Vancouver shines by the sea, the green glass of its skyscrapers seeming at home among the surrounding forests and mountains. This coastal city is known for its nature, but there are more things to do in Vancouver than endless hiking and biking. Check out the bakeries and hole-in-the-wall restaurants of Chinatown, spend the day discovering Main Street’s vintage stores and quirky cafés, and pack a picnic to watch the sun set from one of the city’s several urban beaches (takeaway sushi is a local favorite).
Vancouver has plenty of things to do at all times of the year, but the busiest time tends to be the summer and winter. Summer is warm and dry, and locals gather at Kitsilano or Jericho Beach to cool off before grabbing dinner at one of the dozens of sushi restaurants. In the winter, the nearby mountains are full of skiers and snowboarders, and events such as the Eastside Culture Crawl showcase the city’s artistic side.
Vancouver has an expansive and convenient public transit system that links the surrounding communities to the city via bus, train, and ferry. The bus lines even include stops at popular hiking spots so you can explore the outdoors without needing a car. Just use your credit or debit card to tap the sensors when using transit. Vancouver is also a city for cyclists, and the Mobi bike-share system has stations around the city for easy access.
Don’t let the rain stop your plans. Vancouver is located in the temperate rainforest, and rain makes the city bloom with green vibrancy. Pack your raincoat and an umbrella, and head to Queen Elizabeth Park. As the highest point in Vancouver, you’ll get sweeping views over the city and a chance to explore the popular gardens. To warm up, take a stroll through Bloedel Conservatory, which features exotic plants and tropical birds.
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Rosie's sister lives in Vancouver and she visits whenever she can. Find her exploring the city’s best hangouts, cycling endlessly up and down the tree-lined avenues, and skiing on Cypress Mountain.
rent a scooter from Cycle BC to zip around the city and get familiar with all the sights.
starts with brunch at Heirloom, before riding around the False Creek seawall and stopping at Granville Island Market for Lee’s donuts. In the evening, play Spike Ball on Kits beach or take a brewery tour.
Stanley Park. There are lots of trails, a shrinking lake, and even a city beach where drum circles gather on sunny Tuesday evenings.
head down Commercial Drive in East Van and explore the many bars, restaurants, and local shops.
go to Queen Elizabeth Park, the highest point in Vancouver with lots of lovely gardens. For a closer view, visit Vanier Park instead and make sure to walk across Burrard Bridge.
is not realizing Vancouver's weather is actually pretty lovely in the summer—there are even days with no rain.
Vancouver is known for its scenery and proximity to the great outdoors. While it certainly has its fair share of skyscrapers, its numerous parks and easy access to old-growth forests, beaches, and mountains add a sylvan twist to the urban vibe. Vancouver’s also known for food, with restaurants representing cuisine from across the globe.
...MoreMany of Vancouver's not-to-be-missed attractions revolve around the natural world, from Capilano Suspension Bridge Park to massive Stanley Park, home to the popular Vancouver Aquarium. Historic Gastown is another must-visit for its architecture alone, and is a great place to get a taste of the city’s fantastic culinary scene.
...MoreSpend your first day exploring downtown attractions such as Canada Place and Gastown before heading out to visit Granville Island and its famous market. On day two, make your way out to Stanley Park and then continue up to the North Shore to check out the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
...MoreThe most beautiful part of Vancouver varies by who you ask. Nature lovers will find areas further north, particularly on the North Shore, to be the clear winners. For fantastic views of the cityscape against a mountainous background, head up to the Vancouver Lookout at the top of the Harbour Centre.
...MoreMany of Vancouver's most interesting attractions won't cost you a penny, from checking out the historic architecture in Gastown to taking a seaside stroll in scenic Stanley Park. The Gothic Revival-style Christ Church Cathedral is also free to visit, and the Vancouver Art Gallery is free on Tuesday evenings.
...MoreVancouver can be expensive, and while you can easily find plenty of great food to eat on a budget, accommodation tends to be on the higher side. If you don’t need to stay right in the heart of the city, you can find affordable hotels in nearby communities such as Burnaby and Richmond.
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