Vancouver is likely one of the most picturesque cities in the world. Located 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 mountaineering trails and out of doors occasions in {the summertime} and in the winter you’ll be able to go ice skating at one in every of its many arenas or hit the superior ski slopes situated simply minutes from the downtown core.
The Top Things to do in Vancouver, Canada
Downtown Vancouver options museums, galleries, and the attractive Stanley Park. It’s a occurring metropolis in its personal proper. But only a few areas can lay declare to the kind of surroundings Vancouver offers. Beyond town are snow-capped peaks carved by years of slow-moving glaciers. The Coast Mountains which minimize by way of British Columbia are awe-inspiring permitting guests a large unfold of actions to get pleasure from. This complete information will show you how to uncover one of the best issues to do in Vancouver, Canada.
1. Granville Island
Many cities have fantastic tales of outdated warehouses reborn to turn out to be a high attraction. Vancouver’s model of that is Granville Island. The outdated industrial port in town has been changed by a thriving arts neighborhood with eating places and microbrew pubs, boutique retailers, and leisure. Granville Island is likely one of the first locations it is best to see when visiting Vancouver.
Inside the warehouses, you’ll discover artwork galleries that includes native artists, a boisterous eating scene and impartial theaters. If you’re up for a pint, take a look at Granville Island Brewing Company. Granville Island is technically not an island, so you’ll be able to arrive by way of each automotive and ferry.
Granville Island Market
But 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 excellent place to pattern the flavors of British Columbia and help native farmers and producers.
The market additionally provides instructional experiences for guests, together with culinary workshops and excursions, wine tastings, and cooking courses. Take a tour the place you’ll be able to be taught 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
The most well-known of all of the Vancouver Parks is Stanley Park. Located on the peninsula in the West End of Vancouver, Stanley Park is likely one of the high vacationer sights providing a pure escape simply steps from downtown Vancouver. The fringe of the park carves alongside the bay, offering glorious biking and a spot for informal strolls alongside the enduring Stanley Park Seawall. Beyond the water, you’ll discover one other high attraction on this record of issues to do in Vancouver, the Vancouver Aquarium.
Stanley Park provides guests an opportunity to escape town simply steps away from the downtown core. The Stanley Park seawall begins on the Vancouver Convention Centre and goes throughout the park to Spanish Banks Park. You can stroll, cycle, or rollerblade across the seawall to see a number of the park’s high sights.
Hot Tip: At the Stanley Park Totem Poles, you’ll discover top-of-the-line views of Vancouver’s lovely skyline. Get on a motorcycle to discover Stanely Park with this guided biking tour.
Stanley Park is a superb spot for a day picnic with house for yard video games. In the summer season, the heated public pool is open, bringing excited households alongside for the afternoon. While in spring, colours burst by way of the panorama, together with vibrant cherry bushes.
One of one of the best methods to see Vancouver and Stanely park is on a personal tour. 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
Not to be confused with a basic ocean-going vessel, Canada Place is a everlasting construction situated on the Vancouver Convention Centre on Vancouver Harbour. The pier rolls approach out into Vancouver harbor, offering vacationers and locals with fantastic views of the mountains in the gap and the picturesque bay.
Beyond being a cruise ship terminal, Canada Place can be the Vancouver Convention Center which hosts over 500 occasions annually, and The Pan Pacific Hotel. But that’s not why it’s on the record. Also on the finish of the pier is Flyover Canada. Jump in 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 expertise to Alaska.
Where to Stay
Another excellent spot to keep close to the Vancouver Convention Center earlier than or after your cruise is the Fairmont Pacific Rim. This historic resort is opulent and splendid but the modern rooms have all of the high-tech facilities.
Trade 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 positive eating expertise. With a lot to see inside simple strolling distance, get pleasure from an excellent location in type.
4. False Creek
False Creek is the guts of Vancouver, British Columbia. This bustling inlet has lots of the high sights in the realm 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 take in 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 in 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 house to the athletes throughout the 2010 Winter Olympics and has since been reworked right into a vibrant neighborhood that options eating places, retailers, and public artwork. Also often called the Southeast False Creek neighborhood, it’s simply minutes from town heart.
Vancouver’s Olympic Village is house to a number of well-liked craft breweries, together with Brassneck Brewery, Steel Toad Brewing, and Main Street Brewing, making it an excellent spot for beer lovers to discover the Craft Beer Scene. It can be house to quite a few 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 wonderful neighborhood for buying 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
Make certain to hop on the False Creek Ferries to benefit from the water taxi service providing a novel approach to discover the realm. It stops at Granville Island, Science World, and Yaletown. It’s a enjoyable and distinctive approach to get across the space.
6. Yaletown
One of 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. Overall, False Creek provides a various vary of sights which might be certain to enchantment to guests of all pursuits and ages.
One of our favourite methods to see a metropolis is to be a part of 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. Sun Yat-Sen Garden (Another one of many high issues to do in Vancouver) and Strathcona—Vancouver’s oldest residential neighborhood.
Where to Stay close to Yaletown
The Opus Vancouver is a wonderful boutique resort situated in Yaletown that’s inside strolling distance of the whole lot in town heart. Plus there are nice choices for eating and nightlife shut by and it’s only a brief stroll to the waterfront. Check out charges and availability on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
7. Science World
When touring round Vancouver, there’s an opportunity you will have seen the massive steel dome construction on False Creek. What it’s possible you’ll not know, is that it’s house 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 enthusiastic about how the world works. Activities vary from exploring movement, water, and the historical past of innovations.
The 12 reveals are complemented by varied touring exhibitions which were part of famend museums and different science facilities. Once you’re all carried out exploring, sit back and watch a present on the huge five-story domed display screen. The largest of its sort on earth.
8. Watch the Vancouver Canucks
We all know Canada to be a hockey-mad nation, so why not lean into the thrill and enterprise off to a neighborhood sport? The Vancouver Canucks play in the NHL, which runs from October to April, and the house staff averages slightly below 20,000 for every sport.
Playing out of Rogers Arena, seize your self a foam finger and root for the house staff. Whether you recognize a lot about hockey or not, the noise of the gang is certain to get you concerned. Once the sport is over, downtown Vancouver might be at your disposal.
We love doing strolling excursions once we first arrive in a metropolis and top-of-the-line methods to see Vancouver is to e-book this Guided City 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 growth with many historic buildings from Vancouver’s early years. Vancouver’s Chinatown is likely one of the largest in North America and is a high spot for affordable eats. The iconic Dim Sum at Floata Seafood Restaurant is a must-eat on any go to.
After consuming a tad an excessive amount of, discover the fascinating native retailers earlier than making your approach to Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden. 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 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 in the valley under. You can take a scenic journey up the Gondola or sort out the Grouse Grind.
The notorious Grouse Grind, typically described as Mother Nature’s StairMaster is likely one of the high hikes in Vancouver. Once on the high of Grouse Mountain, there are many issues to do from going ziplining, mountaineering, seeing the resident grizzly bears that had been rescued as orphans 20 years in the past, and taking in the spectacular views.
When the snow falls, Grouse Mountain turns into a winter paradise, with snowboarding, skating, and snowshoeing on provide. Because of ample newbie runs, it’s an impressive spot for the household to go snowboarding.
Getting to the summit is easy thanks to the gondola that runs day-after-day. After the scenic journey, mountaineering adventures await together with mountain-top eating places. Ready to discover Vancouver’s nature? Read up on one of the best hikes to do in Vancouver.
11. Capilano Suspension Bridge
While 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. Yet town’s suspension bridge, which opened in 1889, continues to wow and thrill those 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 way of under. There are mountaineering trails and out of doors adventures ready on the opposite facet. The bridge sees a whole lot of guests, so it’s a kind of sights that’s nicely price getting up early for.
Conveniently, you’ll be able to catch a free shuttle to the Capilano Suspension Bridge from downtown Vancouver. Once you’ve arrived, up the ante by experiencing the clear Cliff Walk 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 one other, Queen Elizabeth Park has a little bit of the whole lot. The heart of the park often called Little Mountain is the best level in town. Queen Elizabeth Park is a superb 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.
While 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. Also in the city park is the Quarry Garden. 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 in search of issues to do in Vancouver at night time, take a look at some music at Vancouver’s most historic dwell music venue. Located on Granville Street, The Commodore Ballroom has seen the likes of Kiss, B.B. King, David Bowie, and The Police grace its stage. Today it’s nonetheless going robust 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. Beyond town limits lies an unimaginable 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 airplane. Beyond whales, it’s frequent to spot orcas and minke in your journey.
Book this highly-rated half-day whale-watching tour from Vancouver. It provides simple cancellation inside 24 hours of tour and last-minute bookings.
15. Vancouver Art Gallery
In downtown Vancouver, town’s outstanding artwork gallery is likely one of the high artwork establishments in Canada. One of one of the best issues to do in Vancouver is to join a guided tour of the Vancouver Art Gallery. It is a gathering place and hosts enjoyable neighborhood occasions
On any day throughout the week, you’ll be able to discover the modern artwork house with the serving to hand of an skilled. Learn in regards to the shows and the tales behind them. When you’re prepared for a break, sit down on the on-site bistro patio earlier than going out by yourself. The Vancouver Art Gallery is subsequent to Robson Square, a preferred gathering place in town heart.
16. Vandusen Botanical Garden
An oasis in the guts of town, VanDusen Botanical Garden, 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 right approach to chill out and escape from the oft-chaotic downtown Vancouver. Keep your digital camera 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 soothing espresso to a delicious noon meal. If you’re in Vancouver throughout the winter, cease by for the annual Festival of Lights.
Looking for extra issues to do in British Columbia? Read these articles for journey inspiration
17. Vancouver Maritime Museum
Although providing splendid views of English Bay, the within of the Vancouver Maritime Museum is what company bear in mind essentially the most. One of the highest issues to do in Vancouver is to discover the historic museum and be taught seagoing tales that date again centuries.
The museum provides a various vary of views and takes a take a look at outstanding explorations in the Pacific Northwest and the Arctic Oceans. Inside the beautiful A-frame constructing is the attractive RCP Vessel St Roch. Jump behind the wheel and really feel what it could be like to helm the historic boat.
18. Vancouver Lookout
The Vancouver Lookout is a well-liked vacationer attraction situated in town heart on the highest ground of the Harbour Centre constructing. The 360-degree remark 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: In addition to the remark deck, the Vancouver Lookout additionally includes a vary of interactive reveals that educate guests in regards to 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 totally accessible to folks with mobility points, with elevators that present entry to the remark 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 every of its sort in Vancouver. The Lynn Canyon suspension bridge is a neighborhood favourite, significantly because it avoids the vacationer hordes and doesn’t value a penny.
In the Lynn Valley, Lynn Canyon Park brings spectacular surroundings that’s certain to excite your inside explorer. Several forest trails lead you to distant swimming holes and pure waterfalls. Eventually, you’ll come across the bridge, which connects to the opposite facet over 50 hair-raising meters.
20. Museum of Anthropology
Note: The Museum of Anthropology is briefly closed for many of 2023 for upgrades to make sure that the Indigenous collections are housed in this however visiting the grounds of UBC continues to be price a go to. You may go to its rose backyard for beautiful views of the mountains and ocean.
The Museum of Anthropology is a bit of the University of British Columbia and has a eager concentrate on the Northwest Coast First Nations. Explore native artwork, giant totem poles, and mosaics. Beyond native human historical past, the museum appears towards the South Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Europe. It all comes collectively inside an outdated World War II fort reworked right into a cultural spotlight.
21. Explore 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 man was a griot, a throwback to previous storytellers, and shortly gained the nickname, Gassy Jack. A statue of Deighton can now be discovered in Maple Tree Square.
Gastown provides an immense variety of high quality eating places, fascinating galleries, and native boutiques. All are positioned inside Victorian-era buildings.
Just a short 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 can e-book strolling excursions of Gastown like This extremely rated misplaced souls of Gastown tour.
22. Kitsilano Beach
Vancouver has loads of city seashores and a method to take in the solar when in Vancouver is with a visit to Kitsilano Beach. 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 comfortable sands or have enjoyable on the volleyball courts.
Jumping in the water isn’t so well-liked, however you’ll quickly uncover a heated out of doors pool. Once you’re carried out having a dip, dry off and benefit from the a number of strolling trails by way of the inexperienced house, or sit back at a neighborhood cafe. You’ll additionally end up minutes from buying on West Fourth Avenue.
23. Visit Wreck Beach
Wreck Beach has been well-known for so long as I can bear in mind. This clothing-optional seaside situated 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 an excellent 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 Beach additionally hosts a spread of occasions and festivals all year long, together with seaside cleanups, artwork reveals, and dwell music performances. These occasions may be a good way to join with like-minded folks and benefit from the seaside in a festive ambiance.
24. English Bay
Close to Stanley Park, English Bay is one other well-liked beachfront that brings the crowds on sunny days. As part of Vancouver’s West End, English Bay performs host to the Celebration of Light.
The annual pageant, held in July, sees eye-popping fireworks mild up the sky and dwell music. But on any common day you’ll discover residents stress-free below the big bushes, rollerblading or taking in the various public artwork reveals. Like Kitsilano Beach, it’s not frequent to swim at English Bay. But that doesn’t cease these braving the frigid waters for the Polar Bear Swim, held on New Year’s Day.
English Bay Beach
Dave and I used to dwell in the West End of Vancouver and English Bay Beach was our seaside. We knew it as First Beach. Because of its shut proximity to town heart, English Bay Beach is one in every of Vancouver’s busiest seashores. From right here you’ll be able to see views of English Bay and the North Shore mountains. We liked this neighborhood of Vancouver with loads of eating places, espresso retailers, and buying close by.
The water is calm providing loads of water sports activities reminiscent of SUP, kayaking, and swimming. On the shore, you’ll be able to 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 the highlights of English Bay Beach is the annual Celebration of Light fireworks show (we used to watch it from our rooftop!) which takes place over three nights each summer season and attracts lots of of 1000’s of tourists. The seaside can be the place to begin of the annual Vancouver Polar Bear Swim, a New Year’s Day custom in which courageous swimmers take a dip in the chilly waters of English Bay.
Spanish Banks Beach
Vancouver has a whole lot of waterfront property and loads of metropolis seashores. Another well-liked seaside in Vancouver is Spanish Banks Beach. Also situated in the West End, 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 Beach, 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 preferred 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 Sunset Cruise
One of one of the best 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 are taking in the views of West Vancouver and the North Shore Mountains you’ll get pleasure from a West Coast-style buffet dinner with music. Take in the highest Vancouver sights out of your distinctive vantage level on the water.
26. Christ Church Cathedral
Dave and I will not be very spiritual, however once 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. Located in downtown Vancouver, it options a mixture of Gothic Revival and Romanesque architectural types.
The historic landmark of Vancouver is understood for its putting bell tower, which rises 65 meters (213 toes) above road stage and is likely one of the tallest buildings in downtown Vancouver. The inside of the Christ Church Cathedral options lovely stained glass home windows, intricate woodwork, and a surprising pipe organ.
27. Explore Richmond
South of downtown Vancouver, Richmond is house to Vancouver’s different Chinatown. Walking across the stylish neighborhood will carry you to a number of genuine Chinese eating places prepared to entertain your style buds.
But Richmond isn’t nearly meals. You’ll discover a lovely Buddhist temple and uncover the small village of Steveston. The lovely space of Richmond is house to a National History Site, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. The outdated boat sheds had been as soon as part of the west coast’s historic fishing trade. But are actually stuffed with waterfront eating places and boutiques.
28. Richmond Night Market
If you’re questioning what to do in Vancouver at night time, then make your approach to the Richmond Night Market simply 20 minutes from the downtown core. The vibrant market is stuffed with fascinating stalls promoting souvenirs and artwork. Naturally, it’s one other excellent spot to strive some Chinese road eats on the many meals stalls.
The Richmond Night Market options greater than 200 distributors promoting the whole lot from clothes, to equipment and souvenirs. You may pattern a variety of cuisines, together with Chinese, 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 superb vacation spot for adults and children with a spread of actions to preserve everybody entertained from carnival sights and video games to dwell music, cultural shows, and loads of meals choices.
The Richmond Night Market is just open in the evenings, which supplies 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-Plane Tour
By now you will have some appreciation for the spectacular panorama that flanks Vancouver. But from floor stage, it’s exhausting to perceive the sheer scale of the native mountain ranges. Book this extremely rated sea airplane tour for a scenic view of 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 chopping by way of downtown. The unforgettable expertise will see you land on the harborfront, prepared to sort out extra high sights.
Want one other approach to discover Canada’s superb surroundings? Check out our information on the enduring Rocky Mountaineer.
30. Museum of Vancouver
If you’ll be able to’t get sufficient of native historical past, then make sure to pay a go to to the Museum of Vancouver. Dedicated to all issues “Couve”, discover town’s historical past from the very begin.
Begin 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 Trips
Vancouver is situated 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 simple day journeys and weekend getaways to be had. These are a number of of our high picks.
31. Sea to Sky Highway
If you need to get out of the bustle of Vancouver, why not full top-of-the-line scenic drives in Canada? The Sea to Sky Highway is a 90-minute journey starting in the Vancouver metropolis heart and ending on the well-known city of Whistler.
You can drive the ocean to sky freeway in one fast shot, however we advocate taking your time street journey is full of highlights, with beautiful vistas all through. An in a single day in Squamish is extremely advisable to benefit from the Pass waterfalls, sprawling lakes, and snow-capped peaks. Have your digital camera on a full cost, since you by no means know what’s across the nook. Want to know extra in regards to the epic drive? Read our information to the Sea-to-Sky.
32. Go Skiing 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 mountaineering and biking in the summer season and snowboarding and snowboarding in the winter.
Because of its distinctive geographical place, Vancouver sees a whole lot of rain. The upside is unimaginable powder and world-class snowboarding. If you might have an additional day in your itinerary and the lifts are operating, then do your self a favor and go shred. Aside 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. Read extra at our Whistler Snowboarding Adventure
If you solely have a short while, you’ll be able to even go to Whistler on a day journey. It actually isn’t sufficient to see all of it in in the future, however generally you’ll be able to solely take what you may get. When we lived in Vancouver, we’d pop over for an epic day of snowboarding, identical to we generally do for Blue Mountain right here in Ontario. Check out extra about Whistler at 30 Awesome Things to Do in Whistler, BC
33. Squamish
Squamish is situated simply 50 minutes from downtown Vancouver alongside the Sea to Sky Highway and makes for an excellent day journey. We love Squamish a lot that we advise making at the least an in a single day journey to town. There are loads of 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 Highway street journey. Read extra: 14 Amazing Things to Do in Squamish BC
34. Brittania Mine
A preferred cease alongside the facet 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 practice journey into the mine to study 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
One of the preferred sights in Squamish is the Sea to Sky Gondola which takes you to the highest of the mountains for spectacular views of Howe Sound. If you really 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 journey 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. During the winter months, there may be snow tubing, snowshoeing, and nordic snowboarding. And in the summer season, there may be loads of mountaineering. Plus the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge is open year-round as nicely. Read extra: 14 Amazing Things to Do in Squamish BC
Book your Tickets up the Sea to Sky Gondola in advance with free cancellation inside 24 hours of entry ought to one thing come up. The journey takes about 10 minutes a method. If you’re feeling peckish you’ll be able to go to the Summit Lodge for native British Columbia fare. You ought to e-book your tickets for the Sea to Sky Gondola on-line.
36. Vancouver Island
Despite its title, Vancouver Island is 2 hours away from town heart by ferry. Nevertheless, the journey continues to be top-of-the-line issues to do in Vancouver. We have it as a day journey, however we advocate at the least making it an in a single day getaway. In a rustic of fantastic magnificence, there’s one thing breathtaking about Vancouver Island.
The two-hour journey includes a ferry journey 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. But in the event you solely have a day, then there are a number of excursions across the island. Must-see spots embrace Victoria, the Pacific Rim National Park in Tofino (additionally nice for browsing), and the impeccable Butchart Gardens. Speaking of street journeys, learn up on our itinerary for driving by way of BC’s Sunshine Coast.
Book this Vancouver to Victoria tour that features a ferry journey 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!
Getting to Downtown Vancouver
We all the time lease a automotive and discover it’s one of the best ways to get round Vancouver. You can store for automotive leases from the Vancouver Airport at RentalCars.com
The predominant arrival level for Vancouver is the Vancouver International Airport. The airport is roughly 9 miles from downtown and the best approach to get there may be by way of the Airport SkyPractice. The journey takes 25 minutes to full and begins simply after 5 am and ends at 1 am. A ticket prices 9 CAD (approx $7 USD) a method except you might have a pre-purchased cross, which reduces the worth 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. Expect to pay between $25 – $30 CAD ($20 – $25 USD).
Best Time to Visit Vancouver, British Columbia
Unless 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’ll be able to 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 wonderful time to go to Vancouver for fall colours, the temperature continues to be fairly nice and there are various fall adventures to be had.
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.
Where to Stay in Vancouver
It could also be tempting to keep in Richmond or in North Vancouver, however to expertise one of the best of Vancouver, it’s advisable that you just keep downtown. From your step, you’ll be inside strolling distance of many highlights from English Bay to Gastown.
Here are some high decisions to swimsuit all budgets:
Luxury: The Opus Vancouver is a wonderful boutique resort situated in Yaletown that’s inside strolling distance of the whole lot. Plus there are nice choices for eating and nightlife shut by and its only a brief stroll to the waterfront. Check out charges and availability on TripAdvisor / Booking.com Mid-Range: Budget: With a extremely rated location, you received’t have to spend a lot on the Samesun Vancouver to get pleasure from a fast stroll to Robson Street, Stanley Park, and one of the best of downtown. Check out charges and availability on TripAdvisor/ Booking.com
And these are one of the best issues to do in Vancouver with a number of concepts for excursions and lodging. We lived in Vancouver for 3 years and have gone again time and again. This is a metropolis that retains evolving and altering and regardless of what number of occasions we go to, we all the time discover one thing new.
Have you been to Vancouver? What are your favourite sights in town?
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