12 Things to Do in Vancouver

If you are planning to visit Canada and want to explore Vancouver, you will find a destination that offers all the experiences of a big city: high-quality museums, skyscrapers and viewpoints, a variety of cultural activities and an interesting array of natural wonders. Located in the south-west corner of the country, on the border with the United States, it is considered one of the cities with the highest quality of life in the world.

Among the best activities you can do in Vancouver are visiting Grouse Mountain, seeing the picturesque Capilano Suspension Bridge, taking in the panoramic views of the city from the Vancouver Lookout building platform, exploring Gastown and enjoying a food tour, visiting the local aquarium, exploring Granville Island Market and visiting the Museum of Anthropology.

Grouse Mountain, located just outside Vancouver, is one of the city's most popular natural attractions and offers some of the most exciting activities for those seeking adventure during their trip. Here you can explore steep slopes that not only offer a physical challenge on their trails, but also reward you with some of the best panoramic views in the region.

From the top of the mountain, which reaches 1,200 metres above sea level, you can see the city spread out along the coast, and during the warmer seasons, all the mountain trails are open. If you plan to visit Vancouver in autumn, you will also discover the lush surrounding forests bathed in the colours of the season.

During winter, the alpine meadows are transformed into a setting for sports such as skiing and snowboarding. You can also reach the summit by Skyride cable car, on a journey that will provide you with panoramic views and a pleasant ride.

Keep in mind that if you enjoy nature excursions, some tour operators offer a trip to Grouse Mountain along with a :::link|text=full-day tour of Whistler|element=sc-100-1107:::, a famous ski town located north of Vancouver.

If you want to see one of Vancouver's main architectural wonders, don't :::link|text=miss the Capilano Suspension Bridge|element=sc-100-1103:::. This structure, which spans 140 metres over the Capilano River, defies gravity with its suspension engineering at a height of 70 metres. Built above the rainforest of British Columbia, this bridge is also famous for providing a dizzying and interrelated perspective of the surrounding nature.

The bridge itself is a masterpiece, and crossing it offers an experience that tests visitors' courage, but the rewards are invaluable: the panoramic views of the giant trees, the soothing sound of the river, and the feeling of being immersed in a unique natural environment make it all worthwhile.

This site, which is very popular in the city, is also an easily accessible destination, as you can get there by public transport or by :::link|text=Vancouver's hop-on hop-off tourist buses|element=sc-100-1730:::, which include a stop in the areas near Capilano.

If you're looking for an adventure beyond the bridge, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park offers a network of elevated walkways among the trees, allowing you to explore the majesty of the forest from amazing heights. In addition, the park has educational attractions that highlight the importance of preserving these ecosystems.

One of the features that distinguish the city's skyline are the skyscrapers, and the Vancouver Lookout is the perfect spot to enjoy the sweeping views that offer a complete view of the city and its surroundings. From the observation deck , you can enjoy a 360° panorama that includes the city skyline, the North Shore Mountains and the Fraser River, omnipresent in British Columbia.

From the west wing, you can also see the immensity of the Pacific Ocean, which contrasts with the vibrant urban life and is clearly visible, especially if you plan to visit Vancouver in the summer when the skies are clear.

The characteristic lights of the financial district and the skyscrapers reflect the modernity of the city, while the harbour and its ships add a traditional touch to the scene. From Vancouver Lookout you can also see Chinatown, which is the largest Chinese neighbourhood in Canada, due to the large Asian community that has lived in the city since the early 20th century.

This observatory also becomes a platform that changes constantly with the cycle of the day, as from there you can also enjoy the sunset that paints the horizon with warm colours. :::link|text=Visiting the Vancouver Lookout|element=sc-100-1109::: is an opportunity to discover the city in all its splendour from a different perspective, 130 metres above sea level.

Gastown is the oldest neighbourhood in the city, known for its cobblestones, unique architecture and atmosphere that blends the modern with the classic. This must-see site is usually included in the best tours of Vancouver, but it is also an important gastronomic hub, so one of the best ways to get to know it is through a gastronomic excursion.

Gastown's importance in Vancouver dates back to its roots as the industrial heart of the city. Today, the district has become a gastronomic epicentre, home to a variety of restaurants offering everything from local delicacies to international culinary experiences.

During these experiences , you can savour dishes that capture the diversity of Vancouver's food scene, from fresh Pacific seafood to dishes inspired by the city's cultural fusion. This is also a very interesting option for dinner, making it one of the best activities to do in the city at night.

As you stroll through its cobbled streets , you can take photos with the popular red brick buildings and the famous Steam Clock statue, an icon that pays tribute to the city's industrial era. You can reach this district by public transport or on Vancouver's hop-on hop-off buses.

If you are a fan of natural ecosystems or are planning to visit the city with children, then you cannot miss a visit to the Vancouver Aquarium, which will allow you to immerse yourself in an underwater world that will amaze visitors of all ages.

Located in Stanley Park, this aquarium is an aquatic oasis that is home to a wide variety of marine species from the North Pacific. From orcas to sea lions, the aquarium offers close encounters with the region's native animals. What's more, it's easy to get to by public transport or on the city's hop-on hop-off buses, which include the park among their 11 fixed stops.

This aquarium is ideal for visiting with children or as a family because it offers an experience that goes beyond observation, as visitors will have the opportunity to participate in themed programmes, including interacting with stingrays and sea urchins in the touch pools. In addition, the trained seal show is not only entertaining, but also informative about the intelligence and behaviour of these animals.

The Vancouver Aquarium is also a promoter of marine life research and preservation. Through rescue and rehabilitation programmes, it actively contributes to the conservation of endangered species, especially in the case of animals native to the region.

Exploring Vancouver from above aboard a seaplane is a unique experience that reveals the city from a different perspective. These experiences, which are very popular in the city, allow you to discover the landscape that combines the surrounding mountains with urban technological development.

During the flight, which usually lasts approximately 30 minutes, the natural wonders of the region take centre stage. From above, you can see the popular Stanley Park, a lush green space that stretches towards the ocean. You can also see the islands that form part of British Columbia and the contrast between modern architecture and the suspension bridges that cross the Fraser and Capilano rivers.

The seaplane tour is not only a panoramic experience, but also an opportunity to understand the complex geography and topography of Vancouver. The pilot of the aircraft will also be your expert local guide, telling you about the history of this destination and its importance as a connection point between the United States and Canada.

If you plan to visit Vancouver during Christmas, you can also discover the city's distinctive holiday decorations from above.

If you want to enjoy a different experience in one of Vancouver's best exhibitions, you can visit the Police Museum and Archives, an exhibition that will take you on a journey through the city's crime history, through galleries of real evidence and the study of scientific and forensic investigation techniques.

This museum also has an exhibition of firearms and another of cars and motorcycles used by the local police throughout its history. In the basement of the exhibition, you will also find a recreation of the forensic morgue and the real prison cells that were used at the beginning of the 20th century, as the museum is located in a building that belonged to a Criminal Court of the city.

The Vancouver Police Museum and Archives is a fun alternative for learning about more than 20,000 objects related to local criminal history, in a list that includes everything from photographs and publications to counterfeit coins and homemade weapons.

Granville Island, located in the city centre, has become one of Vancouver's cultural and gastronomic epicentres. There, you can also visit the local market, located in the cruise ship port area, which, with its colourful stalls and tempting aromas, offers a unique culinary experience and reflects the spirit of British Columbia.

The importance of Granville Island lies in its transformation from an industrial area to a vibrant hipster district. Old warehouses and factories have been repurposed and revitalised, now housing art galleries, craft shops and local creative businesses. The market, in particular, reflects the region's gastronomic diversity, which is why it is often included in :::link|text=the best city tours of Vancouver|element=sc-100-1696:::.

:::link|text=Strolling through the Granville Island market|element=sc-100-1105::: is not only an opportunity to have lunch or take a break between excursions, but also to immerse yourself in Vancouver's artistic and cultural scene. There you can also find craft stalls, enjoy live performances and admire local art, which blends the area's rich industrial heritage with contemporary expressions.

If you want a different experience during your trip to Vancouver, you can choose to sail Howe Sound on a boat trip. This fjord, nestled at the foot of rugged mountains and dotted with islands, offers a maritime experience that combines the natural wonders of the region with the serenity of the gulf. During these adventures, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the forested coastal mountains and calm waters that reflect the surroundings.

Howe Sound is a natural gem on the city's doorstep and an integral part of the region's coastal landscape. During the boat trip, you may have the opportunity to :::link|text=experience whale watching in Vancouver|element=sc-100-1108:::, and you may also see seals and seabirds, bringing you face to face with the wildlife that inhabits this area.

In addition to the wild nature, the boat trip will also give you the opportunity to discover small coastal communities and fishing villages along the fjord. These picturesque sites add a traditional flavour to the experience, allowing visitors to connect with the maritime history and local culture, which have been closely linked since the days of the British Crown.

Chinatown is one of Vancouver's most popular neighbourhoods. In addition to Asian food stalls and shops selling Chinese crafts, decorations and gifts, you can visit Dr. Sun Yat-Sen's classical garden. This green space, named after the first president of the People's Republic of China, is considered one of the best urban gardens in the world.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens is also a natural refuge full of peaceful paths, pagodas, and ponds with koi fish and sea turtles. During your visit, you can not only stroll through the gardens and relax on the benches strategically placed along the paths, but also learn about the history of this site and its importance as a meeting place for the Chinese community.

Vancouver's Bloedel Floral Conservatory is a botanical haven located in Queen Elizabeth Park, which is itself a living testament to the floral diversity of the British Columbia region. As you walk along its paths, you will discover colours and fragrances of all kinds, as every corner of the conservatory reveals a unique display of flowers, tropical plants and native foliage.

In addition, the Bloedel Conservatory houses a variety of themed gardens, from the Orchid Garden to the exotic Cactus and Succulent Garden. Each area offers a distinct sensory experience, allowing visitors to virtually travel to different corners of the world through the flora on display.

The conservatory's dome creates a controlled environment that allows tropical and subtropical plants to flourish year-round, making it a floral escape even if you plan to visit Vancouver in winter or during the colder months of the year.

If you enjoy these natural spaces, you can also visit Dr. Sun Yat-Sen's Chinese Garden in Chinatown or even take a :::link|text=full-day excursion to Victoria and the Butchart Gardens|element=sc-100-1106:::.

The Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver is a cultural treasure that offers a deep immersion into the rich heritage of what is known as the First Nations of British Columbia. Located on the campus of the University of British Columbia, this museum is renowned for its innovative architecture and captivating exhibits that trace the origins of local culture.

At the entrance to the Museum of Anthropology, you will discover sculptures of the first settlers, and inside the museum, the galleries house a collection of indigenous art and artefacts, highlighting the cultural diversity and rich history of the native communities. From majestic totem poles to carved ceremonial masks, each piece reflects the cultural legacy of these peoples. The Granary Room, with its display of wood carvings, highlights the artistic mastery of the First Nations.

In addition to static exhibits, the Museum of Anthropology also offers interactive events and programmes that seek to promote understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures. From carving workshops to live performances, visitors have the opportunity to actively immerse themselves in the richness of these traditions in one of the best cultural activities you can do in Vancouver.