36 Finest Issues to do in Vancouver, Canada In 2023

Vancouver is among the most picturesque cities on the planet. Positioned 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’ll be able to go ice skating at considered one of its many arenas or hit the superior ski slopes situated simply minutes from the downtown core.

The Prime 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 areas can lay declare to the form of surroundings Vancouver supplies. Past 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 make it easier to uncover the very best issues to do in Vancouver, Canada.

1. Granville Island

Many cities have fantastic tales of outdated warehouses reborn to develop into a prime attraction. Vancouver’s model of that is Granville Island. The outdated industrial port within the metropolis has been changed by a thriving arts neighborhood with eating places and microbrew pubs, boutique retailers, and leisure. Granville Island is among the first locations it’s best to see when visiting Vancouver.

Contained in the warehouses, you’ll discover artwork galleries that includes native artists, a boisterous eating scene and impartial theaters. Should you’re up for a pint, try Granville Island Brewing Firm. Granville Island is technically not an island, so you’ll be able to 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 contemporary produce and scrumptious treats. The Granville Island Public Market showcases native meals and artisanal merchandise, with over 50 distributors providing all kinds of contemporary and locally-sourced produce, meats, cheeses, seafood, and baked items. It’s a terrific place to pattern the flavors of British Columbia and help 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’ll be able to 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. Positioned on the peninsula within the West Finish of Vancouver, Stanley Park is among the prime vacationer sights providing a pure escape simply steps from downtown Vancouver. The sting of the park carves alongside the bay, offering wonderful biking and a spot for informal strolls alongside the long-lasting Stanley Park Seawall. Past the water, you’ll discover one other prime attraction on this listing of issues to do in Vancouver, the Vancouver Aquarium.

Stanley Park presents guests an opportunity to flee 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 few of the park’s prime sights.

Scorching Tip: On the Stanley Park Totem Poles, you’ll discover among the best views of Vancouver’s lovely 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 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 timber.

• Among the finest methods to see Vancouver and Stanely park is on a non-public tour. E 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

To not be confused with a traditional ocean-going vessel, Canada Place is a everlasting construction situated on the Vancouver Conference Centre on Vancouver Harbour. The pier rolls means out into Vancouver harbor, offering vacationers and locals with fantastic views of the mountains within the distance and the picturesque bay.

Past being a cruise ship terminal, Canada Place can be the Vancouver Conference Heart which hosts over 500 occasions every year, and The Pan Pacific Lodge. However that’s not why it’s on the listing. 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. Try our cruise expertise to Alaska.

The place to Keep

One other excellent spot to remain close to the Vancouver Conference Heart earlier than or after your cruise is the Fairmont Pacific Rim. This historic lodge is opulent and splendid but the modern 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 fantastic eating expertise. With a lot to see inside straightforward strolling distance, take pleasure in a terrific location in model.

4. False Creek

False Creek is the center of Vancouver, British Columbia. This bustling inlet has lots of the prime sights 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 soak up 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 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 dwelling 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 middle.

Vancouver’s Olympic Village is dwelling to a number of common 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. Additionally it is dwelling to quite a few 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 purchasing with a wide range of distinctive retailers, boutiques, and eating places, together with the stylish eating spot, The Flying Pig, and the favored native bakery, Terra Breads.

False Creek Ferries

Be certain that to hop on the False Creek Ferries to benefit from the water taxi service providing a novel method to discover the realm. It stops at Granville Island, Science World, and Yaletown. It’s a enjoyable and distinctive method to get across the space.

6. Yaletown

One in all our favorite locations to hang around is the stylish neighborhood of Yaletown the place there are stylish eating places, boutique retailers, and a vibrant nightlife. General, False Creek presents a various vary of sights which can be positive to attraction to guests of all pursuits and ages.

One in all our favourite methods to see a metropolis is to affix 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. 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 superb boutique lodge situated in Yaletown that’s inside strolling distance of every part within the metropolis middle. Plus there are nice choices for eating and nightlife shut by and it’s only a brief stroll to the waterfront. Try charges and availability on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com

7. Science World

When touring round Vancouver, there’s an opportunity you might have observed the massive metallic dome construction on False Creek. What you might not know, is that it’s dwelling 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 fascinated about 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 have been part of famend museums and different science facilities. When you’re all performed exploring, chill and watch a present on the large five-story domed display screen. The biggest of its type 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 a neighborhood recreation? The Vancouver Canucks play within the NHL, which runs from October to April, and the house crew averages just below 20,000 for every recreation.

Enjoying out of Rogers Area, seize your self a foam finger and root for the house crew. Whether or not you recognize 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 might be at your disposal.

We love doing strolling excursions after we first arrive in a metropolis and among the best methods to see Vancouver is to e-book this Guided Metropolis Highlights Tour.

9. Chinatown

After passing by the spectacular Millenium Gate, you’ve formally arrived in Vancouver’s bustling Chinatown. This a part of town mixes trendy improvement with many historic buildings from Vancouver’s early years. Vancouver’s Chinatown is among the largest in North America and is a prime spot for reasonable 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 attention-grabbing native retailers earlier than making your method 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 12 months, visiting Grouse Mountain is among the greatest issues to do in Vancouver. The view from the highest supplies unmatched surroundings, with epic vistas of town skyline within the valley beneath. You may take a scenic experience up the Gondola or sort out the Grouse Grind.

The notorious Grouse Grind, typically described as Mom Nature’s StairMaster is among 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 a powerful spot for the household to go snowboarding.

Attending to the summit is straightforward due to the gondola that runs daily. After the scenic experience, climbing adventures await together with mountain-top eating places. Able to discover Vancouver’s nature? Learn up on the greatest 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 surprise if the Capilano Suspension Bridge is outdated. But town’s suspension bridge, which opened in 1889, continues to wow and thrill people who stroll throughout the Capilano River to today.

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 aspect. The bridge sees lots of guests, so it’s a type of sights that’s properly value getting up early for.

Conveniently, you’ll be able to 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. Decide 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 every part. The middle of the park often known as Little Mountain is the very best level within the metropolis. Queen Elizabeth Park is a good place to go for sundown and is among the greatest locations to see Vancouver’s Skyline. From right here you can even 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 an excellent place to stroll on a transparent day.

13. Commodore Ballroom

If you’re searching for issues to do in Vancouver at evening, try some music at Vancouver’s most historic dwell music venue. Positioned on Granville Road, The Commodore Ballroom has seen the likes of Kiss, B.B. King, David Bowie, and The Police grace its stage. At present it’s nonetheless going sturdy and is among 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 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 widespread to identify orcas and minke in your journey.

E book 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, town’s outstanding artwork gallery is among the prime artwork establishments in Canada. Among the finest issues to do in Vancouver is to join a guided tour of the Vancouver Artwork Gallery. It’s a assembly place and hosts enjoyable neighborhood occasions

On any day through the week, you’ll be able to discover the progressive artwork house with the serving to hand of an professional. Be taught concerning the shows and the tales behind them. If 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 preferred gathering place within the metropolis middle.

16. Vandusen Botanical Backyard

An oasis within the coronary heart of town, VanDusen Botanical Backyard, is a sight to behold. All advised, the backyard covers an enormous 55 acres with a worldwide plant choice that provides to over 7000 crops.

The quiet setting is the right method to loosen up and escape from the oft-chaotic downtown Vancouver. Preserve 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 supply something from a soothing espresso to a delicious noon meal. Should you’re in Vancouver through the winter, cease by for the annual Competition of Lights.

17. Vancouver Maritime Museum

Though providing splendid views of English Bay, the within of the Vancouver Maritime Museum is what friends 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 take a look at outstanding explorations within the Pacific Northwest and the Arctic Oceans. Contained in the beautiful 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 middle 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 contains 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 folks with mobility points, with elevators that present entry to the statement deck and reveals. The attraction can be wheelchair-friendly, with huge doorways and accessible washrooms.

19. Lynn Canyon

Capilano Suspension Bridge might get all of the plaudits, however it isn’t the one considered one of its type in Vancouver. The Lynn Canyon suspension bridge is a neighborhood favourite, notably because it avoids the vacationer hordes and doesn’t price 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. Finally, you’ll come across the bridge, which connects to the opposite aspect over 50 hair-raising meters.

20. Museum of Anthropology

Word: 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 remains to be value a go to. You can too go to its rose backyard for beautiful views of the mountains and ocean.

The Museum of Anthropology is a piece of the College of British Columbia and has a eager concentrate on the Northwest Coast First Nations. Discover native artwork, giant totem poles, and mosaics. Past native human historical past, the museum seems to be towards the South Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Europe. All of it comes collectively inside an outdated World Conflict II fort remodeled right into a cultural spotlight.

21. Discover 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 person 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 Sq..

Gastown presents an immense variety of high quality eating places, attention-grabbing galleries, and native boutiques. All are positioned inside Victorian-era buildings.

Only a transient 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 may e-book strolling excursions of Gastown like This extremely rated misplaced souls of Gastown tour.

22. Kitsilano Seashore

Vancouver has loads of city seashores and a technique to absorb 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 seashore is common on summer season days when locals come to bake on the delicate sands or have enjoyable on the volleyball courts.

Leaping within the water isn’t so common, however you’ll quickly uncover a heated outside pool. When you’re performed having a dip, dry off and benefit from the a number of strolling trails by the inexperienced house, or chill at a neighborhood cafe. You’ll additionally end up minutes from purchasing 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 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 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 varieties.

Wreck Seashore additionally hosts a variety of occasions and festivals all year long, together with seashore cleanups, artwork exhibits, and dwell music performances. These occasions might be an effective way to attach with like-minded folks and benefit from the seashore in a festive ambiance.

24. English Bay

Near Stanley Park, English Bay is one other common 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 gentle up the sky and dwell music. However 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 Seashore, it’s not widespread 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 dwell within the West Finish of Vancouver and English Bay Seashore was our seashore. We knew it as First Seashore. Due to its shut proximity to town middle, English Bay Seashore is considered one 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 purchasing close by.

The water is calm providing loads of water sports activities resembling SUP, kayaking, and swimming. On the shore, you’ll be able to take pleasure in seashore volleyball or it is a great place 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 seashore can be the start line of the annual Vancouver Polar Bear Swim, a New Yr’s Day custom during 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 common seashore in Vancouver is Spanish Banks Seashore. Additionally situated within the West Finish, Spanish Banks is the place the seawall ends however can 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 seashore 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 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.

25. Take a Sundown Cruise

Among the finest 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 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 sights out of your distinctive vantage level on the water.

26. Christ Church Cathedral

Dave and I should not very spiritual, however after 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 relationship again to 1889. Positioned in downtown Vancouver, it options a mixture of Gothic Revival and Romanesque architectural kinds.

The historic landmark of Vancouver is understood for its putting bell tower, which rises 65 meters (213 toes) above avenue degree and is among the tallest buildings 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 dwelling to Vancouver’s different Chinatown. Strolling across the fashionable neighborhood will convey 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 an exquisite Buddhist temple and uncover the small village of Steveston. The gorgeous space of Richmond is dwelling to a Nationwide Historical past Web site, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. The outdated boat sheds had been as soon as part of the west coast’s historic fishing business. However at the moment are crammed with waterfront eating places and boutiques.

28. Richmond Evening Market

Should you’re questioning what to do in Vancouver at evening, then make your method to the Richmond Evening Market simply 20 minutes from the downtown core. The colourful market is stuffed with attention-grabbing stalls promoting souvenirs and artwork. Naturally, it’s one other excellent spot to attempt some Chinese language avenue eats on the many meals stalls.

The Richmond Evening Market options greater than 200 distributors promoting every part 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 good vacation spot for adults and children with a variety of actions to maintain everybody entertained from carnival sights and video games to dwell music, cultural shows, and loads of meals choices.

The Richmond Evening Market is just open within the evenings, which provides 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 arduous to know the sheer scale of the native mountain ranges. E book this extremely rated sea aircraft tour for a scenic view of town. This small group flight additionally features a carbon offset.

One method 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 sort out extra prime sights.

Need one other method to discover Canada’s superb surroundings? Try our information on the long-lasting Rocky Mountaineer.

30. Museum of Vancouver

Should you can’t get sufficient of native historical past, then you’ll want to pay a go to to the Museum of Vancouver. Devoted to all issues “Couve”, discover 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 couple of of our prime picks.

31. Sea to Sky Freeway

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 Freeway is a 90-minute journey starting within the Vancouver metropolis middle and ending on the well-known city of Whistler.

You may drive the ocean to sky freeway in a single fast shot, however we suggest taking your time street journey is filled with highlights, with beautiful vistas all through. An in a single day in Squamish is very advisable 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. Wish 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 can 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. When you’ve got an additional day in your itinerary and the lifts are working, then do your self a favor and go shred. Other than 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. Learn extra at our Whistler Snowboarding Journey

Should you solely have a short while, you’ll be able to even go to Whistler on a day journey. It definitely isn’t sufficient to see all of it in sooner or later, however typically you’ll be able to solely take what you may get. Once 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 Superior Issues 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 propose making a minimum of an in a single day journey to 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 street journey. Learn extra: 14 Superb Issues to Do in Squamish BC

34. Brittania Mine

A well-liked cease alongside the aspect of the street is the Brittania Mine. We didn’t assume we’d care an excessive amount of a couple of mine, however this mining museum is superior. It begins with a prepare experience 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 outdated 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

Some of the common sights in Squamish is the Sea to Sky Gondola which takes you to the highest of the mountains for spectacular views of Howe Sound. Should you cherished 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 experience 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. Throughout 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 properly. Learn extra: 14 Superb Issues to Do in Squamish BC

E 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 technique. Should you’re feeling peckish you’ll be able to go to the Summit Lodge for native British Columbia fare. It is best to e-book your tickets for the Sea to Sky Gondola on-line.

36. Vancouver Island

Regardless of its identify, Vancouver Island is 2 hours away from town middle by ferry. However, the journey remains to be among the best issues to do in Vancouver. We’ve got it as a day journey, however we suggest a minimum of 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 contains a ferry experience 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. 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 street journeys, learn up on our itinerary for driving by BC’s Sunshine Coast.

E book this Vancouver to Victoria tour that features a ferry experience 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 stuffed with the very best issues to do in Vancouver, let’s discover all it’s good to know to benefit from the metropolis!

Attending to Downtown Vancouver

We all the time hire 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 simplest method 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 technique until you will have a pre-purchased cross, which reduces the value to $5 ( about $3.50 USD).

Taxis are one other common choice with rides taking round half-hour, relying on the placement of your lodge. Count on to pay between $25 – $30 CAD ($20 – $25 USD).

Finest 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 instances to go to Vancouver. Vancouver is infamous for rain, and summer season is the very best time to keep away from getting moist.

Spring may be very wet however you’ll be able to actually anticipate to have rain any time of the 12 months. Festivals are occurring 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 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 the very best sights in Vancouver.

The place to Keep in Vancouver

It could be tempting to remain in Richmond or in North Vancouver, however to expertise the very best of Vancouver, it’s advisable 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 swimsuit all budgets:

• Luxurious:
  • The Opus Vancouver is a superb boutique lodge situated in Yaletown that’s inside strolling distance of every part. Plus there are nice choices for eating and nightlife shut by and its only a brief stroll to the waterfront. Try charges and availability on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com

• Mid-Vary:
• Funds:
  • With a extremely rated location, you gained’t should 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/ Reserving.com

And these are the very 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 repeatedly. This can be a metropolis that retains evolving and altering and regardless of what number of instances we go to, we all the time discover one thing new.

Have you ever been to Vancouver? What are your favourite sights within the metropolis?