Vancouver the beautiful city

Vancouver, located in the beautiful and rugged province of British Columbia, is a city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a nature lover, outdoor enthusiast, wanting to explore cultural attractions, or a night on the town, Vancouver has plenty of activities and attractions to keep you busy and entertained. Here are some of the best things to do in this amazing city!

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Language: English

Currency: Canadian Dollar

Best time to visit

There is no bad time to visit Vancouver, as the city has something to offer everyone. However, if you’re looking for the best time to experience all that Vancouver has to offer, we would recommend visiting between May and September when the weather is warm and sunny. Of course, there are always exceptions to this rule depending on what you’re interested in and if you are interested in doing winter activities, but generally speaking, these months offer the best weather and most activities.

Getting around Vancouver

Once you’re in the city, getting around is easy. Vancouver has a great public transportation system, which includes buses, the SkyTrain. If you prefer to explore on your own two feet, the city center is relatively compact and easy to walk around.

Where to stay

There is a large amount of accommodation throughout Vancouver. If you are looking to stay you can book here with Booking.com

If you like staying in Hostels, you can book your hostel here with HostelWorldwide. Hostels are a great way to meet other travelers and if you are traveling alone, great to meet a travel buddy to explore Vancouver.

Explore Stanley Park and take a stroll on the Seawall

Stanley Park is an over 4km park located in the heart of downtown Vancouver. It’s one of the city’s top tourist destinations, and for good reason – with so much to see and do, you could easily spend a day (or more) here!

The lush parkland is a beautiful place to wander, with plenty of gardens, nature trails, and wildlife to see along the way. There are also plenty of places to eat and drink, as well as plenty of activities for kids.

Highlights include the Stanley Park Seawall (a 10 km path that circles the park), the Vancouver Aquarium, and the Totem Poles, other highlights of Stanley Park is its many beaches – including Second Beach, Third Beach, and English Bay Beach – which is perfect for a summer day spent swimming and sunbathing.

The seawall is a great place to rent a bike and ride around and take in the views. Check out Spokes Bicycle rentals to rent a bike. 

Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery

The Vancouver Art Gallery is one of the city’s top cultural attractions and is home to a vast collection of Canadian and international art. The gallery is located in the heart of downtown, in a beautiful neoclassical building that was completed in 1928.

The Vancouver Art Gallery has a rich and varied collection, with something to interest everyone. Some of the highlights include the massive installation entitled “Eternal Egypt”, as well as works by iconic Canadian artists such as Emily Carr and Tom Thomson. There are also frequently rotating exhibits, which means that there’s always something new to see at the gallery.

Experience the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a must-see for any visitor to Vancouver and is one of my favorite memories of my visit to Vancouver.

The bridge, which spans the Capilano River, is 470 feet long and 230 feet high, making it one of the longest and highest suspension bridges in North America.

The park also includes a number of other attractions, including a Cliffwalk (a walkway that clings to the side of a cliff), a treetop walk, and a salmon hatchery.

The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a fun and exciting place to visit and is perfect for anyone looking for an adrenaline rush. Admission prices start at $59.95 adult and cheaper for kids depending on ages, and the park is open year-round (although hours vary depending on the season).

For those looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a must.

See marine life up close at the Vancouver Aquarium

The Vancouver Aquarium is one of the world’s leading aquariums with over 65,000 animals to immerse yourself in. The aquarium is home to a vast array of marine life, including whales, dolphins, sharks, and sea lions.

There are also a number of exhibits that focus on specific regions of the world, such as the Amazon River and the Arctic. The Aquarium is a great place to learn about marine life and is perfect for kids and adults alike.

Admission prices are $42.00 adult and cheaper for kids $26.25 3 years-12 years of age. The aquarium is open year-round. 

Ride the Sea to sky gondola

If you’re looking for a breathtaking view of Vancouver and the surrounding area, look no further than the Sea to Sky Gondola. The gondola ride takes passengers from Squamish, a small town just north of Vancouver, to the summit of Mount Garibaldi, where they can enjoy stunning panoramic views of Howe Sound, the Coast Mountains, and Vancouver.

The ride itself is an adventure, with passengers traveling in floor-to-ceiling glass gondolas that offer amazing views of the surrounding landscape.

The journey to the summit takes about 10 minutes, and once there passengers can explore a number of trails that lead through alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks and have access to the suspension bridge.

There’s also a restaurant at the summit serving up amazing views along with a delicious meal. Prices start at $55.95 adult and price varies depending on your child’s age, 5 years and under are free.

Getting to the gondola is about a 45-minute scenic drive from Vancouver, if you don’t have access to a car, doing a tour may be an option for you. 

Check out the views from Lions Gate Bridge

The Lions Gate Bridge is one of Vancouver’s most iconic landmarks and offers stunning views of the city and its surrounding area. The bridge, which was completed in 1938, spans the Burrard Inlet and is a popular spot for locals and visitors to take in the incredible views.

The bridge is over 1.8 miles long and reaches a height of over 300 feet. It’s one of the longest suspension bridges in North America and can be seen from many points in the city. The best time to visit the bridge is during sunset or sunrise when the views are at their most beautiful. 

Visit the Museum of Anthropology

The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of Vancouver’s top cultural attractions. The museum is home to a world-class collection of First Nations art and artifacts, as well as exhibits on cultures from around the world.

The MOA is also well known for its impressive architecture; the building was designed by renowned Canadian architect Arthur Erickson and has been called “one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.” If you’re interested in history, culture, and art, be sure to visit the Museum of Anthropology during your time in Vancouver!

Marvel at the architecture of the Vancouver Convention Centre

The Vancouver Convention Centre is an impressive structure that is sure to impress. The centre, which was completed in 2009, is the largest convention centre in Canada and was designed by Canadian architect Moshe Safdie.

The centre is made up of two curved glass towers that stand out against the skyline of Vancouver. The towers are connected by a suspended walkway that offers stunning views of the city and its surroundings.

The convention centre is a popular spot for weddings and other special events, including events such as the Vancouver travel expo and more, its architecture is sure to impress people from around the world.

Have a picnic in the beautiful Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is a beautiful garden that is located in the Chinatown district of Vancouver. The garden, which was completed in 1986, was designed to reflect the traditional gardens of China.

The garden is home to a variety of plants and trees, as well as a number of ponds and bridges. It’s a great place to relax and take in the beauty of nature. The garden is also home to a number of statues and other architectural features that reflect Chinese culture. Admission to this garden is free.

Explore the Richmond night market

If you’re looking for a night out on the town, check out the Richmond Night Market. The night market is one of the largest in Canada and offers a variety of food, shopping, and entertainment, it’s a great place to find delicious food and unique gifts.

The market is a great place to explore different cultures, as it features food and goods from around the world. There’s also a wide variety of entertainment available, including music performances, circus acts, and martial arts demonstrations.

The market is located in Richmond, a suburb of Vancouver, and is easily accessible by public transport or car.

Take a ferry to Granville Island

Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Granville Island is a popular spot for locals and visitors. The island is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and arts and entertainment venues, as well as a large market that sells fresh produce and other goods.

Granville Island is also home to the Granville Island Brewery, which is a popular spot for sampling local beer. The island is a great place to explore different cultures, as it features businesses from around the world, including music performances and theatre productions.

There are many different options to get to Granville Island from downtown Vancouver, either by car, bus, walking, cycling, or jumping on a ferry with Aquabus or by False Creek Ferry. The ferry is a great way to see the city skyline.  

Explore Chinatown and Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighborhoods

Chinatown and Gastown are two of the oldest neighborhoods in Vancouver. Chinatown is located in the downtown core of the city and is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Gastown is also located in the downtown core and is home to a number of shops, restaurants, and nightlife venues.

Gastown is also home to the Gastown steam clock, which is a popular tourist attraction. The clock, which was built in 1977, is a working clock that emits steam from its chimney. The clock is located on Water Street in Gastown and is easily accessible by public transport or foot.

The neighborhood is also home to the Steamworks Brewery, which is a popular spot for sampling local beer.

Shop at Pacific Centre Mall

Pacific Centre Mall is a large shopping mall in the downtown core of Vancouver. The mall, which was completed in 1971, is home to a variety of stores, including luxury brands and department stores.

The mall also has many restaurants and food courts, as well as a movie theatre. It’s a great place to shop for clothing, accessories, and other goods. The mall is also home to a number of special events, including Christmas markets and fashion shows.

Visit the beautiful Coal Harbour neighborhood

Coal Harbour is a beautiful neighborhood in Vancouver that is located on the downtown waterfront. The neighborhood is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and other businesses.

Coal Harbour’s walking trail is a popular spot for taking a walk or jog. The trail offers stunning views of the harbor and its surroundings, you can also rent a boat and get a stunning view from the water. The neighborhood also has the BC Place Stadium, which is a popular spot for attending events such as football games and concerts.

See a Canucks hockey game

If you’re a fan of hockey, then you won’t want to miss a Canucks game while in Vancouver. The Canucks are the professional hockey team for Vancouver and play their home games at the BC Place Stadium. The stadium is also home to the BC Lions, which are the professional football team for Vancouver.

Check out one of British Columbia’s most beautiful beaches – Wreck Beach

Wreck Beach is a secluded beach located in the University of British Columbia Endowment Lands. The beach is only accessible by foot or by boat and is home to a number of nude beaches.

The beach is known for its stunning views of the Vancouver skyline and its rugged coastline. It’s also a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the area’s natural beauty.

Enjoy views from Grouse Mountain

Grouse Mountain is a popular tourist attraction in Vancouver that is home to a variety of attractions, including the Grouse Mountain Skyride. The Skyride is a cable car that takes visitors from the base of the mountain to the top, where they can enjoy stunning views of the city and its surroundings.

The mountain is also home to the Grouse Grind, which is a hiking trail that takes visitors up the side of the mountain. The Grind is a challenging hike, but the views from the top are well worth it. Grouse Mountain is also has a number of other attractions, including a wildlife refuge, ziplining, and a mountaintop restaurant. 

Head to Grouse Mountain for a winter wonderland experience

If you’re looking for a winter wonderland experience, then head to Grouse Mountain. Grouse Mountain is a ski resort that offers a variety of winter activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. 

From the lush and green Stanley Park to the vibrant downtown core, Vancouver is a city that has something for everyone. If you’re looking for amazing natural attractions, outdoor activities, or are more interested in cultural experiences, there are plenty of places to explore and if you’re looking for a night in the town, Vancouver’s diverse array of restaurants and bars will not disappoint! No matter what your interests are, Vancouver is definitely worth a visit, you’ll never be bored in this beautiful Canadian city.

Have you been to Vancouver, I would love to hear about your trip?