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 mountain climbing trails and outside occasions in {the summertime} and in the winter you’ll be able to go ice skating at one in every of its many arenas or hit the superior ski slopes positioned 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 areas can lay declare to the form of surroundings Vancouver supplies. Beyond town are snow-capped peaks carved by years of slow-moving glaciers. The Coast Mountains which reduce by way of British Columbia are awe-inspiring permitting guests a large unfold of actions to take pleasure in. This complete information will enable you to uncover one of the best issues to do in Vancouver, Canada.
1. Granville Island
Many cities have fantastic tales of previous warehouses reborn to develop into a prime attraction. Vancouver’s model of that is Granville Island. The previous industrial port in town has been changed by a thriving arts neighborhood with eating places and microbrew pubs, boutique retailers, and leisure. Granville Island is likely one of the first locations it’s best 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’ll be able to arrive by way of each automotive 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 incredible place to pattern the flavors of British Columbia and assist native farmers and producers.
The market additionally gives academic experiences for guests, together with culinary workshops and excursions, wine tastings, and cooking courses. Take a tour the place you’ll be able to 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 in the West End of Vancouver, Stanley Park is likely one of the prime vacationer sights 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 prime attraction on this listing of issues to do in Vancouver, the Vancouver Aquarium.
Stanley Park gives guests an opportunity to escape 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 among the park’s prime sights.
Hot Tip: At the Stanley Park Totem Poles, you’ll discover top-of-the-line views of Vancouver’s stunning skyline. Get on a motorbike to discover Stanely Park with this guided biking tour.
Stanley Park is a good spot for a day picnic with area 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 way of 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 basic ocean-going vessel, Canada Place is a everlasting construction positioned on the Vancouver Convention Centre on Vancouver Harbour. The pier rolls means out into Vancouver harbor, offering vacationers and locals with fantastic views of the mountains in the gap 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 listing. 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 good spot to keep close to the Vancouver Convention Center earlier than or after your cruise is the Fairmont Pacific Rim. This historic lodge is opulent and opulent but the up to date 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 advantageous eating expertise. With a lot to see inside simple strolling distance, take pleasure in an incredible location in fashion.
4. False Creek
False Creek is the guts of Vancouver, British Columbia. This bustling inlet has most of the prime sights in the world 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 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, town’s seashores, and the Lions Gate Bridge whereas taking in the Vancouver Skyline.
5. Olympic Village
Don’t neglect to go to Olympic Village, a newly developed space positioned on the southeast shore of False Creek. Vancouver’s Olympic Village was residence to the athletes through the 2010 Winter Olympics and has since been remodeled right into a vibrant neighborhood that options eating places, retailers, and public artwork. Also referred to as the Southeast False Creek neighborhood, it’s simply minutes from town heart.
Vancouver’s Olympic Village is residence to a number of widespread craft breweries, together with Brassneck Brewery, Steel Toad Brewing, and Main Street Brewing, making it an incredible spot for beer lovers to discover the Craft Beer Scene. It can be residence to quite a few public artwork installations, together with the favored A-Maze-ing Laughter sculpture, which options 14 bronze figures laughing and taking part in.
This is a superb neighborhood for buying with quite a lot of distinctive retailers, boutiques, and eating places, together with the fashionable 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 novel means to discover the world. It stops at Granville Island, Science World, and Yaletown. It’s a enjoyable and distinctive means to get across the space.
6. Yaletown
One of our favorite locations to hang around is the fashionable neighborhood of Yaletown the place there are stylish eating places, boutique retailers, and a vibrant nightlife. Overall, False Creek gives a various vary of sights 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 a part of a biking tour. This guided tour takes you alongside the seawall and thru town’s hottest neighborhoods together with Yaletown, and Chinatown, with a cease on the serene Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden (Another one of many prime 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 lodge positioned in Yaletown that’s inside strolling distance of every thing in 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 could have seen the massive steel dome construction on False Creek. What you might not know, is that it’s residence to one of many prime issues to do in Vancouver with children.
The family-friendly Science World options 12 interactive reveals designed to get you desirous 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, relax and watch a present on the large five-story domed display screen. The largest of its form 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 sport? The Vancouver Canucks play in the NHL, which runs from October to April, and the house group averages slightly below 20,000 for every sport.
Playing out of Rogers Arena, seize your self a foam finger and root for the house group. Whether you recognize a lot about hockey or not, the noise of the gang is certain to get you concerned. Once the sport is over, downtown Vancouver might be at your disposal.
We love doing strolling excursions after we first arrive in a metropolis and top-of-the-line methods to see Vancouver is to e-book this Guided City Highlights Tour.
9. Chinatown
After passing by way of the spectacular Millenium Gate, you’ve formally arrived in Vancouver’s bustling Chinatown. This a part of town mixes fashionable growth with many historic buildings from Vancouver’s early years. Vancouver’s Chinatown is likely one of the largest in North America and is a prime 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 attention-grabbing native retailers earlier than making your means to Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Created by way of conventional strategies, with manicured gardens and delightful 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 take pleasure in Grouse Mountain. At any time of 12 months, visiting Grouse Mountain is likely one of the finest issues to do in Vancouver. The view from the highest supplies unmatched surroundings, with epic vistas of 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 prime hikes in Vancouver. Once on the prime of Grouse Mountain, there are many issues to do from going ziplining, mountain climbing, 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 provide. Because of ample newbie runs, it’s a powerful spot for the household to go snowboarding.
Getting to the summit is easy thanks to the gondola that runs daily. After the scenic trip, mountain climbing adventures await together with mountain-top eating places. Ready to discover Vancouver’s nature? Read up on one of the 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 could make guests surprise if the Capilano Suspension Bridge is outdated. Yet town’s suspension bridge, which opened in 1889, continues to wow and thrill those 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 way of beneath. There are mountain climbing trails and outside adventures ready on the opposite aspect. The bridge sees a whole lot of guests, so it’s a type of sights that’s effectively value getting up early for.
Conveniently, you’ll be able to 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 thing. The heart of the park referred to as Little Mountain is the best level in town. Queen Elizabeth Park is a good place to go for sundown and is likely 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 in 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.
13. Commodore Ballroom
If you’re searching 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 robust 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 town limits lies an unimaginable place to see migrating whales. Off the shoreline of British Columbia, keen whale watchers hold 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 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 gives simple cancellation inside 24 hours of tour and last-minute bookings.
15. Vancouver Art Gallery
In downtown Vancouver, town’s distinguished artwork gallery is likely one of the prime 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 neighborhood occasions
On any day through the week, you’ll be able to discover the progressive artwork area 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 in town heart.
16. Vandusen Botanical Garden
An oasis in the guts of 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 vegetation.
The quiet setting is the right means to calm down and escape from the oft-chaotic downtown Vancouver. Keep your digital camera useful 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 through 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 keep in mind essentially 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 gives a various vary of views and takes a take 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 might be like to helm the historic boat.
18. Vancouver Lookout
The Vancouver Lookout is a well-liked vacationer attraction positioned in town heart 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 incorporates a vary of interactive reveals that educate guests concerning the metropolis’s historical past, tradition, and landmarks. These reveals embrace historic images, 3D fashions of town, and multimedia shows.
Accessibility: The Vancouver Lookout is absolutely 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.
19. Lynn Canyon
Capilano Suspension Bridge could get all of the plaudits, however it isn’t the one one in every of its form in Vancouver. The Lynn Canyon suspension bridge is a neighborhood 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 encounter the bridge, which connects to the opposite aspect over 50 hair-raising meters.
20. Museum of Anthropology
Note: The Museum of Anthropology is quickly closed for many of 2023 for upgrades to be certain that the Indigenous collections are housed in this however visiting the grounds of UBC remains to be value a go to. You may also 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 to be like 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.
21. Explore Gastown
As 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 rapidly gained the nickname, Gassy Jack. A statue of Deighton can now be discovered in Maple Tree Square.
Gastown gives an immense variety of high quality eating places, attention-grabbing galleries, and native boutiques. All are positioned inside Victorian-era buildings.
Just a quick stroll from Canada Place, Gastown is lined with cobblestone streets lit by basic lampposts. It’s a journey again in time, particularly when the fog rolls in and the lamps shine by way of the clouds. You can e-book strolling excursions of Gastown like This extremely rated misplaced souls of Gastown tour.
22. Kitsilano Beach
Vancouver has loads of city seashores and a technique to take in 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 widespread on summer season days when locals come to bake on the tender sands or have enjoyable on the volleyball courts.
Jumping in the water isn’t so widespread, 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 way of the inexperienced area, or relax at a neighborhood 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 keep in mind. This clothing-optional seaside positioned 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 an incredible 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 spread of occasions and festivals all year long, together with seaside cleanups, artwork exhibits, and stay music performances. These occasions might be a good way to join with like-minded individuals and benefit from the seaside in a festive environment.
24. English Bay
Close to Stanley Park, English Bay is one other widespread 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 mild up the sky and stay music. But on any common day you’ll discover residents stress-free below the big timber, rollerblading or taking in the numerous public artwork reveals. 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 town heart, English Bay Beach is one in every of Vancouver’s busiest seashores. From right here you’ll be able to see views of English Bay and the North Shore mountains. We cherished this neighborhood of Vancouver with loads of eating places, espresso retailers, and buying close by.
The water is calm providing loads of water sports activities similar to SUP, kayaking, and swimming. On the shore, you’ll be able to take pleasure in seaside volleyball or it is a great place to take pleasure in 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 season and attracts a whole lot of 1000’s of holiday makers. The seaside can be the place to begin 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 a whole lot of waterfront property and loads of metropolis seashores. Another widespread seaside in Vancouver is Spanish Banks Beach. Also positioned 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 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 delightful coast. As you are taking in the views of West Vancouver and the North Shore Mountains you’ll take pleasure in a West Coast-style buffet dinner with music. Take in the highest Vancouver sights out of your distinctive vantage level on the water.
26. Christ Church Cathedral
Dave and I will not be very spiritual, 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 buildings in downtown Vancouver. The inside of the Christ Church Cathedral options stunning stained glass home windows, intricate woodwork, and a shocking pipe organ.
27. Explore Richmond
South of downtown Vancouver, Richmond is residence to Vancouver’s different Chinatown. Walking across the fashionable 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 phenomenal 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 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 evening, then make your means 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 good spot to strive some Chinese avenue eats on the many meals stalls.
The Richmond Night Market options greater than 200 distributors promoting every thing from clothes, to equipment and souvenirs. You may also 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 good vacation spot for adults and youngsters with a spread of actions to hold everybody entertained from carnival sights and video games to stay music, cultural shows, and loads of meals choices.
The Richmond Night Market is just open in the evenings, which supplies it a novel 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.
29. Sea-Plane Tour
By now you could 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 town. This small group flight additionally features a carbon offset.
One means 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 prime websites. These can embrace Vancouver’s North Shore, Grouse Mountain, and False Creek reducing by way of downtown. The unforgettable expertise will see you land on the harborfront, prepared to deal with extra prime sights.
Want one other means to discover Canada’s superb surroundings? Check out our information on the long-lasting Rocky Mountaineer.
30. Museum of Vancouver
If you’ll be able to’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 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 positioned in a wonderful location with shut proximity to a few of British Columbia’s prime locations. From the Fraser Valley to the Coastal Mountains, there are many simple day journeys and weekend getaways to be had. These are a couple of of our prime picks.
31. Sea to Sky Highway
If you need to get out of the bustle of Vancouver, why not full top-of-the-line 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 very beneficial 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 concerning the epic drive? Read our information to the Sea-to-Sky.
32. Go Skiing or Snowboarding
Grouse Mountain would be the most well-known of the North Shore Mountains, however there are two different mountains which can be value visiting. Cypress in West Vancouver and Mount Seymour in North Vancouver are two year-round locations for mountain climbing and biking in the summer season and snowboarding and snowboarding in the winter.
Because of its distinctive geographical place, Vancouver sees a whole lot 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 town. Read extra at our Whistler Snowboarding Adventure
If you solely have a short while, you’ll be able to even go to Whistler on a day journey. It actually isn’t sufficient to see all of it in someday, however typically you’ll be able to solely take what you will get. When we lived in Vancouver, we’d pop over for an epic day of snowboarding, identical 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 positioned simply 50 minutes from downtown Vancouver alongside the Sea to Sky Highway and makes for an incredible day journey. We love Squamish a lot that we recommend making a minimum of an in a single day journey to 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 preferred cease alongside the aspect 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 prepare trip into the mine to find out about how the mine was constructed, you’ll be able to pan for gold and see all of the previous 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 preferred sights 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 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 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 season, there’s loads of mountain climbing. Plus the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge is open year-round as effectively. 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 technique. If you’re feeling peckish you’ll be able to go to the Summit Lodge for native British Columbia fare. You ought to e-book your tickets for the Sea to Sky Gondola on-line.
36. Vancouver Island
Despite its title, Vancouver Island is 2 hours away from town heart by ferry. Nevertheless, the journey remains to be top-of-the-line issues to do in Vancouver. We have it as a day journey, however we suggest a minimum of 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 incorporates a ferry trip from 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 way 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 one of the 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 hire 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 essential arrival level for Vancouver is the Vancouver International Airport. The airport is roughly 9 miles from downtown and the best means to get there’s by way of 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 technique except you’ve got a pre-purchased go, which reduces the worth to $5 ( about $3.50 USD).
Taxis are one other widespread possibility with rides taking round half-hour, relying on the situation of your lodge. 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 could be very wet however you’ll be able to actually count on 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 remains to be fairly nice and there are lots of fall adventures to be had.
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 sights in Vancouver.
Where to Stay in Vancouver
It could also be tempting to keep in Richmond or in North Vancouver, however to expertise one of the best of Vancouver, it’s beneficial that you just keep downtown. From your step, you’ll be inside strolling distance of many highlights from English Bay to Gastown.
Here are some prime decisions to go well with all budgets:
Luxury: The Opus Vancouver is a superb boutique lodge positioned in Yaletown that’s inside strolling distance of every 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 take pleasure in 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 couple 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 sights in town?