Vancouver is among the most picturesque cities on this planet. Situated 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 mountain 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 supplies. Past the town are snow-capped peaks carved by years of slow-moving glaciers. The Coast Mountains which minimize by means of British Columbia are awe-inspiring permitting guests a large unfold of actions to take pleasure in. 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Many cities have fantastic tales of outdated warehouses reborn to turn into a high attraction.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 The outdated industrial port within the metropolis has been changed by a thriving arts group with eating places and microbrew pubs, boutique retailers, and leisure.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 an incredible place to pattern the flavors of British Columbia and help native farmers and producers.
The market additionally presents instructional experiences for guests, together with culinary workshops and excursions, wine tastings, and cooking courses. Take a tour the place you may 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
Essentially the most well-known of all of the Vancouver Parks is Stanley Park. Situated on the peninsula within the West Finish of Vancouver, Stanley Park is among the high vacationer sights 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 enduring Stanley Park Seawall. Past the water, you’ll discover one other high attraction on this record of issues to do in Vancouver, the Vancouver Aquarium.
Stanley Park presents 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’ll be able to stroll, cycle, or rollerblade across the seawall to see among the park’s high sights.
Sizzling Tip: On the Stanley Park Totem Poles, you’ll discover among the finest views of Vancouver’s lovely skyline. Get on a motorbike to discover Stanely Park with this guided biking tour.
Stanley Park is a good 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 means of the panorama, together with vibrant cherry bushes.
Top-of-the-line methods to see Vancouver and Stanely park is on a non-public tour. Ebook 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
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 manner 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 also be the Vancouver Conference Middle which hosts over 500 occasions every year, and The Pan Pacific Lodge. However that’s not why it’s on the record. Additionally on the finish of the pier is Flyover Canada. Soar 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. Take a look at our cruise expertise to Alaska.
The place to Keep
One other good spot to remain close to the Vancouver Conference Middle earlier than or after your cruise is the Fairmont Pacific Rim. This historic lodge is opulent and splendid 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 nice eating expertise. With a lot to see inside straightforward strolling distance, take pleasure in an incredible location in type.
4. False Creek
False Creek is the center of Vancouver, British Columbia. This bustling inlet has lots of the high sights within the space 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 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 neglect to go to Olympic Village, a newly developed space positioned on the southeast shore of False Creek. Vancouver’s Olympic Village was residence to the athletes throughout the 2010 Winter Olympics and has since been reworked right into a vibrant group that options eating places, retailers, and public artwork. Also called the Southeast False Creek neighborhood, it’s simply minutes from the town heart.
Vancouver’s Olympic Village is residence to a number of widespread craft breweries, together with Brassneck Brewery, Metal Toad Brewing, and Major Road Brewing, making it an incredible spot for beer lovers to discover the Craft Beer Scene. Additionally it is residence to quite a few public artwork installations, together with the favored A-Maze-ing Laughter sculpture, which options 14 bronze figures laughing and enjoying.
This is a wonderful neighborhood for purchasing with a wide range of distinctive retailers, boutiques, and eating places, together with the fashionable eating spot, The Flying Pig, and the favored native bakery, Terra Breads.
False Creek Ferries
Be certain to hop on the False Creek Ferries to benefit from the water taxi service providing a novel solution to discover the world. It stops at Granville Island, Science World, and Yaletown. It’s a enjoyable and distinctive solution 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 retailers, and a vibrant nightlife. Total, False Creek presents a various vary of sights which might be certain to enchantment 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 wonderful boutique lodge positioned in Yaletown that’s inside strolling distance of every little thing within the metropolis heart. Plus there are nice choices for eating and nightlife shut by and it’s only a brief stroll to the waterfront. Take a look at charges and availability on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com
7. Science World
When touring round Vancouver, there’s an opportunity you might have observed the massive steel dome construction on False Creek. What it’s possible you’ll not know, is that it’s residence to one of many high issues to do in Vancouver with children.
The family-friendly Science World options 12 interactive reveals designed to get you fascinated by how the world works. Actions vary from exploring movement, water, and the historical past of innovations.
The 12 reveals are complemented by numerous touring exhibitions which were part of famend museums and different science facilities. When you’re all carried out exploring, sit back and watch a present on the large five-story domed display screen. The biggest of its type 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 a neighborhood recreation? The Vancouver Canucks play within the NHL, which runs from October to April, and the house group averages just below 20,000 for every recreation.
Enjoying out of Rogers Enviornment, seize your self a foam finger and root for the house group. Whether or not you recognize a lot about hockey or not, the noise of the gang is bound to get you concerned. As soon as the sport is over, downtown Vancouver shall be at your disposal.
We love doing strolling excursions once we first arrive in a metropolis and among the finest methods to see Vancouver is to ebook this Guided Metropolis Highlights Tour.
9. Chinatown
After passing by means of 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 fascinating native retailers earlier than making your solution to Dr. Solar Yat Sen Classical Chinese language Backyard. Created by way of conventional strategies, with manicured gardens and delightful 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 greatest issues to do in Vancouver. The view from the highest supplies unmatched surroundings, with epic vistas of the town skyline within the valley under. You’ll be able to take a scenic journey up the Gondola or sort out the Grouse Grind.
The notorious Grouse Grind, typically 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, mountain 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 an impressive spot for the household to go snowboarding.
Attending to the summit is easy because of the gondola that runs day by day. After the scenic journey, mountain climbing adventures await together with mountain-top eating places. Able to discover Vancouver’s nature? Learn up on one of 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 could make guests surprise 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 means of under. There are mountain climbing trails and out of doors adventures ready on the opposite aspect. The bridge sees lots of guests, so it’s a type of sights 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. Decide 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 every little thing. The middle of the park generally known as Little Mountain is the very best level within the metropolis. Queen Elizabeth Park is a good place to go for sundown and is among the greatest locations to see Vancouver’s Skyline. From right here it’s also possible to 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 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. Situated on Granville Road, The Commodore Ballroom has seen the likes of Kiss, B.B. King, David Bowie, and The Police grace its stage. At present it’s nonetheless going sturdy 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 non-public dinghy, touring boat, or from above in a aircraft. Past whales, it’s frequent to identify orcas and minke in your journey.
Ebook this highly-rated half-day whale-watching tour from Vancouver. It presents straightforward cancellation inside 24 hours of tour and last-minute bookings.
15. Vancouver Artwork Gallery
In downtown Vancouver, the town’s outstanding artwork gallery is among the high artwork establishments in Canada. Top-of-the-line 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 throughout the week, you may discover the revolutionary artwork house with the serving to hand of an knowledgeable. Study in regards to the shows and the tales behind them. If 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 preferred 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 instructed, the backyard covers a large 55 acres with a worldwide plant choice that provides to over 7000 vegetation.
The quiet setting is the proper solution to loosen up and escape from the oft-chaotic downtown Vancouver. Maintain 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 calming espresso to a delicious noon meal. In case you’re in Vancouver throughout the winter, cease by for the annual Pageant of Lights.
In search of 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 company keep in mind essentially the most. One of many high issues to do in Vancouver is to discover the historic museum and be taught seagoing tales that date again centuries.
The museum presents a various vary of views and takes a have a look at outstanding explorations within the Pacific Northwest and the Arctic Oceans. Contained in the beautiful A-frame constructing is the gorgeous RCP Vessel St Roch. Soar behind the wheel and really feel what it might 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 flooring 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 incorporates a vary of interactive reveals that educate guests in regards to the metropolis’s historical past, tradition, and landmarks. These reveals embody historic images, 3D fashions of the town, and multimedia shows.
Accessibility: The Vancouver Lookout is absolutely accessible to individuals with mobility points, with elevators that present entry to the statement deck and reveals. The attraction can also 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 type in Vancouver. The Lynn Canyon suspension bridge is a neighborhood favourite, notably because it avoids the vacationer hordes and doesn’t value a penny.
Within the Lynn Valley, Lynn Canyon Park brings spectacular surroundings that’s certain to excite your inside explorer. A number of forest trails lead you to distant swimming holes and pure waterfalls. Finally, you’ll encounter the bridge, which connects to the opposite aspect over 50 hair-raising meters.
20. Museum of Anthropology
Notice: The Museum of Anthropology is briefly closed for many of 2023 for upgrades to make sure that the Indigenous collections are housed on this however visiting the grounds of UBC continues to be price a go to. It’s also possible to go to its rose backyard for beautiful views of the mountains and ocean.
The Museum of Anthropology is a bit of the College of British Columbia and has a eager concentrate on the Northwest Coast First Nations. Discover native artwork, giant 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 Conflict II fort reworked 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 presents an immense variety of high quality eating places, fascinating 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 means of the clouds. You’ll be able to ebook strolling excursions of Gastown like This extremely rated misplaced souls of Gastown tour.
22. Kitsilano Seashore
Vancouver has loads of city seashores and a technique 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 seashore is widespread on summer time days when locals come to bake on the gentle sands or have enjoyable on the volleyball courts.
Leaping within the water isn’t so widespread, however you’ll quickly uncover a heated out of doors pool. When you’re carried out having a dip, dry off and benefit from the a number of strolling trails by means of the inexperienced house, or sit back at a neighborhood 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 keep in mind. This clothing-optional seashore positioned on the western tip of Vancouver has a large expanse of sandy seashores and rocky sea cliffs. For these snug with the clothing-optional coverage, it’s an incredible 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 individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and physique varieties.
Wreck Seashore additionally hosts a spread of occasions and festivals all year long, together with seashore cleanups, artwork exhibits, and dwell music performances. These occasions might be an effective way to attach with like-minded individuals and benefit from the seashore in a festive environment.
24. English Bay
Near Stanley Park, English Bay is one other widespread 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 mild up the sky and dwell music. However on any common day you’ll discover residents enjoyable underneath the large bushes, 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 12 months’s Day.
English Bay Seashore
Dave and I used to dwell within the West Finish of Vancouver and English Bay Seashore was our seashore. 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 retailers, and purchasing close by.
The water is calm providing loads of water sports activities corresponding to SUP, kayaking, and swimming. On the shore, you may take pleasure in seashore volleyball or this can be a great place 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 look at it from our rooftop!) which takes place over three nights each summer time and attracts a whole lot of 1000’s of holiday makers. The seashore can also be the start line of the annual Vancouver Polar Bear Swim, a New 12 months’s Day custom through which courageous swimmers take a dip within the chilly waters of English Bay.
Spanish Banks Seashore
Vancouver has lots of waterfront property and loads of metropolis seashores. One other widespread seashore in Vancouver is Spanish Banks Seashore. Additionally positioned within the West Finish, 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 Seashore, together with washrooms, picnic tables, BBQs, and concession stands. The seashore can also be dog-friendly, with designated off-leash areas for canines to run and play. It’s a preferred spot for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and seashore volleyball. At low tide, the seashore extends out to the waterline, creating a big space for strolling, kite-flying, and exploring the intertidal zone.
25. Take a Sundown Cruise
Top-of-the-line 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 delightful coast. As you are 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 sights out of your distinctive vantage level on the water.
26. Christ Church Cathedral
Dave and I are usually not 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. Situated in downtown Vancouver, it options a mixture of Gothic Revival and Romanesque architectural types.
The historic landmark of Vancouver is thought for its placing bell tower, which rises 65 meters (213 ft) above road degree and is among 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. Discover Richmond
South of downtown Vancouver, Richmond is residence to Vancouver’s different Chinatown. Strolling across the fashionable neighborhood will convey 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 lovely Buddhist temple and uncover the small village of Steveston. The attractive space of Richmond is residence to a Nationwide Historical past Web site, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. The outdated boat sheds have been as soon as part of the west coast’s historic fishing trade. However at the moment are stuffed with waterfront eating places and boutiques.
28. Richmond Night time Market
In case you’re questioning what to do in Vancouver at night time, then make your solution to the Richmond Night time Market simply 20 minutes from the downtown core. The colourful market is filled with fascinating stalls promoting souvenirs and artwork. Naturally, it’s one other good spot to attempt some Chinese language road eats on the many meals stalls.
The Richmond Night time Market options greater than 200 distributors promoting every little thing from clothes, to equipment and souvenirs. It’s also possible to 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 good vacation spot for adults and youngsters with a spread of actions to maintain everybody entertained from carnival sights and video games to dwell music, cultural shows, and loads of meals choices.
The Richmond Night time Market is barely open within the evenings, which provides it a novel and thrilling environment. The market is brightly lit with colourful lights, and the sounds and smells of the distributors and leisure create a vibrant and energetic environment.
29. Sea-Airplane Tour
By now you might have some appreciation for the spectacular panorama that flanks Vancouver. However from floor degree, it’s onerous to grasp the sheer scale of the native mountain ranges. Ebook this extremely rated sea aircraft tour for a scenic view of the town. This small group flight additionally features a carbon offset.
One solution 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 embody Vancouver’s North Shore, Grouse Mountain, and False Creek slicing by means of downtown. The unforgettable expertise will see you land on the harborfront, able to sort out extra high sights.
Need one other solution to discover Canada’s wonderful surroundings? Take a look at our information on the enduring 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 superb 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 number of of our high picks.
31. Sea to Sky Freeway
If you wish to get out of the bustle of Vancouver, why not full among the finest 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’ll be able to drive the ocean to sky freeway in a single fast shot, however we suggest taking your time highway journey is full of highlights, with beautiful vistas all through. An in a single day in Squamish is very advisable to benefit from the Cross 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. Need to know extra in regards to 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 mountain climbing and biking in the summertime and snowboarding and snowboarding within the winter.
Due to its distinctive geographical place, Vancouver sees lots of rain. The upside is unbelievable powder and world-class snowboarding. When you have an additional day in your itinerary and the lifts are operating, 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 Journey
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 someday, however generally you may solely take what you will get. Once we lived in Vancouver, we’d pop over for an epic day of snowboarding, similar to we generally do for Blue Mountain right here in Ontario. Take a look at extra about Whistler at 30 Superior Issues 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 an incredible day journey. We love Squamish a lot that we recommend 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 highway journey. Learn extra: 14 Wonderful Issues to Do in Squamish BC
34. Brittania Mine
A well-liked cease alongside the aspect of the highway is the Brittania Mine. We didn’t suppose we’d care an excessive amount of a couple of mine, however this mining museum is superior. It begins with a prepare journey 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 along with your ticket is an extravaganza that isn’t to be missed.
35. Sea to Sky Gondola
Some of the widespread sights 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 journey 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. In the course of the winter months, there’s snow tubing, snowshoeing, and nordic snowboarding. And in the summertime, there’s loads of mountain climbing. Plus the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge is open year-round as nicely. Learn extra: 14 Wonderful Issues to Do in Squamish BC
Ebook your Tickets up the Sea to Sky Gondola prematurely with free cancellation inside 24 hours of entry ought to one thing come up. The journey takes about 10 minutes a technique. In case you’re feeling peckish you may go to the Summit Lodge for native British Columbia fare. It’s best to ebook your tickets for the Sea to Sky Gondola on-line.
36. Vancouver Island
Regardless of its title, Vancouver Island is 2 hours away from the town heart by ferry. However, the journey continues to be among the finest issues to do in Vancouver. We have now it as a day journey, however we suggest at the very least making it an in a single day getaway. In a rustic of wonderful magnificence, there’s one thing breathtaking about Vancouver Island.
The 2-hour journey incorporates a ferry journey 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 the event you solely have a day, then there are a number of excursions across the island. Should-see spots embody Victoria, the Pacific Rim Nationwide Park in Tofino (additionally nice for browsing), and the impeccable Butchart Gardens. Talking of highway journeys, learn up on our itinerary for driving by means of BC’s Sunshine Coast.
Ebook 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 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 that you must know to benefit from the metropolis!
Attending to Downtown Vancouver
We all the time lease a automobile and discover it’s one of the simplest ways to get round Vancouver. You’ll be able to 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 solution 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 technique until you could have a pre-purchased go, which reduces the value to $5 ( about $3.50 USD).
Taxis are one other widespread choice with rides taking round half-hour, relying on the situation of your lodge. Anticipate to pay between $25 – $30 CAD ($20 – $25 USD).
Finest Time to Go to Vancouver, British Columbia
Except you’ve come to Vancouver in winter to tear up the slopes, summer time, and early autumn are one of the best occasions to go to Vancouver. Vancouver is infamous for rain, and summer time is one of the best time to keep away from getting moist.
Spring may be very wet however you may actually anticipate 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 lots of fall adventures available.
The spring sees the countryside come to life as wildflowers paint the panorama. This time of yr can also be much less crowded and also you’ll discover it simpler to discover one of the best sights in Vancouver.
The place to Keep in Vancouver
It might be tempting to remain in Richmond or in North Vancouver, however to expertise one of the best of Vancouver, it’s advisable that you just keep downtown. Out of your doorstep, you’ll be inside strolling distance of many highlights from English Bay to Gastown.
Listed below are some high selections to swimsuit all budgets:
Luxurious: The Opus Vancouver is a wonderful boutique lodge positioned in Yaletown that’s inside strolling distance of every little thing. Plus there are nice choices for eating and nightlife shut by and its only a brief stroll to the waterfront. Take a look at charges and availability on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com Mid-Vary: Price range: With a extremely rated location, you gained’t need to spend a lot on the Samesun Vancouver to take pleasure in a fast stroll to Robson Road, Stanley Park, and one of the best of downtown. Take a look at charges and availability on TripAdvisor/ Reserving.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 many times. It 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 ever been to Vancouver? What are your favourite sights within the metropolis?