Best things to do in Vancouver
Find out more about those top places in Vancouver
Vancouver Travel Guide: Where Mountains Meet the Ocean (and Amazing Food!)
Vancouver, Canada’s west coast gem, first grabbed global attention during the 2010 Winter Olympics, when the city’s futuristic skyline, flanked by snow-capped mountains and icy fjords, was broadcast to the world. If you’re wondering why Vancouver was the perfect Olympic backdrop, it’s because this city’s places to visit are nothing short of jaw-dropping.
Though everyone’s in on the secret now, Vancouver remains Canada’s hidden gem—thanks to its geographical isolation from the rest of the country’s major cities. Located in British Columbia, Vancouver gazes out across the Pacific Ocean, giving the city a totally different vibe from the rest of Canada. It’s a place where natural beauty and urban sophistication collide, making it one of the top attractions on any traveler’s sightseeing list.
Outdoor Adventures: Nature is Just Around the Corner
Vancouver is more than just a pretty face—it’s a city that lives outdoors. With things to do like hiking, biking, and skiing (yes, you can ski and surf in the same day!), outdoor lovers will feel like they’ve found their personal paradise. The best part? The mountains and ocean are just a stone’s throw away from downtown, so you won’t have to travel far to get your nature fix.
One of Vancouver’s top attractions is Grouse Mountain, where you can take a scenic gondola ride to the top for breathtaking views of the city and beyond. In the winter, it turns into a skiing and snowboarding haven, but in the summer, it's all about hiking, wildlife encounters, and a visit to the grizzly bear refuge. Definitely an Instagram-worthy spot!
Not to be missed is the Sea to Sky Highway, a drive that should be added to every road tripper’s bucket list. Starting in the city’s eastern suburbs, this epic drive offers expansive vistas of the Pacific Ocean, towering mountains, and, if you’re lucky, maybe even a few whales waving hello. It’s one of the world’s most spectacular drives, and no, we’re not exaggerating. Trust us.
Foodie Heaven: Vancouver’s Best Kept (Not So) Secret
Vancouver may be best known for its outdoor beauty, but the city has a major claim to fame in the culinary world too. Known for having one of North America’s best Asian dining scenes, Vancouver’s food culture is as diverse as its landscape. The city’s best bites can be found across the city, but the heart of it all is centered in the cobbled streets of Gastown and Chinatown. If you love food (and who doesn’t?), these are places to visit that will take your taste buds on a world tour.
From mouth-watering sushi joints and dim sum houses to Korean BBQ spots and pho-filled alleyways, Vancouver is a melting pot of global flavors. If you're a fan of seafood (which, let’s face it, you should be in a city that’s right on the ocean), don’t miss a stop at the Granville Island Public Market. Here, you’ll find fresh fish, local produce, and gourmet treats galore—perfect for grabbing lunch or just sampling a little bit of everything.
Urban Charm: Discovering Vancouver’s Neighborhoods
While Vancouver’s natural beauty takes center stage, the city’s neighborhoods are also worthy of attention. Gastown is Vancouver’s historic heart, full of charming cobbled streets, stylish boutiques, and trendy bars. It’s also home to the famous Gastown Steam Clock, which performs a little show every hour—like a quirky little bonus attraction in the middle of your sightseeing.
For a completely different vibe, head to Kitsilano (or “Kits,” as the locals call it), an artsy, laid-back area with trendy cafes, boutiques, and some of Vancouver’s best beaches. If you want to channel your inner beach bum, this is the place to be—especially on a sunny day when everyone heads to Kits Beach to sunbathe, paddleboard, and watch the sunset over the mountains.
Vancouver’s Cool Factor: From Outdoor Adventures to Urban Delights
Vancouver is the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and urban sophistication. Whether you’re into hiking, surfing, or simply eating your way through the city, you’ll find something to make your Vancouver trip unforgettable. From the rugged mountains to the pristine beaches, and from the eclectic food scene to the buzzy neighborhoods, Vancouver is a place that offers an adventure on every corner—and it’s all just a short walk or bike ride from the city center.
So, whether you’re here for a few days or planning a longer stay, don’t miss these top attractions and things to do. Vancouver’s got your back when it comes to an action-packed, food-filled, nature-loving, and yes—totally Instagrammable—adventure.
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Stanley Park
Stanley Park has a very long history and was one of the first places to be discovered and explored within the city. This 405-hectare public park is almost completely surrounded by waters of the English Bay and Vancouver Harbor. It also borders the downtown of Vancouver in British Columbia.
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Capilano Suspension Bridge
The Capilano Suspension Bridge extends to about140 meters in length and has a height of 70 meters above the river. This simple suspension bridge in the District of North Vancouver crosses the Capilano River. It attracts over 800,000 visitors every year and requires an admission fee since it is part of a private facility.
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Gastown
Gastown is well-known for its Victorian buildings that house decor stores, indie art galleries and a number of souvenir shops alongside its famous whistling steam clock. For food and drink, there are various restaurants and cocktail lounges that serve both local and gourmet cuisines. The Railtown district is where different edgy fashion studios can be found while hip eateries dot the neighboring Downtown Eastside landscape.
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Vancouver Aquarium
A tour of the Vancouver Aquarium is bound to leave you astounded at just how much there is to learn from an aquarium. Get a close look at some creepy crawlers from the Amazon or some Sea Lion show. For an adorable sight, you could catch some Sea otters holding hands and educative cum entertaining programs that include the 50,000+ animals that live in the aquarium.
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Butchart Gardens
Butchart Gardens can be found in Brentwood Bay close to Victoria on Vancouver Island. It is a group of floral display gardens and receives over one million visitors every year. The Butchart Gardens have been recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada.
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Sea to Sky Gondola
Embark on a ride to the famous Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish and drink in the sights of Howe Sound alongside coastal rainforests and mountains at the top. Similarly, go on to explore the Shannon Falls and Whistler Village while enjoying the various scenic landscapes from Sea to Sky Highway on your exhilarating tour.
