Vancouver Things to Do

Come discover more than just the usual tourist attractions Vancouver has to offer. There's a hidden world of experiences that locals live by, and it's time we shared them with you.

From urban hikes through lush rainforests to cozy beach bonfires, explore the sights and activities that keep us in love with our city. You'll get to do what lots of us do on our days off — take bike rides along sea-side trails or paddle out into Burrard Inlet for a sunset view of the Lions Gate Bridge.

Uncover waterfront markets full of unique goods from local artisans and uncover the history of early Indigenous cultures in Stanley Park. Whether it's partaking in an artistic adventure at one of our museums or counting the stars in a dark corner of some regional park, Vancouver locals know all the secret shortcuts that make this area so much more than your typical tourist destination.

From Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden to the Commodore Ballroom - a true Vancouver classic since the 1920s - travellers looking for adventure can explore these breathtakingly beautiful places steeped in history and culture. Don't forget about the Bloedel Conservatory and the Vancouver Public Library - both sites are worth enjoying on your own or with friends!

At the end of the day, when there's nothing left to do but relax, what better place than Vancouver? A major coastal seaport in Western Canada nestled between Victoria and Seattle with a vibrant food scene, pristine environment and family-friendly activities: you can have it all here.

So venture out and uncover those once-hidden secrets of Vancouver! There's something special waiting for everyone - explore your city today.

Robson Street

The Robson Street shopping district is Canada's premier shopping destination. Comprised of three blocks between Burrard Street and Jervis Street, this district offers a wide variety of stores, from high-end brands to boutiques. You can also enjoy a wide range of cultural events during your stay.

Robson Street has an international flavour and is a great place to sample a wide variety of food. The street is lined with high-end and casual restaurants. The street's east end offers cafes and fast-casual eateries, while the middle has more sophisticated dining options. Many of these restaurants are above the street level and offer people-watching opportunities. On the west end, some Asian-themed restaurants are worth trying.

Stanley Park

The gardens in Stanley Park are free and open to the public all year long. The gardens are also the location for the Stanley Park Train, a replica of Canadian Pacific Railway Engine #374, which pulled the first passenger train across Canada in the late 1880s. The train is a 1.3-mile (two-kilometer) ride that takes riders through trees, over trestles, and through tunnels. The train operates from April to September. During the holiday season, special train rides are held, including Halloween, Christmas, and Easter. Depending on the season, single tickets can range from $4.50 to CAD 8.00.

If you'd like to relax, you can dip in the nearby Stanley Park Pool. It's free to swim, and the concession stand also offers fish, chips, and hamburgers. You can also enjoy the summer cinema series and watch classic and new movies under the stars. You can also take part in fun runs or marathons in Stanley Park.

Bloedel Conservatory

If you are looking for something fun to do in Vancouver with your family, the Bloedel Conservatory is an excellent choice. The conservatory is in Queen Elizabeth Park and features over 500 tropical plants. It is also home to over 100 different exotic birds and sculptures.

Located at the top of Queen Elizabeth Park, the Bloedel Conservatory is a stunning destination for nature lovers. Spectacular mountain views surround this botanical garden. Take the Skytrain Canada Line from downtown Vancouver and get off at Broadway City Hall Station to get there. From there, walk about 15 minutes to reach the conservatory. The conservatory is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Note that during busier seasons, it opens later.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is a free public park and garden located in the heart of Chinatown in Vancouver, BC, Canada. It features traditional Chinese architecture and art. It also features live performances and exhibitions.

The garden is named for the Chinese revolutionary Dr. Sun Yat-Sen (1866-1925). He helped bring down the last imperial dynasty and helped unify his country. His revolutionary campaigns helped end the Imperial rule in China, and the garden was built to honour him.

Gastown district

The Gastown district in Vancouver is home to the iconic whistling Steam Clock and a mix of souvenir shops, indie art galleries, and eclectic decor stores in Victorian buildings. The area is also home to an upscale food scene, with trendy cocktail lounges and restaurants serving everything from gourmet sandwiches to local seafood. The Downtown Eastside and Railtown are also home to hip restaurants and edgy fashion studios.

Shopping is also popular in the Gastown area, where you'll find international brands alongside locally created designs. The district is home to many independent clothing boutiques, art and souvenir stores, and a large selection of one-of-a-kind pieces.

Grouse Mountain

Grouse Mountain is an excellent destination for those looking for a fun and challenging day out. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, the mountain offers many fun activities for all ages. One of the most popular attractions is the iconic Red Skyride, which takes guests to the top in 8 minutes. Other attractions at Grouse Mountain include a wildlife refuge, dining options, and an outdoor adventure park. Winter enthusiasts can enjoy snowboarding, skiing, and ice skating.

During the day, you can enjoy the panoramic views from the mountain by taking the Skyride aerial tramway system. Other fun activities include hiking on the Grouse Grind, windsurfing, and paragliding. You can also check out the kids' zone if you're visiting with children. There's also a zip line circuit for those over eight years old.

Vancouver Aquarium

Vancouver Aquarium is one of the top tourist attractions in Vancouver. It is a centre for marine research, ocean literacy education, climate activism, conservation, and marine animal rehabilitation. It is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm and is free to enter. It is the world's largest aquarium and a must-see attraction for families and groups alike.

The Aquarium houses various animals, including marine mammals, reptiles, and birds. The Aquarium also has multiple classrooms for school groups. There is also a wet lab education room where visitors can interact with live animals. The aquarium is home to 56 species of amphibians and 60 species of mammals. The Aquarium has a giant Pacific octopus and a large tank containing jellyfish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most visited spot in British Columbia?

The most visited place in British Columbia is Vancouver. Vancouver is a charming city that has a lot of things to offer tourists. Vancouver has many different attractions to see and things to do, which is why it is such a popular destination. Vancouver is a fantastic city that has been overgrowing for years now. There is something for everyone with its beautiful beaches, great shopping, and world-class restaurants. Vancouver is the most popular tourist destination in BC.

You can see that Vancouverites love living in Vancouver. There are more ex-pats than residents, so where better to live than the best city in Canada?

Vancouver is special because it offers something different. Vancouver has something to offer everyone.

The reason Vancouver is so popular is because of its abundance of outdoor activities. Vancouver is great for those who enjoy hiking, cycling, kayaking or sailing.

Vancouver has something to offer for every occasion, including a romantic getaway, a family vacation and a business trip. As well it's close to Seattle, which makes it easy for anyone visiting the US to make quick trips across the border.

Let's not forget about tourism while we are on the topic of travel. Statistics Canada estimates that 24 billion dollars was spent by tourists in BC last fiscal year. This accounts for 7% our GDP. This is quite impressive and shows the amount of money generated by tourists.

Vancouver is also home of some of Canada's biggest attractions. Granville Island to Stanley Park, there are many more. Below are some highlights.

1. Stanley Park - Located in Downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park is a beautiful forest park that provides visitors with stunning views of the mountains and the ocean.
2. Granville Island Public Market is a vibrant market that can be found downtown. It features lots of local vendors selling fresh produce and arts & crafts as well as food, clothing, souvenirs, and other items.
3. Science World – A Vancouver science museum, Science World has exhibits that relate to astronomy.
4. Museum of Anthropology: The Museum of Anthropology boasts collections from across the globe and is considered one of America's best museums. It holds over 150,000 objects, making it one of the largest anthropology museums in the world.
5. Hotel Ritz-Carlton - Located Downtown Vancouver, the Hotel Ritz-Carlton can be described as one the most prestigious hotels of the country.
6. Chinatown - Vancouver's Chinatown is located just north of Main Street and Georgia Street. Chinatown is the "gateway to Asia" due its unique mix of cultures.
7. Capilano Suspension Span - This suspension span spans Capilano River.

Which month is best to visit Vancouver, Canada?

It is difficult to give a definitive answer because everyone has their own preferences. Vancouver's best months to visit are generally May through September. These months are ideal for outdoor activities because of the mild, sunny weather. Several festivals and events take place during this period, so there is always something to do.

October to April is considered to be the off-season, which means that you will find a quieter period to visit. These are also the best times to find great deals on accommodation or flights.

Vancouver can be enjoyed at any season of the year.

Winter is a great time to go if you love snowboarding and skiing. The ski season is usually between November and April.

Vancouver is a wonderful place to explore if camping or hiking is your thing. The scenery is stunning and there are many trails to explore.

When it comes to choosing when to visit Vancouver, it all depends on your needs. This wonderful city can be visited at any time.

Which part of Vancouver is the most stunning?

This is a difficult question to answer, as beauty is subjective. Many people believe Vancouver's natural scenery may be the most beautiful anywhere in the globe. From its stunning coastal views to its towering mountains and lush forests, Vancouver has a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty.

Vancouver's Pacific ocean is where I love to be. It's where we meet our maker and where I find peace when feeling lost. The ocean is a vast, endless expanse water that doesn't care if anyone lives here. Everyone can enjoy it. It is the ideal place to go to if you feel you have been running too much and need to slow down.

There is nothing like strolling along the shoreline to watch the waves crash against the rocks. It's a wonderful way for you to reconnect with nature and clear your mind.

Can I find cheap flights to Vancouver from other countries?

There are several options for finding cheap flights from Vancouver. You can search online and sign up for travel clubs like Expedia, Travelocity or Travelocity to get discounted airfare. You can also look for last-minute deals at the airport or on airline websites.

Another option is flying into Seattle or Portland from where you can take a bus, train, or subway to Vancouver. Whatever method you choose, compare prices and find the best deal for your travel needs.

What are Vancouver’s best-kept secret?

While Vancouver is well known for its natural beauty and vibrant city life, there are also plenty of hidden gems to be discovered. Here are a few examples:

Capilano Suspension Crossing - A bridge that spans over a canyon in Capilano Park. This bridge offers spectacular views of the surrounding forest.

Vancouver Aquarium - A renowned facility located in Stanley Park which is home for over 70,000 marine creatures.

Gastown - A historic neighbourhood with cobblestone streets and Victorian-style buildings, Gastown is now one of Vancouver's trendiest areas with many bars, restaurants and shops.

Granville Island is a lively market that can be found on a small island near False Creek. It offers a wide range of food, entertainment and art.

Vancouver Art Gallery: One of Canada's biggest art museums. This gallery has over 10,000 artworks from around the globe.

Science World - An interactive science museum for children and adults.

Vancouver is surrounded in mountains and forests. This makes it a hiking paradise. There are trails of all difficulty levels to explore, many with stunning views of the city and beyond.

Vancouver has over 19km of coastline. Jericho Beach and English Bay Beach are popular spots.

These are just two of many secrets Vancouver offers. Explore and see for yourself!

Vancouver, three days is enough

I used to say yes in the past. But now, after living here for almost three years, I would say no. There is so much more. It's a great place to live.

This city has an energy that makes it feel alive. It's a feeling of possibility that makes life exciting again. This place inspires me daily. To push my limits. To reach beyond my limits and make connections that will matter.

This city reminds my why I love to make and inspires me to continue to seek out ways to help others succeed. Because when positive people surround you, your success feels inevitable.

It has been a blessing to be surrounded by such supportive people. It has been a wonderful journey with so many amazing people and businesses. People inspire me and continue to teach me how to grow and change.

Vancouver is a beautiful and welcoming city. Vancouver is a great place to live and work.

Where should I visit first?

Gastown is the perfect place to start to learn about Vancouver. This area is full of unique boutiques and cafes as well as restaurants.

If you're looking for something different, check out the Chinatown district. You will find authentic Asian markets, eateries, art galleries, museums, and historical sites here.

Imagine you want to live the excitement of a large city. Head downtown. Here, you'll find all the best entertainment, nightlife, and dining options. You could spend days exploring this part.

You might prefer to be surrounded by nature, so take a stroll through Stanley Park. This is one of the largest urban parks in the world. It has miles upon miles of hiking trails and beaches.

Statistics

• 12.5 percent of the province's area (114,000 km2 or 44,000 sq mi) is considered protected under one of the 14 different designations that includes over 800 distinct areas. (en.wikipedia.org)
• British Columbia has moved from approximately 10 percent of Canada's population in 1971 to approximately 13 percent in 2006. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Johnson led the coalition to the highest percentage of the popular vote in British Columbia history (61 percent) in the 1949 election. (en.wikipedia.org)
• *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator's booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. (tripadvisor.com)
• During the 1770s, smallpox killed at least 30 percent of the Pacific Northwest First Nations. (en.wikipedia.org)

External Links

dailyhive.com

• News: Vancouver ranked as the most quality-oriented city in North America
• Vancouver ranks fourth in the world's most expensive housing markets

cbc.ca

• CBC News
• Temperature record broken in Lower Mainland -- again | CBC News

www2.gov.bc.ca

• Population estimates - Province of British Columbia
• Ministry of Agriculture and Food -- Province of British Columbia

vancouversun.com

• Vancouver Sun
• Needles everywhere. How can we rid our city of these? Not so many. | Vancouver Sun

How To

Must-See Vancouver Festivals

Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in Canada. It is known for its wonderful food, arts, culture and natural beauty. Vancouver hosts many festivals each year, drawing people from all over the world. These festivals include:

• Winterfest is a winter festival that's held in February. Ice sculptures made from snow are the main attraction at this festival. Every year, this festival draws thousands of people.
• Caribana is one of the largest Caribbean festivals in North America. The festival is held annually in July. The festival offers music, dancing, food as well fashion parades, beauty contests, art exhibits and other entertainment.
• Artwalk - An annual event where artists display their works around town. Artists are free to exhibit their work anywhere they want.
• Pride Week - A week-long celebration including events like parades, parties, concerts, film screenings, etc.
• Viva! Festival - Latin American culture festival held in June. It's North America’s biggest Latin American cultural festival.
• New Year's Eve Fireworks - Celebrated at midnight on 31st December. Many fireworks illuminate the skies above the city.
• Christmas Market, held in English Bay close to Stanley Park. More than 200 stalls sell unique gifts and crafts, as well local food.
• Sunset Celebration - Every evening in August/September, the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean. People line the shoreline to enjoy the sunset.
• Halloween Carnival - An outdoor carnival held in October. Costumes are compulsory.
• Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF), - One the oldest film festivals around the globe. It takes place every September.
• Vancouver Fringe Theatre Festival -- This theatre festival began in 2008. Around 500 performances are showcased throughout the city.
• Vancouver Folk Music Festival – Founded in 1972, the festival features a wide range of folk artists from around the globe.
• BC Day Long Weekend is one of the longest-running celebrations within the province. It attracts tourists across the globe and lasts for five full days.
• Vancouver Jazz Festival - This is Canada's top jazz festival. It attracts hundreds of musicians every year.
• Vancouver Craft Beer Festival - Started in 2012, it is the first craft beer fest in the city. More than 50 local breweries are represented.
• Vancouver Pride Parade – One of the largest pride parades anywhere in the world. Tens of thousands of participants march through downtown streets.
• Vancouver Marathon Runners Run through the City Streets Every April
• Vancouver Oyster Festivals – In November, oysters come with many sauces and toppings.
• Richmond Night Market - One of the largest night markets in North America. It runs from May through October.
• Chinatown Lantern Festival: A celebration of the Chinese New Year. It is held in February/March.
• Festival of Lights is an annual event in which different cultures gather to celebrate light and live.