How to Get Off the Beaten Path in Vancouver

The colorful Granville Island Public Market is popular with visitors seeking local foods and other products, but it’s not the only game in town. Head to the working waterfront of North Vancouver, and you’ll find the less famous Lonsdale Quay Public Market, which boasts purveyors selling everything from fresh produce to clothes, jewelry, and artisanal treats. The two-story market is included on some tours of North Vancouver and makes a great stopover on the way to Grouse Mountain and the famed Capilano Suspension Bridge.

The 459-foot (140-meter) Capilano Suspension Bridge is an impressive site that brings crowds to match. The smaller—but just as beautiful—Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is a lesser-known alternative, and, as a bonus, it sits in the heart of a lush temperate rainforest. To reach the bridge, which hangs 167 feet (50 meters) above the canyon floor, you’ll walk past clear-running waterfalls and pools sitting in groves of western red cedar, Douglas firs, and western hemlock. In the warmer summer months, you can even take a dip in a swimming hole.

The cold, nutrient-rich waters off Vancouver’s coast are home to remarkable marine wildlife, including orcas, sea lions, porpoises, and seals. Options for whale-watching in Vancouver range from breezy jaunts in open-air Zodiac boats to bigger-boat trips that offer more stability (and shelter from the elements). Boat trips not only give you the best chance of spotting wildlife but also offer stunning views of the surrounding seascape. On clear days you can see all the way to Washington State’s San Juan Islands.

When visitors touch down at Vancouver International Airport, they’re not actually in Vancouver at all—the airport is in Richmond. This vibrant city offers a wealth of renowned Asian eateries, ranging from dim sum palaces to Chinese bakeries to noodle stands. Gourmet walking tours of Richmond are a great way to take in a little bit of everything. If you’re visiting in summer, the open-air Richmond Night Market also includes vendors from the city’s most beloved restaurants. Alternatively, take a walking tour of Vancouver’s own historic Chinatown to sample gourmet offerings such as dim sum and Chinese roast pork.

Thanks to its gold-rush heritage, Vancouver has more than a few ghosts lingering about. Some walking tours of the cobblestoned Gastown neighborhood delve into the city’s rowdy frontier past and offer an offbeat take on local history. You’ll learn about the chaotic arrival of 19th-century gold prospectors and hear about plagues, devastating fires, and famous unsolved murders. As an added bonus, you’ll see Gastown during the atmospheric nighttime hours, when the neighborhood’s antique-looking steam-powered clock begins to glow.

Scenic and forested Bowen is one of many islands scattered across Howe Sound, and it offers an idyllic glimpse of offshore life. It’s easy to get there on the ferries that leave from Horseshoe Bay, outside North Vancouver. To minimize your travel time, consider arriving at Bowen Island in grand style by booking a trip on a seaplane. Once there, check out marine wildlife on a Zodiac ride, go for a hike, rent a kayak, or simply enjoy sea views from one of the island’s pebbled beaches.

Considered one of Canada’s most bike-friendly cities, Vancouver is a great place to explore on two wheels. Guided bike tours of Vancouver take advantage of its ample bike lanes and off-road bike paths; many itineraries feature the mostly flat path following the Stanley Park Seawall. E-bike tours let you cover more ground with a bit less effort. If you prefer to explore at your own pace—stopping for snacks and photo opportunities whenever you want—consider an independent bike tour that bundles all the gear, route ideas, and information you need to start pedaling.