Where to Find the Best Views in Vancouver

As one of the highest points in the city of Vancouver, Queen Elizabeth Park is the ideal place to take a break from the bustle of the city. Its sunken gardens, the expansive Bloedel Floral Conservatory, and winding pathways attract plenty of visitors, but it’s the panoramic views of Vancouver’s downtown and the North Shore mountains that make this one of the most scenic spots in Vancouver. Pack a picnic and a parasol for the perfect leisurely afternoon.

The University of British Columbia is located at the westernmost end of the city, and the peninsula offers unobstructed views of the Strait of Georgia and the surrounding mountains. Head to the UBC Rose Garden for one of the most stunning scenes in Vancouver—dozens of rose bushes bloom in the spring, and the branches of cedars and firs perfectly frame the view.

Steps away, you’ll find the UBC Museum of Anthropology, which brings new meaning to Vancouver’s natural beauty with stories of the Indigenous nations who made their home on the land.

The sound of a seaplane is a familiar one in Vancouver, and people often gather near Canada Place to watch the small crafts glide up to the docks. Whether you opt for a short skyline tour or an exciting trip across the water to Victoria, seaplanes fly low enough that you’ll be able to get a bird’s-eye view of the dense coastal forests, mountains, and sea. Keep an eye out during whale-watching season—you may spot the telltale mist of a whale spout during your seaplane tour as they come to the surface to breathe.

Arguably the most well-known observation deck in Vancouver, the Vancouver Lookout takes visitors up 553 feet (168 meters) to the top of the Harbour Centre on Vancouver’s waterfront. Its circular floor provides 360° views of the city, harbor, and Stanley Park. Head there in the morning or early evening for softer light for photography, or pair the experience with a sightseeing tour of Vancouver highlights.

FlyOver Canada offers a (fake) airborne twist on the sightseeing experience. In this creative flight simulator, riders take a virtual tour across Canada, soaring over prairies, mountains, and coastline, all displayed on a huge curved screen. To create a fully immersive experience, the ride uses mist, wind, sounds, and scents to make it as realistic as possible. This family-friendly experience is ideal for kids over 40 inches (102 centimeters) tall.

The Grouse Grind is Vancouver’s most (in)famous hike—and it’s only for experienced, athletic hikers. At a deceptively short 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers,) you’ll gain 2,624 feet (800 meters) of elevation, clambering up steep wooden stairs and over gnarled tree roots.

The hiking experience takes about two hours; then, you’ll reach one of Vancouver’s most iconic viewpoints at the top of Grouse Mountain —a rugged mountainside that gives way to the Pacific Ocean with the entirety of Vancouver stretching out beneath you. Due to the steep, narrow trail, you can’t hike back down, so take the Skyride aerial tram down instead.

The inlet of False Creek divides the peninsula of downtown Vancouver from the southern waterfront—it’s an ideal place for people-watching and enjoying prime city views in Vancouver. Stroll the seawall and stop at Granville Island for lunch (or a food tour) before hopping on a False Creek Ferry. The area is also an ideal place for a waterside Vancouver bike tour.

As a city that gets plenty of rain, Vancouver knows how to make the most of the good weather. During the summer and spring months, people seek out rooftop bars with a view to take in the sunsets and mountains, but a shower can really damper the mood.

Luckily, D/6 at the JW Marriott Parq offers a perfect solution with their cozy indoor-outdoor lounge—in the winter time, fire dancers keep the patio toasty, and in the summer months, it’s the perfect spot to sip a sake-based cocktail and enjoy some snacks while gazing out over False Creek.

Vancouver boasts tons of great urban beaches, but Kits Beach is a favorite for a reason. Centrally located, it bustles with activity in the summertime, as friends challenge each other on the volleyball and basketball courts and kids splash in the water.

Head down for sunset and to take a dip—you’ll get an unbeatable view of the mountains turning pink and gold and the skyscrapers of downtown flashing with reflected sun. Later, there are plenty of excellent restaurants in the surrounding Kitsilano neighborhood; bask in the sunset on the large patio at Local Public Eatery, or opt for cozy Nook for comforting Italian.