Vancouver is without doubt one of the most picturesque cities on the planet. Situated on the Strait of Georgia, spliced by False Creek, and backed by towering mountains, Vancouver, Canada balances out of doors actions with many cultural highlights. This year-round vacation spot has loads of climbing trails and out of doors occasions within the summertime and within 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 High Issues to do in Vancouver, Canada
Downtown Vancouver options museums, galleries, and the gorgeous Stanley Park. It’s a occurring metropolis in its personal proper. However only a few places can lay declare to the type of surroundings Vancouver supplies. Past the town are snow-capped peaks carved by years of slow-moving glaciers. The Coast Mountains which reduce by British Columbia are awe-inspiring permitting guests a large unfold of actions to take pleasure in. This complete information will enable you to uncover the very best issues to do in Vancouver, Canada.
1. Granville Island
Many cities have great tales of previous warehouses reborn to change into a prime 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 retailers, and leisure. Granville Island is without doubt one of the first locations you must see when visiting Vancouver.
Contained in the warehouses, you’ll discover artwork galleries that includes native artists, a boisterous eating scene and impartial theaters. When you’re up for a pint, try Granville Island Brewing Firm. Granville Island is technically not an island, so you possibly can arrive by way of each automobile and ferry.
Granville Island Market
However 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 terrific place to pattern the flavors of British Columbia and assist native farmers and producers.
The market additionally presents academic experiences for guests, together with culinary workshops and excursions, wine tastings, and cooking lessons. Take a tour the place you possibly can study concerning the historical past of Granville Market and its distributors, in addition to the native meals and artisanal manufacturing processes.
2. Stanley Park
Probably the most well-known of all of the Vancouver Parks is Stanley Park. Situated on the peninsula within the West Finish of Vancouver, Stanley Park is without doubt one of the prime vacationer points of interest providing a pure escape simply steps from downtown Vancouver. The sting of the park carves alongside the bay, offering glorious biking and a spot for informal strolls alongside the enduring Stanley Park Seawall. Past the water, you’ll discover one other prime attraction on this record of issues to do in Vancouver, the Vancouver Aquarium.
Stanley Park presents guests an opportunity to flee the town simply steps away from the downtown core. The Stanley Park seawall begins on the Vancouver Conference Centre and goes throughout the park to Spanish Banks Park. You may stroll, cycle, or rollerblade across the seawall to see a number of the park’s prime points of interest.
Scorching Tip: On the Stanley Park Totem Poles, you’ll discover probably the greatest views of Vancouver’s lovely skyline. Get on a motorbike to discover Stanely Park with this guided cycling tour.
Stanley Park is a superb spot for a day picnic with house for yard video games. In the summertime, the heated public pool is open, bringing excited households alongside for the afternoon. Whereas in spring, colours burst by the panorama, together with vibrant cherry bushes.
- Among the best methods to see Vancouver and Stanely park is on a non-public tour. Book this highly-reviewed private tour to see Stanley Park, Granville Island, Gastown, Canada Place, and extra on a four-hour tour all to your self.
3. Canada Place
To not be confused with a basic ocean-going vessel, Canada Place is a everlasting construction situated on the Vancouver Conference Centre on Vancouver Harbour. The pier rolls manner out into Vancouver harbor, offering vacationers and locals with great views of the mountains within the distance and the picturesque bay.
Past being a cruise ship terminal, Canada Place can be the Vancouver Conference Middle which hosts over 500 occasions every year, and The Pan Pacific Hotel. However that’s not why it’s on the record. Additionally on the finish of the pier is Flyover Canada. Soar 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 experience to Alaska.
The place to Keep
One other good spot to remain close to the Vancouver Conference Middle earlier than or after your cruise is the Fairmont Pacific Rim. This historic lodge is opulent and splendid but the up to date rooms have all of the high-tech facilities.
Commerce 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, take pleasure in a terrific location in fashion.
4. False Creek
False Creek is the guts of Vancouver, British Columbia. This bustling inlet has lots of the prime points of interest within the space 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 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 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, retailers, and public artwork. Often known as the Southeast False Creek neighborhood, it’s simply minutes from the town heart.
Vancouver’s Olympic Village is house to a number of widespread craft breweries, together with Brassneck Brewery, Metal Toad Brewing, and Important Road Brewing, making it a terrific spot for beer lovers to discover the Craft Beer Scene. It’s also house to a lot 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 procuring with a wide range 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
Ensure that to hop on the False Creek Ferries to benefit from the water taxi service providing a novel technique to discover the world. It stops at Granville Island, Science World, and Yaletown. It’s a enjoyable and distinctive technique to get across the space.
6. Yaletown
Considered 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. Total, False Creek presents a various vary of points of interest which might be positive to enchantment to guests of all pursuits and ages.
Considered one of our favourite methods to see a metropolis is to affix 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. Solar Yat-Sen Backyard (One other one of many prime issues to do in Vancouver) and Strathcona—Vancouver’s oldest residential neighborhood.
The place to Keep close to Yaletown
The Opus Vancouver is a wonderful boutique lodge situated in Yaletown that’s inside strolling distance of all the pieces within the metropolis heart. Plus there are nice choices for eating and nightlife shut by and it’s only a quick stroll to the waterfront. Try charges and availability on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
7. Science World
When touring round Vancouver, there’s an opportunity you might have observed the massive steel dome construction on False Creek. What you might not know, is that it’s house to one of many prime issues to do in Vancouver with youngsters.
The family-friendly Science World options 12 interactive reveals designed to get you fascinated by how the world works. Actions vary from exploring movement, water, and the historical past of innovations.
The 12 reveals are complemented by varied touring exhibitions which were part of famend museums and different science facilities. When you’re all completed exploring, relax and watch a present on the large five-story domed display screen. The biggest of its sort on earth.
8. Watch the Vancouver Canucks
Everyone knows Canada to be a hockey-mad nation, so why not lean into the thrill and enterprise off to an area recreation? The Vancouver Canucks play within the NHL, which runs from October to April, and the house staff averages slightly below 20,000 for every recreation.
Enjoying out of Rogers Enviornment, seize your self a foam finger and root for the house staff. Whether or not you understand a lot about hockey or not, the noise of the group is certain to get you concerned. As soon as the sport is over, downtown Vancouver will probably be at your disposal.
We love doing strolling excursions once we first arrive in a metropolis and probably the greatest 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 growth 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 prime spot for affordable eats. The enduring 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 retailers earlier than making your technique to Dr. Solar Yat Sen Classical Chinese language Backyard. 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 yr, visiting Grouse Mountain is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Vancouver. The view from the highest supplies unmatched surroundings, with epic vistas of the town skyline within the valley under. You may take a scenic trip up the Gondola or deal with the Grouse Grind.
The notorious Grouse Grind, typically described as Mom Nature’s StairMaster is without doubt one of the prime hikes in Vancouver. As soon as on the prime of Grouse Mountain, there are many issues to do from going ziplining, climbing, seeing the resident grizzly bears that had 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 supply. Due to ample newbie runs, it’s an impressive spot for the household to go snowboarding.
Attending to the summit is easy due to the gondola that runs each day. After the scenic trip, climbing adventures await together with mountain-top eating places. Able to discover Vancouver’s nature? Learn up on the best hikes to do in Vancouver.
11. Capilano Suspension Bridge
Whereas 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. But 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 under. There are climbing trails and out of doors adventures ready on the opposite aspect. The bridge sees lots of guests, so it’s a type of points of interest that’s nicely value getting up early for.
Conveniently, you possibly can catch a free shuttle to the Capilano Suspension Bridge from downtown Vancouver. When you’ve arrived, up the ante by experiencing the clear Cliff Stroll 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 referred to 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 may also see the snow-capped peaks to the north.
Whereas 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. Additionally within the city park is the Quarry Backyard. The repurposed quarry comes with a spectacular entrance and is a superb place to stroll on a transparent day.
13. Commodore Ballroom
In case you are searching for issues to do in Vancouver at evening, try some music at Vancouver’s most historic reside music venue. Situated on Granville Road, The Commodore Ballroom has seen the likes of Kiss, B.B. King, David Bowie, and The Police grace its stage. In the present day it’s nonetheless going sturdy and is without doubt 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. Past the 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 lovely beasts, whether or not that be from a non-public dinghy, touring boat, or from above in a aircraft. Past whales, it’s frequent to identify orcas and minke in your journey.
Ebook this highly-rated half-day whale-watching tour from Vancouver. It presents straightforward cancellation inside 24 hours of tour and last-minute bookings.
15. Vancouver Artwork Gallery
In downtown Vancouver, the town’s distinguished artwork gallery is without doubt one of the prime artwork establishments in Canada. Among the best issues to do in Vancouver is to enroll in a guided tour of the Vancouver Artwork Gallery. It’s a assembly place and hosts enjoyable group occasions
On any day in the course of the week, you possibly can discover the revolutionary artwork house with the serving to hand of an knowledgeable. Study concerning the shows and the tales behind them. While you’re prepared for a break, sit down on the on-site bistro patio earlier than going out by yourself. The Vancouver Artwork Gallery is subsequent to Robson Sq., a well-liked gathering place within the metropolis heart.
16. Vandusen Botanical Backyard
An oasis within the coronary heart of the town, VanDusen Botanical Backyard, 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 right technique to chill out and escape from the oft-chaotic downtown Vancouver. Hold your digicam 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. When you’re in Vancouver in the course of the winter, cease by for the annual Pageant of Lights.
Searching for extra issues to do in British Columbia? Learn these articles for journey inspiration
17. Vancouver Maritime Museum
Though providing splendid views of English Bay, the within of the Vancouver Maritime Museum is what company keep in mind essentially the most. One of many prime issues to do in Vancouver is to discover the historic museum and study seagoing tales that date again centuries.
The museum presents a various vary of views and takes a have a look at distinguished explorations within the Pacific Northwest and the Arctic Oceans. Contained in the gorgeous A-frame constructing is the gorgeous RCP Vessel St Roch. Soar behind the wheel and really feel what it could be prefer to helm the historic boat.
18. Vancouver Lookout
The Vancouver Lookout is a well-liked vacationer attraction situated within the metropolis heart on the highest flooring 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: Along with 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 images, 3D fashions of the town, and multimedia shows.
Accessibility: The Vancouver Lookout is totally accessible to folks with mobility points, with elevators that present entry to the statement deck and reveals. The attraction can be wheelchair-friendly, with extensive doorways and accessible washrooms.
19. Lynn Canyon
Capilano Suspension Bridge might get all of the plaudits, however it isn’t the one one in all its sort in Vancouver. The Lynn Canyon suspension bridge is an area favourite, notably because it avoids the vacationer hordes and doesn’t value a penny.
Within the Lynn Valley, Lynn Canyon Park brings spectacular surroundings that’s positive to excite your internal explorer. A number of forest trails lead you to distant swimming holes and pure waterfalls. Ultimately, you’ll come across the bridge, which connects to the opposite aspect over 50 hair-raising meters.
20. Museum of Anthropology
Observe: The Museum of Anthropology is quickly 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 value a go to. You can too go to its rose backyard for gorgeous views of the mountains and ocean.
The Museum of Anthropology is a bit of the College of British Columbia and has a eager give attention to the Northwest Coast First Nations. Discover native artwork, massive totem poles, and mosaics. Past native human historical past, the museum seems towards the South Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Europe. All of it comes collectively inside an previous World Battle II fort reworked right into a cultural spotlight.
21. Discover 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 person was a griot, a throwback to previous storytellers, and rapidly gained the nickname, Gassy Jack. A statue of Deighton can now be present in Maple Tree Sq..
Gastown presents an immense variety of high quality eating places, fascinating galleries, and native boutiques. All are positioned inside Victorian-era buildings.
Only a temporary 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 the clouds. You may ebook strolling excursions of Gastown like This highly rated lost souls of Gastown tour.
22. Kitsilano Seashore
Vancouver has loads of city seashores and a method to take in the solar when in Vancouver is with a visit to Kitsilano Seashore. 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 comfortable sands or have enjoyable on the volleyball courts.
Leaping within the water isn’t so widespread, however you’ll quickly uncover a heated out of doors pool. When you’re completed having a dip, dry off and benefit from the a number of strolling trails by the inexperienced house, or relax at an area cafe. You’ll additionally end up minutes from procuring on West Fourth Avenue.
23. Go to Wreck Seashore
Wreck Seashore has been well-known for so long as I can keep 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 snug with the clothing-optional coverage, it’s a terrific 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 sorts.
Wreck Seashore additionally hosts a spread of occasions and festivals all year long, together with seaside cleanups, artwork reveals, and reside music performances. These occasions could be a good way to attach with like-minded folks and benefit from the seaside in a festive ambiance.
24. English Bay
Near Stanley Park, English Bay is one other widespread beachfront that brings the crowds on sunny days. As part of Vancouver’s West Finish, English Bay performs host to the Celebration of Mild.
The annual pageant, held in July, sees eye-popping fireworks mild up the sky and reside music. However on any common day you’ll discover residents enjoyable beneath the big bushes, rollerblading or taking within the many public artwork reveals. Like Kitsilano Seashore, it’s not frequent to swim at English Bay. However that doesn’t cease these braving the frigid waters for the Polar Bear Swim, held on New Yr’s Day.
English Bay Seashore
Dave and I used to reside within the West Finish of Vancouver and English Bay Seashore was our seaside. We knew it as First Seashore. Due to its shut proximity to the town heart, English Bay Seashore 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 retailers, and procuring close by.
The water is calm providing loads of water sports activities akin to SUP, kayaking, and swimming. On the shore, you possibly can take pleasure in seaside volleyball or this can be a good spot to take pleasure in a picnic with that meals you picked up at Granville Market.
One of many highlights of English Bay Seashore is the annual Celebration of Mild fireworks show (we used to look at it from our rooftop!) which takes place over three nights each summer season and attracts a whole bunch of hundreds of holiday makers. The seaside can be the place to begin of the annual Vancouver Polar Bear Swim, a New Yr’s Day custom by which courageous swimmers take a dip within the chilly waters of English Bay.
Spanish Banks Seashore
Vancouver has lots of waterfront property and loads of metropolis seashores. One other widespread seaside in Vancouver is Spanish Banks Seashore. Additionally situated within the West Finish, 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 Seashore, 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 well-liked 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 Sundown Cruise
Among the best issues to do in Vancouver is to take a sundown cruise to benefit from the metropolis’s scenic waterfront. This sunset dinner cruise takes you out from Vancouver Harbour to the Pacific Ocean to see the Vancouver Skyline and delightful coast. As you are taking within the views of West Vancouver and the North Shore Mountains you’ll take pleasure in a West Coast-style buffet dinner with music. Take within the prime Vancouver points of interest out of your distinctive vantage level on the water.
26. Christ Church Cathedral
Dave and I will not be very non secular, however once we journey we all the time 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 courting again to 1889. Situated in downtown Vancouver, it options a mixture of Gothic Revival and Romanesque architectural types.
The historic landmark of Vancouver is understood for its hanging bell tower, which rises 65 meters (213 toes) above avenue degree and is without doubt 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. Discover Richmond
South of downtown Vancouver, Richmond is house to Vancouver’s different Chinatown. Strolling across the fashionable neighborhood will deliver you to a number of genuine Chinese language eating places able to entertain your style buds.
However Richmond isn’t nearly meals. You’ll discover a ravishing Buddhist temple and uncover the small village of Steveston. The gorgeous space of Richmond is house to a Nationwide Historical past Web site, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. The previous boat sheds had been as soon as part of the west coast’s historic fishing business. However are actually crammed with waterfront eating places and boutiques.
28. Richmond Evening Market
When you’re questioning what to do in Vancouver at evening, then make your technique to the Richmond Evening Market simply 20 minutes from the downtown core. The colourful market is filled with fascinating stalls promoting souvenirs and artwork. Naturally, it’s one other good spot to strive some Chinese language avenue eats on the many meals stalls.
The Richmond Evening Market options greater than 200 distributors promoting all the pieces from clothes, to equipment and souvenirs. You can too pattern a variety of cuisines, together with Chinese language, 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 children with a spread of actions to maintain everybody entertained from carnival points of interest and video games to reside music, cultural shows, and loads of meals choices.
The Richmond Evening Market is barely open within the evenings, which supplies it a novel 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-Airplane Tour
By now you might have some appreciation for the spectacular panorama that flanks Vancouver. However from floor degree, it’s laborious to know the sheer scale of the native mountain ranges. Book this highly rated sea plane tour for a scenic view of the town. This small group flight additionally features a carbon offset.
One technique 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 downtown. The unforgettable expertise will see you land on the harborfront, able to deal with extra prime points of interest.
Need one other technique to discover Canada’s superb surroundings? Try our information on the enduring Rocky Mountaineer.
30. Museum of Vancouver
When you can’t get sufficient of native historical past, then make sure you pay a go to to the Museum of Vancouver. Devoted to all issues “Couve”, discover the town’s historical past from the very begin.
Start 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 Journeys
Vancouver is situated 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 straightforward day journeys and weekend getaways available. These are a number of of our prime picks.
31. Sea to Sky Freeway
If you wish to get out of the bustle of Vancouver, why not full probably the greatest scenic drives in Canada? The Sea to Sky Freeway is a 90-minute journey starting within the Vancouver metropolis heart and ending on the well-known city of Whistler.
You may drive the ocean to sky freeway in a single fast shot, however we advocate taking your time highway journey is filled with highlights, with gorgeous vistas all through. An in a single day in Squamish is very beneficial to benefit from the Go 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. Need to know extra concerning the epic drive? Learn our information to the Sea-to-Sky.
32. Go Snowboarding or Snowboarding
Grouse Mountain often is the most well-known of the North Shore Mountains, however there are two different mountains which might be value 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.
Due to its distinctive geographical place, Vancouver sees lots of rain. The upside is unimaginable powder and world-class snowboarding. You probably have an additional day in your itinerary and the lifts are working, then do your self a favor and go shred. Apart 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. Learn extra at our Whistler Snowboarding Adventure
When you solely have a short while, you possibly can even go to Whistler on a day journey. It actually isn’t sufficient to see all of it in someday, however typically you possibly can solely take what you may get. After 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. Try 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 Freeway and makes for a terrific 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 many 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 Freeway highway journey. Learn 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 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 possibly can 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’s not to be missed.
35. Sea to Sky Gondola
One of the widespread 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. When you beloved 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 had been there, the Sea to Sky Gondola was closed however it’s now open for enterprise year-round. In the course of the winter months, there may be snow tubing, snowshoeing, and nordic snowboarding. And in the summertime, there may be loads of climbing. Plus the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge is open year-round as nicely. Learn extra: 14 Amazing Things to Do in Squamish BC
Book your Tickets up the Sea to Sky Gondola upfront with free cancellation inside 24 hours of entry ought to one thing come up. The journey takes about 10 minutes a method. When you’re feeling peckish you possibly can go to the Summit Lodge for native British Columbia fare. You must ebook your tickets for the Sea to Sky Gondola online.
36. Vancouver Island
Regardless of its identify, Vancouver Island is 2 hours away from the town heart by ferry. Nonetheless, the journey continues to be probably the greatest issues to do in Vancouver. We have now it as a day journey, however we advocate at the least making it an in a single day getaway. In a rustic of wonderful magnificence, there’s one thing breathtaking about Vancouver Island.
The 2-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. However in case you solely have a day, then there are a number of excursions across the island. Should-see spots embrace Victoria, the Pacific Rim Nationwide Park in Tofino (additionally nice for browsing), and the impeccable Butchart Gardens. Talking of highway journeys, learn up on our itinerary for driving by BC’s Sunshine Coast.
Ebook 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 gorgeous Butchart Gardens adopted by a sightseeing tour of downtown Victoria.
What to Know About Vancouver
Now that your itinerary is filled with the very best issues to do in Vancouver, let’s discover all you should know to benefit from the metropolis!
Attending to Downtown Vancouver
We all the time lease a automobile and discover it’s the easiest way to get round Vancouver. You may store for automobile leases from the Vancouver Airport at RentalCars.com
The principle arrival level for Vancouver is the Vancouver Worldwide Airport. The airport is roughly 9 miles from downtown and the best technique to get there may be by way of the Airport SkyTrain. 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 method except you’ve got a pre-purchased move, which reduces the value to $5 ( about $3.50 USD).
Taxis are one other widespread choice with rides taking round half-hour, relying on the situation of your lodge. Anticipate to pay between $25 – $30 CAD ($20 – $25 USD).
Greatest Time to Go to Vancouver, British Columbia
Except you’ve come to Vancouver in winter to tear up the slopes, summer season, and early autumn are the very best occasions to go to Vancouver. Vancouver is infamous for rain, and summer season is the very best time to keep away from getting moist.
Spring could be very wet however you possibly can actually anticipate to have rain any time of the yr. Festivals are occurring and spots like Stanley Park pack out with locals. Autumn is a wonderful time to go to Vancouver for fall colours, the temperature continues to be fairly nice and there are numerous fall adventures available.
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.
The place to Keep in Vancouver
It might be tempting to remain in Richmond or in North Vancouver, however to expertise the very best of Vancouver, it’s beneficial that you simply keep downtown. Out of your doorstep, you’ll be inside strolling distance of many highlights from English Bay to Gastown.
Listed below are some prime decisions to go well with all budgets:
- Luxurious:
- The Opus Vancouver is a wonderful boutique lodge 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. Try charges and availability on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
- Mid-Vary:
- Finances:
- With a extremely rated location, you gained’t must spend a lot at the Samesun Vancouver to take pleasure in a fast stroll to Robson Road, Stanley Park, and the very best of downtown. Try charges and availability on TripAdvisor/ Booking.com
And these are the very 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 time and again. This can be a metropolis that retains evolving and altering and irrespective of what number of occasions we go to, we all the time discover one thing new.
Have you ever been to Vancouver? What are your favourite points of interest within the metropolis?
