Vancouver is without doubt one of the most picturesque cities on the planet. 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 climbing trails and outside occasions within the summertime and within the winter you may 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 gorgeous Stanley Park. It’s a taking place metropolis in its personal proper. But only a few places can lay declare to the form of surroundings Vancouver offers. Beyond the town are snow-capped peaks carved by years of slow-moving glaciers. The Coast Mountains which lower by British Columbia are awe-inspiring permitting guests a large unfold of actions to get pleasure from. This complete information will show you how to uncover one of the best issues to do in Vancouver, Canada.
1. Granville Island
Many cities have great tales of previous warehouses reborn to develop into a high attraction. Vancouver’s model of that is Granville Island. The previous industrial port within the metropolis has been changed by a thriving arts group 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 unbiased 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 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 amazing place to pattern the flavors of British Columbia and help native farmers and producers.
The market additionally provides academic experiences for guests, together with culinary workshops and excursions, wine tastings, and cooking courses. Take a tour the place you may be taught 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 within the West End of Vancouver, Stanley Park is without doubt 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 glorious biking and a spot for informal strolls alongside the long-lasting Stanley Park Seawall. Beyond the water, you’ll discover one other high attraction on this record of issues to do in Vancouver, the Vancouver Aquarium.
Stanley Park provides guests an opportunity to flee 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 few 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 stunning 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 house for yard video games. In the summer season, the heated public pool is open, bringing excited households alongside for the afternoon. While in spring, colours burst by the panorama, together with vibrant cherry timber.
- One of one of the 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 means out into Vancouver harbor, offering vacationers and locals with great views of the mountains within the distance and the picturesque bay.
Beyond being a cruise ship terminal, Canada Place can be the Vancouver Convention Center which hosts over 500 occasions every year, and The Pan Pacific Hotel. But that’s not why it’s on the record. Also on the finish of the pier is Flyover Canada. Jump within 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 place to remain 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 superb eating expertise. With a lot to see inside simple strolling distance, get pleasure from an amazing location in type.
4. False Creek
False Creek is the center of Vancouver, British Columbia. This bustling inlet has lots of the high points of interest within the space that draw guests from everywhere in the world. From Granville Island and the Island Public Market to Science World, take a stroll alongside False Creek’s Seawall to absorb 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 within 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 residence to the athletes throughout the 2010 Winter Olympics and has since been remodeled right into a vibrant group that options eating places, outlets, and public artwork. Also generally known as the Southeast False Creek neighborhood, it’s simply minutes from the town middle.
Vancouver’s Olympic Village is residence to a number of well-liked craft breweries, together with Brassneck Brewery, Steel Toad Brewing, and Main Street Brewing, making it an amazing spot for beer lovers to discover the Craft Beer Scene. It can be residence to various public artwork installations, together with the favored A-Maze-ing Laughter sculpture, which options 14 bronze figures laughing and enjoying.
This is a superb 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 solution to discover the world. It stops at Granville Island, Science World, and Yaletown. It’s a enjoyable and distinctive solution 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 provides a various vary of points of interest which might be positive to enchantment to guests of all pursuits and ages.
One of our favourite methods to see a metropolis is to hitch 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 superb boutique resort situated in Yaletown that’s inside strolling distance of all the pieces within the metropolis middle. Plus there are nice choices for eating and nightlife shut by and it’s only a quick 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 might have seen the massive steel dome construction on False Creek. What you might not know, is that it’s residence to one of many high issues to do in Vancouver with youngsters.
The family-friendly Science World options 12 interactive reveals designed to get you enthusiastic about how the world works. Activities vary from exploring movement, water, and the historical past of innovations.
The 12 reveals are complemented by numerous touring exhibitions which were part of famend museums and different science facilities. Once you’re all finished exploring, sit back and watch a present on the huge five-story domed display. The largest of its sort 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 a neighborhood recreation? The Vancouver Canucks play within the NHL, which runs from October to April, and the house workforce averages just below 20,000 for every recreation.
Playing out of Rogers Arena, seize your self a foam finger and root for the house workforce. Whether you realize a lot about hockey or not, the noise of the group is bound to get you concerned. Once the sport is over, downtown Vancouver shall be at your disposal.
We love doing strolling excursions once 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 the spectacular Millenium Gate, you’ve formally arrived in Vancouver’s bustling Chinatown. This a part of the town mixes trendy improvement 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 high spot for affordable 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 fascinating native outlets earlier than making your solution 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 offers unmatched surroundings, with epic vistas of the town skyline within the valley beneath. You can take a scenic journey up the Gondola or sort out the Grouse Grind.
The notorious Grouse Grind, usually described as Mother Nature’s StairMaster is without doubt one of the high hikes in Vancouver. Once on the high of Grouse Mountain, there are many issues to do from going ziplining, climbing, seeing the resident grizzly bears that have been rescued as orphans 20 years in the past, and taking within the spectacular views.
When the snow falls, Grouse Mountain turns into a winter paradise, with snowboarding, skating, and snowshoeing on provide. Because of ample newbie runs, it’s an impressive spot for the household to go snowboarding.
Getting to the summit is easy because of the gondola that runs each day. After the scenic journey, climbing adventures await together with mountain-top eating places. Ready to discover Vancouver’s nature? Read up on the finest 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 this present day.
The 70m footbridge connects two sides of a deep canyon with the Capilano River slicing by beneath. There are climbing trails and outside adventures ready on the opposite facet. The bridge sees a variety of guests, so it’s a kind of points of interest that’s nicely price 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 a different, Queen Elizabeth Park has a little bit of all the pieces. The middle of the park generally known as Little Mountain is the very best level within the metropolis. Queen Elizabeth Park is a superb place to go for sundown and is without doubt one of the finest locations to see Vancouver’s Skyline. From right here you can too 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 within the city park is the Quarry Garden. The repurposed quarry comes with a spectacular entrance and is a superb place to stroll on a transparent day.
Commodore Ballroom
If you’re on the lookout for issues to do in Vancouver at evening, 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 without doubt one of the most influential venues in North America.
13. Whale Watching
Vancouver is a enjoyable metropolis to discover however it’s even higher on a ship tour. Beyond the town limits lies an unimaginable 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 stunning beasts, whether or not that be from a personal dinghy, touring boat, or from above in a airplane. Beyond whales, it’s frequent to identify orcas and minke in your journey.
Book this highly-rated half-day whale-watching tour from Vancouver. It provides simple cancellation inside 24 hours of tour and last-minute bookings.
14. Vancouver Art Gallery
In downtown Vancouver, the town’s outstanding artwork gallery is without doubt one of the high artwork establishments in Canada. One of one of the 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 throughout the week, you may discover the progressive artwork house 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 preferred gathering place within the metropolis middle.
15. Vandusen Botanical Garden
An oasis within the coronary heart of the town, VanDusen Botanical Garden, is a sight to behold. All instructed, the backyard covers a large 55 acres with a worldwide plant choice that provides to over 7000 vegetation.
The quiet setting is the proper solution to loosen up and escape from the oft-chaotic downtown Vancouver. Keep your digicam 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 supply something from a soothing espresso to a delicious noon meal. If you’re in Vancouver throughout 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
16. Vancouver Maritime Museum
Although providing splendid views of English Bay, the within of the Vancouver Maritime Museum is what friends keep 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 provides a various vary of views and takes a take a look at outstanding explorations within the Pacific Northwest and the Arctic Oceans. Inside the gorgeous A-frame constructing is the gorgeous RCP Vessel St Roch. Jump behind the wheel and really feel what it could be prefer to helm the historic boat.
17. Vancouver Lookout
The Vancouver Lookout is a well-liked vacationer attraction situated within the metropolis middle on the highest ground 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 reveals: In addition to the statement deck, the Vancouver Lookout additionally encompasses a vary of interactive reveals that educate guests concerning the metropolis’s historical past, tradition, and landmarks. These reveals embrace historic pictures, 3D fashions of the town, and multimedia shows.
Accessibility: The Vancouver Lookout is totally accessible to individuals with mobility points, with elevators that present entry to the statement deck and reveals. The attraction can be wheelchair-friendly, with vast doorways and accessible washrooms.
18. Lynn Canyon
Capilano Suspension Bridge might get all of the plaudits, but it surely isn’t the one one in all its sort in Vancouver. The Lynn Canyon suspension bridge is a neighborhood favourite, notably because it avoids the vacationer hordes and doesn’t price a penny.
In the Lynn Valley, Lynn Canyon Park brings spectacular surroundings that’s positive to excite your internal 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.
19. Museum of Anthropology
Note: The Museum of Anthropology is briefly closed for many of 2023 for upgrades to make sure that the Indigenous collections are housed on this however visiting the grounds of UBC continues to be price a go to. You may go to its rose backyard for gorgeous views of the mountains and ocean.
The Museum of Anthropology is a piece 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 seems towards the South Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Europe. It all comes collectively inside an previous World War II fort remodeled right into a cultural spotlight.
20. 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 present in Maple Tree Square.
Gastown provides an immense variety of high quality eating places, fascinating 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 the clouds. You can ebook strolling excursions of Gastown like This extremely rated misplaced souls of Gastown tour.
21. Kitsilano Beach
Vancouver has loads of city seashores and a technique 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 seashore is well-liked on summer season days when locals come to bake on the smooth sands or have enjoyable on the volleyball courts.
Jumping within the water isn’t so well-liked, 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 the inexperienced house, or sit back at a neighborhood cafe. You’ll additionally end up minutes from procuring on West Fourth Avenue.
22. Visit Wreck Beach
Wreck Beach has been well-known for so long as I can keep in mind. This clothing-optional seashore situated 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 amazing 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 exhibits, and stay music performances. These occasions could be a good way to attach with like-minded individuals and benefit from the seashore in a festive environment.
23. English Bay
Close to Stanley Park, English Bay is one other well-liked 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 competition, 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 below the big timber, rollerblading or taking within the many public artwork reveals. Like Kitsilano Beach, it’s not frequent 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 within the West End of Vancouver and English Bay Beach was our seashore. We knew it as First Beach. Because of its shut proximity to the town middle, English Bay Beach is one in all Vancouver’s busiest seashores. From right here you may see views of English Bay and the North Shore mountains. We beloved 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 akin to 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 look at it from our rooftop!) which takes place over three nights each summer season and attracts lots of of hundreds of holiday makers. The seashore can be the place to begin of the annual Vancouver Polar Bear Swim, a New Year’s Day custom wherein courageous swimmers take a dip within the chilly waters of English Bay.
Spanish Banks Beach
Vancouver has a variety of waterfront property and loads of metropolis seashores. Another well-liked seashore in Vancouver is Spanish Banks Beach. Also situated within the West End, Spanish Banks is the place the seawall ends however can 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 preferred 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.
24. Take a Sunset Cruise
One of one of the 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 are taking within the views of West Vancouver and the North Shore Mountains you’ll get pleasure from a West Coast-style buffet dinner with music. Take within the high Vancouver points of interest out of your distinctive vantage level on the water.
25. Christ Church Cathedral
Dave and I are usually not very spiritual, however once 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 road stage and is without doubt one of the tallest constructions in downtown Vancouver. The inside of the Christ Church Cathedral options stunning stained glass home windows, intricate woodwork, and a surprising pipe organ.
26. Explore Richmond
South of downtown Vancouver, Richmond is residence to Vancouver’s different Chinatown. Walking across the stylish neighborhood will carry you to a number of genuine Chinese eating places able 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 stunning space of Richmond is residence to a National History Site, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. The previous boat sheds have been as soon as part of the west coast’s historic fishing business. But are actually stuffed with waterfront eating places and boutiques.
27. Richmond Night Market
If you’re questioning what to do in Vancouver at evening, then make your solution to the Richmond Night Market simply 20 minutes from the downtown core. The vibrant market is filled with fascinating stalls promoting souvenirs and artwork. Naturally, it’s one other excellent place to strive some Chinese road eats on the many meals stalls.
The Richmond Night Market options greater than 200 distributors promoting all the pieces 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 competition meals like mini donuts and corn on the cob.
The family-friendly market is a superb vacation spot for adults and children 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 within the evenings, which provides 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.
28. Sea-Plane Tour
By now you might have some appreciation for the spectacular panorama that flanks Vancouver. But from floor stage, it’s onerous to know the sheer scale of the native mountain ranges. Book this extremely rated sea airplane tour for a scenic view of the town. This small group flight additionally features a carbon offset.
One solution 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 reducing by downtown. The unforgettable expertise will see you land on the harborfront, able to sort out extra high points of interest.
Want one other solution to discover Canada’s wonderful surroundings? Check out our information on the long-lasting Rocky Mountaineer.
29. Museum of Vancouver
If you may’t get sufficient of native historical past, then you’ll want 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 simple day journeys and weekend getaways available. These are a number of of our high picks.
30. Sea to Sky Highway
If you wish 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 within the Vancouver metropolis middle and ending on the well-known city of Whistler.
You can drive the ocean to sky freeway in a single fast shot, however we suggest taking your time highway journey is full of highlights, with gorgeous vistas all through. An in a single day in Squamish is very really useful to benefit from the Pass waterfalls, sprawling lakes, and snow-capped peaks. Have your digicam 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.
31. Go Skiing or Snowboarding
Grouse Mountain could be the most well-known of the North Shore Mountains, however there are two different mountains which might be price visiting. Cypress in West Vancouver and Mount Seymour in North Vancouver are two year-round locations for climbing and biking in the summertime and snowboarding and snowboarding within the winter.
Because of its distinctive geographical place, Vancouver sees a variety of rain. The upside is unimaginable powder and world-class snowboarding. If you’ve got 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 may even go to Whistler on a day journey. It actually isn’t sufficient to see all of it in someday, 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
32. Squamish
Squamish is situated simply 50 minutes from downtown Vancouver alongside the Sea to Sky Highway and makes for an amazing day journey. We love Squamish a lot that we recommend making at the least 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
33. Brittania Mine
A preferred cease alongside the facet of the highway is the Brittania Mine. We didn’t assume we’d care an excessive amount of a few mine, however this mining museum is superior. It begins with a practice journey into the mine to study 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 together with your ticket is an extravaganza that isn’t to be missed.
34. 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 really 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 journey 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 summertime, there’s loads of 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 prematurely 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 ebook your tickets for the Sea to Sky Gondola on-line and t
35. Vancouver Island
Despite its identify, Vancouver Island is 2 hours away from the town middle by ferry. Nevertheless, the journey continues to be among the best issues to do in Vancouver. We have it as a day journey, however we suggest at the least making it an in a single day getawaY. In a rustic of fantastic magnificence, there’s one thing breathtaking about Vancouver Island.
The two-hour journey encompasses a ferry journey 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 if you happen to 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 BC’s Sunshine Coast.
Book this Vancouver to Victoria tour that features a ferry journey 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 filled with one of the best issues to do in Vancouver, let’s discover all you must know to benefit from the metropolis!
Getting to Downtown Vancouver
We at all times hire a automobile and discover it’s one of the simplest ways to get round Vancouver. You can store for automobile leases from the Vancouver Airport at RentalCars.com
The principal arrival level for Vancouver is the Vancouver International Airport. The airport is roughly 9 miles from downtown and the simplest solution to get there’s by way of the Airport SkyPractice. The journey takes 25 minutes to finish and begins simply after 5 am and ends at 1 am. A ticket prices 9 CAD (approx $7 USD) a technique until you’ve got a pre-purchased go, which reduces the worth to $5 ( about $3.50 USD).
Taxis are one other well-liked 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 season, and early autumn are one of the best instances to go to Vancouver. Vancouver is infamous for rain, and summer season is one of the best time to keep away from getting moist.
Spring may be very wet however you may actually anticipate to have rain any time of the 12 months. Festivals are taking place and spots like Stanley Park pack out with locals. Autumn is a superb time to go to Vancouver for fall colours, the temperature continues to be fairly nice and there are various fall adventures available.
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 one of the best points of interest in Vancouver.
Where to Stay in Vancouver
It could also be tempting to remain in Richmond or in North Vancouver, however to expertise one of the best 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 high decisions to go well with all budgets:
- Luxury:
- The Opus Vancouver is a superb boutique resort situated in Yaletown that’s inside strolling distance of all the pieces. Plus there are nice choices for eating and nightlife shut by and its only a quick stroll to the waterfront. Check out charges and availability on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
- Mid-Range:
- Budget:
- With a extremely rated location, you received’t need to spend a lot at the Samesun Vancouver to get pleasure from a fast stroll to Robson Street, Stanley Park, and one of the best of downtown. Check out charges and availability on TripAdvisor/ Booking.com
And these are one of the best 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 many times. This is a metropolis that retains evolving and altering and regardless 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 within the metropolis?