The Ultimate Guide to Do’s and Don’ts in Vancouver

What to see and do, and equally as important, what to avoid

From avoiding the boring, overcrowded or just plain scary, to getting some of the best sushi in the world or swinging high in a rainforest canopy, we’ve got the do’s and don’ts to make your trip to Vancouver BC Canada one to remember for all the right reasons.

Do: Go Hiking

There are countless great hikes within an hour’s drive of Vancouver for all levels of hiker. Beware, some of the more popular trails tend to get crowded. This one isn’t…yet. Vancouver’s North Shore is hike-central. Try Lynn Headwaters Regional Park which contains all kinds of options from shorter hikes to full-day adventures.

Don’t: Go Hiking to Death

If you’re going hiking, know the trails, leave plenty of daylight and tell people where you’re going. The trails outside of Vancouver get cold and dark fast and are bordered by cliffs, water and places to get lost. Great with the right preparation and equipment. Not without. 

Do: Grouse Mountain

In the words of a long-retired Skyride operator, it’s a carnival ride with mountain goats. Grouse has big Vancouver views. It’s also home to a live bear habitat. Don’t worry, they’re behind a big strong fence. It also offers zip lining and winter sports in winter.

Don’t: Hike the Grouse Grind unless you’re damn well fit enough.

The Grouse Grind is crowded, dusty and if, and only if you’re an ultra-fit type, a heck of a workout. That’s assuming you’re up for climbing the equivalent of 236 floors…without stairs, or handrails, or breaks or bathrooms and with roots, loose dirt, the odd cliff, and heart attack. 

Do: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

A free shuttle from downtown gets you all the rainforest feels and way-up-there thrills. There’s the 450-foot iconic suspension bridge that’s been swinging way above Capilano Canyon since 1889. Then there’s the rainforest canopy walk of Treetops Adventure and, floating in the air off a sheer cliff face is Cliffwalk. Summer means close-up visits with the owls and hawks of Raptor’s Ridge. Getting there is a snap with all-day free shuttles from Canada Place.

Do: Rent a Boat

Unleash your inner seafarer with a by-the-hour self-guided powerboat rental adventure from Granville Island or West Vancouver’s Horseshoe Bay. Both get you seaborne access to Vancouver's coastline, eagle, and seal and from time-to-time, whale sightings plus you can see how 20 million dollars can get spent on waterfront mansions.

Don’t: Dumb Water Stuff

Don’t go paddleboarding, kayaking, rowing or boating without adequate knowledge of the surrounding conditions and shipping traffic. And don’t add dumb to dumb: boat operators can NOT drink. Just like driving, only on water, where crashing is even more dangerous and way more drown-ey.

Do: Check Out Chinatown

Chinatown is a mix of historic, cultural, and freshly hip. There’s great little discoveries and generational wisdom in its storefront Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners. Well worth the visit. Take an Uber/Lyft or taxi. (see below)

Don’t: Walk to Chinatown

Between Downtown and Chinatown sits the Downtown Eastside, one of North America’s poorest and most drug riddled areas. Even if it’s not that dangerous, it’s a really unpleasant four or five blocks to walk at any time of day.

Do: Have a nice drink in a nice place

Feel like a few cocktails? Explore Main Street with its chill neighbourhood feel and great brew pubs and bars. Beers? Also Main or Olympic Village. Dancing? Fortune Sound Club in Chinatown – take a cab/Uber/Lyft though – the area you’d need to walk through to get there can be a little sketchy.

Don’t: Granville Strip weekend nights

Hey, it’s where the action is on a Saturday night. It’s also where the assaults, fights and getting hospitalized or thrown in jail is.

Don’t: Fast Food Joints

You didn’t come all this way for a McWhopper.

Do: Eat Local

Sushi

Sushi might be the unofficial food of Vancouver. Be it the city’s placement on the pacific rim, the influence of its many Japanese expats or proximity to the ocean’s riches, this city does sushi right. ate rolls and sashimi with precision and expertise. Explore sushi bars like Miku Restaurant in Coal Harbour, known for its innovative Aburi sushi, or Tojo's in Fairview, where Chef Hidekazu Tojo's creations have garnered international acclaim.

Fish and Chips on Prospect Point

You’re already in one of the world’s best city parks! And that comes with the fresh local menu at Prospect Point’s Fresh on the Point. Which includes burgers and poutine and they are very excellent. freshly caught cod and chips. Plus, closeup views of shipping as it passes under Lions Gate Bridge, outer harbour views and the North Shore Mountains.

Go for Chinese Food in Richmond

The New York Times says that North America’s best Chinese food is just across the Fraser River south of Vancouver in Richmond. With fishboats bringing in their daily catch caught just off its shores, Richmond’s rich Asian population means a concentration of incredible dining with an estimated 400 Asian restaurants within a three-block radius of a short stretch of No. 3 Road.

Go for Pizza

Visit Pizzeria Barbarella. Nestled in the eclectic East Broadway, this eatery serves up authentic Neapolitan pizzas with a NYC meets YVR twist, in laid-back surroundings.

Don’t: Go to a Mall

Malls are boring here, too.

Do: Shop Hyper Local

Richmond Night Market

Immerse yourself in a multicultural feast at the vibrant Richmond Night Market. From tantalizing food stalls to live entertainment and eclectic shopping, this night market is a sensory extravaganza. Drive in or hop on the Canada Line SkyTrain.

Granville Island

Once an industrial hub, Granville Island now dances to the rhythm of artisans, fresh produce, and live entertainment. Go deep into the sensory motherlode that is a lively public market, dig into local delicacies, and hunt down hidden local treasures in its many artisan shops.

Do: Play in a Park

Stanley Park

This huge public park is all about forest greenery, tranquil beaches, and big nature right next to a big city. Wander along the seawall, encounter marine life at the Vancouver Aquarium, have an award-winning burger on the patio at Stanley’s Bar and Grill and feast on the scenic vistas from Prospect Point.

Go Garden Strolling in Queen Elizabeth Park

The Bloedel Conservatory in Queen Elizabeth Park is an organized riot of colour and advanced green thumbery. It’s also a great spot to take in some panoramic views facing north toward the city.

Don’t: Invite Yourself Onto the Region's Canadian Aboriginal Reserves

These lands serve as physical and spiritual homelands for many of the First Nations (Indian) peoples of Canada. Only visit if you’re invited.

Do: UBC Museum of Anthropology

Journey through indigenous cultures at the UBC Museum of Anthropology, where Indigenous art and artifacts come to life. Explore exhibits, delve into history, and gain insights into diverse traditions.

Don’t: Get Stuck in Traffic

With free shuttles to attractions like Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, Sea-to-Sky Gondola and Grouse Mountain and a good light rail/subway system, spend your time in places you’ll love instead of Vancouver’s big-city traffic.

Don’t: Buy Weed From a Street Corner Dealer

Any street drug is dangerous and sometimes laced with nasty and even deadly substances. If you want to partake, cannabis is legal in Canada meaning there are plenty of licensed, legal and quality-controlled cannabis shops in Vancouver. But! If you’re on a cruise don’t take it on the ship. Those are under US or other jurisdictions where weed is not legal, and you can be subject to prosecution.