Top 10 Things to do in Vancouver
Have you ever heard anyone say anything negative about a trip to Vancouver? Me either, and once I visited I discovered there’s a very good reason for that. Vancouver has something for everyone! I know it’s a cliche overused by tourism boards everywhere but in Vancouver it really does ring true.
Whether you’re into the outdoors, culture, wildlife, shopping or food, Vancouver’s got you covered. With so much on offer most guides don’t find it hard to list the top 20, 30 or even 50 (!) sights to see when you visit. But if you only have a few days to enjoy the city like I did, that may sound a bit overwhelming. So I’ve narrowed things down to my top 10 favourite things to do when visiting Vancouver. It’s by no means an exhaustive list but if you can tick off even a few of these suggestions I know you’ll have a great trip.
stanley Park
A visit to Vancouver isn’t complete without spending some time in the iconic Stanley Park. Located on a peninsula at the western end of the city, the 988-acre waterfront park is a favourite with locals and visitors alike. One of the most popular activities is walking or biking along the 12km (7.5 mi) seawall that wraps around the park’s edge. You don’t need to travel the full length of the wall though to take in the amazing ocean and mountain views and explore some of the attractions.
A great option to easily include the park in your itinerary is to grab a ticket on one of the Hop-on Hop-off buses that tour the city. With multiple stops inside the park you can “hop off” to explore the stops that most interest you. There’s also the opportunity to walk some sections between stops or even take a ride on the miniature train. Don’t miss the stop at Prospect Point for beautiful views over Lion’s Gate Bridge. The Brockton Point Totem Poles are another must-see, the nine totem poles are set against the evergreen trees in a spot that also offers beautiful views of the city skyline.
vancouver Aquarium
While you’re in the park make sure to leave time for a visit to the Vancouver Aquarium. Opened in 1956 as Canada’s first public aquarium the popular attraction is home to thousands of aquatic creatures. The different exhibits offer a glimpse into the unique habitats of the BC coast, the Amazon and the tropics, giving you a chance to see sea lions, penguins, frogs, jellyfish, sharks, otters, turtles and much more during your visit. With a focus on conservation, science and education you’ll leave with an understanding of the importance of our precious marine environments and how we can protect them.
Gastown
The oldest area in Vancouver is Gastown, named for “Gassy Jack” Deighton, the storytelling tavern owner from 1867. The cobblestone streets, vintage lampposts and restored Victorian-era buildings give the neighbourhood a unique feel and make it a pleasure to explore. Take your time and discover the many restaurants, bars, boutique stores and art galleries that populate this trendy suburb.
Don’t forget to take your picture with the statute of Gassy Jack at Maple Tree Square before stopping at the nearby steam clock. Time your visit for the top of the hour and watch the famous steam clock put on a show, blowing steam and tooting its whistles.
Granville Island
Just a short Aquabus ride from downtown Vancouver you’ll find one of the city’s most beloved attractions, Granville Island. Originally an industrial waterfront site the area has been transformed and is now home to restaurants, microbreweries, boutiques, galleries, entertainment and the thriving Public Market.
The ever-popular Public Market houses over 50 vendors and offers locally-sourced meats, cheeses and baked goods along with fresh fruit and vegetables, seafood and specialty items. You can find everything from chocolates and donuts to flowers and ready-to-eat meals. Stock up your picnic basket for later or simply arrive with an empty stomach and eat your way through all the delicious treats on offer.
Once you’ve had your fill head to the Granville Island Brewing Company for a refreshing beverage or two. Or perhaps you’d prefer to browse through the many boutiques and galleries and enjoy the buskers and live entertainment.
Chinatown
The Millennium Gate marks the entrance to Vancouver’s Chinatown neighbourhood. The area is popular with both locals who’ve been shopping there for years and visitors who are keen to discover the delicious food and special cultural experiences on offer.
Escape the crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. A beautiful walled garden modelled after traditional gardens from the Ming Dynasty. Or marvel at the Sam Kee building, touted as the shallowest commercial building in the world!
Grouse Mountain
Located only 25 minutes from Vancouver city, Grouse Mountain is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts no matter the season. Known as the ‘Peak of Vancouver” the mountain resort transforms into a winter wonderland when the snow starts to fall. The ski hills are some of the city’s most popular but there’s also snowshoeing, sledding, ice skating, and other sports to keep you busy.
If you’re visiting in the summertime there’s no shortage of activities on offer including hiking, ziplining, a ropes course, paragliding, and mountain bike riding. There’s also the wildlife refuge, where you can often see the resident Grizzly Bears and a Lumberjack show.
The Skyride cable car will carry you to the top of Grouse Mountain with stunning views over Vancouver and the Gulf Islands. Or if you’re feeling more energetic you can always tackle the Grouse Grind. The 2.5km (1.5 mi) trail features 2,830 steps and ends at the top of Grouse Mountain, an 850m (2,800 ft) climb up the mountainside.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is located just 20 minutes outside the city centre but feels a world away from downtown. Allow a couple of hours to properly explore the park and enjoy the beautiful views from high above the Capilano River. Once you’ve braved the 70m (230ft) crossing over the main suspension bridge explore further and make your way through the canopy high above the forest floor on the Tree Tops Adventure. Check out my post on the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park for everything there is to see and do at the park including the Cliffwalk, Birds of Prey display and First Nations culture.
Whale Watching
Vancouver’s coastal waters are known as the Salish Sea and are home to an abundance of sea life. In March each year when the temperatures begin to rise the whale watching season begins. Depending on your time and budget there are plenty of options to get out on the water, including private boats, zodiac tours and larger tour boats. You can even hop in a float plane if you’d rather not be on the water at all!
Tours offer you an opportunity to see different species of whale including humpbacks, grey whales and minke whales as well as orcas and dolphins. And there are plenty of other creatures to keep an eye out for like seals, otters and a variety of seabirds.
Sea to Sky Highway
The Sea to Sky Highway has been described as one of the most scenic drives in the world. Travelling along the side of Howe Sound, the highway links Vancouver to the famous ski-town town of Whistler. The journey to Whistler will only take you 90 minutes but with so much to see along the way you’ll want to allow a full day to enjoy this beautiful area. Take your time and make plenty of stops along the way to enjoy the many scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, picnic spots, and hikes.
Sea to Sky Gondola
A highlight of the Sea to Sky Highway is the Sea to Sky Gondola. Located in Squamish, roughly the halfway point along the route, the gondola carries you 885m (2,900 ft) up the mountainside. The gondola is open year-round and offers spectacular views over Howe Sound and Shannon Falls as it makes its 10-minute journey to the top. Once you reach the top there are a number of hikes and trails you can explore as well as the incredible Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge. Grab a bite to eat at the Summit Lodge or simply take in the breathtaking outlook from the viewing deck.
In a city with so much to see it’d be easy to suffer from decision overload. Take the stress out of your first visit to Vancouver and use this guide to help you enjoy the top sights and make the most of your time in this great city.
Have you been to Vancouver before? What would make your top 10? Let me know in the comments below.
