36 Finest Issues to do in Vancouver, Canada In 2023
Vancouver is likely one of the most picturesque cities on the earth. 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 mountain climbing trails and outside 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 positioned simply minutes from the downtown core.
The Prime Issues to do in Vancouver, Canada
Downtown Vancouver options museums, galleries, and the attractive Stanley Park. It’s a occurring metropolis in its personal proper. However only a few areas can lay declare to the type of surroundings Vancouver offers. Past town are snow-capped peaks carved by years of slow-moving glaciers. The Coast Mountains which lower by way of British Columbia are awe-inspiring permitting guests a large unfold of actions to get pleasure from. This complete information will aid you uncover one of the best issues to do in Vancouver, Canada.
1. Granville Island
Many cities have fantastic tales of outdated warehouses reborn to change into a prime attraction.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 The outdated industrial port within the metropolis has been changed by a thriving arts group with eating places and microbrew pubs, boutique outlets, and leisure. Granville Island is likely one of the first locations it is 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, take a look at Granville Island Brewing Firm. Granville Island is technically not an island, so you possibly can arrive through each automobile and ferry.
Granville Island Market
However 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 help native farmers and producers.
The market additionally affords instructional experiences for guests, together with culinary workshops and excursions, wine tastings, and cooking courses. Take a tour the place you possibly can study in regards to the historical past of Granville Market and its distributors, in addition to the native meals and artisanal manufacturing processes.
2. Stanley Park
Essentially 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 likely one of 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 enduring 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 affords 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’ll be able to stroll, cycle, or rollerblade across the seawall to see a number of the park’s prime sights.
Scorching Tip: On 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 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 way of the panorama, together with vibrant cherry timber.
- Probably the greatest methods to see Vancouver and Stanely park is on a personal tour. Guide this highly-reviewed non-public 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 positioned 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 Middle 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. Bounce 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 Middle earlier than or after your cruise is the Fairmont Pacific Rim. This historic lodge is opulent and opulent 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 high quality eating expertise. With a lot to see inside straightforward strolling distance, get pleasure from an incredible location in type.
4. False Creek
False Creek is the guts of Vancouver, British Columbia. This bustling inlet has most 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 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, 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 positioned on the southeast shore of False Creek. Vancouver’s Olympic Village was dwelling 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, outlets, and public artwork. Also called the Southeast False Creek neighborhood, it’s simply minutes from town middle.
Vancouver’s Olympic Village is dwelling to a number of in style craft breweries, together with Brassneck Brewery, Metal Toad Brewing, and Foremost Avenue Brewing, making it an incredible spot for beer lovers to discover the Craft Beer Scene. Additionally it is dwelling to a variety 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 outlets, 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 option to discover the realm. It stops at Granville Island, Science World, and Yaletown. It’s a enjoyable and distinctive option to get across the space.
6. Yaletown
One in every of our favorite locations to hang around is the fashionable neighborhood of Yaletown the place there are stylish eating places, boutique outlets, and a vibrant nightlife. General, False Creek affords a various vary of sights which might be positive to enchantment to guests of all pursuits and ages.
One in every of 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 wonderful boutique lodge positioned in Yaletown that’s inside strolling distance of every little thing 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 could have observed the large steel 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 enthusiastic 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 achieved exploring, relax and watch a present on the huge five-story domed display. The most important of its form on earth.
8. Watch the Vancouver Canucks
Everyone knows 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 within the NHL, which runs from October to April, and the house crew averages just below 20,000 for every sport.
Enjoying out of Rogers Area, seize your self a foam finger and root for the house crew. Whether or not 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 likely 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 Metropolis 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 improvement 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 reasonable eats. The long-lasting 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 outlets earlier than making your option to Dr. Solar Yat Sen Classical Chinese language Backyard. Created through conventional strategies, with manicured gardens and exquisite 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 get pleasure from Grouse Mountain. At any time of yr, visiting Grouse Mountain is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Vancouver. The view from the highest offers unmatched surroundings, with epic vistas of town skyline within the valley beneath. You’ll be able to take a scenic experience up the Gondola or sort out the Grouse Grind.
The notorious Grouse Grind, usually described as Mom Nature’s StairMaster is likely 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, mountain climbing, seeing the resident grizzly bears that have 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 daily. After the scenic experience, mountain climbing adventures await together with mountain-top eating places. Able to discover Vancouver’s nature? Learn up on one of 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 could 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 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 variety of guests, so it’s a type of sights that’s nicely price 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. Choose 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 little thing. The middle of the park generally 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 likely one of the greatest locations to see Vancouver’s Skyline. From right here you too can 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
In case you are on the lookout for issues to do in Vancouver at evening, take a look at some music at Vancouver’s most historic dwell music venue. Positioned on Granville Avenue, The Commodore Ballroom has seen the likes of Kiss, B.B. King, David Bowie, and The Police grace its stage. At this time it’s nonetheless going sturdy 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. Past town limits lies an unbelievable 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 airplane. Past whales, it’s frequent to identify orcas and minke in your journey.
Guide this highly-rated half-day whale-watching tour from Vancouver. It affords straightforward cancellation inside 24 hours of tour and last-minute bookings.
15. Vancouver Artwork Gallery
In downtown Vancouver, town’s outstanding artwork gallery is likely one of the prime artwork establishments in Canada. Probably the greatest 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 modern artwork house with the serving to hand of an professional. Study in regards to 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 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 vegetation.
The quiet setting is the proper option to chill out 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 calming espresso to a delicious noon meal. Should you’re in Vancouver in the course of the winter, cease by for the annual Competition of Lights.
On the lookout 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 friends bear in mind probably 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 affords 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 attractive RCP Vessel St Roch. Bounce behind the wheel and really feel what it will be wish to helm the historic boat.
18. Vancouver Lookout
The Vancouver Lookout is a well-liked vacationer attraction positioned within the metropolis middle on the highest ground of the Harbour Centre constructing. The 360-degree commentary 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 commentary deck, the Vancouver Lookout additionally encompasses a vary of interactive reveals that educate guests in regards to the metropolis’s historical past, tradition, and landmarks. These reveals embrace historic pictures, 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 commentary deck and reveals. The attraction can be wheelchair-friendly, with broad doorways and accessible washrooms.
19. Lynn Canyon
Capilano Suspension Bridge could get all of the plaudits, but it surely isn’t the one one in all 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.
Within the Lynn Valley, Lynn Canyon Park brings spectacular surroundings that’s positive to excite your inside 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 continues to be price 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 College of British Columbia and has a eager give attention to the Northwest Coast First Nations. Discover native artwork, giant totem poles, and mosaics. Past native human historical past, the museum appears towards the South Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Europe. All of it comes collectively inside an outdated World Conflict II fort reworked 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 affords an immense variety of high quality eating places, attention-grabbing 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 way of the clouds. You’ll be able to e book strolling excursions of Gastown like This extremely rated misplaced souls of Gastown tour.
22. Kitsilano Seaside
Vancouver has loads of city seashores and a technique to take in the solar when in Vancouver is with a visit to Kitsilano Seaside. The native favourite is a laid-back location with dazzling metropolis and mountain views. The spacious seaside is in style on summer time days when locals come to bake on the comfortable sands or have enjoyable on the volleyball courts.
Leaping within the water isn’t so in style, however you’ll quickly uncover a heated outside pool. When you’re achieved having a dip, dry off and benefit from the a number of strolling trails by way of the inexperienced house, or relax at a neighborhood cafe. You’ll additionally end up minutes from procuring on West Fourth Avenue.
23. Go to Wreck Seaside
Wreck Seaside has been well-known for so long as I can bear 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 snug 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 folks of all ages, backgrounds, and physique sorts.
Wreck Seaside additionally hosts a spread of occasions and festivals all year long, together with seaside cleanups, artwork reveals, and dwell music performances. These occasions might be a good way to attach with like-minded folks and benefit from the seaside in a festive environment.
24. English Bay
Near Stanley Park, English Bay is one other in style 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 enjoyable beneath the big timber, rollerblading or taking within the many public artwork reveals. Like Kitsilano Seaside, 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 Seaside
Dave and I used to dwell within the West Finish of Vancouver and English Bay Seaside was our seaside. We knew it as First Seaside. Due to its shut proximity to town middle, English Bay Seaside 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 outlets, and procuring close by.
The water is calm providing loads of water sports activities resembling SUP, kayaking, and swimming. On the shore, you possibly can get pleasure from seaside volleyball or this can be a good spot to get pleasure from a picnic with that meals you picked up at Granville Market.
One of many highlights of English Bay Seaside is the annual Celebration of Mild fireworks show (we used to observe it from our rooftop!) which takes place over three nights each summer time and attracts lots of of 1000’s of tourists. The seaside can be the start line of the annual Vancouver Polar Bear Swim, a New Yr’s Day custom wherein courageous swimmers take a dip within the chilly waters of English Bay.
Spanish Banks Seaside
Vancouver has a variety of waterfront property and loads of metropolis seashores. One other in style seaside in Vancouver is Spanish Banks Seaside. Additionally positioned within the West Finish, Spanish Banks is the place the seawall ends however may also be accessed by public transportation.
There are a number of facilities at Spanish Banks Seaside, together with washrooms, picnic tables, BBQs, and concession stands. The seaside can be dog-friendly, with designated off-leash areas for canine 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
Probably the greatest 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 exquisite coast. As you’re taking within the views of West Vancouver and the North Shore Mountains you’ll get pleasure from 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 usually are 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 courting again to 1889. Positioned in downtown Vancouver, it options a mixture of Gothic Revival and Romanesque architectural types.
The historic landmark of Vancouver is thought for its placing bell tower, which rises 65 meters (213 toes) above road stage and is likely one of the tallest constructions in downtown Vancouver. The inside of the Christ Church Cathedral options stunning stained glass home windows, intricate woodwork, and a surprising pipe organ.
27. Discover Richmond
South of downtown Vancouver, Richmond is dwelling to Vancouver’s different Chinatown. Strolling across the stylish 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 a wonderful Buddhist temple and uncover the small village of Steveston. The gorgeous space of Richmond is dwelling to a Nationwide Historical past Website, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. The outdated boat sheds have been as soon as part of the west coast’s historic fishing business. However at the moment are full of waterfront eating places and boutiques.
28. Richmond Evening Market
Should you’re questioning what to do in Vancouver at evening, then make your option 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 road eats on the many meals stalls.
The Richmond Evening Market options greater than 200 distributors promoting every little thing from clothes, to equipment and souvenirs. You may also 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 youngsters with a spread 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 barely open within the evenings, which provides 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-Airplane Tour
By now you could have some appreciation for the spectacular panorama that flanks Vancouver. However from floor stage, it’s onerous to grasp the sheer scale of the native mountain ranges. Guide this extremely rated sea airplane tour for a scenic view of town. This small group flight additionally features a carbon offset.
One option 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 slicing by way of downtown. The unforgettable expertise will see you land on the harborfront, able to sort out extra prime sights.
Need one other option to discover Canada’s wonderful surroundings? Try our information on the enduring Rocky Mountaineer.
30. Museum of Vancouver
Should you can’t get sufficient of native historical past, then be sure you 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 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 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 top-of-the-line 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’ll be able to drive the ocean to sky freeway in a single fast shot, however we advocate taking your time street journey is filled with highlights, with beautiful vistas all through. An in a single day in Squamish is extremely advisable to benefit from the Move 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 in regards to the epic drive? Learn our information to the Sea-to-Sky.
32. Go Snowboarding or Snowboarding
Grouse Mountain stands out as the most well-known of the North Shore Mountains, however there are two different mountains which might be price visiting. Cypress in West Vancouver and Mount Seymour in North Vancouver are two year-round locations for mountain climbing and biking in the summertime and snowboarding and snowboarding within the winter.
Due to its distinctive geographical place, Vancouver sees a variety of rain. The upside is unbelievable powder and world-class snowboarding. You probably have an additional day in your itinerary and the lifts are operating, 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 town. Learn extra at our Whistler Snowboarding Journey
Should 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 Superior Issues to Do in Whistler, BC
33. Squamish
Squamish is positioned simply 50 minutes from downtown Vancouver alongside the Sea to Sky Freeway and makes for an incredible day journey. We love Squamish a lot that we propose making not less than 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 Wonderful Issues to Do in Squamish BC
34. Brittania Mine
A preferred cease alongside the aspect of the street 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 practice experience into the mine to find out about how the mine was constructed, you possibly can 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 in style 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 beloved the Capilano Suspension Bridge, you’ll love The Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge. The Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge is accessible through 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 have been there, the Sea to Sky Gondola was closed however it’s now open for enterprise year-round. Throughout the winter months, there’s snow tubing, snowshoeing, and nordic snowboarding. And in the summertime, there’s loads of mountain climbing. Plus the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge is open year-round as nicely. Learn extra: 14 Wonderful Issues to Do in Squamish BC
Guide 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 possibly can 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 title, Vancouver Island is 2 hours away from town middle by ferry. However, the journey continues to be top-of-the-line issues to do in Vancouver. Now we have it as a day journey, however we advocate not less than 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 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 for those who 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 way of BC’s Sunshine Coast.
Guide 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 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!
Attending to Downtown Vancouver
We all the time hire a automobile and discover it’s one of the simplest ways to get round Vancouver. You’ll be able to 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 option to get there’s through 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 except you will have a pre-purchased cross, which reduces the value to $5 ( about $3.50 USD).
Taxis are one other in style 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 time, and early autumn are one of the best occasions to go to Vancouver. Vancouver is infamous for rain, and summer time is one of the best time to keep away from getting moist.
Spring may 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 a lot of 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 one of the 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 one of the 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 go well with all budgets:
- Luxurious:
- The Opus Vancouver is a wonderful boutique lodge positioned in Yaletown that’s inside strolling distance of every little thing. 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:
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 repeatedly. It is 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 sights within the metropolis?