12 Amazing Things to do in Vancouver
The best thing about Vancouver is there is no shortage of entertainment, activities or views to see. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Vancouver then you have come to the right place; Vancouver is a dense enough city that you can spend a day shopping and exploring the concrete playground of central Vancouver, but it’s so closely located to incredible mountain ranges and dense native bush that you can easily get lost in nature for a day or two.
In this Vancouver City Guide, you’ll uncover the most unforgettable things to do in Vancouver. If you’re a keen hiker or nature enthusiast then Vancouver needs to be your next holiday destination to visit. From 70 year old train wrecks located in the dense forest south of Whistler, to a rainforest located a 15 minute drive from the city center, Vancouver has everything you need for a couple of days to a few weeks stay. This article is perfect for couples, big groups or families with small children, there’s something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Vancouver
I visited Vancouver at the end of March to beginning of April and that was an awesome time of year to visit Vancouver. The crowds were sparse, the early mornings were cold but by midday the heat was blaring down. The end of winter is one of the best times to visit Vancouver as the snow is still abundant but the sun is still warm.
- Summer (June – August): Warm, dry, and sunny weather. The city is alive with festivals and events, but it also means more crowds and higher prices.
- Fall (September – October): Warm days, light rainfall, and fewer tourists than summer. The fall foliage is also beautiful and the snow is getting ready to make its entrance.
- Spring (April – May): Milder temperatures and fewer crowds. April is famous for the spectacular Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival, offering beautiful blooms and a range of cultural events.
- Winter (November – March): This is the best time to visit for winter sports, with nearby mountains perfect for skiing and snowboarding. However, it is also Vancouver’s wettest season, with cold and damp conditions.
Where to Stay in Vancouver
If you’re looking for things to do in Vancouver then you’ll be needing a place to stay. We easily found a place to accommodation in Vancouver by scrolling on Booking.com. Their system makes it easy to locate and book accommodation that is best suited to your needs. We stayed in West End Vancouver at the Best Western Plus Sands on Davie Street. West End sits right next to Stanley Park and the Best Western was a short walking distance from the beautiful waterfront where you can walk to the ferry that takes you over the Granville Island.
Botanical Gardens and Parks in Vancouver
VanDusen Botanical Gardens
If you’re planning to visit Vancouver then you can’t miss checking out the VanDusen Botanical Gardens. Located in the Shaughnessy neighbourhood, the The VanDusen Botanical Garden covers 22 hectares of land and displays plants and trees from all over the world, with water features, totem poles, sculptures and a children’s maze, the VanDusen Botanical gardens are one of the best things to do in Vancouver especially if you have adventurous children.
Queen Elizabeth Park
Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver’s horticultural jewel, is a major draw for floral display enthusiasts and view-seekers, and as a popular backdrop for wedding photos. At 125 m above sea level, it’s the highest point in Vancouver and makes for spectacular views of the park, city, and mountains on the North Shore.
The 52-hectare park is home to the stunning Bloedel Conservatory. There is also a gorgeously landscaped quarry garden, the arboretum with its collection of exotic and native trees, sculptures including one by internationally renowned artist Henry Moore, and diverse recreational offerings such as tennis, lawn bowling and pitch & putt. The park is also the perfect setting for fine dining at Seasons in the Park, a picnic or stargazing!
The Butchart Gardens
The Butchart Gardens is a world famous 22 hectare display garden located in Brentwood Bay. Founded in 1904, the Butchart Gardens is open all seasons and displays an array of beautiful flowers and flora depending on the season. During spring you will be greeted by countless tulips and daffodils, summer offers roses and evening entertainment and the Japanese maples turn gold and red during autumn. Christmas welcomes a magical time of the year with hundreds of fairy lights, Christmas displays and a festive atmosphere. Butchart Gardens was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2004 so you know you’ll be in for a magical day out.
Cycle Stanley Park
One of the best things to do in Vancouver is to cycle Stanley Park, a 400 hectare public park sitting on the edge of central Vancouver. Stanley Park has views of the water, snow capped mountain ranges and the west coast walkway along the edge of the city center.
Cycle, walk or run and explore Stanley park in all its natural beauty. Spot squirrels rummaging through the trees or watch the geese glide along the lake. Stanley park, along with facing incredible sunrises and sunsets, has a few restaurants bordering the park; dine in or takeaway from one of the many restaurants and cafes to finish off your evening.
Embarking on a Stanley Park bike tour is one of the most iconic Vancouver outdoor activities, offering a scenic loop around the entire park in just one to two hours. This leisurely ride lets you soak in views of the Vancouver Seawall, stop by popular Vancouver attractions like the Vancouver Aquarium, and enjoy peaceful moments at Lost Lagoon. Start your adventure by renting a bike from English Bay Bike Rentals on Davie Street and cruise into nature without leaving the city.
Keep in mind that Stanley Park’s cycling path is one-way, guiding riders in a counter-clockwise direction. To ensure a smooth ride, stick to the left, avoid sudden swerves, and park your bike off the trail if you plan to explore on foot. It’s the perfect way to experience the natural beauty and urban charm that make Vancouver unforgettable.
Shopping in Vancouver
Granville Island
Granville Island is a great shopping district for food, gifts or those unnecessary necessities. Located in the Fairview neighbourhood, Granville Island is actually a peninsula that you can access via ferry crossing from the main CBD or personal vehicle through the highway. Either take a ride on a harbour ferry boat for $6 and enjoy the 5 minute ride across to Granville Island from Vancouver central, or drive in through the southern entrance.
The Granville Island market is open 7 days a week from 9am – 6pm and also hosts a raft of activities and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. From the indoor food market with fresh produce, baked breads and ready to eat meals, to book stores about mythical creatures and boutique chocolates. Once you’re done window shopping and buying gifts for the ones you love, stop off at the pub that overlooks the harbour and enjoy a meal and a pint while basking in the sun.
Gastown
A Vancouver itinerary is not perfect without space for some shopping. Gastown is another great shopping district with a mix of contemporary fashion, souvenirs, restaurants and nightclubs. Gastown is Vancouver’s first neighbourhood which was named after a steamboat Captain who arrived in 1867 to open the areas first saloon, unfortunately these days the immediate surrounding areas of Gastown are draped in poverty and drug use, however that shouldn’t stop you from visiting this historic town while you’re in Vancouver.
The Gastown clock is a big draw card for tourists, the steam powered clock which features in many photos and postcards for Gastown was installed in 1977 on top of a steam grate.
The Shipyards
The Shipyards in Lower Londsdale is a fantastic neighbourhood located on North Vancouver’s lively waterfront, with unobstructed views of Vancouvers stunning skyline and towering mountains. Lower Lonsdale is one of this Vancouver’s oldest and fastest growing urban neighbourhoods, rich with shipbuilding history, indoor markets and bursting with life.
The Shipyards include indoor markets, seasonal festivals, live entertainment and great restaurants. If you’re looking for a scenic location in Vancouver to do your shopping then head to the Shipyards for a great family day out.
Hiking in Vancouver
Capilano Suspension Bridge
One of the best things to do in Vancouver is visit the Capilano Suspension bridge, this paid visit offers incredible views, amazing flora and fauna and a refuge for native wildlife. The Capilano Suspension Bridge stretches 137 meters across a deep canyon, before you come across treetop adventures, more amazing forest walks and cliff views.
Lynn Canyon Park
Lynn Canyon Park is favoured for it’s suspension bridge and free of charge entry, unlike its popular neighbour Capilano Suspension bridge. Lynn Canyon Park was one of my favourite places and hike to do in Vancouver. You can easily spend a whole day wondering through the park and exploring the different trails throughout this Canadian forest. Experience the freezing temperatures of the flowing rivers or explore the mossy forest floor and gaze up at the green canopy above.
The Lynn Canyon suspension bridge towers 50m above the canyon and forms part of several hiking trails that lead through the public park. Sitting so close to central Vancouver, Lynn Canyon park makes for a great place to visit if you’re strapped for time but want to explore the natural beauty of Canada.
If you’re visiting during Spring or Summer then be aware of bears, they are most commonly seen higher in the mountains away from urban Vancouver but it’s not unusual for them to make home closer to civilization either.
Day Trips from Vancouver
Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is the worlds 43rd largest island sitting off the west coast of Canada in the Pacific ocean and is an extremely popular destination for hikes, beautiful landscapes and history. With 32 lakes on offer to explore, several rivers and incredible mountains you can find either a quiet place for a picnic or lace up your hiking boots in search of incredible views.
The Butchart Gardens or Craigdarroch Castle are only a couple of the amazing sites you can visit on Vancouver Island, while also learning about the Indigenous peoples who have inhabited the island for thousands of years.
There are 2 ferry services from Vancouver that can bring you to Vancouver Island; Tsawwassen or Horseshoe Bay further up the coast.
Alternatively, there are 3 different ferry services from Washington State that can take you to Vancouver Island. If you’re choosing to spend more than a day on Vancouver Island then I would suggest hiring a car to get around, the Island is 456km in length so it’s worth exploring as much of the island as possible. Check out Airbnb or Booking.com for some accommodation options on the island, you will be running a tight schedule if you’re heading to Vancouver Island for a day trip but it is definitely doable.
Whistler
Whistler is one of the best road trips from Vancouver, especially during the cooler months. Whistler offers incredible winter sporting opportunities and mountain ranges with views to die for (please don’t). Take a ride on the Peak to Peak gondola which takes you between Blackcomb and Whistler mountains, zip line through the treetops and walk across frozen lakes. Whistler may no be one of the best things to do in Vancouver, but it’s certainly one of the best road trips.
Whistler Train Wreck
Sitting just south of Whistler is the site of an old train and carriages that derailed in the 1950’s, after a speed miscalculation approaching a corner causing the carriages to derail however no one onboard was injured. The box cars still sit where they were left among the towering trees beside a flowing river. These days the Whistler train wreck is a creative contrast between urban and nature with their colourful markings of spray artists and taggers, making it one of the best things to do in Vancouver.
The track to reach the Whistler train wreck is not clearly laid out and is not easy to get to during winter due to the icy paths. Read more about the Whistler train wreck here. If you want to venture further north into Whistler then I have the the perfect Whistler travel guide for you.
Other Amazing Things to do in Vancouver
Vancouver is full of wonderful experiences but of course I haven’t indulged in them all. The following list of things to do in Vancouver are worth adding to your Vancouver city guide, but you may need to do further research yourself as I am not lucky enough to share my own experiences!
- Whale Watching Safari
- Vancouver Aquarium
- Museum of Anthropology
