20 Things to Do in Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver dazzles visitors with its stunning marriage of towering mountains and sparkling ocean waters, creating a city where outdoor adventure meets cosmopolitan flair. This vibrant West Coast hub offers activities for every taste, from exploring lush rainforests just minutes from downtown to discovering diverse culinary scenes, and you’ll find plenty of fantastic free things to do in Vancouver, like strolling scenic seawalls or exploring unique neighborhoods. The city’s laid-back atmosphere combined with its natural beauty makes it truly special.
This guide highlights 20 distinct ways to experience the best of Vancouver, blending iconic attractions with outdoor escapes, cultural gems, and neighborhood explorations. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking views, artistic inspiration, delicious food, or simply want to soak up the Pacific Northwest vibe, these suggestions will help you craft an unforgettable journey. Prepare to discover the diverse charm of this Canadian coastal metropolis.
Iconic Parks & Outdoor Spaces
Stanley Park Seawall Ride/Walk: Explore the city’s crown jewel, Stanley Park, by biking or walking the scenic paved path that circles its perimeter. Enjoy stunning views of the water, mountains, city skyline, and pass landmarks like the Totem Poles at Brockton Point.
Queen Elizabeth Park Views: Visit the highest point in Vancouver proper within this beautifully manicured park, offering gorgeous city and mountain vistas. Explore the sunken Quarry Garden and consider visiting the Bloedel Conservatory’s tropical environment located at the park’s summit.
Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge & Park: Experience the thrill of crossing a swaying suspension bridge high above a canyon, located in North Vancouver. This park offers a free alternative to Capilano, plus hiking trails through beautiful forest settings.
English Bay Beach Sunset: Relax on the sandy shores of English Bay beach in the West End, a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and watching the sunset over the water. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and the distinctive Inukshuk statue nearby.
Grouse Mountain Adventure: Ride the Skyride gondola up Grouse Mountain for incredible panoramic views and year-round activities. In summer, hike the challenging Grouse Grind trail (“Mother Nature’s Stairmaster”) or enjoy lumberjack shows; in winter, ski or snowboard with amazing city backdrops.
Bridges & Thrills
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: Walk across the famous, long suspension bridge swaying high above the Capilano River in North Vancouver. Explore the Treetops Adventure walkways and the Cliffwalk attraction for more unique forest perspectives (admission fee required).
Island & Market Fun
Granville Island Exploration & Market: Take an Aquabus or False Creek Ferry to this vibrant arts and crafts hub featuring a famous indoor public market. Browse artisan workshops, street performers, theaters, and sample delicious food from market vendors offering local produce and treats.
Downtown & Waterfront Sights
Gastown Historic District Wander: Stroll the cobblestone streets of Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood, known for its Victorian architecture, steam clock, independent boutiques, and trendy restaurants. Enjoy the historic charm and unique shops.
Canada Place & Waterfront Walk: Admire the iconic white sails of Canada Place, the city’s cruise ship terminal and convention center, located on the downtown waterfront. Enjoy walking along the seawall here for excellent views of Burrard Inlet and the North Shore mountains.
Robson Street Shopping Stroll: Explore downtown Vancouver’s most famous shopping street, lined with flagship stores, fashion boutiques, and numerous restaurants. It’s a bustling area perfect for retail therapy and people-watching.
Olympic Village Exploration: Wander the modern neighborhood developed for the 2010 Winter Olympics on the southeast shore of False Creek. Admire the contemporary architecture, public art installations, and enjoy waterfront dining with great city views.
Cultural Attractions
Vancouver Art Gallery Visit: Discover British Columbia’s premier visual arts institution, housed in a former courthouse downtown, featuring historical and contemporary art with a focus on BC artists. Check their schedule for major traveling exhibitions.
Museum of Anthropology at UBC: Explore world-renowned collections of First Nations art and artifacts from British Columbia and diverse cultures worldwide, located on the beautiful University of British Columbia campus. Admire the stunning Great Hall filled with massive totem poles.
Science World Experience: Engage with interactive science exhibits perfect for families and curious minds, housed in the distinctive geodesic dome at the end of False Creek. Explore hands-on displays covering physics, biology, and technology for learning made fun.
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden: Find tranquility within this authentic Ming Dynasty-style garden in Chinatown, the first of its kind built outside of China. Enjoy the harmonious arrangement of rocks, plants, water, and architecture in this peaceful urban oasis.
Neighbourhood Vibes
Kitsilano Beach & Neighbourhood Fun: Relax on the sandy shores of “Kits Beach,” popular for swimming, beach volleyball, and its heated outdoor saltwater pool (seasonal), with great mountain views. Explore the surrounding neighbourhood’s laid-back vibe with its health-conscious eateries and yoga studios.
Commercial Drive Discovery: Experience the eclectic energy of “The Drive,” known for its bohemian atmosphere, diverse restaurants representing many cultures, independent shops, and Italian heritage. Enjoy coffee at a sidewalk cafe and soak up the community spirit.
Unique Vancouver Experiences
Take an Aquabus or False Creek Ferry: Hop aboard one of the small passenger ferries crisscrossing False Creek, connecting Granville Island, downtown, Olympic Village, and other points. It’s a fun, scenic, and practical way to navigate between waterfront areas.
Whale Watching Tour (Seasonal): Embark on a boat tour from Vancouver (often departing from Granville Island or Steveston) for a chance to see orcas, humpback whales, and other marine wildlife in the waters of the Salish Sea (typically best May-October). It’s an unforgettable wildlife adventure.
Sample Local Craft Beer: Explore Vancouver’s thriving craft beer scene by visiting breweries in neighborhoods like Mount Pleasant (“Brewery Creek”) or Yeast Vancouver. Find diverse styles and enjoy tastings in casual brewery settings.
