Vancouver, Canada

Destination Guide

Vancouver

Canada

Best things to do in Vancouver

53 curated attractions in Vancouver, Canada. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

June - August

Average temp

12°C/54°F

Budget

Expensive

Safety

Very safe

About Vancouver

Vancouver is a port city where the surrounding mountains and ocean shape daily life, giving residents a near-constant view of nature that many other cities can only dream of. It was built on the lumber industry, but today it thrives on a mix of culture and tourism, where outdoor enthusiasts share space with art lovers and foodies. The sprawling Stanley Park offers 1,000 acres of greenery and trails, while the Granville Island Public Market draws visitors for its local foods and crafts. The city’s multiculturalism is evident in its diverse neighborhoods, each offering a unique flavor. However, the cost of living is famously high, so don't be surprised if the locals seem more focused on their next hike than your friendly chat. People actually come for the combination of urban sophistication and natural surroundings, with activities ranging from mountain biking on the North Shore to strolling the seawall at sunset.

Who it's for

Great for outdoor enthusiasts and food lovers, but not ideal for those seeking a bargain. If you dislike crowds or the high cost of leisure, you might find it frustrating. Those looking for a straightforward urban experience may also be confused by the abundance of nature.

Getting around

Public transport: Very Good

  • The downtown area is walkable in about twenty minutes from end to end
  • Public transport includes buses and SkyTrain, which are frequent and reliable
  • Vancouver International Airport is about a 30-minute ride from downtown
  • Cycling is popular, but be prepared for hills if you venture outside the flat areas
Granville Island Public Market

Granville Island Public Market

Food markets & food halls
Gastown

Gastown

Streets & neighbourhoods
South Granville

South Granville

Streets & neighbourhoods
English Bay

English Bay

Beaches
Coal Harbor

Coal Harbor

Urban Attractions
Vancouver Chinatown

Vancouver Chinatown

Streets & neighbourhoods
Totem Poles at Stanley Park

Totem Poles at Stanley Park

Fountains, statues & public art
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Concert halls
Vancouver Public Library

Vancouver Public Library

Historic libraries & universities
Stanley Park Seawall

Stanley Park Seawall

Coastal walks & sea cliffs
East Vancouver Murals

East Vancouver Murals

Street art districts
The Artist's Studio

The Artist's Studio

Art museums & galleries
The Red Tree

The Red Tree

Fountains, statues & public art
Prospect Point

Prospect Point

Urban Attractions
Stanley Park

Stanley Park

Fountains, statues & public art
False Creek Seawall

False Creek Seawall

Coastal walks & sea cliffs
Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge

Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge

Natural Wonders
Lighthouse Park

Lighthouse Park

National parks & nature reserves
English Bay Beach

English Bay Beach

Beaches
Museum of Anthropology

Museum of Anthropology

History museums
Kitsilano Beach

Kitsilano Beach

Beaches
Capilano River Regional Park

Capilano River Regional Park

Forests & jungles
Queen Elizabeth Park

Queen Elizabeth Park

City parks
Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island

Islands
VanDusen Botanical Garden

VanDusen Botanical Garden

Botanical gardens
Granville Island

Granville Island

Food markets & food halls
Pacific Spirit Regional Park

Pacific Spirit Regional Park

National parks & nature reserves
Vancouver Convention Centre

Vancouver Convention Centre

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Vanier Park

Vanier Park

City parks
Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre

Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Robson Street

Robson Street

Shopping streets & districts
Capilano Suspension Bridge

Capilano Suspension Bridge

Bridges
Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery

Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery

Art museums & galleries
Bloedel Conservatory

Bloedel Conservatory

Botanical gardens
University of British Columbia

University of British Columbia

Historic libraries & universities
Vancouver Lookout

Vancouver Lookout

Observation decks & city views
Capilano River Hatchery

Capilano River Hatchery

Specialty & quirky museums
Science World

Science World

Science & natural history museums
Gastown Steam Clock

Gastown Steam Clock

Urban Attractions
Vancouver Aquarium

Vancouver Aquarium

Aquariums
Cypress Mountain

Cypress Mountain

Mountains & volcanoes
Grouse Mountain

Grouse Mountain

Mountains & volcanoes
Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company

Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company

Theatres & opera houses
Vancouver Maritime Museum

Vancouver Maritime Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
Lonsdale Quay Market

Lonsdale Quay Market

Food markets & food halls
Vancouver Opera

Vancouver Opera

Theatres & opera houses
Vancouver Art Gallery

Vancouver Art Gallery

Art museums & galleries
Museum of Vancouver

Museum of Vancouver

History museums
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

Formal & Japanese gardens
The Observatory

The Observatory

Observation decks & city views
Chinese Cultural Centre

Chinese Cultural Centre

History museums
Richmond Night Market

Richmond Night Market

Street food & night markets
Marpole Historical Society

Marpole Historical Society

History museums

Where to eat in Vancouver

The places worth planning a meal around.

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh

Cambodian, Vietnamese · $20–$40

★ 4.4 · 5,533 reviews

The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant

The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant

Seafood · $30–$60

★ 4.5 · 5,251 reviews

Chambar

Chambar

Belgian-Moroccan · $30–$50

★ 4.5 · 4,440 reviews

Tap & Barrel

Tap & Barrel

Canadian · $$

★ 4.2 · 3,132 reviews

The Keg  Steakhouse + Bar

The Keg Steakhouse + Bar

Steakhouse · $$$

★ 4.4 · 2,967 reviews

Go Fish

Go Fish

Seafood · $20–$40

★ 4.3 · 2,643 reviews

Things to do in Vancouver

Tours, cruises and experiences, rather than places to visit.

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