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Fun Things to do in Vancouver
British Columbia
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city guide
Vancouver, BC is known for it's beautiful scenery and being immersed in nature, as well as it's wet and rainy climate. It is known as the Hollywood of the North and as the home of Lululemon. The city is also known for it's seafood, expensive housing market, and for the laid back west coast vibes of the people.
Best time to go
The best times to visit Vancouver are from March to May and from September to November when the weather is mild and hotel rooms can be found at bargain rates.
Fun city facts and activities
- Here we go, the time for beating around the bush is done. These are the best things to do in Vancouver, the very best that one of the worlds most liveable cities has to offer. Canadas western metropolis ticks box after box, the end result of a form of urban architecture built on the foundations of town. Vancouvers best attractions are informed by its history as much as its future, with futuristic museums nestled next to iconic districts and mountains as far as the eye can see. Parks, beaches, restaurants, bars, spas, the list goes on and on, but thats just what weve come to expect from Vancouver.
Neighborhoods to explore
- Fairview
Grandview-Woodland
Mount Pleasant
West End
South Cambie
Riley Park
Kitsilano
Shaughnessy
Restaurants
Food Specialties
- Vancouver is a foodie destination on the rise, a city with a growing roster of gourmet spots serving innovative food with a chip on its shoulder. Not a literal chip, of course, but there is something about the best restaurants in Vancouver that will appeal to hungry travellers of all tastes. Vancouvers population is fantastically diverse, and that variety is celebrated in its dining spots, with plenty of amazing Indian, Japanese and Chinese restaurants with a sprinkling of French influence in there for good measure. Fancy some Italian? There is plenty of that too. Enjoy the attractions, the nightlife and the beaches, and fill up at these restaurants.
Vancouver Offbeat activities
Free or cheap things to do
1. Take a tour of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
2. Visit the Vancouver Aquarium
3. Take an Urban Trekking Tour
4. Spend an afternoon at Granville Island
5. Take a Haunted Vancouver Tour
6. Visit the Vancouver Police Museum
7. Take a walking tour of Gastown
8. Take a tour of the UBC Botanical Garden
9. Visit the Bloedel Conservatory
10. Take a tour of the Vancouver Art Gallery
Fun things to do in with kids
Free or cheap things to do
1. Museum of Anthropology
Situated at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver campus, the Museum of Anthropology is a must-visit tourist attraction.
2. Grouse Mountain
What to do in Vancouver? One of the best places to visit in Vancouver is the Grouse Mountain for its scenic view of Vancouver, whether its winter or summer.
3. Stanley Park
Constructed in 1888, Stanley Park is a 1,000-acre public park and a must-visit in Vancouver.
4. Gastown
A national historic site and the oldest part of the city, Gastown is a lively district where all the social fun is from shopping to nightlife.
5. Granville Island
Another charming spot and a must-visit for the shopaholic are Granville Island. The island has over 275 enterprises and a great public market filled with artisan vendors and quaint shops. There is also a market dedicated only to kids.
6. Vancouver Chinatown
If you are craving Asian foods, head to Canadas oldest and largest Chinatown in Vancouver. Vancouvers Chinatown is known for its mouthwatering foods, from Asian pastries to the best restaurants serving dim sum.
They also celebrate Chinese New Year yearly.
7. Canada Place
An iconic landmark and the most photogenic spot in Vancouver is Canada Place. Originally constructed in 1927, Canada Place is a fantastic piece of architecture.
8. Sea to Sky Gondola
Surrounded by ancient volcanoes and snow peaks, the Sea to Sky Gondola offers a scenic view of Howe Sound. Tourists can hop on a gondola ride to enjoy the spectacular view of nature.
9. Deep Cove
If you are looking for an exciting summer, head to the small bay Deep Cove and go on kayaking.
10. English Bay
Offering one of the best views of the sunset in Vancouver, the English Bay is an open bay and one of the most populated beaches in Vancouver.
11. Vancouver Aquarium
Established in 1956, the Vancouver Aquarium is another must-visit tourist spot in Stanley Park, Vancouver. The facility is a public aquarium that houses over 58,000 animals and serves as a rehabilitation center for rescued marine animals.
12. Richmond Night Market
During the summer months, Richmond Night Market is a night market held annually near Bridgeport Station.
13. Museum of Vancouver
Situated in Vanier Park, the Museum of Vancouver is a civic history museum established in 1894. The museum is small yet very informative, especially about the Canadian Navy.
14. Science World
Originally built as an Expo Center for the Expo 86 worlds fair, the Science World is a non-profit organization founded in 1989. Situated near the Skytrain Station, Science World is a top-notch facility perfect for learning and sensory play children.
15. Food Tour
One of the best things to do when visiting a new country or city is a Food Tour. Vancouver Food Tour will guide you to one of the best restaurants and places in British Columbia.
City data and FAQ
Is Vancouver worth visiting?
Absolutely! Vancouver is definitely worth visiting! It is a great city for tourists since there are so many places to visit, including:
Stanley Parka large urban park with over 1,000 acres of West Coast rainforest.
Capilano Suspension Bridgea long bridge overlooking a beautiful canyon scene.
Gastownan old section of the city known for its Victorian architecture.
Robert - Vancouver, BC
Absolutely. It is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Ann Goodin - Lives in Canada
Yes. It is worth visiting. It has a beautiful scenery. It has beautiful parks. It is a clean city. It is one of the world's most livable cities. It has beautiful mountains in the background. It has a beautiful town in up mountains called Whistler. Whistler is a big ski town.
Gracie Nguyen - Lives in Arlington, VA
Are 2 days enough in Vancouver?
If your allotted time is only 2 days then stick to the downtown area. I recommend you look for The Big Bus Tour. That is double decker bus that allows hop on / hop off sight seeing in the down town area. It doesnt seem like the service is currently operating due to the pandemic. You should try to rent a bicycle to sight see along the sea-wall, Stanley Park, Lions Gate bridge.
If you got an extra 2 days? Rent a car and drive to Whistler to zip line, stay the night. Hike the trails. Maybe rent a mountain bike ? You can also take the Peak to Peak gondola ride from Whistler mountain to Blackcomb mountain. The cars have glass windows on the floor. I remember the ride was almost 20 minutes long.
Along the way to Whistler, stop by at Squamish and take the gondola ride up to the Chief (mountain) ( walk the trails and suspension bridge ).
If your time is more modest, then drive up to Grouse Mountain (that over looks greater Vancouver ). Tank their gondola ride and ski lift chairs. Zip line and/or walk the trails.
Tony Leung - Lives in Vancouver, BC
Vancouver has so much to see and do! I think spending at least 5 days would be more reasonable. You can go hiking in the local mountains and wilderness parks, all of which are accessible by public transportation. Vancouver also has dozen of beaches and dozens of film, music and theatre festivals, ever year. It would take you at least a week to see it all! ENJOY!
Marie E. LeBlanc - Lived in Vancouver, BC (19832016)
Well, I have been here around 58 years and have yet to discover hundreds of places.
This valley is vast with rivers and lakes to explore. African animal zoos, suspension bridges free and not so cheap, bird sanctuaries, beaches. There are a large of Universities and colleges
You could spend scores of years and not see everything this beautiful city has to offer. Many golf courses and ski hills.
Jim Rosevear - Vancouver, BC
What time of year can you see the Northern Lights in Vancouver?
In Vancouver in British Columbia, you can sometimes catch a glimpse of the elusive Aurora Borealis. The best time is during winter, from December to March. At times, the lights are so bright that they are even seen in the urban Vancouver areas despite the city lights and pollution, reducing visibility.
Does Vancouver have a Chinatown?
Established back in the 1890s, Vancouver's Chinatown has been humming busily for more than a century with vivid colours, exotic cuisine and a vibrant culture. Vancouver's Chinese population originally made the journey to work in local mines and build the Trans-Canada railway.
How do I get from Vancouver to Vancouver Island?
The most common way to get to Vancouver Island is by BC Ferries. There is regular car ferry service from: Vancouver (Tsawwassen) ferry terminal in Delta to Victoria (Swartz Bay) ferry terminal (1 hour 35 minutes) Vancouver (Tsawwassen) ferry terminal to Nanaimo (Duke Point) ferry terminal (2 hours).
