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One of the many newer British Columbia cities, Vancouver is known for its natural beauty, cultural life, and various other things to do in Vancouver. The city is a blend of urban lifestyle and a natural, lush green environment. Centred between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, the city is home to a diverse culture with a blend of outdoor activities, food and cosmopolitan pursuits. Whether planning a weekend trip or an extended stay for things to see in Vancouver, its charm and diversity will surely capture your insights.
10 Things To Do In Vancouver
Try these iconic things to do in Vancouver, which are sure to captivate you with their stunning natural scenery, vibrant atmosphere, and endless opportunities.
1. Begin By Visiting Stanley Park
Photo: Rodhullandemu / Wikimedia Commons
Begin with Vancouver’s most famous park – Stanley Park. The park has an area of over 1,000 acres and is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. Enjoy bicycling or walking the Seawall, which allows you to traverse the inner sides of Stanley Park whilst coveting views of the Vancouver skyline and surrounding mountains. Aside from the Vancouver Aquarium, Stanley Park is also home to several other cultural institutions, including the First Nations totem poles.
Location: Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Z4
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
2. Ferry Ride To Granville Island
Photo: Xicotencatl / Wikimedia Commons
Granville Island is a popular cultural hub for its public market, shops, and waterfront. You can try the local cuisine, buy various items, or watch street performances. Vegetables, fish, handmade products, and various gourmet delicacies are all found at the stalls in Public Market, and it does not disappoint. It is a wonderful outdoor space with inviting green spaces, a sea village of floating homes and art galleries where you can chill out, get inspired and immerse yourself in Vancouver’s creative side. You can reach the island by Aquabus, a ferry that makes it more interesting.
Location: Johnston Street, Vancouver BC V6H 3R9
Timings: 9 AM – 8 PM
3. A Short Visit To Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Photo: Markus Säynevirta / Wikimedia Commons
This suspension bridge on the Capilano River measures 450 feet in length and 230 feet high and provides breathtaking sights of the verdant rainforest below. There is Treetops Adventure, which is a collection of seven smaller bridges that allow you to walk in the treetops connecting the treehouses and the cantilevered Cliff Walk, which is a glass bridge. This offers a wonderful experience of beauty within nature with a slight touch of thrill.
Location: 3735, Capilano Road, North Vancouver, BC
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
4. Visit Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Famed as the Chinese City, Vancouver’s Chinatown only has this traditional first Ming Dynasty style Scholar Garden of this nature built outside China. Surrounded by natural materials and authentic construction, the garden consists of koi ponds, pavilions, greenery, mirror calm pond houses, colourful carp, highlighted rare trees, prized rocks and the principles of balance and harmony, thus providing a beautiful ambience. It is a great place to explore Chinese traditions and artefacts or just to sit there for some time in peace and enjoy a cup of traditional Chinese tea.
Location: 578, Carrall Street, Vancouver, BC
Timings: 9:30 AM – 4 PM
5. Hike Up To Grouse Mountain
Photo: dronepicr / Wikimedia Commons
“The Peak of Vancouver” is popularly known as Grouse Mountain, and it is a favourite spot for people during all four seasons. During winter, you can expect skiing and snowboarding, while summertime provides hiking, ziplining, kids tree canopy and outdoor entertainment. Get on the Skyride gondola to tour around the area, or you can also try the Grouse Grind, a 1.8-mile trail with 2830 stairs known as Mother Nature’s Staircase. Also, visit Grizzly Bear Refuge or the lumberjack show.
Location: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, Vancouver
Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM
6. Visit The Vancouver Art Gallery
Photo: GoToVan / Wikimedia Commons
When in Vancouver, art adores cannot leave without visiting the Vancouver Art Gallery, located in a neoclassical courthouse on Robson Square which possesses a rich collection of works by Canadian, Asia Pacific region, and Indigenous peoples. Apart from regularly presenting new collections, the gallery still features exhibits by renowned British Columbian artist Emily Carr. It’s a good place to stop and understand Canadian art and its historical background. It is considered one of the largest art museums in Western Canada in terms of building size.
Location: 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (Saturday to Wednesday) and 10 AM – 8 PM (Thursday to Friday)
7. Explore Queen Elizabeth Park
Photo: DiscoA340 / Wikimedia Commons
The view from the top of Queen Elizabeth Park, which is the highest point in Vancouver, is splendid as mountains surround the entire picture. The park has a quarry garden with breathtaking waterfalls, and the Bloedel Conservatory features a temperature-controlled dome-shaped tropical garden filled with exotic plants and birds. It is a great place to be for all garden enthusiasts as well as for anybody who simply wants to unwind in a beautiful landscape.
Location: Vancouver, BC
Timings: 6 AM – 10 PM
8. Take A Hike In Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
Photo: GoToVan / Wikimedia Commons
If you find yourself in Lynn Canyon Park, don’t forget about the suspension bridge and swimming holes available there, free of charge. It is an alternative that is not crowded like the Capilano Suspension Bridge and provides reasonable hiking opportunities. Located in the heart of Lynn Valley, this place is home to trails and waterfalls. With its lovely natural surroundings, the canyon is a popular spot for urban residents who want to get away from the busy city life.
Location: 3663 Park Road, North Vancouver, BC
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
9. Explore Science World
Photo: Differense / Wikimedia Commons
This is perfect for families and everyone with a bit of a curious mind, as it includes several interactive exhibits about physics, biology, and various other topics. It is located in a remarkable dome-shaped structure near False Creek and is both informative and fun. It also has learning galleries where you can enjoy hands-on learning experiences. Science World also features an OMNIMAX theatre, which provides amazing films that all visitors seem to love. The Science World also hosts a number of outreach programs.
Location: 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver BC
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
10. See A Game At Rogers Arena
Photo: Daniel / Wikimedia Commons
If you’re into sports, try and see a Vancouver Canucks game at Rogers Arena. Hockey is a great part of Canada’s culture, and the experience is truly memorable thanks to the fans and their passion. And if hockey is not your thing, there are also other events happening as the venue hosts concerts and various events, making it an exciting place throughout the year. Next to Rogers Arena is BC Place, home to Whitecaps FC and the Canadian MLS Championships. The regular season of Canucks play is around October to April and is from March to October for Whitecaps, so plan your trip accordingly.
Location: Griffiths Way, Vancouver, BC
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Vancouver boasts a unique combination of outdoor activities, rich history, and contemporary buzz. From nature’s appeal to gardens and parks, the arts, and even cuisine, there’s a range of varying options of things to do in Vancouver, matching every person’s demand. So, plan a trip with TripXL to accommodate all your travel essentials, allowing you the freedom to focus on enjoying yourself while away.
Cover Photo: Aditya Chinchure / Unsplash
