Vancouver is among 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 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 may go ice skating at one in every of its many arenas or hit the superior ski slopes positioned 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 areas can lay declare to the type of surroundings Vancouver gives. 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 assist 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Many cities have fantastic tales of outdated warehouses reborn to change into a high attraction.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 The outdated industrial port within the metropolis has been changed by a thriving arts group with eating places and microbrew pubs, boutique outlets, and leisure.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 among the first locations you need to see when visiting Vancouver.
Contained in the warehouses, you’ll discover artwork galleries that includes native artists, a boisterous eating scene and unbiased theaters. In case you’re up for a pint, take a look at Granville Island Brewing Firm. Granville Island is technically not an island, so you may arrive by way of 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 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 assist native farmers and producers.
The market additionally affords academic experiences for guests, together with culinary workshops and excursions, wine tastings, and cooking courses. Take a tour the place you may study concerning 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 among the high vacationer points of interest 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 high attraction on this checklist of issues to do in Vancouver, the Vancouver Aquarium.
Stanley Park affords 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 possibly can stroll, cycle, or rollerblade across the seawall to see a number of the park’s high 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 motorcycle 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 timber.
- Among the best methods to see Vancouver and Stanely park is on a personal 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 traditional ocean-going vessel, Canada Place is a everlasting construction positioned on the Vancouver Conference Centre on Vancouver Harbour. The pier rolls method 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 Hotel. However that’s not why it’s on the checklist. Additionally on the finish of the pier is Flyover Canada. Leap 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 excellent place to remain close to the Vancouver Conference Heart earlier than or after your cruise is the Fairmont Pacific Rim. This historic resort is opulent and opulent 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 high quality 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 most of the high points of interest within the space that draw guests from everywhere in 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, 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 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 remodeled right into a vibrant group that options eating places, outlets, and public artwork. Often known as the Southeast False Creek neighborhood, it’s simply minutes from the town heart.
Vancouver’s Olympic Village is dwelling to a number of well-liked craft breweries, together with Brassneck Brewery, Metal Toad Brewing, and Most important Avenue Brewing, making it a terrific spot for beer lovers to discover the Craft Beer Scene. Additionally it is dwelling to quite a lot of public artwork installations, together with the favored A-Maze-ing Laughter sculpture, which options 14 bronze figures laughing and taking part in.
This is a superb neighborhood for purchasing 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
Ensure that to hop on the False Creek Ferries to benefit from the water taxi service providing a singular approach to discover the world. It stops at Granville Island, Science World, and Yaletown. It’s a enjoyable and distinctive approach to get across the space.
6. Yaletown
One in all 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 points of interest which might be certain 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 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 high 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 resort positioned 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 could have observed the massive metallic dome construction on False Creek. What you might not know, is that it’s dwelling to one of many high issues to do in Vancouver with youngsters.
The family-friendly Science World options 12 interactive reveals designed to get you serious 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 finished exploring, sit back and watch a present on the huge five-story domed display. The biggest of its variety 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 crew averages just below 20,000 for every recreation.
Taking part in out of Rogers Enviornment, seize your self a foam finger and root for the house crew. Whether or not you realize a lot about hockey or not, the noise of the gang 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 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 fashionable improvement with many historic buildings from Vancouver’s early years. Vancouver’s Chinatown is among the largest in North America and is a high 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 outlets earlier than making your approach to Dr. Solar Yat Sen Classical Chinese language Backyard. Created by way of 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 take pleasure in Grouse Mountain. At any time of yr, visiting Grouse Mountain is among the finest issues to do in Vancouver. The view from the highest gives unmatched surroundings, with epic vistas of the town skyline within the valley under. You possibly can take a scenic experience up the Gondola or deal with the Grouse Grind.
The notorious Grouse Grind, usually described as Mom Nature’s StairMaster is among the high hikes in Vancouver. As soon as on the high of Grouse Mountain, there are many issues to do from going ziplining, 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 provide. 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 day by day. After the scenic experience, 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 plenty of guests, so it’s a kind of points of interest that’s nicely price getting up early for.
Conveniently, you may 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 generally known as Little Mountain is the very best level within the metropolis. Queen Elizabeth Park is a superb place to go for sundown and is among the finest 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 a superb place to stroll on a transparent day.
13. Commodore Ballroom
In case you are in search of issues to do in Vancouver at evening, take a look at some music at Vancouver’s most historic reside 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. Right now it’s nonetheless going robust 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 the town limits lies an unbelievable place to see migrating whales. Off the shoreline of British Columbia, keen whale watchers preserve 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 personal dinghy, touring boat, or from above in a aircraft. Past whales, it’s frequent to identify orcas and minke in your journey.
E book 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, the town’s distinguished artwork gallery is among the high artwork establishments in Canada. Among the best issues to do in Vancouver is to join 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 may discover the progressive artwork house with the serving to hand of an skilled. Be taught 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 advised, the backyard covers an enormous 55 acres with a worldwide plant choice that provides to over 7000 crops.
The quiet setting is the proper approach to loosen up and escape from the oft-chaotic downtown Vancouver. Preserve your digicam helpful 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. In case 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 essentially the most. One of many high 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 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. Leap behind the wheel and really feel what it could be wish to helm the historic boat.
18. Vancouver Lookout
The Vancouver Lookout is a well-liked vacationer attraction positioned within the metropolis heart on the highest ground of the Harbour Centre constructing. The 360-degree statement deck stands at 168 meters (553 ft) 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 includes 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 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 vast doorways and accessible washrooms.
19. Lynn Canyon
Capilano Suspension Bridge might get all of the plaudits, however it isn’t the one one in every of its variety in Vancouver. The Lynn Canyon suspension bridge is an area favourite, significantly because it avoids the vacationer hordes and doesn’t price a penny.
Within the Lynn Valley, Lynn Canyon Park brings spectacular surroundings that’s certain to excite your interior explorer. A number of forest trails lead you to distant swimming holes and pure waterfalls. Ultimately, you’ll encounter 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 remains to be price a go to. You may as well go to its rose backyard for gorgeous views of the mountains and ocean.
The Museum of Anthropology is a piece of the College of British Columbia and has a eager deal with the Northwest Coast First Nations. Discover native artwork, massive 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 Battle II fort remodeled 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 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 traditional lampposts. It’s a journey again in time, particularly when the fog rolls in and the lamps shine by the clouds. You possibly can 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 well-liked on summer season days when locals come to bake on the smooth sands or have enjoyable on the volleyball courts.
Leaping within the water isn’t so well-liked, however you’ll quickly uncover a heated out of doors pool. When you’re finished having a dip, dry off and benefit from the a number of strolling trails by the inexperienced house, or sit back at an area 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 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 comfy 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 seaside cleanups, artwork reveals, and reside music performances. These occasions could be an effective 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 well-liked 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 competition, held in July, sees eye-popping fireworks gentle up the sky and reside music. However on any common day you’ll discover residents stress-free underneath the large timber, 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 every of Vancouver’s busiest seashores. From right here you may see views of English Bay and the North Shore mountains. We liked this neighborhood of Vancouver with loads of eating places, espresso outlets, and purchasing close by.
The water is calm providing loads of water sports activities resembling SUP, kayaking, and swimming. On the shore, you may take pleasure in seaside volleyball or it is 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 observe 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 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 plenty of waterfront property and loads of metropolis seashores. One other well-liked seaside in Vancouver is Spanish Banks Seashore. Additionally positioned 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 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 exquisite coast. As you’re 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 high Vancouver points of interest out of your distinctive vantage level on the water.
26. Christ Church Cathedral
Dave and I should not very spiritual, however once we journey we at all times 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 types.
The historic landmark of Vancouver is thought for its hanging bell tower, which rises 65 meters (213 ft) above avenue stage and is among the tallest constructions in downtown Vancouver. The inside of the Christ Church Cathedral options lovely 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 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 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 are actually stuffed with waterfront eating places and boutiques.
28. Richmond Night time Market
In case you’re questioning what to do in Vancouver at evening, then make your approach to the Richmond Night time Market simply 20 minutes from the downtown core. The colourful market is filled with attention-grabbing stalls promoting souvenirs and artwork. Naturally, it’s one other excellent place to strive some Chinese language avenue eats on the many meals stalls.
The Richmond Night time Market options greater than 200 distributors promoting all the pieces from clothes, to equipment and souvenirs. You may as well pattern a variety of cuisines, together with Chinese language, Japanese, Korean, and Thai, in addition to extra conventional competition meals like mini donuts and corn on the cob.
The family-friendly market is a superb vacation spot for adults and youngsters with a variety 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 Night time Market is simply open within the evenings, which provides it a singular 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 could have some appreciation for the spectacular panorama that flanks Vancouver. However from floor stage, it’s exhausting to grasp 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 approach 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 high 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 high points of interest.
Need one other approach to discover Canada’s wonderful surroundings? Try our information on the long-lasting Rocky Mountaineer.
30. Museum of Vancouver
In case 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 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 positioned in a wonderful location with shut proximity to a few of British Columbia’s high 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 high 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 possibly can drive the ocean to sky freeway in a single fast shot, however we advocate taking your time street journey is full of highlights, with gorgeous vistas all through. An in a single day in Squamish is extremely really useful 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 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 climbing and biking in the summertime and snowboarding and snowboarding within the winter.
Due to its distinctive geographical place, Vancouver sees plenty of rain. The upside is unbelievable 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. Except for 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
In case you solely have a short while, you may even go to Whistler on a day journey. It actually isn’t sufficient to see all of it in in the future, however typically you may 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 Awesome Things 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 a terrific day journey. We love Squamish a lot that we advise making at the very 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 street journey. Learn extra: 14 Amazing Things 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 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 may pan for gold and see all of the outdated buildings with interactive shows. The BOOM Multimedia present that’s included together with your ticket is an extravaganza that isn’t to be missed.
35. Sea to Sky Gondola
One of the vital well-liked 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. In case you liked 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 have been there, the Sea to Sky Gondola was closed however it’s now open for enterprise year-round. Through the winter months, there’s snow tubing, snowshoeing, and nordic snowboarding. And in the summertime, there’s 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. In case you’re feeling peckish you may go to the Summit Lodge for native British Columbia fare. You need to ebook your tickets for the Sea to Sky Gondola online.
36. Vancouver Island
Regardless of its title, Vancouver Island is 2 hours away from the town heart by ferry. However, the journey remains to be probably the greatest issues to do in Vancouver. We have now it as a day journey, however we advocate at the very least making it an in a single day getaway. In a rustic of fantastic magnificence, there’s one thing breathtaking about Vancouver Island.
The 2-hour journey includes a ferry experience 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 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 filled with one of the best issues to do in Vancouver, let’s discover all you might want to know to benefit from the metropolis!
Attending to Downtown Vancouver
We at all times lease a automobile and discover it’s the easiest way to get round Vancouver. You possibly can store for automobile leases from the Vancouver Airport at RentalCars.com
The primary arrival level for Vancouver is the Vancouver Worldwide Airport. The airport is roughly 9 miles from downtown and the best approach to get there’s 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 until you may have a pre-purchased cross, which reduces the value to $5 ( about $3.50 USD).
Taxis are one other well-liked choice with rides taking round half-hour, relying on the placement of your resort. 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 one of the best occasions to go to Vancouver. Vancouver is infamous for rain, and summer season is one of the best time to keep away from getting moist.
Spring could be very wet however you may actually count on to have rain any time of the yr. 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 lots 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 points of interest 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 really useful that you simply keep downtown. Out of your doorstep, you’ll be inside strolling distance of many highlights from English Bay to Gastown.
Listed here are some high selections to swimsuit all budgets:
- Luxurious:
- The Opus Vancouver is a superb boutique resort positioned 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 received’t should spend a lot at the Samesun Vancouver to take pleasure in a fast stroll to Robson Avenue, Stanley Park, and one of the best of downtown. Try charges and availability on TripAdvisor/ Booking.com
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 time and again. This can be a metropolis that retains evolving and altering and irrespective of what number of occasions we go to, we at all times discover one thing new.
Have you ever been to Vancouver? What are your favourite points of interest within the metropolis?
