IO things to do in Vancouver
Sea meets sky in this gorgeous cosmopolitan city, filled with scenic views and friendly people
1 Cycle in Stanley Park
Stanley Park is a 405ha park in the middle of Vancouver city with a huge number of trails. Rent a bike and do a slow lap around the Seawall, watching the ships come and go, and keeping an eye out for beavers, bald eagles, and the occasional whale. Don’t miss the Indigenous Totem Poles, which are on display at the Brockton Point meadow in the park.
2 Capilano bridge
This dreamy attraction is located in the hills of North Vancouver, nestled in a rainforest. You can take a walk on the wild side as you explore the network of bridges and boardwalks, inhaling the scent of cedar and looking at the water rushing below. While you’re here, you can also learn about the delicate local ecosystem and take plenty of incredible photos. Book in advance.
3 Stop by Granville Island
Technically, Granville Island is a peninsula, but that’s not important. What is important is that it’s home to an exciting public market and great events. Explore the boutiques, meet artisans, and keep an eye out for theatre troupes, musicians, workshops, and festivals. There’s a huge selection of food stalls, so make sure you bring an appetite.
4 Shop in Gastown
Gastown is a historic part of Vancouver that has become incredibly trendy. Among the heritage architecture, you’ll find independent art galleries, kitsch boutiques, edgy fashion, chic cocktail lounges, and some of the city’s best restaurants. It’s one of the city’s most vibrant districts. Look out for the whistling steam clock.
5 Dine among the stars
Vancouver is a big city with a very diverse palate. Eight restaurants won Michelin stars in 2022. According to the Michelin reviewers, visitors can expect sublime, beautifully plated, contemporary fare made from the best local ingredients. The list includes AnnaLena (contemporary), Kissa Tanto (Japanese), and St. Lawrence (French).
6 Tackle the Grouse Grind
One of the things that makes Vancouver so wonderful is that nature is on its doorstep. Grouse Mountain is a year-round destination just north of the city that is home to a 2.5km hiking trail with 2830 stairs, an elevation gain of 800m, and panoramic city views. If you want to enjoy the views without mud and sweat, simply grab a ticket and ride the gondola to the top.
7 Catch a Canucks game
They say Canadians are born with skates on and there’s no better way to appreciate their wizardry on the ice than at an ice hockey game. The Vancouver team is called the Canucks and the sport is bigger than religion. The season runs from October until June every year.
8 Visit a night market
The largest night market in North America runs between May and October every year, making the most of those beautiful Canadian summer nights. You’ll find loads of Asian-inspired snacks, from pho to gyozas, as well as local specialties, games, music, entertainment, and world-class people-watching. It’s worth investing in an Express Pass to skip the lines.
9 Giggle at sculptures
It’s rare that an art installation will make you burst out laughing, but that’s exactly what sculptor Yue Minjun hoped to achieve. His 14 bronze statues, located at Morton Park, feature people laughing with all kinds of hilarious expressions, creating an air of playfulness and joy.
10 Explore parklands
No matter where you are in Vancouver, you’ll always be able to catch a glimpse of something green, whether that’s the towering mountains or the spectacular city parks. Queen Elizabeth Park is something of a jewel in the city’s crown – don’t miss the Bloedel Conservatory, which is home to an indoor tropical garden and sits at the city’s highest point.