Top 5 Things to Do In Vancouver
Even if you visit during Vancouver’s rainy season, you’ll still find countless great things to do, inside and out. And here are 5 of the best.
Vancouver Aquarium at Stanley Park
Belugas, sea otters, dolphins and so much more. It’s easy to spend hours in what many consider one of the best aquariums in the world. More Information
Telus World of Science
It might look like a golf ball, but this spheroid building on False Creek is packed with interactive exhibits that make learning fun (even for adults). Admission also includes entry to an IMAX movie. More Information
Vancouver Art Gallery
Featuring a collection of modern and classic art from around the world, this spectacular gallery in the heart of downtown is renowned for its unrivalled collection of one of Canada’s greatest painters, Emily Carr. More Information
Shop on Robson Street & Pacific Centre Mall
Feed your inner-shopaholic in Downtown Vancouver. Robson Street has been compared to Rodeo Drive, while Pacific Centre is an underground mall with fantastic shops from the Apple Store to Zennkai.
Walk the Seawall around Stanley Park
No visit to Vancouver is complete without a trek around the city’s crown jewel, Stanley Park. The Seawall is a flat, paved, scenic route along the perimeter of the park that’s amazing even in the rain. Bring your camera (and umbrella!)
When the sun is out, the air is warm and the smiles bright, there truly is no better city in the world than Vancouver. Spend a sunny day or two here partaking in these 5 things and you’ll likely agree.
Walk, Jog or Bike Around the Seawall in Stanley Park
The route around Stanley Park is about 10km (6 miles), making it perfect for a brisk jog, a scenic bike ride or long, leisurely, stop-for-ice-cream walk. Plus, you’ll pass by some of the best urban beaches in the world, so you might want to bring your swim suit.
Visit Granville Island
This world-famous attraction is packed with unique little shops, amazing restaurants, theatres, buskers and a bustling market. There are few better places in the world to spend a sunny afternoon. Parking is limited, so you should consider public transit. More Information
North Shore
The cities of North Vancouver and West Vancouver comprise what locals call the North Shore. It’s home to a wonderful variety of activities and attractions, from popular destinations like Capilano Suspension Bridge and Lonsdale Quay to lesser known but no-less spectacular places like Lighthouse Park.
The Olympic Cauldron
Whistler and Vancouver welcomed the world in 2010 as host venues of the Winter Olympics. It was an amazing experience for anyone involved, and the event is immortalized by the Olympic Cauldron at Jack Poole Plaza in Downtown near the Convention Centre.
Relax at the Beach
Many visitors are surprised at just how amazing Vancouver’s many beaches are. But don’t just take our work on it; National Geographic ranked us Top 10 Beach Cities in the world. So bring your towel and your sunscreen, life’s a beach.
This great city is packed with fun-tastic things for the whole family. And since most of these are free, it’s that much better!
Stanley Park Waterpark
Located at the north end of the park (about halfway around the Seawall), this splash pad is a great place to cool off and let loose with a little wet n’ wild fun. Plus, the North Shore mountains provide a pretty awesome backdrop.
Granville Island Kid's Market and Waterpark
Families love Granville Island. The Kid’s Market is bursting with toy stores, costume shops, bookstores, an arcade and a 2-level indoor playground. And the nearby Waterpark is a free, safe, fun way to stay cool during the dog days of summer.
Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge & Area
Bring the hiking boots and set off on a fun, easy, scenic hike around North Vancouver’s Lynn Canyon that takes you across a breathtaking suspension bridge high above Lynn Creek. The round trip is approximately two hours.
Deep Cove
This charming seaside hamlet in North Vancouver offers cute little shops, amazing donuts and kayak/canoe rentals. You can also make the short, rewarding hike along part of the Baden Powell trail system to Lookout Rock (about 45 minutes).
Imax at Canada Place
IMAX is a stunning format to watch movies in. It’s also a Canadian company! The theatre at Canada Place forgoes Hollywood blockbusters and instead focuses on nature documentaries and educational shows, often in 3D and always spectacular. More Information
Just because the sun goes down doesn’t mean the fun stops in Vancouver. Let your hair down and discover how much fun there is after dark.
Get in the Game
Get in the Game Vancouver boasts professional teams in nearly all popular sports.
- The Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League play in Rogers Arena. Their season runs from October to June. Watch a game live, or at a local bar to see just how serious we are about hockey.
- The BC Lions play in the Canadian Football League. Their home games are in spectacular BC Place, with a season that runs from June to November. Tickets are surprisingly affordable, too.
- The Vancouver Whitecaps play in MLS (Major League Soccer). Look for them if you visit from March to November. They too play in BC Place.
Granville Entertainment District
Every Friday and Saturday night, Granville Street is closed to traffic and becomes the centre of the universe for clubbers in Vancouver. The strip is lined with lounges, bars, dance clubs and more. Bring your dancing shoes and your sense of adventure.
Concerts & Shows
From stadium shows in Rogers Arena to more intimate gigs in spectacular venues like the Orpheum, Commodore Ballroom or Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver attracts a fantastic list of musical and theatrical names.
Yaletown
Once a maritime industrial centre, Yaletown is now one of the trendiest areas of Vancouver. It’s where the city’s A-listers come to shop, dine, party and live.
West End
The West End of the downtown peninsula is a vibrant, diverse neighbourhood that is the centre of the city’s Gay and Lesbian scene. It’s also home to great beaches, phenomenal patio dining and the best place in town to take in sunsets.