The Top 10 Things to Do In Vancouver

The Very Best of Vancouver, Canada

Coming to Vancouver, Canada? We’ve compiled the definitive list of must-sees, must dos, and must eats. 

1. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Vancouver is surrounded by rainforest and the best way to go deep (with a side of jaw-dropping heights and a touch of history) is Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Catch the free shuttle from most hotels and Canada Place. Don’t miss the treed heights of Treetops Adventure, amazing Cliffwalk, live owls and hawks of Raptor’s Ridge, the thoughtfully curated Totem Park, and for the shopper BC’s greatest gift shop. Driving? It’s approximately 20 minutes from downtown.

2. Granville Island

Once Vancouver’s industrial hub, this island-in-the-city has been transformed into a lively public market filled with farm fresh foods, live entertainment, artisan shops, restaurants, galleries, and theatres. Get a cheap harbour cruise there by jumping on one of the small passenger ferries to Granville Island from docks all around Vancouver’s False Creek or by driving (there’s paid parking available on the island).

3. Pizza!

Check out authentic Neapolitan recipes with a NYC meets the left coast twist: rustic, crafted, quality food, nice place to hangout, smarty-pants owner. You can easily reach East Broadway by public transit (SkyTrain or bus) or you can drive.

4. Prospect Point

Newly opened Fresh on the Point is the hidden gem of Stanley Park with daily fresh caught fish and chips to go with breathtaking views of Lions Gate Bridge, the North Shore Mountains, and outer Burrard Inlet. You can drive to Prospect Point within Stanley Park or take a scenic walk or bike ride along the seawall from downtown.

5. Stanley Park

One of the world’s great urban parks, Vancouver’s 1000 acre+ Stanley Park with its seawall, beaches, gardens, and attractions like the Vancouver Aquarium, The Stanley Park Pavilion and Prospect Point is a must-see. You can access Stanley Park by walking, biking, driving or the Stanley Park bus #19.

6. Grouse Mountain

Ski resort in winter, mountain playground in summer, Grouse Mountain features, bear habitat, zip-lining, the Skyride and for the hardcore athlete hiker, the Grouse Grind. You can get to Grouse Mountain by driving or taking a shuttle from downtown Vancouver.

7. Rent a Boat

There might be no better way to explore the coastline of this port city, spy a bald eagle or harbour seal and get a peek at its multi-(multi) million-dollar waterfront homes than a boat rental. Explore at your own pace with a boat from Granville Island Boat Rentals. Located on Granville Island and accessible by walking, driving, or public transit.

8. Richmond Night Market

Vancouver is a Pacific Rim cultural melting pot and perhaps no better example can be found than this lively night market experience with food stalls, entertainment, and shopping in Richmond. You can reach the Richmond Night Market by driving or taking public transit (Canada Line SkyTrain to Bridgeport Station, then a short walk).

9. UBC Museum of Anthropology

Discover Indigenous art and cultural artifacts at this renowned museum located at the University of British Columbia. You can reach the UBC Museum of Anthropology by driving or taking public transit (bus or SkyTrain to UBC, then a short walk or bus ride).

10. Flyover Canada

This virtual tour transports you to the planet’s most spectacular places, from the snow-capped summits of the Canadian Rockies to breathtaking and iconic locations around the globe. It’s located at Canada Place on Vancouver’s waterfront. Take transit or Skytrain.