Vancouver is one of the most liveable cities & happens to be an amazing place when it comes to tourism. Canada’s western metropolis ticks all the boxes – ranging from inspiring nature to fascinating history along with bars, spas, restaurants, beaches, & much more! 

Long story short? Well, Vancouver is just…brilliant! The best things to do in Vancouver cover all this & more, with a collection of attractions which are informed by its history & future prospects. 

Take a look at this guide to know the top things to do in Vancouver on your next visit. However, if you already reside there, it’s all the more reason to visit the places which we will be discussing. So, without further ado, let us begin! 

Fun & Adventurous Things To Do In Vancouver

Grab a pen & notebook & make a list of the places you can visit in Canada. You will be surprised to know that all this while, you were just passing your time, doing nothing fruitful.  

It’s vacation time – a time to enjoy the beauty of Vancouver. So, here it is! 

Stanley Park 

Stanley Park is a whopping 1,000 acres place & consists of beaches, a playground, an aquarium, a botanical garden, a golf course, tennis courts, etc. With all the park offers, you can easily spend a day here. 

Moreover, you can even try biking the exterior Seawall or venture inside to get lost in the natural beauty of ferns & centuries-old cedars on 40 miles of trails. 

However, watch for beavers, racoons, bald eagles, coyotes, whales, etc. Also, in the fall, try Ghost Train for a spooky Halloween experience! 

  • Richmond Night Market 

Richmond Night Market is a great place to be as it is open on weekends & holiday evenings. This market will give you a taste of Asia’s famed night markets. 

Moreover, you can try sample foods, like grilled squid, pho fries, cheese, nitrogen ice cream, roti mac, etc., along with shopping for gifts & accessories at the retail stalls. In addition, there are games, entertainment, live music, & much more! 

  • Granville Island 

Overhauled/ Rebuilt in the 70s, this island is a former waterfront industrial site & home to public markets, food shops, artist studios, restaurants, etc. You can even take a cute little Aquabus to spend the afternoon on the island. 

The vast public market offers everything – from confections to cheese, to meats to bread, etc. Take a few things & picnic next to False Creek. You can even indulge in the market’s food court & try delicious local eats & treats! 

  • Pacific Arts Market 

Another of the best things to do in Vancouver is visit Pacific Arts Market. This 2,500 sq. feet gallery space features art, jewelry, and handmade items from around 40 artists from Vancouver, British Columbia, & surrounding places. 

Browse talented local artists & bring home a unique souvenir. In addition, you’ll also find paintings, woodcarving, ceramics, fiber arts, & products like handmade candles, teas, etc. This colorful space is full of art for every taste & budget. 

Well, you must note that artists in this market change regularly. Thus, it is worth visiting this place repeatedly! 

  • Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden 

This garden at the end of Chinatown is the first Chinese garden/scholar’s garden built outside China. Intricately designed & structured by specialists from Suzhou with the help of rare trees, prized rocks, & principles of harmony & balance, this Chinese garden is an oasis of tranquility. 

You can stroll the free park, enter the gardens, & do many other fun things. Also, you can learn the symbolism behind the placement of each plant, path, & structure or just enjoy peace, serenity, & beauty – it’s up to you!    

  • Vancouver Whale Watch 

British Columbia has an immense wealth of marine life, like orcas, seals, humpbacks, dolphins, etc. A conservation-minded whale watch tour, like Vancouver Whale Watch, offers an up-close look at the amazing creatures & educational experience. You can even learn about whale biology & migration, marine conservation, etc., as you witness the beauty of this place’s waters! 

  • The Seawall 

The 17.5-mile paved pathway begins at the Vancouver Convention Center & then extends to Stanley Park, English Bay, False Creek, Granville Island, Olympic Village Kitsilano Beach, & Spanish Banks. 

The 5.5-mile section in Stanley Park is quite popular, but tackling the Seawall will give you an excellent tour of the place. Here’s a fun fact: the Seawall is the longest uninterrupted waterfront path, wherein you can witness the mountains, sculptures, skyline, & beaches.

  • Rogers Arena 

Home to Vancouver’s Canucks Hockey Team, Rogers Arena hosts significant concerts as well as events throughout the year. During hockey season, checking out the Canucks game is a must! Canadians love hockey & the city adores their Canucks, irrespective of how wonderful or frustrating they may be. Visit this place from October to April, May, or June, depending on how the hockey team is doing!      

  • VanDusen Botanical Garden 

Packed with towering trees, VanDusen Botanical Gardens is an excellent spot to unwind or take some nature selfies! The garden is stretched for 55 acres & includes panoramic views & other splashes of colors, including 7,500 plant species from across the globe. In addition, there’s a picturesque lake as well, along with a hedge maze which is made from 3,000 cedars! 

  • Grouse Mountain 

Renowned as the Peak Of Vancouver, tourists, as well as locals, flock to this mountain for outdoor activities, irrespective of the season or weather. 

From hiking to ziplining to ice skating – Grouse Mountain is a year-round destination. 

Are you up for a challenge? We dare you to try the Grouse Grind, a 1.8-mile trail featuring 2,830 staircases which take you over 2,800 feet up the mountain. You can even take the gondola up for amazing views of the city & ocean!  

Conclusion

Vancouver offers a fantastic combination of natural beauty, vibrant culture, & exciting activities. From the breathtaking landscapes of Stanley Park to the stunning views of Grouse Mountains to the thriving arts community & diverse culinary scene – this place has a lot to offer & caters to the specific needs of people.

So, do not wait much & already plan your next vacation. Pick a place to visit every day & we assure you that it will be a fun & fulfilling trip. Tell us which place you will go first!