40 Best Things to Do in Vancouver (2025 Guide for Canada & U.S. Travelers)

In search of one of the best issues to do in Vancouver? Whether or not you’re right here for a weekend or planning a full West Coast itinerary, this metropolis blends oceanfront journey, mountain magnificence, and cultural depth like nowhere else in Canada. As former Vancouver residents, we’ve explored each nook of this coastal gem, from biking round Stanley Park to catching sunsets at English Bay, and we’re sharing our high picks so you’ll be able to expertise the perfect of it.

This up to date 2025 Vancouver journey information options the highest points of interest, native favorites, household actions, day journeys, and hidden gems. Whether or not you’re touring solo, as a pair, or with youngsters, we’ve obtained insider suggestions, maps, and must-sees to make your journey unforgettable.

Able to dive in? Right here’s what to do in Vancouver, Canada.

High Issues to Do in Vancouver, At a Look

High 10 Issues to Do in Vancouver

Brief on time? These are one of the best issues to do in Vancouver, BC, that showcase the town’s pure magnificence, cultural hotspots, and must-see landmarks.

1. Stroll or Cycle the Stanley Park Seawall

Begin your Vancouver journey with a motorcycle experience or stroll alongside the Stanley Park Seawall. This iconic 9-kilometre path wraps across the metropolis’s beloved inexperienced area, providing unbeatable views of the skyline, mountains, and ocean. Lease a motorcycle or be part of a biking tour to discover the park’s high points of interest, together with the totem poles and the Vancouver Aquarium.

2. Go to Granville Island Public Market

A should for meals lovers, Granville Island Public Market is filled with contemporary seafood, baked items, and artisan cheeses. Browse native crafts, snack on the go, and catch a view of False Creek from the dock.

3. Experience the Grouse Mountain Skyride in North Vancouver

Hop on the Skyride gondola to succeed in Grouse Mountain’s summit. In summer season, you’ll be able to hike the Grouse Grind. In winter, the mountain transforms right into a snowy playground with snowboarding, snowshoeing, and twinkling lights, simply quarter-hour from downtown Vancouver.

4. Discover Gastown’s Historic Allure

Cobblestone streets, Victorian buildings, and the well-known Steam Clock give Gastown its old-world really feel. Store for souvenirs, sip cocktails in heritage bars, and take a guided strolling tour to study the neighborhood’s wild backstory.

5. Snap Pictures at Capilano Suspension Bridge

The 137-metre Capilano Suspension Bridge helps you to stroll excessive above the river valley. Arrive early to beat the crowds, then discover the Cliffwalk and treetop trails

6. Cruise Round False Creek

Board a False Creek Ferry from downtown Vancouver or hire a kayak to discover this scenic inlet. You’ll move Science World, Olympic Village, and a few of the finest views of the Vancouver skyline.

7. Watch a Vancouver Canucks Recreation

Even should you’re not a hockey fan, the vitality at Rogers Enviornment is infectious. Seize a ticket throughout NHL season and cheer on the Canucks with the locals.

8. Uncover Chinatown

Vancouver’s Chinatown is one in every of North America’s oldest and largest. After dim sum, wander by natural retailers and go to the peaceable Dr. Solar Yat-Sen Classical Chinese language Backyard—an city oasis impressed by the Ming Dynasty.

9. Sundown at English Bay Seaside

This metropolis seashore is the right spot for a late-day stroll, seashore volleyball, or a picnic with mountain views. When you’re visiting in summer season, catch the Celebration of Mild fireworks present right here.

10. Take a Whale-Watching Tour

From March to October, hop on a ship tour to see orcas, humpbacks, and grey whales off the coast of British Columbia. Excursions depart proper from downtown and provide a spectacular take a look at the wild facet of Vancouver.

Discover Vancouver’s Neighborhoods & Native Points of interest

Among the best issues about Vancouver is how simply you’ll be able to hop from mountain trails to craft breweries to waterfront artwork scenes—multi functional afternoon. These neighborhoods showcase the range and character that make Vancouver so memorable.

False Creek

This scenic inlet cuts by downtown Vancouver and is residence to a few of the metropolis’s most enjoyable actions. Stroll or cycle alongside the Seawall, take a False Creek Ferry between Granville Island and Science World, or get pleasure from a 90-minute boat tour to see resident seals, sandy seashores, and Lions Gate Bridge.

Olympic Village

As soon as residence to athletes through the 2010 Winter Olympics, this sustainable neighborhood is now a neighborhood favourite. You’ll discover top-rated eating places like The Flying Pig and breweries like Brassneck and Predominant Avenue Brewing. Don’t miss the general public artwork installations and beautiful metropolis views alongside the water.

Yaletown

Stylish and upscale, Yaletown is filled with boutique retailers, patios, and a buzzing nightlife. It’s additionally an incredible base for exploring downtown Vancouver. Be a part of a guided bike tour by Yaletown, Chinatown, and the serene Dr. Solar Yat-Sen Backyard—a straightforward approach to hit a number of Vancouver points of interest in a single experience.

Granville Island (Sure, Once more!)

This vibrant arts district deserves one other point out, as a result of there’s extra than simply the market. Catch a present at one of many native theatres, browse the artisan galleries, or seize a pint at Granville Island Brewing. It’s among the finest issues to do at this time in Vancouver should you’re brief on time however desire a true native vibe.

The place to Keep in These Neighborhoods

• Yaletown: Opus Vancouver – A classy boutique resort with walkable entry to retailers, eating places, and the waterfront.
• Close to Granville Island: Granville Island Hotel – Tucked proper on the water with views of False Creek.
• Downtown Core: Fairmont Pacific Rim – Excessive-tech luxurious with rooftop views steps from Canada Place.

Household-Pleasant & Cultural Issues to Do in Vancouver

Whether or not you’re touring with youngsters or simply need to discover the town’s museums and interactive points of interest, Vancouver has loads of hands-on experiences and culture-forward gems.

Science World at Telus World of Science

You’ll be able to’t miss the large geodesic dome on False Creek—it’s residence to one of the crucial enjoyable issues to do in Vancouver with youngsters. Inside, Science World options over a dozen interactive displays on movement, biology, water, and innovation. Cap it off with a movie on the five-story OMNIMAX Theatre—the biggest of its type on the planet.

Vancouver Artwork Gallery

Proper in downtown Vancouver, this main Canadian artwork establishment blends Indigenous and modern exhibitions with immersive occasions. Take a guided tour to dive deeper into the tales behind the work, or simply soak all of it in earlier than stress-free on the bistro patio subsequent to Robson Sq..

Vancouver Maritime Museum

Overlooking English Bay, this museum shares tales of seafaring life, Arctic exploration, and West Coast maritime historical past. A standout is the St. Roch, the primary vessel to circumnavigate North America. Hop aboard and picture navigating the Northwest Passage below sail.

Museum of Vancouver

Devoted to the town’s evolving story, the Museum of Vancouver covers all the pieces from Coast Salish traditions to Nineteen Sixties counterculture. Situated in Vanier Park, it’s excellent to pair with a cease at Kitsilano Seaside or a stroll alongside the seawall.

Dr. Solar Yat-Sen Classical Chinese language Backyard

A peaceable retreat within the coronary heart of Chinatown, this genuine Ming Dynasty-style backyard options ponds, pathways, and sculpted rock. It’s one of the crucial distinctive cultural actions in Vancouver—and a photographer’s dream.

Christ Church Cathedral

Even should you’re not spiritual, this downtown landmark is value a go to. In-built 1889, it’s a mixture of Gothic Revival and Romanesque structure, with hovering bell towers and good stained-glass home windows. Quiet and exquisite, it’s a fast detour into Vancouver’s historic roots.

Nature & Parks: Vancouver’s Nice Outdoor

Out of doors lovers, that is your playground. One of many high causes to go to Vancouver is its pure setting, the place ocean, forest, and mountain meet. From peaceable metropolis gardens to heart-pumping hikes, these are one of the best out of doors issues to do in Vancouver.

Stanley Park

This 1,000-acre city forest is greater than only a park—it’s the inexperienced coronary heart of the town. Stroll or bike the Stanley Park Seawall, go to the totem poles, or pop into the Vancouver Aquarium. In summer season, hit the out of doors pool. In spring, stroll beneath the cherry blossoms. Stanley Park is likely one of the finest free issues to do in Vancouver BC, and it’s simply minutes from downtown.

Don’t Miss: Totem Poles Viewpoint, the Rose Backyard, Beaver Lake Path, and a motorcycle rental to circle your entire seawall.

Queen Elizabeth Park

Vancouver’s highest level delivers panoramic views of the town and North Shore Mountains. This 130-acre park is thought for its lush Quarry Backyard, arboretum, and the tropical Bloedel Conservatory, residence to unique birds and tropical vegetation beneath a glowing geodesic dome. Bonus: it’s one of many high sundown spots within the metropolis.

VanDusen Botanical Backyard

For one thing extra tranquil, VanDusen is a 55-acre oasis in the course of Vancouver. With over 7,000 plant species, peaceable strolling paths, and seasonal festivals just like the winter Pageant of Lights, it’s a favourite for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Grouse Mountain

Simply quarter-hour from downtown, Grouse Mountain is your go-to for year-round journey. In hotter months, problem your self on the Grouse Grind or take the Skyride gondola for scenic views. In winter, there’s snowboarding, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and visits with rescued grizzly bears. It’s one of many high issues to do close to Vancouver, BC.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Vancouver’s most well-known bridge isn’t only a bucket checklist photograph; it’s a whole rainforest expertise. The Capilano Suspension Bridge stretches 137 meters (450 toes) throughout and hovers 70 meters (230 toes) above the Capilano River.

However there’s extra: discover the Cliffwalk, a collection of slim bridges clinging to the canyon wall, and the Treetops Journey, a community of platforms excessive within the cover. Open year-round with free shuttles from downtown, this iconic attraction delivers the right mixture of thrill and tranquility.

Journey Tip: Arrive early or late within the day to keep away from the height crowds and catch one of the best mild for images.

Lynn Canyon Park

Need a quieter different to Capilano? Head to Lynn Canyon for a free suspension bridge, forest trails, waterfalls, and swimming holes. It’s a neighborhood favourite, excellent for a half-day escape into Vancouver’s wild facet.

Nightlife & Seasonal Issues to Do in Vancouver

From live shows to cruises, Vancouver is aware of the way to showcase after darkish—and in each season. Whether or not you’re chasing summer season sunsets or winter ski runs, listed here are a few of the most enjoyable issues to do in Vancouver at this time (or tonight).

Catch a Live performance on the Commodore Ballroom

A staple on Granville Avenue, the Commodore Ballroom has hosted everybody from David Bowie to Nirvana. The venue is intimate, historic, and alive with vitality. When you’re questioning what to do in Vancouver at night time, that is it. Test the lineup, you by no means know who is likely to be taking part in.

Richmond Evening Market

Simply 20 minutes south of downtown, this summer season and fall market is a sensory overload in one of the simplest ways. Assume neon lights, over 200 meals distributors, carnival video games, and cultural performances. Come hungry and produce money, that is the place you’ll discover one of the best road eats within the area.

Take a Sundown Dinner Cruise

When you’re in search of a calming night exercise in Vancouver, hop aboard a sundown cruise. As you sail previous the skyline, West Vancouver mansions, and the North Shore Mountains, get pleasure from a buffet dinner with stay music. Golden hour views don’t get higher than this.

Guide it: This sunset cruise gives a full dinner, music, and panoramic views from the water.

English Bay Polar Bear Swim

Mark your calendar: January 1, 2025, would be the one hundred and fifth annual Polar Bear Swim at English Bay, and sure, it’s nonetheless completely bonkers.

The primary plunge occurs at 2:30 PM, with 1000’s of swimmers and tens of 1000’s of cheering spectators. The free occasion runs from 12 PM to 4 PM, with stay music, costume contests, and sizzling chocolate for courageous souls. It’s simply one of the crucial distinctive and enjoyable issues to do in Vancouver in winter, even should you keep dry.

? Native Tip: Register on-line to get your official swim tag and bragging rights. Or simply present up and cheer from the seawall.

Indoor Points of interest, Museums & Metropolis Views

When the skies open up (as they typically do in Vancouver), head inside to find the town’s vibrant historical past, artwork, and structure, from 360° viewpoints to Indigenous tradition and basic museums.

Vancouver Lookout

Need to see all of Vancouver in a single view? Head to the Vancouver Lookout at Harbour Centre. This 360-degree commentary deck stands 168 meters (553 toes) tall and is accessible through a smooth glass elevator.

From right here, you’ll spot Stanley Park, English Bay, the North Shore Mountains, and past. It’s an incredible orientation cease initially of your journey, or a sundown vacation spot to wrap up your Vancouver journey in model.

Accessibility: Absolutely wheelchair-friendly, with vast doorways and accessible washrooms on website.

Museum of Anthropology (UBC)

The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) reopened in June 2024 after an intensive seismic improve, and it’s much more spectacular than earlier than. Situated at UBC, this cultural landmark stays one of the crucial significant issues to do in Vancouver for these searching for perception into Indigenous artwork and heritage.

Step into the dramatically redesigned Nice Corridor to view towering totem poles, carvings, and ceremonial objects from the Northwest Coast First Nations. The encircling grounds and rose gardens nonetheless provide panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and coastal mountains, making this a high decide rain or shine.

Tip: Pair your go to with a stroll by UBC’s botanical gardens or right down to Wreck Seaside for a full day on campus.

Museum of Vancouver

Situated in Vanier Park close to Kitsilano, this museum takes you from the town’s Indigenous roots by its countercultural previous and into modern-day Vancouver. The displays are quirky, immersive, and uniquely native. Nice combo with the Vancouver Maritime Museum and H.R. MacMillan Area Centre close by.

Vancouver Seashores & Waterfront Escapes

Vancouver’s city seashores are as iconic as its mountains. Whether or not you’re sunbathing, biking the seawall, or catching sundown over the Pacific, these waterfront spots provide a few of the finest issues to do in Vancouver at this time, particularly when the solar’s out.

English Bay Seaside

Proper on the fringe of downtown and the West Finish, English Bay is Vancouver’s most accessible seashore. Locals come right here to rollerblade, picnic, or simply chill out below large bushes with a view of the mountains. In July, it’s the primary stage for the Celebration of Mild fireworks pageant. Courageous sufficient? Or take our recommendation from above and be part of the Polar Bear Swim right here each New Yr’s Day.

Private be aware: We used to stay close by and referred to as it “First Seaside.” This was our go-to sundown spot.

Kitsilano Seaside

Simply throughout the water from downtown, Kits Seaside is laid-back and filled with vitality. You’ll discover volleyball courts, a large out of doors pool (heated and proper on the water), and close by cafés for a beachy brunch. It’s a high decide for enjoyable issues to do in Vancouver BC throughout summer season.

Spanish Banks

Additional west alongside the waterfront, Spanish Banks is quieter and extra unfold out. Nice for beachcombing at low tide, flying a kite, or strolling your canine within the off-leash areas. On clear days, you’ll see all the best way throughout to Vancouver Island.

Wreck Seaside

This famously clothing-optional seashore close to UBC will not be for the shy, however it’s obtained severe chill vibes. With steep stairs main down and 0 commercialization, it’s one of the crucial pure stretches of shoreline close to Vancouver. Count on drum circles, physique positivity, and jaw-dropping sunsets.

? Enjoyable truth: Wreck Seaside typically hosts artwork reveals, seashore cleanups, and even stay music. It’s a complete scene.

Greatest Day Journeys from Vancouver

Among the best components about visiting Vancouver? You’re only a brief drive or ferry away from mountain adventures, ocean escapes, and a few of British Columbia’s most iconic surroundings. These day trips from Vancouver are straightforward, unforgettable, and properly value the additional time.

Sea to Sky Freeway

When you’re questioning what to do close to Vancouver that can utterly blow your thoughts, that is it. The Sea to Sky Highway (Freeway 99) runs from Vancouver to Whistler and is likely one of the most lovely highway journeys in Canada. Cease at waterfalls, lookouts, and Indigenous heritage websites alongside the best way.

Should-see stops:

• Shannon Falls
• Britannia Mine Museum
• Sea to Sky Gondola
• Squamish (hiya, rock climbers!)

? Tip: Attempt to spend an evening in Squamish. It’s change into a real journey city.

Whistler

A world-class ski resort in winter and a mountaineering, biking, and patio paradise in summer season, Whistler is simply two hours from downtown Vancouver. Experience the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, zipline by the bushes, or try the Olympic Village.

Fast journey? Sure, it’s doable in a day—however should you can, keep in a single day.

Vancouver Island & Victoria

Hop on a ferry or seaplane and escape to Vancouver Island. You’ll be able to go to in a day, however it’s finest explored over a weekend. Highlights embody:

• Victoria: Charming capital metropolis with English-style gardens and excessive tea
• Butchart Gardens: Probably the most gorgeous floral shows in Canada
• Tofino (should you keep longer): Surf, storm watch, and soak within the wild Pacific Coast

Tour possibility: This Victoria and Butchart Gardens day tour features a scenic ferry experience and guided stops.

Squamish

Typically overshadowed by Whistler, Squamish is a gem in its personal proper. Hike the Stawamus Chief, attempt whitewater rafting, or take the Sea to Sky Gondola to the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge. There’s even a brewery scene for post-hike pints.

Britannia Mine Museum

This one shocked us. What we anticipated to be a fast cease became a spotlight. Experience a practice into the historic copper mine, pan for gold, and take a look at the BOOM! Multimedia present—it’s far more thrilling than it sounds.

Whether or not you’re right here for a weekend or a full West Coast journey, navigating Vancouver is simple—and so is discovering a spot to remain that matches your model.

Attending to Downtown Vancouver

Most guests arrive at Vancouver Worldwide Airport (YVR), simply 9 miles from the town middle.

• SkyTrain (Canada Line): 25 minutes to downtown, departs each 7 minutes. Value: $9 CAD one-way (or $5 with a transit move).
• Taxi/Uber: Round half-hour, $25–$30 CAD.

We normally hire a automobile, particularly for day journeys to Whistler or Vancouver Island. Examine charges on RentalCars.com to get one of the best deal from the airport.

Getting Across the Metropolis

Vancouver is a really walkable metropolis, however you may also use:

• Seabus: Nice for scenic rides throughout Burrard Inlet to North Vancouver.
• False Creek Ferries: Hop between Granville Island, Science World, and Yaletown.
• Public Transit: Clear, environment friendly, and reasonably priced.
• Bike leases: A high decide for exploring the seawall and downtown parks.

The place to Keep in Vancouver

To get essentially the most out of your journey, we suggest staying in Downtown Vancouver. You’ll be near main points of interest like Stanley Park, Gastown, and English Bay.

Luxurious

Mid-Vary

Finances

• Samesun Vancouver: Greatest location for the value—stroll to Robson Avenue, Stanley Park, and the town’s finest eats.

Tip: We’ve got a full breakdown on where to stay in Vancouver in order for you extra choices by neighborhood.

Issues To Know Earlier than You Go to Vancouver, BC

Whether or not you’re planning a metropolis break, coastal highway journey, or prolonged West Coast journey, Vancouver all the time delivers. With mountain trails, neighborhood markets, artwork galleries, and sundown seashores all inside straightforward attain, this can be a place that evolves with you.

We spent years dwelling in Vancouver, and we return typically. It’s not only a scenic cease on the map; it’s a metropolis that invitations you again. So whether or not you’re whale watching off the coast or grabbing a craft beer in Yaletown, we hope this information helps you intend the right journey.

Tell us your favourite issues to do in Vancouver within the feedback; we’re all the time in search of new causes to return.