Introduction
Vancouver is one of the most populated seaport cities on the west coast of British Columbia. The best thing is – you don’t have to travel three to four hours to see the stunning natural landscape; it’s literally right within the city.
This entire region gives off a very vibrant atmosphere, packed with tourists, music festivals, museums, and restaurants. A 20-minute drive north of Downtown Vancouver are three mountains: Grouse Mountain, Seymour Mountain, and Cypress Mountain. Grouse is a hotspot for tourists with an admission fee, while Seymour and Cypress are free provincial parks with dozens of hiking trails.
There are also countless beaches, boating tours, and shopping destinations, which can take a couple of days to explore. In this guide, we’ve made a list of the top things to do in Vancouver that would create a memorable experience.
Read more about:
- Hike the Grouse Grind on Grouse Mountain
- Enjoy the Attractions at Playland Amusement Park
- Cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge
- Visit the Vancouver Aquarium
1. Hike the Grouse Grind on Grouse Mountain
Grouse Grind is an alpine hiking trail up Grouse Mountain and a personal favourite, which takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to complete. This steep and narrow incline is located in North Vancouver, British Columbia. It is just a 15-minute drive from downtown Vancouver, offering a challenging experience with an incredible view of the city. The mountain has a private resort at the top, and if you are using the Skyride (gondola) to go down the mountain, it would cost $20 per adult and $10 per child.
2. Take a Stroll Along False Creek
False Creek is a narrow inlet surrounded by condominiums, parks, and restaurants. This Vancouver waterfront station is right in the middle of the city, with sweeping views and fun activities. The area has excellent fresh seafood and easily accessible activities, such as taking ferries, kayaking, and paddleboarding. You can also take a bicycle ride along the creek from the Burrard Street Bridge to Science World, and reach Granville Island.
3. Enjoy the Attractions at Playland Amusement Park
Playland Amusement Park is located in Hastings Park in Vancouver, British Columbia. It is a famous amusement park for all ages with fun midway games, climbing walls, delicious food, and a spectacular rollercoaster. You pay an entrance fee, which varies based on the season; however, it is free for kids three years or younger.
4. Take In the Stunning Views From Canada Place
Canada Place is a waterfront convention center and the primary cruise ship terminal for the region. The entire area is shaped like sails pointing to the sky, creating some of the best views for taking pictures. Canada Place is known for hosting celebrations, live entertainment, cultural exhibits, food trucks, and family activities.
5. Cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge
The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a great place to visit in summer, attracting thousands of international visitors every year. The main Capilano Suspension Bridge hangs 70 meters (230 feet) above the Capilano River in North Vancouver. With a $60 to $67 admission ticket, you get access to the entire park, which also includes walking around treetops and a series of seven smaller suspension bridges hanging among massive Douglas fir trees for a squirrel’s eye view of the forest.
6. Grab Lunch by English Bay, Vancouver BC
English Bay Beach in British Columbia is the perfect spot to catch the sunset and enjoy a stress-free walk during the day. The beach on the Pacific Coast comes alive in the summer with fun activities such as kayaking, playing sports, beach volleyball, and paddleboarding. Besides, plenty of other attractions are just a short ride away from English Bay. You can use it as a starting point to explore Stanley Park, the Historic Orpheum Theatre, and the Vancouver Art Gallery.
7. Go Shopping at Granville Island: A Foodie’s Paradise
Granville Island is full of character and offers a unique shopping experience. The famous Granville Island Public Market is packed with fresh seafood, produce, and local artisanal goods. There are plenty of handmade crafts and children’s shops. Other than the public market, this spot often organizes themed live performances where a lot of young people like to join and enjoy the show.
8. Discover the Hidden Gems of Deep Cove Waterfront Village
Deep Cove is kind of like a little oasis, less than 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver. The area has lovely restaurants, eateries, and cool shops nearby. It is a renowned destination for hiking, walking, or watersports. The park is relatively quiet with conveniently placed benches for enjoying the scenery.
9. Visit the Vancouver Aquarium
If you are a fan of animals and sea creatures, then the Vancouver Aquarium may be the perfect destination. It boasts 120 world-class exhibits, interactive features, a 4D Theatre, and daily educational programs for kids. At the Vancouver Aquarium, visitors can learn about the exotic animals of the Amazon forest and the different aquatic species from around the world, like sea otters, whales, and sharks.
10. Have a Picnic at Queen Elizabeth Park
Queen Elizabeth Park is a stunning green space in the center of Vancouver packed with picnic areas, well-maintained portable toilets, and mowed and marked trails. There are plenty of things to do here, like playing tennis, putting, and lawn bowling. Queen Elizabeth Park is also known for the Bloedel Conservatory, which is a massive dome and a home to many tropical plants and birds. A long time ago, it was used as a basalt quarry, but today it offers a beautiful landscape as Quarry Gardens.
