Vancouver is likely 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 mountaineering trails and outside occasions in {the summertime} and in the winter you possibly can go ice skating at one in all its many arenas or hit the superior ski slopes situated simply minutes from the downtown core.
The Top Things to do in Vancouver, Canada
Downtown Vancouver options museums, galleries, and the attractive Stanley Park. It’s a taking place metropolis in its personal proper. But only a few places can lay declare to the kind of surroundings Vancouver gives. Beyond the town are snow-capped peaks carved by years of slow-moving glaciers. The Coast Mountains which lower by means of British Columbia are awe-inspiring permitting guests a large unfold of actions to get pleasure from. This complete information will assist you to uncover the very best issues to do in Vancouver, Canada.
1. Granville Island
Many cities have fantastic tales of outdated warehouses reborn to turn out to be a high attraction. Vancouver’s model of that is Granville Island. The outdated industrial port in the town has been changed by a thriving arts group with eating places and microbrew pubs, boutique outlets, and leisure. Granville Island is likely one of the first locations you need to 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, take a look at Granville Island Brewing Company. Granville Island is technically not an island, so you possibly can arrive through each automotive and ferry.
Granville Island Market
But maybe the most well-liked 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 a fantastic place to pattern the flavors of British Columbia and help native farmers and producers.
The market additionally affords academic experiences for guests, together with culinary workshops and excursions, wine tastings, and cooking courses. Take a tour the place you possibly can be taught in regards to 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 likely one of the high 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 enduring Stanley Park Seawall. Beyond the water, you’ll discover one other high attraction on this checklist of issues to do in Vancouver, the Vancouver Aquarium.
Stanley Park affords guests an opportunity to escape the 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 high points of interest.
Hot Tip: At the Stanley Park Totem Poles, you’ll discover among the best views of Vancouver’s lovely skyline. Get on a motorcycle to discover Stanely Park with this guided biking tour.
Stanley Park is a superb 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 by means of the panorama, together with vibrant cherry timber.
One of the very best methods to see Vancouver and Stanely park is on a personal 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 situated on the Vancouver Convention Centre on Vancouver Harbour. The pier rolls manner out into Vancouver harbor, offering vacationers and locals with fantastic views of the mountains in the space 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 checklist. 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 excellent 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 splendid 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 effective eating expertise. With a lot to see inside straightforward strolling distance, get pleasure from a fantastic location in type.
4. False Creek
False Creek is the guts of Vancouver, British Columbia. This bustling inlet has most of the high points of interest in the world 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, the town’s seashores, and the Lions Gate Bridge whereas taking in the Vancouver Skyline.
5. Olympic Village
Don’t overlook to go to Olympic Village, a newly developed space situated on the southeast shore of False Creek. Vancouver’s Olympic Village was house to the athletes in the course of the 2010 Winter Olympics and has since been reworked right into a vibrant group that options eating places, outlets, and public artwork. Also often called the Southeast False Creek neighborhood, it’s simply minutes from the town heart.
Vancouver’s Olympic Village is house to a number of standard craft breweries, together with Brassneck Brewery, Steel Toad Brewing, and Main Street Brewing, making it a fantastic spot for beer lovers to discover the Craft Beer Scene. It can be house to a variety of 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 buying 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 certain to hop on the False Creek Ferries to benefit from the water taxi service providing a singular manner to discover the world. It stops at Granville Island, Science World, and Yaletown. It’s a enjoyable and distinctive manner 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 affords a various vary of points of interest which can be certain to attraction to guests of all pursuits and ages.
One of our favourite methods to see a metropolis is to be part of a biking tour. This guided tour takes you alongside the seawall and thru the town’s hottest neighborhoods together with Yaletown, and Chinatown, with a cease on the serene Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden (Another one of many high 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 situated in Yaletown that’s inside strolling distance of every little thing in the 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 will have observed the massive metallic dome construction on False Creek. What you might not know, is that it’s house to one of many high issues to do in Vancouver with children.
The family-friendly Science World options 12 interactive displays designed to get you fascinated with how the world works. Activities vary from exploring movement, water, and the historical past of innovations.
The 12 displays are complemented by numerous touring exhibitions which were part of famend museums and different science facilities. Once you’re all finished exploring, relax and watch a present on the large five-story domed display screen. The largest of its type on earth.
8. Watch the Vancouver Canucks
We all know Canada to be a hockey-mad nation, so why not lean into the joy and enterprise off to an area sport? The Vancouver Canucks play in the NHL, which runs from October to April, and the house crew averages slightly below 20,000 for every sport.
Playing out of Rogers Arena, seize your self a foam finger and root for the house crew. Whether you understand a lot about hockey or not, the noise of the group is bound to get you concerned. Once the sport is over, downtown Vancouver can be at your disposal.
We love doing strolling excursions after we first arrive in a metropolis and among the best methods to see Vancouver is to ebook this Guided City Highlights Tour.
9. Chinatown
After passing by means of the spectacular Millenium Gate, you’ve formally arrived in Vancouver’s bustling Chinatown. This a part of the town mixes fashionable improvement with many historic buildings from Vancouver’s early years. Vancouver’s Chinatown is likely one of the largest in North America and is a high 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 manner to Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Created through 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 yr, visiting Grouse Mountain is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Vancouver. The view from the highest gives unmatched surroundings, with epic vistas of the town skyline in the valley beneath. You can take a scenic trip up the Gondola or deal with the Grouse Grind.
The notorious Grouse Grind, typically described as Mother Nature’s StairMaster is likely one of the high hikes in Vancouver. Once on the high of Grouse Mountain, there are many issues to do from going ziplining, mountaineering, seeing the resident grizzly bears that have 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 daily. After the scenic trip, mountaineering adventures await together with mountain-top eating places. Ready to discover Vancouver’s nature? Read up on the very best 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 might make guests marvel if the Capilano Suspension Bridge is outdated. Yet the 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 by means of beneath. There are mountaineering trails and outside adventures ready on the opposite aspect. The bridge sees numerous guests, so it’s a type of points of interest that’s properly price getting up early for.
Conveniently, you possibly can 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 little thing. The heart of the park often called Little Mountain is the best level in the town. Queen Elizabeth Park is a superb place to go for sundown and is likely one of the greatest locations to see Vancouver’s Skyline. From right here you too can 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 on the lookout for issues to do in Vancouver at night time, take a look at some music at Vancouver’s most historic stay 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 likely 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 the 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 personal dinghy, touring boat, or from above in a aircraft. 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 affords straightforward cancellation inside 24 hours of tour and last-minute bookings.
15. Vancouver Art Gallery
In downtown Vancouver, the town’s distinguished artwork gallery is likely one of the high artwork establishments in Canada. One of the very best issues to do in Vancouver is to join a guided tour of the Vancouver Art Gallery. It is a gathering place and hosts enjoyable group occasions
On any day in the course of the week, you possibly can discover the progressive artwork area with the serving to hand of an knowledgeable. Learn in regards to 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 preferred gathering place in the town heart.
16. Vandusen Botanical Garden
An oasis in the guts of the town, VanDusen Botanical Garden, is a sight to behold. All informed, the backyard covers a large 55 acres with a worldwide plant choice that provides to over 7000 crops.
The quiet setting is the proper manner to calm down and escape from the oft-chaotic downtown Vancouver. Keep your digital camera helpful 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 soothing espresso to a delicious noon meal. If you’re in Vancouver in the course of the winter, cease by for the annual Festival of Lights.
Looking for extra issues to do in British Columbia? Read these articles for journey inspiration
17. Vancouver Maritime Museum
Although providing splendid views of English Bay, the within of the Vancouver Maritime Museum is what company bear in mind probably the most. One of the highest issues to do in Vancouver is to discover the historic museum and be taught seagoing tales that date again centuries.
The museum affords a various vary of views and takes a have a look at distinguished explorations in the Pacific Northwest and the Arctic Oceans. Inside the beautiful A-frame constructing is the attractive RCP Vessel St Roch. Jump behind the wheel and really feel what it could be like to helm the historic boat.
18. Vancouver Lookout
The Vancouver Lookout is a well-liked vacationer attraction situated in the town heart on the highest flooring of the Harbour Centre constructing. The 360-degree remark 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 remark deck, the Vancouver Lookout additionally encompasses a vary of interactive displays that educate guests in regards to the metropolis’s historical past, tradition, and landmarks. These displays embrace historic pictures, 3D fashions of the town, and multimedia shows.
Accessibility: The Vancouver Lookout is absolutely accessible to folks with mobility points, with elevators that present entry to the remark deck and displays. The attraction can be wheelchair-friendly, with extensive doorways and accessible washrooms.
19. Lynn Canyon
Capilano Suspension Bridge might get all of the plaudits, nevertheless it isn’t the one one in all its type in Vancouver. The Lynn Canyon suspension bridge is an area favourite, significantly because it avoids the vacationer hordes and doesn’t value a penny.
In the Lynn Valley, Lynn Canyon Park brings spectacular surroundings that’s certain to excite your interior explorer. Several forest trails lead you to distant swimming holes and pure waterfalls. Eventually, you’ll bump into the bridge, which connects to the opposite aspect 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 sure that the Indigenous collections are housed in this however visiting the grounds of UBC remains to be price a go to. You may go to its rose backyard for beautiful views of the mountains and ocean.
The Museum of Anthropology is a piece of the University of British Columbia and has a eager give attention to the Northwest Coast First Nations. Explore native artwork, giant totem poles, and mosaics. Beyond native human historical past, the museum appears towards the South Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Europe. It all comes collectively inside an outdated World War II fort reworked right into a cultural spotlight.
21. Explore Gastown
As the 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 shortly gained the nickname, Gassy Jack. A statue of Deighton can now be discovered in Maple Tree Square.
Gastown affords an immense variety of high quality eating places, attention-grabbing galleries, and native boutiques. All are positioned inside Victorian-era buildings.
Just a short 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 by means of the clouds. You can ebook strolling excursions of Gastown like This extremely rated misplaced souls of Gastown tour.
22. Kitsilano Beach
Vancouver has loads of city seashores and a method to absorb 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 seaside is standard on summer time days when locals come to bake on the comfortable sands or have enjoyable on the volleyball courts.
Jumping in the water isn’t so standard, however you’ll quickly uncover a heated outside pool. Once you’re finished having a dip, dry off and benefit from the a number of strolling trails by means of the inexperienced area, or relax at an area cafe. You’ll additionally end up minutes from buying 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 seaside situated on the western tip of Vancouver has a large expanse of sandy seashores and rocky sea cliffs. For these comfy with the clothing-optional coverage, it’s a fantastic 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 folks of all ages, backgrounds, and physique varieties.
Wreck Beach additionally hosts a variety of occasions and festivals all year long, together with seaside cleanups, artwork exhibits, and stay music performances. These occasions might be an effective way to join with like-minded folks and benefit from the seaside in a festive ambiance.
24. English Bay
Close to Stanley Park, English Bay is one other standard 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 stay music. But on any common day you’ll discover residents stress-free beneath the big timber, rollerblading or taking in the various 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 stay in the West End of Vancouver and English Bay Beach was our seaside. We knew it as First Beach. Because of its shut proximity to the town heart, English Bay Beach is one in all Vancouver’s busiest seashores. From right here you possibly can see views of English Bay and the North Shore mountains. We beloved this neighborhood of Vancouver with loads of eating places, espresso outlets, and buying close by.
The water is calm providing loads of water sports activities reminiscent of SUP, kayaking, and swimming. On the shore, you possibly can get pleasure from seaside volleyball or it is 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 hundreds of holiday makers. The seaside 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 numerous waterfront property and loads of metropolis seashores. Another standard seaside in Vancouver is Spanish Banks Beach. Also situated 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 seaside can be dog-friendly, with designated off-leash areas for canines to run and play. It’s a preferred spot for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and seaside volleyball. At low tide, the seaside 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 very best 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 at all times 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 likely 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 house to Vancouver’s different Chinatown. Walking across the stylish neighborhood will convey 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 ravishing Buddhist temple and uncover the small village of Steveston. The lovely space of Richmond is house to a National History Site, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. The outdated boat sheds have been as soon as part of the west coast’s historic fishing trade. But at the moment are crammed 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 manner 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 excellent spot to strive some Chinese avenue eats on the many meals stalls.
The Richmond Night Market options greater than 200 distributors promoting every little thing from clothes, to equipment and souvenirs. You may 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 superb vacation spot for adults and youngsters with a variety of actions to maintain everybody entertained from carnival points of interest and video games to stay music, cultural shows, and loads of meals choices.
The Richmond Night Market is simply open in the evenings, which supplies it a singular and thrilling ambiance. The market is brightly lit with colourful lights, and the sounds and smells of the distributors and leisure create a vibrant and energetic ambiance.
29. Sea-Plane Tour
By now you will 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 aircraft tour for a scenic view of the town. This small group flight additionally features a carbon offset.
One manner 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 high websites. These can embrace Vancouver’s North Shore, Grouse Mountain, and False Creek chopping by means of downtown. The unforgettable expertise will see you land on the harborfront, prepared to deal with extra high points of interest.
Want one other manner to discover Canada’s wonderful surroundings? Check out our information on the enduring Rocky Mountaineer.
30. Museum of Vancouver
If you possibly can’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 the 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 situated in a superb location with shut proximity to a few of British Columbia’s high locations. From the Fraser Valley to the Coastal Mountains, there are many straightforward day journeys and weekend getaways to be had. These are just a few of our high picks.
31. Sea to Sky Highway
If you need to get out of the bustle of Vancouver, why not full among the best 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 suggest taking your time highway journey is full of highlights, with beautiful vistas all through. An in a single day in Squamish is extremely really helpful 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 in regards to the epic drive? Read our information to the Sea-to-Sky.
32. Go Skiing or Snowboarding
Grouse Mountain stands out as the most well-known of the North Shore Mountains, however there are two different mountains which can be price visiting. Cypress in West Vancouver and Mount Seymour in North Vancouver are two year-round locations for mountaineering and biking in the summer time and snowboarding and snowboarding in the winter.
Because of its distinctive geographical place, Vancouver sees numerous rain. The upside is unbelievable powder and world-class snowboarding. If you will have 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 the town. Read extra at our Whistler Snowboarding Adventure
If you solely have a short while, you possibly can even go to Whistler on a day journey. It definitely isn’t sufficient to see all of it in someday, however typically you possibly can solely take what you will get. When we lived in Vancouver, we’d pop over for an epic day of snowboarding, similar to we typically 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 situated simply 50 minutes from downtown Vancouver alongside the Sea to Sky Highway and makes for a fantastic day journey. We love Squamish a lot that we propose making no less than an in a single day journey to the 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 highway journey. Read extra: 14 Amazing Things to Do in Squamish BC
34. Brittania Mine
A well-liked cease alongside the aspect of the highway is the Brittania Mine. We didn’t suppose we’d care an excessive amount of a few mine, however this mining museum is superior. It begins with a practice trip into the mine to find out about how the mine was constructed, you possibly can pan for gold and see all of the outdated buildings with interactive shows. The BOOM Multimedia present that’s included along with your ticket is an extravaganza that isn’t to be missed.
35. Sea to Sky Gondola
One of the most well-liked 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 really liked the Capilano Suspension Bridge, you’ll love The Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge. The Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge is accessible through the Sea to Sky Gondola, which takes guests on a scenic trip to the summit of the mountain. From there, guests can take a brief hike to the bridge.
The final time we have 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 mountaineering. Plus the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge is open year-round as properly. 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 method. If you’re feeling peckish you possibly can go to the Summit Lodge for native British Columbia fare. You ought to ebook your tickets for the Sea to Sky Gondola on-line.
36. Vancouver Island
Despite its identify, Vancouver Island is 2 hours away from the town heart by ferry. Nevertheless, the journey remains to be among the best issues to do in Vancouver. We have it as a day journey, however we suggest no less than 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 encompasses a ferry trip from the 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 embrace Victoria, the Pacific Rim National Park in Tofino (additionally nice for browsing), and the impeccable Butchart Gardens. Speaking of highway journeys, learn up on our itinerary for driving by means of BC’s Sunshine Coast.
Book this Vancouver to Victoria tour that features a ferry trip throughout the Strait of Georgia and thru the Gulf Island to Vancouver Island to discover the attractive Butchart Gardens adopted by a sightseeing tour of downtown Victoria.
What to Know About Vancouver
Now that your itinerary is stuffed with the very best issues to do in Vancouver, let’s discover all you want to know to benefit from the metropolis!
Getting to Downtown Vancouver
We at all times lease a automotive and discover it’s one of the simplest ways to get round Vancouver. You can store for automotive leases from the Vancouver Airport at RentalCars.com
The most important arrival level for Vancouver is the Vancouver International Airport. The airport is roughly 9 miles from downtown and the best manner to get there’s through 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 method except you will have a pre-purchased go, which reduces the value to $5 ( about $3.50 USD).
Taxis are one other standard choice with rides taking round half-hour, relying on the placement 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 very best instances to go to Vancouver. Vancouver is infamous for rain, and summer time is the very best time to keep away from getting moist.
Spring may be very wet however you possibly can actually anticipate to have rain any time of the yr. Festivals are taking place 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 yr can be much less crowded and also you’ll discover it simpler to discover the very best 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 very best of Vancouver, it’s really helpful that you just keep downtown. From the doorstep, you’ll be inside strolling distance of many highlights from English Bay to Gastown.
Here are some high decisions to go well with all budgets:
Luxury: The Opus Vancouver is a wonderful boutique resort situated in Yaletown that’s inside strolling distance of every little 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 received’t have to spend a lot on the Samesun Vancouver to get pleasure from a fast stroll to Robson Street, Stanley Park, and the very best of downtown. Check out charges and availability on TripAdvisor/ Booking.com
And these are the very best issues to do in Vancouver with just a few concepts for excursions and lodging. We lived in Vancouver for 3 years and have gone again many times. This is a metropolis that retains evolving and altering and irrespective of what number of instances we go to, we at all times discover one thing new.
Have you been to Vancouver? What are your favourite points of interest in the town?