Vancouver is one of the most commonly visited places in Canada, and rightfully so. The city has a well-deserved reputation for being a nature-filled city. Downtown Vancouver lies amongst varied terrains, bodies of water, and the Coast Mountains, to name a few.
Vancouver is a haven for outdoor activities, thanks to its parks and pleasant environment that keeps temperate climates throughout the year. However, Vancouver has a vibrant cultural vibe, wonderful shopping outlets, and an outstanding food scene. There is truly something for everyone in Vancouver.
If you are planning a trip to this Canadian city sometime soon, ensure you check off the following 10 best things to do when in Vancouver.
1. Go on a Tour With Discover Canada Tours
If you are visiting a place for the first time, one of the best ways to emerge into uncharted territory is through guided tours.
Luckily, Canada offers loads of city tours, with Discover Canada Tours being one of the most highly rated. Discover Canada Tours is a local business dedicated to giving tourists genuine Canadian community experiences across the country, including in Vancouver.
The company offers planned group excursions and personal travel packages throughout Canada, with departures from Vancouver regularly.
Address: 820-1111 Melville Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 3V6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-689-8128
Website: discovercanadatours.com
2. Visit Stanley Park
Stanley Park is a 1,001-acre public park in Vancouver that encompasses the northwestern half of the Downtown Peninsula and beautiful bodies of water border the area. More so, Stanley Park is unique and unlike any other sizable urban park in the world. Why?
Nature created the park, not man. The evolution of forests and urban space over time created what is now Stanley Park.
And the Stanley Park Seawall is definitely a sight to behold. The Vancouver Seawall is located in Stanley Park and attracts tens of thousands of visitors each summer. Forestry trails, coastlines, lakes, playgrounds, and the Vancouver Aquarium are among some of the park’s many other attractions.
Address: City Hall 453 West 12th Ave Vancouver, BC V5Y 1V4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-873-7000
Website: vancouver.ca
3. Shop at Granville Island
Granville Island is a strip of land in Vancouver that serves as a commercial hub. The peninsula was previously an industrial manufacturing district. It is now a popular tourist and entertainment destination in Vancouver.
A farmers’ market, day merchants, and artists selling local Vancouver goods are also available at the Granville Island Public Market. There are 50 fixed stores and generally over hundred-day vendors. These vendors sell artisan foods and crafts on a rotating schedule around the market.
Address: 1661 Duranleau Street, 2nd Floor Vancouver, BC V6H 3S3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-666-6655
Website: granvilleisland.com
4. Ski at Ski Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain, located close to downtown Vancouver, attracts both locals and tourists who love outdoor activities. Grouse Mountain offers a variety of winter sports, including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides. Grouse Mountain, on the other hand, isn’t just for skiers and lovers of winter sports.
Guests can enjoy hiking, zip-lining, paragliding, sightseeing, and more during the summer. Grouse Mountain also has a number of top-rated eatery options as well as an endangered wildlife refuge to visit.
Address: 6400 Nancy Greene Way North Vancouver, BC V7R 4K9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-980-9311
Website: grousemountain.com
5. Walk Across the Capilano Suspension Bridge
The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a suspension bridge in North Vancouver that spans the Capilano River. The existing overpass is 460 feet long and rises 230 feet above the river. Every year, nearly 1.2 million people visit this popular Vancouver site.
The bridge was constructed in the 1880s. Local locals were then asked to erect their totem poles in the area, giving it Indigenous American character.
Address: 3735 Capilano Road North Vancouver, BC V7R 4J1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-985-7474
Website: capbridge.com
6. Educate Yourself at the Museum of Vancouver
The Museum of Vancouver is a civic history museum. The museum is Canada’s largest civic museum and Vancouver’s oldest museum.
The Museum of Vancouver was established in 1894 and passed through several name changes until being renamed in the early 2000s. It organizes exhibitions and activities about Vancouver that inspire people to talk about the city.
It organizes exhibitions and activities about Vancouver that inspire people to talk about the city. Additionally, the museum houses the H. R. MacMillan Space Center!
Address: 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-736-4431
Website: museumofvancouver.ca
7. Observe Canadian Whales
The Prince of Whales Whale Watching Tour sails from Vancouver and has 13 vessels. The Prince of Whales Whale Watching is one of British Columbia’s largest whale-watching and eco-adventure companies.
The Prince of Whales Whale Watching Company is also a prominent whale research platform!
Address: 1666 Duranleau St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3S2, Canada
Phone: +1 888-383-4884
Website: princeofwhales.com
8. Marvel at Art at the Vancouver Art Gallery
The Vancouver Art Gallery is a Vancouver art museum that occupies a 165,000-square-foot structure in downtown Vancouver, making it one of Canada’s largest art museums by building size.
The museum’s current location was originally built as a regional courthouse before being converted to a museum in the early 1980s.
Address: 750 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2H7, Canada
Phone: +1 604-662-4700
Website: vanartgallery.bc.ca
9. Be Entertained at the Chan Center for the Performing Arts
The Chan Center for the Performing Arts is found on the UBC campus in Vancouver. The 1,200-seat Chan Shun Concert Hall, the Telus Studio Theater, the Royal Bank Cinema, the Great Performers Lounge, and a glass lobby make up this cutting-edge performing arts venue.
Classes, rehearsals, and performances are held at the Chan Center for a range of UBC schools of music, film, and theater, and a diversified annual performance arts season that draws spectators from all over the world.
Address: 6265 Crescent Rd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-822-9197
Website: chancentre.com
10. Do the Snowshoe Tour at Cypress Mountain
Cypress Mountain is a ski resort in West Vancouver located in the south of Cypress Provincial Park.
The ski resort is situated half an hour north of Vancouver and features 53 designated alpine ski slopes and miles and miles of cross-country trails.
Address: 6000 Cypress Bowl Rd, West Vancouver, BC V7V 3N9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-926-5612
Website: cypressmountain.com
Other Great Options
- Check out the spectacular views at Elizabeth Park, Lighthouse Park, or the Classical Chinese Garden
- Walk around Main Street
- Check Out the Richmond Night Market
- Spend an afternoon at Queen Elizabeth Park
- Turn to Canada Place or English Bay
Conclusion
As one would expect from the city of Vancouver’s size, there is no shortage of fun activities and attractions to check out. So whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or prefer the indoors, there is plenty to see and do in Vancouver.
