12 Awesome Things to Do in Vancouver, BC
With the perfect combination of city living, ocean views, and gorgeous mountains, there’s certainly no shortage of awesome things to do in Vancouver, BC! From scenic coastal walks to food stall hopping and thrift stores galore, there really is something for everyone in this city.
I spent a month in Vancouver this spring, and was blown away by how much I enjoyed my time there. As the most indecisive person alive, this city really scratched every itch for me — lovely beaches, bustling city streets, easy access to mountains and forests, delicious food of all kinds, good public transportation, and so much more. Vancouver somehow feels big and small at the same time; there’s so much to do and see, but not in an overwhelming way in the slightest. You’re truly spoiled for choice in Vancouver, and I’m sharing 12 great things you can do on your next trip to the city!
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1. Walk or Bike the Vancouver Seawall
A visit to Vancouver isn’t complete without a trip along the seawall at least once! Whether you go for a leisurely morning walk, a brisk jog, or a full-on bike ride, a couple of hours spent on the seawall is a wonderful way to spend time in the city. Walking the seawall is a great way to get some easy exercise in, see some gorgeous waterside views, and even potentially spot some orcas! You’ll come across paths into Stanley Park, beautiful beaches along the coast, impressive scenery featuring the Lions Gate Bridge and the North Shore Mountains, and have a chance to enjoy some great restaurants along the way, depending on the stretch of the seawall you’re on. The Vancouver Seawall is absolutely a highlight in the city that should be done at least one time during your visit!
Vancouver Seawall Tips:
- The traditional seawall spans about 22km from Canada Place to Kitsilano, and you can choose portions of it to walk (or complete the whole thing if you’re up for it!). I’d typically start on the Canada Place side and walk the Stanley Park portion, either looping back around toward Coal Harbour or walking straight through the West End back to Yaletown, where I was staying. I’ve also walked the stretch from Granville Island to Kits, and that was a lovely portion as well!
- Walking the seawall is free, of course, and specific prices for biking it will depend on where you rent your bike from. I didn’t end up biking personally, but most spots seemed pretty similar in price and typically charge per hour! There’s no shortage of bike rental spots downtown and there are multiple directly along the seawall in the Canada Place stretch as well, making it incredibly easy to get your bike and start your ride immediately.
- There are separate lanes for walking and biking, so be sure to walk on the right (closest to the water) and bike in the dedicated bike lane. It’s easy to figure out which is which by the markings on the path, and just by looking at what other people are doing. The Stanley Park portion of the seawall is one-way traffic as well, so both bikes and pedestrians need to travel counter-clockwise in that area!
2. Take the Ferry to Granville Island
The ferry quickly became my favorite mode of transportation in Vancouver, and Granville Island is arguably the best spot to take one to! This little island is filled with shops, food stalls, galleries, restaurants, and gorgeous views, and it’s perfect for a day trip when you’re visiting Vancouver. Just hop on a ferry from one of many docks along the waterfront and spend the day shopping from countless local businesses and trying all kinds of different foods, from lobster rolls and pierogi to donuts, freshly made pies, chowders, and so much more! Be sure to check out the Public Market for food and Net Loft for some awesome local makers. You can rent your own boat or take a whale watching tour right from the island, or spend an evening enjoying dinner, live music, or even an improv show! There’s something for the whole family on Granville Island, and it’s an absolute must if you’re in Vancouver.
Granville Island Tips:
- Taking the Ferry: There are two main ferry companies you can use to get to Granville Island — Aquabus and False Creek Ferries. I used both and they were extremely similar in price and experience! You can buy tickets online or with cash or card when you get on the ferry. They’re fairly small in size, but they arrive to each dock super frequently, so you’ll never wait long to catch a ride. I typically took the ferry from David Lam Dock and it took under 10 minutes to get to the island, but times will vary based on the specific route you take.
- Food on Granville Island: As mentioned, there are tons of great food options on the island! The Public Market is your one-stop shop with over 50 food stalls to explore, but there are a number of sit-down restaurants on the island as well, from tacos to baked goods to seafood and more. Some of my personal favorite stops are Lee’s Donuts, A Bread Affair, and The Lobster Man!
- Shopping on Granville Island: NetLoft is a central collection of stores on Granville Island, but there are tons of other shops to discover just by walking down each street. My personal favorite is Granville Island Broom Co — a lovely little shop filled to the brim with handmade brooms! It smells divine when you walk inside, and you can easily lose track of time looking at all the unique shapes and sizes of each broom throughout the shop. You’ll find some awesome collections of locally made goods all over the island, from clothing and accessories to pottery, home goods, ironworks, blown glass, and so much more!
3. Explore Stanley Park
If green space is what you’re after, spend some time checking out Stanley Park! From playgrounds to gardens to gorgeous lake views, not to mention the Vancouver Aquarium and multiple beaches and monuments, there’s a huge amount of things to see in this park.
Stanley Park Tips:
- Landmarks & Sights: Some particularly cool things to see in Stanley park include the Vancouver Aquarium, the Totem Poles near Hallelujah Point, the Rose Garden and Shakespeare Garden, and Lost Lagoon.
- Beaches: Two main Vancouver beaches can be found in Stanley Park: Second Beach and Third Beach. Both are great spots to sunbathe on a sunny day or just to visit any time!
- Seawall Sights: If you’re walking the Stanley Park stretch of the seawall, you’ll see some really awesome sights like Brockton Point Lighthouse, Siwash Rock, the Lions Gate Bridge, the Girl in Wetsuit statue, and more.
4. Visit North Vancouver
North Vancouver is absolutely worth at least a day trip if you’re spending time in the city! It’s a bit less hectic than Vancouver itself, but no less charming with plenty to explore. Vancouver really prides itself on local makers and small businesses, and you can really feel that in North Vancouver specifically. Just a walk through Lonsdale Quay Market chatting with some people in different shops will tell you that shopping small and supporting local is super prevalent in this neighborhood! There are no shortage of great shops all around the area, plus some awesome restaurants and amazing views of the Vancouver skyline across the harbor.
North Vancouver Tips:
- Getting There: My suggested route to get to North Vancouver is definitely the SeaBus! It only takes 12 minutes, brings you from Canada Place to Lonsdale Quay,
- Dining: I only visited for a day so I wish I had more food recommendations, but PIER 7 and Cream Pony were both delicious stops I made in North Vancouver! PIER 7 has an awesome seaside happy hour, and Cream Pony does fried chicken and donuts like no one else. Highly recommend both. You’ll find a bunch of food stalls in the Lonsdale Quay Market as well!
- Shopping: I did a bit of window shopping in the area, and some of my favorite spots were Helicon Books, Wild Honey Goods, and Hunter & Hare. Also, the Polygon Gallery has an awesome gift shop with fun homewares, accessories, and even some food items!
5. Take a Trip to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Vancouver is a nature-forward city for sure, but if you need a true escape to the forest, take a visit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. It’s an easy (and free) shuttle ride from downtown Vancouver, and despite the crowds, there’s an immediate sense of peacefulness when you arrive that can only come from being surrounded by trees. You can easily spend a few hours meandering around the park admiring the trees, bridge, cultural exhibits, and all of the information about the rainforest itself. There are a few spots to eat on site for either a quick snack or a sit-down meal, and you’ll find some fun trinkets and souvenirs in the gift shop, too!
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park Tips:
- Getting There: Your ticket includes a free round-trip shuttle ride to the park right from downtown Vancouver! Tickets range in price depending on the pass you buy, and I definitely recommend going as early as you can to beat the majority of the crowds. The shuttle ride is about 30 minutes and leaves from Canada Place, plus a couple specific hotels nearby.
- What To Do: The biggest attraction is the suspension bridge of course, but there are so many other things to explore at the park! The Cliffwalk is really cool (though it was more nerve-wracking for me than the bridge itself), and there are cultural exhibits to see like Kia’palano and the Story Centre where you can learn about Indigenous history and its connections to nature. The Living Forest exhibit is incredible, letting you walk deep into the rainforest and learn all about the impressive ecosystem, and the Treetops Adventure is a must-do to see the rainforest from high in the trees!
- Where to Eat: There are a few spots to grab food inside the park: The Cliff House Restaurant and Loggers’ Grill for larger or sit-down meals, and The Cabin and Beary Waffles for grab-and-go snacks, plus an ice cream & fudge counter inside the gift shop!
6. Eat Your Way Around Vancouver
Vancouver has a really cool food scene, from tons of Asian influence to traditional Canadian fare and so much in between! Cafe culture is really big here too, so you’ll find a cute coffee shop on most streets serving unique lattes, seasonal matcha, and delicious baked goods. You’re pretty spoiled for choice when it comes to dining in Vancouver, whether you’re looking for a casual happy hour, fine dining options, a quick morning coffee, or an indulgent sweet treat — I have some dedicated Vancouver food guides on the blog here with specific recommendations!
Vancouver Dining Tips:
- Make a day out of shopping and eating in Gastown — there are some great restaurants in the area!
- Don’t just stay in downtown Vancouver! There are tons of neighborhoods with amazing dining options, so branch out to Mount Pleasant, Kitsilano, North Vancouver, and more.
- If you’re looking for waterfront dining, Vancouver has you covered. You’ll find some amazing oceanside restaurants all along the coast, perfect for a meal after walking the seawall or for an afternoon in North Van!
7. Visit Vancouver’s Beaches
You really can’t come to Vancouver without going to the beach, and the good news is that even when it’s chilly and gloomy out, Vancouver’s beaches are still gorgeous! Vancouver has 8 oceanside beaches in total: you’ll find a couple in Stanley Park, and the rest spanning the coast from the West End through Kitsilano all the way out to the Spanish Banks. If you’re looking to have a beach day in Vancouver, you’re definitely in the right place!
Beach Tips:
- Sunset Spots: English Bay beach is known for being one of the best spots to catch a sunset in Vancouver, and Sunset Beach (aptly named) and Kitsilano Beach are also great options!
- Bring a Picnic: If the skies allow it, any beach in Vancouver will make a great spot for an afternoon picnic — you can even bring some beers or a bottle of wine if you’re at one of the 7 approved beaches (excluding English Bay, Sunset Beach, and Third Beach).
- Don’t wait for the sun — Vancouver weather is notoriously rainy and grey, but that doesn’t make the scenery any less beautiful. You can still walk along the sand and enjoy a cool breeze, shady skies, and fewer crowds!
8. Spend a Day Shopping in Gastown
Gastown is known today for being a trendy neighborhood filled with thrift shops and local goods, so it makes for a perfect day out in the city. You can easily spend hours popping into all the stores, checking out local small businesses, and grabbing a bite to eat in one of the countless great restaurants in the area. Gastown is Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood and original settlement, and you can definitely feel the history as you walk down the cobblestone streets lined with old brick buildings. The neighborhood is small, but it’s filled to the brim with good stores and good food!
Gastown Tips:
- Shopping: Some of my favorite shops in Gastown are One of a Few, Old Faithful Shop, Out & About, and Vinyl Records. You’ll also find tons of makers-market items at MAKE Vancouver and Shop Makers!
- Don’t be fooled by the Gastown Steam Clock — it’s no longer fully steam-powered and runs mainly on electricity. However, it’s still a cute landmark to see when you’re in the area!
- Keep in mind that this neighborhood is highly gentrified and is still part of the lowest income area of Vancouver, so it’s important to be respectful of the locals and the area in general.
9. Explore Vancouver’s Parks
Aside from the massive Stanley Park, there are plenty of other smaller parks and smaller green spaces all around Vancouver! From tiny parks only a block in size to sprawling greens along the coast, there are truly no shortage of lovely parks in Vancouver to spend some time relaxing in. They’re great for taking a break in the middle of a busy day, people watching, enjoying a book or a snack, and appreciating the nature right in the midst of a bustling city.
Vancouver Park Tips:
- Bring a picnic. A great way to enjoy Vancouver’s green spaces is to bring a picnic, a book, and/or a friend and spend some time enjoying the outdoors. If you plan to bring alcohol, make sure to follow Vancouver’s guidelines!
- Check the blooms during spring. Depending on the time of year, you can see some gorgeous flowers and foliage in many of Vancouver’s parks. David Lam Park is particularly popular for its cherry blossoms in the early spring!
- Follow the signage when walking/biking. Some parks have designated walking and biking paths, especially if they’re along the seawall. Make sure to walk on the correct side of the path to avoid disrupting the bikers!
10. Visit One of Vancouver’s Many Museums
Vancouver has no shortage of great museums to explore while you’re visiting the city! I always love a museum trip when I visit somewhere new — it’s an awesome to learn about a city’s particular history, and just a peaceful way to spend an afternoon. Some of the most popular museums in Vancouver are the Museum of Anthropology, Science World, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, and the Vancouver Art Gallery, but there are so many more to explore all around the city and surrounding areas!
Museum Tips:
- Go on a rainy day! Museums are the perfect way to spend a rainy day indoors — you’re still doing a fun activity, and you won’t feel like you’re missing out on sightseeing by staying inside.
- Look for free or discounted days. For example, the Vancouver Art Gallery offers free admission on the first Friday of each month, and the Contemporary Art Gallery often has free exhibitions rotating.
- Check baggage allowances and photography restrictions. I typically just avoid taking photos in museums anyway, but it’s always a good idea to double-check if a museum allows photography inside their exhibitions, and also what type of baggage they allow inside (or if they have a coat/bag check area!).
11. Stop By a Farmers Market
If you’re in Vancouver in the spring, summer, or fall, you’ll find lovely farmers markets all around the city! Most farmers markets are on the outskirts of Vancouver, but there are two downtown if you don’t want to travel too far. Farmers markets are a great way to support local businesses, enjoy homemade goods and seasonal ingredients, and experience the community of a city, so I highly recommend visiting a Vancouver farmers market if you can!
Farmers Market Tips:
- Check the opening and closing dates. Different markets open and operate on different dates — be sure to double check the times for whichever market you want to visit.
- Bring a reusable bag/tote. Even if you just plan to window shop, you never know what you’ll find at the market — bring a small bag with you in case you want to buy some fresh produce or a handmade trinket!
12. See a Movie in 70mm
Cinephiles will be delighted to know that metro Vancouver has a true IMAX 70mm theater — one of only ~30 in the world! It’s technically in Langley, but if you’re up for a 1.5 hour trek (and there are screenings available), you can see a film in the highest quality presentation ever created. My only regret from my time in Vancouver is not making the trip to see Project Hail Mary in IMAX 70mm — however, if you also can’t make the trip to Langley, I definitely recommend checking the screenings at the Cineplex Odeon at International Village right in Vancouver! You can still see select films on 70mm there, and PHM was still amazing not in IMAX.
Movie Theater Tips:
- Where to Go: For IMAX 70mm, go to Cineplex Cinemas Langley. For just 70mm, go to Cineplex Odeon International Village. Another good theater in general is Scotiabank Theatre!
- Get a Discount: Most theaters in Vancouver have your standard Tuesday and matinee discounts!
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