridges in the “Treetops Adventure” or take a deep breath as you venture out on the high and narrow “Cliffwalk.” Your admission can be used for their seasonal events that turn the park into a magical wonderland, illuminating the trees, bridges, and walkways. Tickets purchased online are discounted and kids 5 and under are free!
6. Lynn Canyon Park
Just a short drive from downtown Vancouver is Lynn Canyon Park. Another great place to explore the great outdoors, Lynn Canyon is a public park, so there are no admission fees, but a $2 entrance donation is requested, and if you drove in, parking is a pay lot. The park features many trails to hike, a 160 foot suspension bridge, and a variety of swimming holes to cool off on the hot summer days. 30 foot pool is a particularly popular spot to swim and sit in the shade. There are also two waterfalls that can be seen from the bridge, and a variety of picnic sites where visitors can relax, enjoy the scenery, and perhaps spot the local wildlife.
7. Take a food tour
Vancouver is a vibrant city filled with a variety of cultures and cuisines. With a diverse population of immigrants and long-time residents, there are many food tours in Vancouver that offer visitors a unique and delicious culinary experience. Many tours offer a variety of specialized tours, such as Granville Island tours, Gastown tours, and brewery tours. Whether you want to sample Canadian classics like poutine or handmade donuts, Canadian cheeses, and freshly caught fish, a food tour is a great way to explore the city’s food scene.
8. Check out the Vancouver Art Gallery
Located in the historic Gastown district of Vancouver, the Vancouver Art Gallery is one of the most iconic art galleries in Canada. It’s home to over 10,000 works of art and houses a variety of mediums and styles, from photography to sculpture and painting. The gallery also hosts a number of exhibitions throughout the year, from historical works to cutting-edge contemporary installations. In addition to showcasing artwork, the gallery offers a range of educational and outreach programs for both adults and children. These include lectures, workshops, and tours, as well as family activities. The gallery is open daily and admission is free for those 18 and under.
9. Grouse Mountain
Just 15 minutes by car from Vancouver is Grouse Mountain. Here, visitors can take in the views on the Skyride, a cable car that ascends 2,800 feet up the side of Grouse Mountain. During the winter, grab your skis, snowshoes, or sleds and enjoy the slopes this mountain has to offer. There’s also an 8,000 square-foot ice skating pond at the top of the mountain. The summer months offer ropes courses, zip line tours, and a challenging hike up the mountain.
10. Take a ride on the Vancouver SeaBus
The SeaBus is a ferry that provides stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. It is a reliable, convenient, and affordable way to travel between the North Shore and downtown Vancouver. The SeaBus runs every 10 to 15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes during non-peak hours and only takes 12 minutes to cross the Burrad Inlet. The SeaBus is a popular choice among commuters, tourists, and locals alike. So, hop on and see Vancouver from a different perspective.