There are so many things to do in Vancouver and we’re excited to share all of our insider knowledge having lived in the city for some time now!
Perched on the west coast of Canada along the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is the largest city in British Columbia, with mountains, forests and ocean all within easy reach of downtown. This is a city where you can relax on the beach in the morning and end the day skiing in the mountains – if you time your trip just right. Or spend a day exploring different neighbourhoods, shopping and dining and then switch it up the next day and go hiking in the mountains.
If you’re heading to Vancouver and wondering how to fill your time, this locals guide will help you make the most of your visit!
Best things to do in Vancouver
Visit Stanley Park
Stanley Park is one of the greatest urban parks in the world. If you’re visiting Vancouver for the first time, this is one spot you absolutely have to make time for.
Go for a bike ride around Stanley Park
There’s no better way to explore Stanley Park than by biking along the seawall, a scenic 9 km ocean path that wraps around the shoreline of the park. As you ride, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views – water and city views on one side, towering old growth forest of Stanley Park on the other. You’ll see mountains, pass under the iconic Lions Gate Bridge and even have a chance to stop at two beaches along the way.
The seawall is completely flat and there’s a separate path for pedestrians so you don’t have to worry about getting in someone’s way. Just be aware that the bike path is strictly one way! You can only travel from Coal Harbour to English Bay and not the other way round. Make sure you’re not ‘that’ person going the opposite direction 🙂
You can rent a bike through Vancouver’s bike sharing system or from one of the rental shops along Denman Street. If you’d prefer a guided tour, you can book one through GetYourGuide.
Walk the Stanley Park seawall
If biking isn’t your thing, walk a section of the seawall instead! The eastern part starting in Coal Harbour will give you coastal views of Vancouver Harbour, the North Shore Mountains and the narrows under the Lions Gate Bridge. Look out for the giant yellow hills of sulfur on the other side of the peninsula and make sure to stop at the First Nations totem poles. The western side of the seawall faces away from the city and has sandy beaches (it’s not Hawaii but still nice). Start in English Bay or the Second Beach and work your way to the Third Beach. The Third Beach has washrooms, a concession stand and changing room facilities.
Take a stroll through Stanley Park old-growth forest
To access the forest, you’ll need to leave the seawall. There are over 27 km of trails winding through the park! Our favourite is Beaver Lake with a lillypad-covered freshwater pond with a beaver dam. It’s just so tranquil and there are many opportunities to spot wildlife, especially water birds and squirrels. We like to start this short walk from the Rose Garden as it leads through a beautiful old-growth forest lined with Hemlock, Cedar and giant Douglas Fir trees.
If you like gardens, don’t miss the rose gardens near Lost Lagoon and the rhododendron gardens by the second beach.
For views of Lions Gate Bridge and West Vancouver, head to the highest point of the park, the Prospect Point.
There are honestly no rules about how to see Stanley Park so you can create your own adventure. Every trail is on Google Maps and there are plenty of signs with maps throughout the park. But if you want to plan ahead, check out our Stanley Park guide and click here for a printable map of the park.
Catch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean
There’s no better way to close out a day in Vancouver than watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
English Bay is the most popular spot so expect big crowds of people here. Instead, we love the quieter Sunset Beach next door or a peaceful walk along the Stanley Park seawall from English Bay to Siwash Rock and back.
If you have a rental car, we have two other suggestions for you. For a stunning panoramic view of the city at sunset, go to Cypress Lookout. And for a more nature-oriented experience, visit Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver, a popular spot among locals. The hike to the lighthouse only takes about 10 minutes.
But this is Vancouver, so the BEST place to watch a sunset is from the top of a mountain. Dog Mountain, Pump Peak and St. Mark’s Summit are unbeatable if you’re willing to work a little harder for the view. Just know these are real hikes, not just a walk in the park!
Whatever you do, don’t miss a sunset in Vancouver. They are incredibly gorgeous!
Go across Falls Creek in a Water Taxi
A fun way to explore the False Creek area is by taking a water taxi from False Creek Ferries or Aquabus Ferries. When we first moved to Vancouver, we loved riding on these small powered boats, and honestly, we still do! The cityscape of Vancouver looks amazing from the water!
Below is a map of all False Creek Ferries stops. You can start at any of these stops to get to key places such as Science World, Granville Island, Sunset Beach, and even Kitsilano. If you want to make a day of it, consider getting an all-day adventure pass that allows you to hop on and off as much as you like. They also offer short sightseeing cruises.
Pro tip: The route from Hornby Street to Granville Island is a VERY short ride. Great for convenience but not for sightseeing. If you want to visit Granville Island and enjoy the ride, take a water taxi from Science World instead.
Stroll along the Vancouver Seawall
Did you know that Vancouver has the longest uninterrupted waterfront pathway in the world? It stretches over 25 km along the shoreline of downtown and offers unbeatable views of the waterfront, city and mountains. It conveniently links some of Vancouver’s most iconic spots – like Stanley Park, Granville Island, Science World, and English Bay – so you can soak in the views while effortlessly hopping between destinations.
We’ve already talked about the Stanley Park section of the Seawall, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a way of life here in Vancouver and we walk it pretty much every day. Here are 3 other sections of the Seawall that are worth your time:
- Quayside Marina to English Bay
- Science World to Granville Island
- Canada Place to Vancouver Rowing Club in Stanley Park
Whether you tackle the whole thing or just a section, the Seawall is an unforgettable way to see Vancouver.
Go hiking
Vancouver attracts many outdoorsy people and it’s easy to see why. Where else in the world can you access mountains within just 30 minutes from downtown? There is something here for everybody, from easy 2 hour hikes to hard ones which might take several hours to finish.
On the North Shore, our favorite moderate hikes with city views are Dog Mountain and Pump Peak. For breathtaking mountain views it’s Mount Seymour. And for ocean and island views it’s St. Mark’s Summit and Tunnel Bluffs.
Although hiking is easily one of the best things you can do in Vancouver, the North Shore Mountains are no joke. They may be close to the city, but just because you can see the city it does not mean it’s simple terrain to navigate. Even when it’s warm and sunny downtown, there could still be snow in the mountains – sometimes as late as June! What we’re trying to say is that these trails are not a walk in the park, so do your research and come prepared with proper footwear, clothing and gear.
Head to Cypress Lookout to see Vancouver from above
If you’re a fan of epic views over Vancouver, then head to Cypress Lookout. You will need a rental car for this one, as the lookout is halfway up Cypress Mountain and there’s no public transport. The views are spectacular, especially at sunrise and sunset. You can see ALL of Vancouver, the ocean, ships and high skyscrapers and even Vancouver Island in the distance. On a clear day, you might even see the snowy peak of Mount Baker located just across the border in Washington State, USA.
Spot wildlife in Lost Lagoon
Just outside the main entrance to Stanley Park, you’ll find Lost Lagoon, a large freshwater lake. Walking around the lake takes about 30 mins and the scenery is really special with the high-rise buildings of West End and Coal Harbour in the background.
You might spot turtles sunbathing on the rocks and see various water birds like blue herons, ducks and coots. If you’re lucky, you may also see eagles, river otters and racoons, though these sightings are less common. There are also two elusive beavers that live in Lost Lagoon, but we never managed to see them. Still, we saw trees with beaver marks, so we know they’re definitely around!
Admire the views from Canada Place and Jack Poole Plaza
If you’ve been following us for a while, then you might remember how quickly we fell in love with Vancouver when we first moved here. We were in awe of the city and its proximity to the ocean and the mountains. One place that made a huge impression on us was Canada Place and Jack Poole Plaza. The views of the harbour, mountains and city skyline honestly blew us away.
You’ll recognize Canada Place right away by its five distinctive white sails reminiscent of a ship. Watch seaplanes take off and land and then walk over to Jack Poole Plaza. Here you’ll find the Olympic cauldron from the 2010 Winter Olympics and other iconic art including a sculpture of a giant teardrop and an 8-meter digital orca that looks like a pixelated image. All of these spots make for great photo opportunities with the beautiful backdrop of mountains and blue ocean.
Visit in the evening and you’ll see the facade of Canada Place light up in different colours. Be sure to also peek through the window of the Convention Center next door to see the massive model of the Earth hanging from the ceiling. It looks really cool when it’s dark outside.
Try a Japadog
Japadog is an iconic Vancouver spot that began as a humble food truck back in 2005. The idea? Take a regular hot dog and give it a Japanese twist. You’ll find toppings here that you’d never expect on a hot dog, from teriyaki sauce and Japanese mayo to crunchy radish and even bonito flakes (yes, they make your hot dog smell like fish!). Their signature dog, the Kurobuta Terimayo (our favourite) is topped with teriyaki sauce, Japanese mayo and shredded seaweed. As vegetarians, we were pleasantly surprised to find an entire veggie menu available! It’s a fun, uniquely Vancouver treat to try at least once!
See grizzly bears on Grouse Mountain
If you want to see a bear when visiting Vancouver, head to the “peak of Vancouver” on Grouse Mountain. There you’ll find 2 adult grizzly bears called Grinder and Coola living in a five-acre wildlife refuge. Both bears were brought to the mountain as orphaned cubs in 2001 after being rescued from separate incidents. Coola’s mum was tragically hit by a truck on a highway and Grinder was found weak and underweight on a logging road.
You can see Grinder and Coola up close and personal from early spring into the fall until they go into hibernation. They are most active in the morning, but you can see them pretty much any time of the day.
Hit the beach
If you fancy a day at the beach, Vancouver has 9 different beaches to choose from. Of course, it’s not exactly Cancun or Hawaii. The ocean is ice cold and you might want to bring a sweater, but trust us – it’s entirely possible to have a pretty amazing beach day in Vancouver.
The easiest beach to get to is English Bay as it’s right next to Stanley Park. The views are nice but this spot is party central which is a bummer. If you don’t mind, it’s definitely worth a visit, especially at sunset.
Our favorite beaches are Kitsilano Beach, Jericho Beach and Third Beach. In the summer, we love to grab some lunch and a blanket and relax by the water for a couple of hours before getting on with our day. Whether you’re into swimming, sunbathing or just unwinding with a good book, going to the beach is one of the best things you can do in Vancouver without breaking the bank.
Visit filming locations
Vancouver is often called Hollywood North because so many big movies and TV shows are filmed here. We’ve seen film crews multiple times in Gastown and a couple of times in Coal Harbour. The coolest sighting was when they were filming season two of the The Last of Us in 2024. The zombie set looked incredible! So keep an eye out when you’re out and about – you might just stumble upon the set of the next big film!
Some popular filming locations you might recognize without having to go out of your way to find them:
- Lions Gate Bridge – remember the bridge collapse in Final Destination 5?
- Gastown & Fairmont Hotel were featured in Fifty Shades of Grey
- Georgia Viaduct is where the opening scene in the first Deadpool movie was filmed (though heavily enhanced with CGI). If you’re a fan of Deadpool, check out this cool video showing all filming locations.
Shop for food and local goodies on Granville Island
Granville Island is famous for its food market where you can get fresh local produce and gourmet foods. In the summer, it’s one of the busiest visitor spots in Vancouver. But if you don’t mind the crowds, there’s plenty to enjoy here, especially if you love food! Start by wandering through the market, then grab a delicious lunch from one of the food stalls. In the summer you can eat it outside at the marina while watching performances by buskers. After you’ve had your food, check out the unique shops with souvenirs, arts and crafts. There are also restaurants, distilleries (including a sake distillery), artist galleries and artisan workshops (like a glass-blowing workshop). There’s something for everyone, and it’s easy to lose track of time while browsing.
Personal recommendations:
- Our favourite way to get to Granville Island is by walking along the seawall and then riding the water taxi back to the other side of False Creek.
- This might be an odd one, but Anna is obsessed with Hobb’s Pickles and they happen to have a stand on Granville Island where you can try different flavours!
Granville Island is often recommended as one of the best free things to do in Vancouver, but we feel that calling it ‘free’ is somewhat misleading. Sure, the market is free to enter, but with so many delicious food options available it’s hard not to bust open your wallet.
Walk through a fairytale forest during the Holidays
While we admit the Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of the most touristy destinations in Vancouver, it transforms into a magical place during the Holidays. More than a million fairy lights illuminate the trees and the suspension bridge. Exploring the park is a beautiful experience you shouldn’t miss out on, unless you really hate crowds! If you decide to visit, come at sunset to enjoy the park in the fading light. Then enjoy the beauty of the lights once it’s completely dark.
Spend a day in Deep Cove
If you’re looking to spend a day in nature, head to Deep Cove on Vancouver’s North Shore. It’s a great showcase of Vancouver’s best scenery – mountains, water, and forest – all within an easy day trip.
If you’re up for some activity, start with the Quarry Rock hike. The trail winds through a dense forest of hemlock and Douglas fir and leads to a large rock with panoramic views of the Indian Arm inlet and surrounding mountains. The terrain is a mix of natural paths, wooden bridges and a fair number of stairs so keep that in mind. Once you reach Quarry Rock, take a break, enjoy your snacks and take in the views. It’s a rewarding hike but it won’t give you that ‘lost in nature’ feeling as it’s always busy. Plan for about 1.5 – 2 hours for the round trip.
If hiking isn’t your thing, get out on the water instead. Kayaking, canoeing or paddleboarding are all great ways to explore the inlet. Keep an eye out for seals, jellyfish and plenty of birds while you paddle through the calm waters.
Once you’re done with your activities, hang out on the grass or explore the shops and cafes on the main street. Treat yourself to some ice cream and don’t leave without trying a doughnut from Honey’s Doughnuts. These are hands-down some of the best traditional doughnuts in Vancouver.
Top tip: Deep Cove is beautiful but it gets busy quickly and parking is often a problem. Instead of driving, take a bus from downtown Vancouver to Phibbs Exchange, then transfer to bus #212. It will drop you right in the heart of Deep Cove.
Visit Lynn Canyon Park (cross the suspension bridge, take a cold dip in 30 foot pool and enjoy the forest and waterfalls)
Lynn Canyon in North Vancouver is a beautiful forest with a suspension bridge, hiking trails, waterfalls and a 30 feet natural swimming pool with crystal clear water – a perfect setting for a memorable day out in nature.
You can spend just 30 minutes here or a few hours. If you park at the Suspension Bridge Parking Lot you’ll find the 30 foot pool and suspension bridge right at the start of the trail. If you want to hike, continue on the Lynn Canyon Loop which will eventually lead you to Twin Falls. While the hike is not treacherous, there are a lot of stairs to climb so be ready for a bit of a workout!
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can go swimming in the clear waters of the 30 foot pool. It’s one of Vancouver’s best swimming holes but be warned, the water is very chilly! Still, swimming here is definitely a great memory!
Good to know: Lynn Canyon Park is a great alternative to the Capilano Suspension Bridge if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option. That said, the suspension bridge is much shorter (40 metres compared to 137 m in Capilano). There is no entrance fee but parking isn’t free, or you can take a bus to get there. Head here for more information to plan your visit.
Best way to explore Vancouver – on foot or by car?
Surprisingly, the downtown core isn’t as big as you might expect so it’s easy to explore on foot! With it being only about 5.7 sq km, you could walk from one end to the other in less than an hour without stopping. If you REALLY don’t like walking or want to leave the downtown area, you can hop on a bus, an Aqua Bus, or the Skytrain to get around.
- buses and Skytrain are run by the same company: Translink. The SkyTrain serves the major suburbs, the airport (Canada Line) and has multiple stops downtown. A day pass is just $11.50 (last checked in 2024) so it’s very affordable
- Translink also runs the SeaBus, a passenger ferry connecting downtown Vancouver with Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver
- a fun way to get around the southern shore of downtown or cross False Creek for Granville Island, the Olympic Village and even Kitsilano is by a water taxi from AquaBus or False Creek Ferries.
- you can use a free shuttle to get to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
- if you’re Canadian, you can use Evo Car Share, but it requires a membership. You can technically also use it if you’re from outside of Canada, but it requires proving your insurance history which isn’t always easy
- and yes, there is also Uber!
As you can see there are many options to explore Vancouver. We wouldn’t recommend renting a car for your entire stay, especially if you’re a budget traveler. Instead, just rent it for those few days when you need it.
However, if you’re hoping to go hiking or skiing in the mountains, you will most certainly need a car. You will also need to rent a car to get to places further afield such as the Sea to Sky Gondola or Whistler.
