Best Things To Do in Vancouver

If you're planning a visit to Canada and want to see Vancouver, you'll find a destination that offers big-city experiences: quality museums, skyscrapers and viewpoints, cultural activities and an interesting variety of natural wonders. Located in the southwest corner of the country, on the border with the United States, it's considered one of the best cities in the world for quality of life.

Some of the best things to do in Vancouver include visiting Grouse Mountain, seeing the picturesque Capilano Suspension Bridge, taking in panoramic views of the city from the Vancouver Lookout Building platform, exploring Gastown and enjoying a food tour, visiting the local aquarium, browsing the 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 interesting activities for those seeking adventure during their trip. Here you can explore steep slopes that not only provide a physical challenge on the trails, but also 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, you'll also find all the mountain trails open. If you plan to visit Vancouver in autumn, you'll also discover the surrounding lush forests bathed in the colours of the season.

During the winter, the alpine meadows are transformed into a great backdrop for skiing and snowboarding. You can also take the Skyride cable car to the top of the mountain for a scenic and enjoyable ride.

Note that if you're a nature lover, some tour providers offer the Grouse Mountain tour along with a full-day tour of Whistler, a famous ski town north of Vancouver.

If you want to see one of Vancouver's architectural wonders then the Capilano Suspension Bridge is a must-see. This structure, which spans 140 metres over the Capilano River, defies gravity with its 70-metre-high suspension engineering. Built over the British Columbia rainforest, the bridge is also famous for providing a dizzying and interconnected perspective of the surrounding wilderness.

The bridge itself is a masterpiece and crossing it offers an experience that tests the courage of visitors, but the rewards are priceless: 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 well worth the effort.

Popular in the city, the site is also an easily accessible destination, as you can get there by public transport or on Vancouver' s hop-on-hop-off tour buses which include a stop in the areas around Capilano.

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

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

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

The distinctive lights of the financial district and skyscrapers reflect the city's modernity, while the harbour and its boats add a traditional tinge to the scene. From Vancouver Lookout you can also make out Chinatown, which is Canada's largest Chinatown, due to the large Asian community that has inhabited the city since the early 20th century.

This observatory, moreover, becomes a constantly changing platform with the cycle of the day, as from here you can also enjoy the sunset that tints the horizon with warm colours. Visiting the Vancouver Lookout 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 fuses the modern with the classic. This must-see place is often included in the best tours of Vancouver, but it is also an important gastronomic centre, so one of the alternatives to get to know it is through a gastronomic excursion.

Gastown's importance in Vancouver goes back to its roots as the industrial heart of the city. The district has now become a gastronomic epicentre, housing 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 great option for dining, making it one of the best things to do at night in the city.

As you stroll through the cobblestone streets, you can take pictures of the popular red brick buildings and the famous Steam Clock statue, an icon that pays homage to the city's industrial era. This district can be reached by the city's public transport or Vancouver's hop-on-hop-off buses.

If you're a fan of natural ecosystems or plan to visit the city with children, then a visit to the Vancouver Aquarium is a must, allowing you to immerse yourself in an underwater world that will amaze visitors of all ages.

This aquarium, located in Stanley Park, is an aquatic oasis that is home to a wide variety of North Pacific marine species. From killer whales to sea lions, the aquarium offers up-close encounters with animals native to the region. And because it's so easily accessible, you can get there on the city's public transportation or the city's hop-on-hop-off buses, which include the park among its 11 fixed stops.

This aquarium is ideal to visit with children or with the family because it offers an experience that goes beyond observation, as visitors will have the opportunity to participate in themed programmes, including interacting with rays 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 an advocate for 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 in 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 scenery that combines the surrounding mountains with the city's technological development.

During the flight, which usually lasts approximately 30 minutes, the natural wonders of the region will take centre stage. From above you'll be able to see the popular Stanley Park, a lush green lung stretching out to the ocean. You'll also see the islands that make up British Columbia and the contrast of modern architecture with the suspension bridges that span the Fraser and Capilano Rivers.

The seaplane tour is not only a scenic 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 who will tell you about the history of this destination and its importance as a connecting point between the United States and Canada.

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

For a different kind of experience in one of Vancouver's best displays, visit the Police Museum and Archives, an exhibition that takes you on a journey through the city's history of crime, through galleries of real evidence and the study of scientific and forensic investigation techniques.

In this museum you will also find an exhibition of firearms and an exhibition of cars and motorbikes used by the local police throughout its history. In the basement of the exhibition you can also find a recreation of the forensic morgue and the real calabazos used at the beginning of the 20th century, as the museum is located in a building that belonged to a Criminal Court of Instruction in the city.

The Vancouver Police Archives and Museum is a fun way to learn about more than 20,000 items related to local criminal history, from photographs and publications to counterfeit coins and homemade weaponry.

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

Granville Island's significance 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 creative retail outlets. The market, in particular, is a reflection of the region's gastronomic diversity, which is why it's often included on Vancouver's best city tours.

Touring the Granville Island Market is not only an opportunity to have lunch or take a break between excursions, but also to immerse yourself in Vancouver's arts and culture scene. Here you can also find craft stalls, enjoy live performances and admire local art, which fuses the area's rich industrial heritage with contemporary expressions.

If you're looking for a different experience during your trip to Vancouver, you could opt for a boat tour of Howe Sound Fjord. This fjord, set 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 can take in panoramic views of the forested coastal mountains and calm waters that reflect the surroundings.

Howe Sound Fjord is a natural gem on the city's doors tep and is an integral part of the region's coastal landscape. During the boat ride, you may have the opportunity to experience a whale watching experience in Vancouver, and you may even see seals and seabirds, bringing you face to face with the wildlife that inhabits this area.

In addition to the wilderness, 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 tinge to the experience, allowing visitors to connect with the maritime history and local culture, which have been closely linked since the time of the English Crown.

Chinatown is one of Vancouver's most popular neighbourhoods and in addition to oriental food stalls and shops selling Chinese crafts, ornaments and gifts, you can visit the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Garden, named after the first president of the People's Republic of China, which is considered one of the finest urban gardens in the world.

The Dr. Sun Yat-Sae Garden is also a natural haven with tranquil paths, pagodas, koi fish and sea turtle ponds. During your visit you can not only wander the gardens and relax on the strategically placed seating along the pathways, but also learn about the history of the site and its importance as a meeting place for the Chinese community.

Vancouver's Bloedel Floral Conservatory is a botanical haven in Queen Elizabeth Park that is 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 each corner of the conservatory reveals a unique spectacle of flowers, tropical plants and native foliage.

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

The conservatory dome, on the other hand, creates a controlled environment that allows tropical and sub-tropical plants to flourish all 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 tour the Dr Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden in Chinatown or even take a full-day trip to Victoria and Butchart Gardens.

The Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver is a cultural treasure trove that offers a deep dive 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 hark back to the origins of local culture.

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

In addition to static exhibits, the Museum of Anthropology also offers events and interactive programs 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.