As one of the most acclaimed destinations for travellers, you’ll be impressed by the amount of things to do in Vancouver Canada. Located in the stunning province of British Columbia, Vancouver is not only a city with a wide range of cultural activities, but is also surrounded by picture-perfect scenery.
During your trip you’ll be able to discover all the city’s landmarks, as well as spend some time exploring the lush forests and towering mountains that surround the city. There’s always something to do in this huge cosmopolitan city, where there’s certainly no room for boredom. It’s the ideal destination for combining city life and the tranquillity of nature. If you want to find out more about Vancouver, keep reading our blog!
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Things to do in Vancouver Canada
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is without a doubt one of the most acclaimed and visited places in the city and should be at the top of your list of things to do in Vancouver Canada. As well as being one of the largest urban parks in North America, this place has more than 400 hectares of serene nature.
It is located to the north of the city, a short distance from the city centre, making it the ideal place to go at any time of the day. You can enjoy many hiking trails surrounded by leafy trees and abundant nature, as well as visiting some of its beaches where you can even go for a swim in summer. However, the most characteristic feature of this park is without a doubt the remains of the native settlements that once existed in the park itself, consisting of various totem poles and replicas that you can visit and take photos of freely.
Chinatown in Vancouver Canada
Given Vancouver’s large Asian community, the city could not do without its own Chinatown. As well as being one of the oldest Chinatowns in North America, Vancouver’s Chinatown is the largest in Canada.
You can’t miss a pleasant stroll through the area to admire its beautiful and unique architecture, as well as enjoy its traditional gastronomy and learn more about Chinese history and culture. Along your route you will find the famous Millennium Gate, a mythical gate of Chinese architectural style, as well as the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden, having been the first Chinese garden built outside China itself. Finally, don’t miss a visit to Ho Ho Restaurant, the most famous restaurant in the neighbourhood, where you can try some of the most traditional Chinese dishes.
To organize your trip we recommend using the Passporter where you can get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers and choose the places that most interest you to add to your route map.
English Bay in Vancouver Canada
English Bay is one of the most iconic places in Vancouver, as well as one of the most visited by travellers. In addition to the beautiful promenade that runs along the coast, you can enjoy its beautiful beaches.
You can enjoy a long walk along the beach, as well as stop at one of the many cafes and enjoy spectacular views of the sea, especially at sunset. You’ll also be able to walk along one of the beaches, with English Bay Beach being the most famous; it’s a busy beach, although it’s worth mentioning that it’s not particularly noted for its waters. A feature of most of Vancouver’s beaches are the wooden logs where people sit and relax looking out to sea. Along the bay you can also see the Biennale sculptures, making it a true open-air museum. You’ll love it!
Richmond Night Market
The Richmond Night Market is now considered a Vancouver tradition, making it one of the must-do activities on your trip. Open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings during the summer months, this is an exceptional experience if you’re travelling at this time of year.
In this market you will find a wide variety of products and foods, mostly of Asian origin. You can enjoy an infinite number of flavours, both savoury and sweet, as well as immersing yourself in a range of aromas as you stroll through the different stalls. It is also easy to find live music and art exhibitions in this area, giving the place a unique atmosphere. It is the ideal place to end the day in an unique way, so don’t miss it!
Visit Gastown in Vancouver Canada
Gastown is one of the most popular and unique neighbourhoods in all of Vancouver, as well as an area full of culture and history. You can take a pleasant stroll through the neighbourhood and discover its most iconic and ancient monuments and landmarks.
The most important feature you’ll find in the area is the Steam Clock. Its operating system is based on a curious steam system that produces a whistling sound at every hour. Another thing that makes this neighbourhood so appealing is its great nightlife; you’ll find plenty of live music venues where you can enjoy a good cocktail, as well as restaurants of all kinds where you can taste the different gastronomy that Vancouver has to offer. You’re sure to be enchanted by the atmosphere and liveliness of this area.
Lynn Canyon Park
Lynn Canyon Park is located within the famous Lynn Valley in North Vancouver. It is a favourite destination for locals and travellers alike, not only for its beauty but also due to its close proximity to the city centre.
With free admission, you can enjoy a full day of nature and activities in this park. In addition to its many walking trails that extend over an area of up to 270 hectares, the feature that will probably catch your attention the most is the impressive Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. You can cross its long span and gaze down into the impressive canyon below. Another must-see are the Twin Falls, two beautiful twin waterfalls crossed by a wooden bridge. And if you have more time, you can visit the Canyon Ecology Centre for a great day out!
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
What to do around Vancouver Canada?
Capilano Suspension Bridge
The Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of the most impressive sights to see on your visit to Vancouver. Just a 10 minute drive from the city centre, this bridge is a must-see, especially if you’re not afraid of heights.
More than 70 metres above the impressive Capilano River, this bridge stretches up to 137 metres, and you can cross it while admiring a landscape that will leave you speechless. It has several viewpoints, which, in addition to enjoying the views, will allow you to take some breathtaking photos. Once you’ve crossed the bridge, we recommend crossing the Cliffwalk, a narrow circular platform 200 metres above the trees, with a panoramic view of the entire forest. However, this attraction is not suitable for those who suffer from vertigo!
Grouse Mountain in Vancouver Canada
Located just 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Grouse Mountain is one of the most beautiful places you should visit. Part of the famous North Shore Mountains in the Pacific Range, you can enjoy an excursion to one of Canada’s finest wilderness areas.
At Grouse Mountain, as well as being able to do various routes such as the famous Grouse Grind, you can also enjoy many different activities. For example, you can ride the Super Skyride cable car, do extreme sports such as paragliding or snowboarding and, for the more adventurous, we recommend giving the Mountain Zipline a try, an impressive zip line that feels like you’re flying over a huge expanse of nature. Don’t miss out!
What to do in Vancouver Canada in 1 day?
- Wander around Chinatown
- Stroll down to English Bay
- Walk around Stanley Park
- Go across the Capilano Suspension Bridge
What to do in Vancouver Canada in 2 days?
- Go to the Richmond Night Market
- Visit Lynn Canyon Park
- Climb Grouse Mountain
- Stroll through Gastown
Tips for a trip to Vancouver Canada
- Make sure to dress appropriately depending on the time of year you are travelling.
- We recommend staying in Downtown, right in the city centre.
- Four days is the ideal number to see Vancouver properly.
- Don’t forget to change your currency.
- Check the forecast before going out.
- Please note that prices in Vancouver are quite high.
- Organize your itinerary with the Passporter App and don’t miss anything important in the city of Toronto.
- Don’t forget to bring a SIM card to stay connected to the internet.
How to plan your itinerary of what to do in Vancouver Canada?
Sign up to Passporter and plan your trip depending on the number of days and things you want to do in Vancouver Canada.
- Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers.
- You can save the information you are interested in for each of the destinations you have found on the internet.
- Keep your tickets and reservations for events.
- Choose the best means of transport.
- Plan your route with Google Maps.
- Save and publish the photos you take to your traveller profile so you can share them with other Passporter users.
If you want to know more about how to use the Passporter app, you can read our post:Â How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.
Frequently asked questions about travelling to Vancouver Canada
Vancouver is well connected by public transport, so you can choose from a variety of transport options depending on where you want to go.
– Firstly, there is the SkyTrain, whose system works with tracks elevated above the ground, so you can comfortably get around the city with great views.
– Secondly, there is a large bus network that you can use to get around the city centre and the outskirts.
– There’s also the SeaBus, a boat that connects downtown Vancouver to the North Shore with a journey time of just 12 minutes.
– If you prefer, you can rent a bike and cycle around the city comfortably on the many cycle paths.
The best time to visit Vancouver is from June to September when you can enjoy the best weather. If you’d prefer to enjoy the city in the snow, we recommend visiting in December or January, although you’ll need to be well prepared as temperatures plummet.
Vancouver is a city that offers a wealth of activities, especially when the weather is on your side. Here are some ideas for summertime fun in the city.
– Watch the sunset from English Bay and go for a swim at one of the beautiful beaches.
– Visit Vancouver’s many parks and take a walk or bike ride to see all the sights and activities.
– Visit the Vancouver Aquarium, where you can see impressive marine species, from dolphins to whales and sharks.
– Take a boat trip on the False Greek, which runs through English Bay and Science World, and see spectacular scenery.
To get to Lynn Canyon Park from Vancouver, you can hire a car or take public transport.
– If you are driving, you will need to take a 20 minute drive on the Trans-Canada Hwy until you reach the Mountain Hwy. Once there, keep going straight until you reach Lynn Valley Rd.
– If you are travelling by public transport, you can take the 229 or 228 bus, which runs every 15-20 minutes. Get off at the Northbound Lynn Valley Rd stop and walk 8 minutes to the park.
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