Things to do
- Vancouver is overflowing with fun things to see and do. It’s a city that truly has it all—a thriving arts and culture scene, world-class attractions and outdoor adventures galore. Here are the best things to do in Vancouver.
The best things to do in Vancouver
1. Go hiking
Vancouver is a hiker’s dream! The Grouse Grind is nicknamed Mother Nature’s Stairmaster and takes you up the side of Grouse Mountain. St Mark’s Summit and Dog Mountain Trail both come with stunning mountaintop views. Meanwhile, the popular Quarry Rock hike in Deep Cove is accessible to all hiking levels. A longer hike is the Garibaldi Lake Trail, which takes you directly to its breathtaking namesake.
2. Explore Vancouver’s mountains
There are three main mountains surrounding Vancouver, which always have fun summer and winter activities on offer. Grouse Mountain is perhaps the most popular, thanks to the Grouse Grind, Peak of Christmas and Skyride gondola. Meanwhile, Mount Seymour and Cypress Mountain are for hikers in summer and skiers/snowboarders in winter.
3. Go on a fun day trip
There are so many great day trips available from Vancouver. Head to Whistler and stop in Squamish on the way to take in the views from the Sea to Sky Gondola. Hop on a ferry to Bowen Island or The Sunshine Coast for the day. Go even further on a ferry to Victoria, BC’s capital. For a relaxing day trip, head directly to Harrison Hot Springs.
4. Visit an indoor attraction
When you visit Raincouver, you always need to have an indoor activity in your back pocket. Fortunately, Vancouver is home to plenty of amazing museums and art galleries. Vancouver Art Gallery houses over 12,000 works of art from Canadian artists. The Museum of Anthropology is an architectural marvel and a must to learn more about the city’s heritage. Meanwhile, Science World's interactive activities are great for kids. A different indoor attraction is Metrotown, one of Canada’s largest shopping malls.
5. Head to the beach
Vancouver has some lovely beaches, including Kits Beach with its oceanfront outdoor swimming pool. Keep following the coast and you’ll eventually reach Jericho Beach and Spanish Banks, which have panoramic city views. Stanley Park is also home to Second and Third Beaches, which are next to English Bay Beach. Across the peninsula, head to Ambleside Beach in West Vancouver.
6. Visit a park or three
10% larger than Central Park, Stanley Park is undoubtedly one of the city's best attractions. Within the park, you'll find beaches, the Vancouver Aquarium and several walking trails. Queen Elizabeth Park is the city’s highest point, so prepare for great views. It's also home to Bloedel Conservatory. Other options include Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver and picturesque Trout Lake Park.
7. Explore Granville Island
Granville Island is another one of the best places to visit in Vancouver. It's home to the Granville Island Market, locally-owned shops and Granville Island Brewery. After your visit, hop on an Aquabus (a water taxi) to your next destination.
8. Cheer on the home team
Vancouver is home to several national and international sporting teams, like the Vancouver Canucks (NHL), Vancouver Giants (also hockey), BC Lions (football), Vancouver Canadians (baseball) and Vancouver Whitecaps (soccer). Pick your sport and cheer on a home team when in town.
10. Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is one of Vancouver’s top tourist attractions. There are several attractions within the park, including Treetops Adventure, Raptors Ridge, Cliffwalk and the Suspension Bridge itself.
The best souvenir for a trip to Vancouver has to be one of our t-shirts.