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In this blog, we’ll show you the top 10 things to do Vancouver, including must-visit attractions, cultural experiences, and unique activities for travelers.
Best Things to do in Vancouver
In this blog, we’ll show you the top 10 places to visit Vancouver.
Gastown
Known as the oldest neighborhood in the city, Gastown is a picturesque district in downtown Vancouver and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Vancouver. It takes its name from riverboat captain John “Gassy Jack” Deighton, who is believed to be one of the earliest settlers in the area, arriving in 1867. Deighton’s statue was recently torn down due to his controversial past. The neighborhood now preserves its historical character, evident in its heritage buildings and Victorian-style homes.
Gastown received a national historic site designation from Canada in 2009 for its notable significance. Exploring Gastown is best done by wandering its cobbled streets. You can sit in one of the countless restaurants and choose from incredible food options. The neighborhood has a vibrant atmosphere, full of art galleries, boutique shops, historic sites, and the iconic antique-style Steam Clock, which was built in 1977. The clock is powered by steam, and every 15 minutes, it whistles to tell the time. It is the world’s only still-operating steam-powered clock.
Unique transportation
Forget about typical public transportation like buses and metros, and instead embark on a water adventure by riding the cute Aquabus—a unique and colorful way to travel around False Creek. It’s also a great option if you are planning to visit Granville Island.
Enjoy breathtaking waterfront views as you ride this rainbow-colored ferry. You can also take a harbor cruise with a dinner option or ride a SeaBus, a ferry service that crosses and connects Downtown and North Vancouver. There are other unique ways to discover Vancouver and its surroundings, such as exploring the city from the sky by taking a seaplane or embarking on a whale-watching tour.
Science World
Science World, located at the east end of False Creek, is a museum of science and technology built for the Expo 86 World Fair. Distinctive for its giant mirrored dome, Science World is one of Vancouver’s most famous landmarks. Explore interactive indoor and outdoor exhibits, galleries, and live science demonstrations that will fuel your imagination.
Whether you are a local or a traveler, alone or with the whole family, Science World is an exciting destination to spark wonder and ignite curiosity.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a 450-foot-long and 230-foot-high suspension bridge spanning the Capilano River in North Vancouver. With its convenient location, the park is one of the most visited places in Vancouver, attracting over 1.2 million visitors every year.
Although the bridge has been the main attraction since 1889, there are other things to explore in the park; it also offers thrilling treetop adventures with breathtaking rainforest views. The Cliffwalk provides a heart-stopping, spectacular view of the canyon below. Enjoy casual dining with a scenic and captivating view of the park. If you visit Vancouver between November and January, don’t miss Canyon Lights, when the park transforms into a magical world.
We suggest hopping on one of their free shuttle buses departing from various locations in Downtown Vancouver.
Chinatown Vancouver’s
Chinatown is a historic neighborhood boasting traditional shops, cocktail bars, and a rich Chinese lifestyle. The first Chinese immigrants arrived in Vancouver to work on railroads and in mining operations in the second half of the 1800s. The neighborhood developed into one of the largest Chinatowns in North America.
In 2010, it was recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada.
Taste traditional and authentic Chinese specialties like dim sum in one of the neighborhood’s restaurants. Walk around Dr. Sun Yat-sen Classical Chinese Garden’s fascinating pavilions and pathways, the first of its kind outside China.
There are other interesting neighborhoods in Vancouver. Check our travel guide for more information. By the way, our mobile-friendly travel guide covers the top 20 things to do in Vancouver, including maps, opening hours, links to buy tickets, and other information.
Vancouver Aquarium
The Vancouver Aquarium is a popular tourist destination, home to thousands of aquatic species, with over one million visitors every year. Established in 1956, it was the first and largest public aquarium in Canada. The facility serves as both an aquarium and a center for marine research and rehabilitation. The aquarium offers a unique experience of the wonders of aquatic life through its impressive exhibits and displays. You can learn about rescued marine life and watch cute sea lions in action. The Vancouver Aquarium also features a 4D theater that will transform your senses.
Vancouver Maritime Museum
Dedicated to showcasing the maritime history of the Pacific Northwest and the Arctic, the Vancouver Maritime Museum is located in Vanier Park and opened in 1959. The museum has a collection of over 15,000 artifacts, numerous model ships, and old photos that tell the stories of important historical voyages and lost expeditions.
The museum’s most prominent exhibit is the St. Roch, a large Arctic vessel used during the first west-to-east journey through the Northwest Passage in the 1940s. Due to its significance, this exploration vessel is listed as a National Historic Site. Visitors can actually climb aboard the historic boat and explore the decks and cabins. Don’t miss the Ben Franklin, a yellow submarine outside the museum, built for a 30-day study in the Gulf Stream in 1969.
Of course, there are other museums in Vancouver worth exploring, such as the nearby Museum of Vancouver.
Vancouver Lookout Experience
Experience Vancouver in the best possible way by visiting the 553 ft high Vancouver Lookout Tower at Harbour Centre. The building was constructed in a popular brutalist style, featuring a large-scale use of poured concrete—an architectural style that was prevalent at the time. American astronaut Neil Armstrong opened the lookout in 1977.
The Vancouver Lookout observation deck offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Downtown and beyond. It also provides an audio tour and information panels that will help you learn about the various sights in front of you.
Enjoy a breathtaking 40-second glass elevator ride to the top of Harbour Centre, one of Vancouver’s tallest buildings. You can even dine at the Top of Vancouver Restaurant, a unique revolving diner.
Stanley Park
Vancouver’s first and largest urban park, Stanley Park, is a green space covering 1,000 acres of land, making up half of the city’s downtown area. The area was used by Indigenous people for thousands of years before the region was colonized by the British during the 1858 Fraser Canyon Gold Rush. Stanley Park was designated a national historic site of Canada for its beauty and connection to the environment and the city’s culture.
This large scenic landscape is filled with forest trails, an aquarium, beautiful beach areas, the enchanting Lost Lagoon, and many other iconic sights. Walk around the Rose Garden and Shakespeare Garden to enjoy the beautifully landscaped paths. Don’t skip the Vancouver Seawall, which passes around Stanley Park and has been declared the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path.
Granville Island
From a former industrial wasteland to a busy shopping and market hub, the small peninsula of Granville Island is home to over 300 businesses and attracts a million tourists annually.
Granville Island Public Market is the most popular attraction, described by many as a food paradise. The market boasts seafood, fresh produce, and gourmet goods featuring Asian, Mexican, Greek specialties, and more.
Granville Island is also known for its artistic side, with countless theater productions, art galleries, and numerous events. You can walk around parks with many hiking trails, enjoy a glass of beer in one of Canada’s original microbreweries, or embark on a whale-watching tour; there are plenty of things to discover on the peninsula.
Conclusion
Did you know you can experience world-class skiing less than an hour away from Vancouver? If you’re there during the winter months, jump on a convenient ski bus from Downtown Vancouver and ski down the slopes at Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain, or Mt. Seymour Resort. If you’re willing to ride just a little farther, try one of the best ski resorts in North America: Whistler Blackcomb. You can also explore the mountains during the summer or embark on a hiking adventure to experience the breathtaking nature of the Vancouver surroundings, such as Bowen and Vancouver Islands. We wish you a fantastic trip to Vancouver!
