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Looking for the insider scoop on the best things to do in Vancouver? Then you’ve stumbled onto the right blog!
Both Bailey and I were long-term Vancouver locals, and with so many friends and family still there, we visit at least 3 times a year.
But with so much to do, it really is difficult to know exactly where to spend your time. So, instead of sharing everything, there is to do in Vancouver, this list includes the 21 activities and attractions that I share with friends or family who plan to visit. It’s basically the local insider scoop.
Oh, and for many of these top attractions, I’ll be sharing the same advice I give my nearest and dearest when deciding if something is right for them. Trust me, I’m not going to let you waste a second or a dime!
- 1. Bike the Seawall in Stanley Park
- 2. Go on a sunset harbor dinner cruise
- 3. Walk through Lynn Canyon
- 4. Visit Grouse Mountain
- 5. Walk the Capilano Suspension Bridge
- 6. Walk the Seawall
- 7. Ride in a seaplane!
- 8. Explore Granville Island
- 9. Go out for brunch
- 10. Check out the many craft breweries
- 11. See orcas in the wild!
- 12. Visit Kitsilano
- 13. Have a cocktail at one of North America's best bars
- 14. Get out and go hiking!
- 15. Ride the Sea to Sky Gondola
- 16. Day trip to Bowen Island
- 17. Take the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay
- 18. Visit the Vancouver Aquarium
- 19. Vancouver City sightseeing tour
- 20. Walk around Gastown
- 21. Tour the Butchart Gardens and Victoria
- Getting Around Vancouver
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Where to Stay in Vancouver, Canada
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
- Renting a Car in British Columbia
1. Bike the Seawall in Stanley Park
This is number one on my list simply because it’s the most iconic thing to do in Vancouver. Stanley Park is one of Canada’s most famous parks, and it’s conveniently located right in the heart of the city. Even if you’re only spending one day in Vancouver, I highly recommend you make time to visit Stanley Park.
Stanley Park itself is over 4km² (1.4mi²), so it’s pretty big! You can walk around/in the park, but it will take a long time. That is why bicycling in Stanley Park has become so popular. In particular, people cycle along the seawall, which has an allocated bicycle lane.
The seawall wraps all the way around the outer edge of Stanley Park along the water’s edge. During the entire ride, you’ll get amazing views and even be able to stop at a beach (or two) for a break and swim.
The cycle trail around the Stanley Park seawall is 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) long and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to cycle at a moderate pace. The best part is, it’s completely flat. There are many different bicycle shops near the entrance to Stanley Park, where you can rent a bike. Expect to pay around $20 CAD for an hour-and-a-half rental.
You can also join a bike tour – which is handy if you’re going to be renting gear anyway. Our pick is this particular bicycle tour that includes cycling around Stanley Park, along the Seawall, and stopping at a historic lighthouse. And the best part? It is a half-day guided tour that doesn’t cost much more than you would pay for a bicycle rental for the afternoon!
Should I take a tour? I don’t think a tour is necessary for this activity. The ride itself is the main attraction, and I’d only recommend it if you want to learn about the city while you ride.
Of course, if you don’t overly love riding bikes, you can also enjoy a walk through Stanley Park. Get yourself an Uber to Stanley Park Brewing and begin your walk from there. Be warned, though, the park is huge, and you can’t walk it all in a day!
2. Go on a sunset harbor dinner cruise
Doesn’t a sunset cruise in Vancouver just sound fantastic!? Nothing quite says you’re on holiday like dinner, drinks, and a magical Vancouver sunset, all while out on the water.
A cruise on the harbor is fun on its own (and there are many different types of cruises to choose from in Vancouver), but for me, this sunset cruise, complete with dinner and drinks, was my favorite. I loved the cruise so much that I decided to take my mom the last time she visited Vancouver!
The cruise set sail from the wharf near Coal Harbour, and we first headed under the Lions Gate Bridge and out to Kitsilano. As the sun began to set, we enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner complete with local salmon, roast beef, vegetables, salads, and more. Honestly, it was a fantastic dinner. Chocolate cake and cheesecake for dessert was also the perfect way to finish it all off.
We washed it down with a few too many wines, and by the time the cruise was over, we had made some beautiful memories with even better views. Oh, and did I mention the live music on board?
The sunset cruise cost us $211 CAD, and considering dinner and the service fee were included, it’s fantastic value. I love recommending this to my friends visiting with a significant other – it’s just so romantic!
This sunset cruise does have limited spaces, so be sure to book in advance online!
3. Walk through Lynn Canyon
For an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and a taste of nature, I always tell people to head to Lynn Canyon. Here, there is a gorgeous nature walk that also takes you on one of the most beautiful suspension bridges in Vancouver.
You’ll wander the forest, peer down from the bridge at the river below, and just enjoy the serenity. It’s one of the top BC attractions for a reason! It’s just gorgeous, and unlike Capilano, which I will talk about later, it’s completely free to visit.
You could spend the entire day there too. In fact, we have this spot on our 3-day Vancouver itinerary because it’s a place you don’t want to miss, even if you’re not in the city for long.
There is one problem, though, Lynn Canyon can be very busy. At times during the summer, there can be multiple busloads of people, making what is supposed to be a city escape even more hectic than the streets of Yaletown.
My best advice (and a local tip) is to go first thing in the morning. Head over to Lynn Canyon early (before 9 am), and you’ll beat the crowds! That is what I do every time, and I get to enjoy the area without the crowds. You can use public transport to get to Lynn Canyon, too, and it’s all detailed in my guide to Lynn Canyon here.
If you don’t have your own transport (or are worried about getting parking), consider this guided tour to Lynn Canyon! It includes pick-up/drop-off as well as a guide to show you around the trails at Lynn Canyon. I can’t overstate how useful it is to be joined by a guide, especially if you want to learn all there is to know about this beautiful area.
Should I do a tour? Personally, I wouldn’t. It’s easy enough to get to Lynn Canyon on your own, and using the Seabus, you can even take an Uber from Lonsdale Quay. I think overall, it’s too expensive for an activity like this.
4. Visit Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain is one of Vancouver’s most popular ski hills. Although a popular ski resort, Grouse Mountain isn’t just for those looking to hit the slopes. In fact, all year round you can ride their Skyride (cable car) to the top of the mountain, where you’ll get views of Vancouver as well as have access to a variety of different activities.
Some of the most popular activities include a visit to the Wildlife Refuge (where you can usually see Grizzly Bears), the Lumber Jack show, ziplining, a ropes course, and there are even restaurants!
In the winter, the activities differ slightly, but they have an ice skating rink, light walk, snowshoeing, and evening a “Sliding Zone” for sledding.
A ticket costs $87 CAD and you can ride the shuttle from downtown to Grouse Mountain for free! Some activities at the top of the mountain are free, while others have an additional fee. If you want more info, I’ve written a guide to Grouse Mountain here with a ton of info.
You can skip the line by purchasing your admission tickets to Grouse Mountain online here
Local Tip: It’s very popular to combine a trip to Grouse Mountain with a visit to Capilano Suspension Bridge because they are only a 7-minute drive apart. So, consider using the free shuttle to Grouse Mountain and then taking an Uber to Capilano, and then using the Capilano Suspension Bridge free shuttle to get back to Vancouver. Just buy your tickets before you go, as it’s required to use the shuttles.
Budget Tip: If you don’t want to pay for the Skyride, you can actually hike to the top of Grouse Mountain on a trail locals refer to as “The Grouse Grind.” Just note, it isn’t an easy hike and is pretty much straight up the entire way.
5. Walk the Capilano Suspension Bridge
With the close proximity of Grouse Mountain and Capilano, I feel like we should talk about this top attraction next.
Visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge is another iconic Vancouver activity. It’s located only a 20-minute drive from Vancouver city center, and I’ve been there way too many times and I’m not tired of the views yet!
You can explore various trails through the forest and read information boards about the area. You’ll also embark on a treetop walk, including crossing various hanging bridges. There’s also a pretty cool (and scary if you’re afraid of heights) glass-floor lookout.
You only need an hour or two to explore, but here’s the kicker – the entrance fee is around $70 CAD for adults. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a fantastic place to visit, but I tend to take people to Lynn Canyon for almost the same experience without the hefty entrance fee.
On a positive note, they also run a free shuttle from downtown, as I mentioned above, so you don’t have to worry about getting there. You can find out more info about the shuttle here.
Another positive over Lynn Canyon is Capilano limits the number of people who can enter at any one time. This is great if you’re not an early riser. Oh, and it’s a great idea to buy your tickets in advance. When you purchase your tickets, you’ll select a time and date to guarantee your entry.
Grab your tickets for the Capilano Suspension Bridge here with FREE 24-hour cancellation.
So should I go? It’s really an easy decision. If you don’t want to use public transport to visit Lynn Canyon and don’t mind paying the $70 CAD entrance fee, go for it, Capilano is stunning. But if you’re on a budget – skip it and head to Lynn Canyon.
Should I do a tour: This is one attraction that I really enjoyed the tour. You can check out the tour I did here, but it basically combines a visit to Capilano and Grouse Mountain with added stops such as Capilano Salmon Hatchery.
6. Walk the Seawall
The first activity on this list of things to do in Vancouver was to bike the Stanley Park Seawall. However, the seawall is so much more than just Stanley Park.
In fact, I walk the Vancouver Seawall around inner Vancouver just about every day just for exercise. Not to mention, I love taking in the views of the city.
The actual Vancouver Seawall stretches all the way from Stanley Park, past Yaletown, to Olympic Village, through Granville Island, and then finishes in Kitsilano. It is the longest uninterrupted waterfront path in the world, at 28 km (17 mi) long! Of course, walking the entire thing is difficult; however, I love to walk sections of the path.
Just find an area near you and start walking. If you need to cross False Creek, use the Aqua Bus or head up one of the bridges, Cambie Bridge is perfect for this! The best part? It’s free!
7. Ride in a seaplane!
One of the most iconic features of Vancouver are the seaplanes that take off and land in the harbor every day, all day. These seaplanes are not only a form of transport, but also the gateway to the best seat in the house with views over Vancouver.
To me, this was the most exciting thing I have done in Vancouver, and for those who don’t mind spending a bit of cash for an unforgettable ride, it’s so worth it.
The scenic flight I did was the 20-minute Vancouver City seaplane tour. Although short, it was such a fantastic experience, and we got to see so much of the city and surrounding mountains. The best part is, it only cost $187 CAD!
Aside from the views, taking off and landing on the water was a brand-new experience for me. I must admit, I was a little scared! Don’t worry, though – the pilots are trained professionals.
There are a ton of seaplane tours to choose from in Vancouver, depending on where you’re heading and your budget. There are flights to Tofino, Victoria, Whistler, and even Seattle! There are actually even tours like this full-day experience that combines a seaplane flight with whale watching for a really special day.
You can book the same scenic flight I took here or the flight and whale watching tour here!
8. Explore Granville Island
No trip to Vancouver is complete without checking out Granville Island, and I tell everyone to visit. For those who don’t know, Granville Island is a small island (well, kind of, it is technically attached to the mainland) accessed by either boat or car right in the downtown area.
On Granville Island, there are a few different things to do and explore. My personal favorite, though, is the Granville Island Public Markets. The markets offer fresh produce, meat, and fish, souvenirs, as well as many stalls where you can have a tasty meal. There is so much food that it’s a great place to go for lunch!
One of my favorite stalls is Lee’s Donuts which is well known as the best place to get donuts in Vancouver. I also really love the stalls with fresh pasta. I often pick some up when I have friends coming to visit – they are gourmet!
Other things to do on Granville Island include shopping, watching street performers, joining a boat tour, going to the Kid’s Markets, or even checking out the brewery.
You can get to Granville Island by taxi or bus, but the most popular (and most fun) way to get to Granville is by riding the Aquabus Ferry from the city center.
The ferry runs continually throughout the day and will pick you up from a couple of different stops in the city and take you right to Granville Island. The ferry starts at $4.50 CAD and accepts both cash and credit. Not only is it a method of public transport – it’s a fun thing to do on its own!
9. Go out for brunch
Although Vancouver is the best city to get out and explore nature, you can’t look past the food. In fact, it’s one of the reasons I’ve enjoyed living here so much!
On the days you want to take it easy and maybe start your morning slow, why not get brunch? Brunch is easily my favorite meal of the day partly because there are so many fantastic cafés to try. These top cafés in Vancouver are creative and offer colorful food that you can only find at specialty brunch restaurants.
The top places that I’ve personally tried and tested for you are:
Café Medina – This is one of the most popular brunch places in all of Vancouver, and for good reason! Their signature is their Belgian waffles, which people come to pick up for takeout too! However, what I love are their Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired breakfast pots.
My favorite is the Fricassée, which comes with melt-in-your-mouth Braised Short Ribs and two eggs. Café Medina is located in the downtown core on Richards Street, so it’s ideal for visitors.
Jam Café – Okay, so this next place is actually the most popular brunch place in all of Vancouver! Jam Cafe is famous for its over-the-top breakfast meals that include a fried chicken eggs benedict (my favorite). The only problem with Jam Cafe is the huge line that runs down the street every day! Seriously, expect an hour’s wait to get a table unless you arrive when they open. Worth it? Yes!
Jam Cafe has two locations in Vancouver. One near Gastown and the other out at Kitsilano.
Yolks – If you love eggs for brunch, this is the spot for you! Yolks serves mostly egg dishes with pairings of maple-smoked ham, pork belly, or hash browns made in truffle oil. Yolks also has two locations, on Hastings in East Vancouver and on West Broadway Street in Mt Pleasant. Personally, I only go to the Mt Pleasant location.
OEB Breakfast Co. – with locations all over Canada, OEB can seem like just another chain, but their breakfast/brunch is honestly one of the best in Vancouver. I love their Benny’s, and my favorite is the Montreal Smoked Meat Benny! It’s really that good. I also love that they have an online waiting list so you can get in line without leaving the house.
Some of these get really busy, so just make sure you make a reservation. Or, put your name in and then take a walk around the neighborhood while you’re waiting.
10. Check out the many craft breweries
The craft beer scene in Canada is booming, and Vancouver is a huge part of it. Around Vancouver, there are dozens of different breweries that you can visit on your own or on a tour (check out our picks for the best brewery tours here!).
I personally love Granville Island Brewing. Not only do they have great beer and are located on Granville Island (a must-visit place in Vancouver) but they also offer brewery tours. Tours run multiple times daily and cost $12 CAD per person. This fee covers your guided tour of the brewery and also a tasting flight of beer at the end!
Another great brewery to visit in downtown Vancouver is Steamworks Brewpub in Gastown. These guys always have the best seasonal beers – I’m still drooling over the Cucumber-flavored beer I had last summer (bring it back!).
Of course, the heart of Vancouver’s brewery scene is in Mt Pleasant, the area behind Olympic Village. Take a stroll and you’ll find breweries such as Faculty Brewing Co., Brewhall, Tree Brewing Co., 33 Acres Brewing Company, and Main Street Brewing Co. to name a few. Seriously, there are too many to try – even for a local!
If you don’t mind getting a little bit out of the city center, you can head to Port Moody. Near Rocky Point Park, you’ll find a few different craft breweries all next to each other – perfect for your own self-guided brewery tour. I personally love visiting Twin Sails Brewing. They always have plenty of creative brews on tap and for sale.
For real beer lovers though, you need to go to more than just one Vancouver brewery. This behind-the-scenes craft beer tour will take you to a handful of different breweries around the city, where you can try tons of local beer.
At each brewery, you will get a behind-the-scenes look at how the beer is made – a super cool tour if you ask me! Plus, it includes transport so you can drink as much as you want without having to worry about a designated driver. Tickets for this tour cost $125 CAD per person.
Discover the best of Vancouver’s beer scene with this top-rated tour – book it here!
Should you do a tour? The brewery tours in Vancouver are so much fun. Don’t get me wrong you can explore on your own, especially if you’re on a budget, but the tours give you the insider scoop and you get to visit the best breweries without the hassle of planning a route.
11. See orcas in the wild!
When I moved to Vancouver, the first thing I did was go on a whale watching tour. I had never seen orcas in the wild before, and I was so excited.
From out on the open water, you’ll have the opportunity to spot various types of whales, including humpback whales and, my favorite, orcas. But besides whales, you’ll also have the opportunity to spot other wildlife, including seabirds, seals, and otters.
Vancouver is surrounded by water, so you’ll cruise around the Gulf and the San Juan Islands, taking in the picturesque scenery while looking out for whales. With so many around, it’s very likely you’ll see a few! In fact, this cruise I did guarantees you’ll see them, or you can return for a free cruise. On our cruise, we saw lots of whales, including a pod of five orcas!
The best time of year to go whale watching in Vancouver is from May to October. For the half-day whale-watching tour that we did, you can expect to pay about $236 CAD. Tea and coffee are included on the tour, and expert naturalists will teach you all about the whales and the area.
Honestly, seeing orcas has always been a dream of mine, and I am so glad I finally got to see them!
This tour has thousands of 5-star reviews – see for yourself and book it here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
12. Visit Kitsilano
Without a doubt, my favorite beach in Vancouver is Kitsilano Beach, or as we locals call it, Kits Beach.
But Kitsilano is more than just one of the best beaches in Vancouver. It’s a neighborhood filled with trendy bars, restaurants, and shops. Going for a stroll on the beach at sunset and then heading out for dinner and drinks afterward is a perfect way to spend an evening in Vancouver.
My recommendation is to make sure you visit the beach for sunset, especially in the peak summer months. You’ll find the beach full of locals playing games, drinking, and just having a good time. The atmosphere is electric! Oh, and don’t worry about open alcohol; Kits Beach allows it until 9 pm from June 1 to September 30.
After or before, consider going for dinner or drinks. If you love seafood and fantastic views, I highly suggest The Boathouse Restaurant. The restaurant has the best view of the beach, and I’ve spent many sunsets up there enjoying cocktails and seafood. The restaurant is reasonably priced, especially for its location.
Another place in downtown Kits, a short walk from the beach, is Danbo Ramen. It’s well-known as one of the best ramen restaurants in Vancouver, and I love it! You need to head to the restaurant to get a spot in line, and there is often a 45-minute wait, so plan ahead.
There are also lots of other activities in Kitsilano, including the waterfront public swimming pool, kayaking, biking, the Kits Farmers Market, as well as the Maritime Museum.
Getting to Kits is also easy with either Uber, the bus, or the aqua ferry. False Creek Ferries operate this route, and you can get here from any of the False Creek stops (more on that below in the getting around Vancouver section).
13. Have a cocktail at one of North America’s best bars
Vancouver is home to lots of top places to grab a delicious and unique cocktail. However, none compare to The Keefer Bar in Chinatown. They serve over 25 unique cocktails and everyone who visits, including me, loves them.
Two of my favorite cocktails are Chinatown Sour and Fantasy Island! They also serve fantastic food, although I usually only go for cocktails.
The Keefer Bar was voted not only one of the top 50 bars in North America but also one of the top 3 bars in Canada. This has made this place famous, and people travel from all over Vancouver to check it out.
You won’t find this place in many blogs, partly because the locals love to keep it secret. That’s why I needed to move here to discover the real Vancouver!
Hot Tip: Reservations are highly recommended to visit the Keefer Bar. Plan in advance and book a table a few days ahead of time!
14. Get out and go hiking!
Vancouver is the number one major city in Canada for hiking. There are hikes you can do all over the surrounding mountains, including popular ones such as Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain, and Mount Seymour. Seriously, you need to get out of the city and go hiking at least once while in Vancouver.
But what are the best hikes in Vancouver? Well, I’m glad you asked. As a hiker myself, I know tons of hiking trails around Vancouver. Some of my favorites include:
Tunnel Bluffs – Tunnel Bluffs is a more unknown hike in Vancouver, located around 45 minutes outside the city. It’s one of my favorite sunset hikes and is 6 km (3.7 mi) each way. I rate it as moderate, and most of the trail is on an access road. There is a small parking lot at the trailhead, which requires paid parking, but it’s so worth it. Allow around 4 hours (for the hike and parking).
Grouse Grind – Those who have completed the Grouse Grind wear it as a badge of honor, and for good reason. It’s one of the more difficult hikes in Vancouver. Despite being only 2.5 km (1.5 mi) each way, the trail climbs a whopping 850 m (2,788 ft) in elevation. It’s one steep hike, but it ends at the top of Grouse Mountain. Of course, if you don’t want to hike the trail, you can also take the gondola up and down.
St Mark’s Summit – St Mark’s Summit is a very similar hike to Tunnels Bluffs, but St Mark’s is definitely a busier trail. The trail begins from Cypress Ski Resort and is 11 km (6.8 mi) return. There is a moderate elevation gain of 450 m (1,476 ft), and you should allow 4 hours to hike the trail. The view from the top is out of this world!
Mount Seymour – This next hike takes you a little further out of Vancouver to Mount Seymour. The trail begins from the ski resort and is 9 km (5.6 mi) out and back. It’s not my favorite hike out of the four I’ve mentioned, but it’s still beautiful. Once again, allow around 4 hours for this trail.
These are some of the harder hiking trails in Vancouver. I mention more below that are more like walks as opposed to hikes. Perfect for those not in Vancouver to go hiking in the mountains!
15. Ride the Sea to Sky Gondola
The Sea to Sky Gondola is a well-known attraction I absolutely love just outside of Vancouver and near Squamish. The views were out of this world, and the gondola ride was very affordable, considering how far up the mountain it took us!
The Sea to Sky Gondola is located along the Sea to Sky Highway between Vancouver and Squamish, about 45 minutes from Vancouver. The drive itself is very scenic (we have a road trip guide for this route!) and a worthwhile activity on its own.
After an equally scenic trip up the gondola to the top of Mount Habrich, you’ve now unlocked a ton of trails to explore and can even visit a daunting, but beautiful suspension bridge called the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge!
My favorite trail up here is the Panorama Trail, which leads to a wooden viewing deck with uninterrupted views of Howe Sound. Tickets for the gondola ride start from $73 CAD and should be booked in advance, as this is quite a popular activity.
If you don’t have your own transport, there are also day tours available from Vancouver. This tour from Vancouver includes transport to and from the Sea to Sky Gondola (as well as your gondola ticket) before continuing to Whistler and the stunning Brandywine Falls. It’s an epic day trip from Vancouver that any mountain-lover will enjoy.
Book your gondola ticket here with FREE 24-hour cancellation, or book your full-day tour from Vancouver to enjoy the gondola and more!
16. Day trip to Bowen Island
Bowen Island is the closest island to Vancouver and a great place to escape the city and explore a quiet and peaceful place.
From Vancouver, it takes around 25 minutes to drive to Horseshoe Bay, where you can then get a BC Ferry with or without your vehicle over to the island. The ferry ride only takes 20 minutes and costs $12 CAD return without a vehicle. All up, I’d allow just over an hour to get there from Vancouver.
Once on the island, you can enjoy some of the best activities such as the hike to Dorman Point, going kayaking, visiting a beach, hiking up Mt. Gardner, and visiting Killarney Lake. It’s the island getaway you need!
Of course, you can also do some really cool tours over to Bowen Island, such as this Bowen Island Dinner and Zodiac Boat Tour. The tour includes a scenic ride in a Zodiac boat over to the island, where you will pass several landmarks, and a visit to a seal colony.
Once there, you will get to enjoy dinner and a drink at Doc Morgan’s, which is a fantastic restaurant. I recently did this tour and really enjoyed it. I actually took two friends from Australia on it and they also loved it. It’s not the cheapest tour, but it does combine some really neat activities for a fun day out and it includes dinner.
17. Take the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay
Vancouver has a great public transit system made up of buses, the SkyTrain, and, best of all, the SeaBus. For just the cost of a regular bus fare ($4.65 CAD/trip from Vancouver), you can jump on the SeaBus and take a scenic ride across Vancouver Harbour.
The SeaBus goes between Waterfront Station in Vancouver to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. It leaves every 15 minutes and takes 12 minutes to get across the Burrard Inlet.
Tons of people use this as their regular commute to work, but we think it’s a pretty fun way to explore! Plus, you can’t beat the views of the city, ocean, and mountains!
Check out our guide to Lonsdale Quay and then once you get across, check out the Lonsdale Quay Market, and spend some time visiting the many shops and restaurants. There are shops and kiosks ranging from flowers to coffee to handicrafts – home to over 60 local vendors. After you’re done shopping, treat yourself to a coffee and treat at Shipyards Coffee!
18. Visit the Vancouver Aquarium
Being on the coast, Vancouver sees its fair share of sea life. But it isn’t always easy to find these guys in the wild – that’s where an aquarium comes in!
The Vancouver Aquarium has more than 65,000 aquatic creatures, including sea lions, fish, turtles, sea otters, and sea lions. There’s a lot to see which is why we have a blog full of tips on visiting the aquarium!
The aquarium actually banned the captivity of dolphins and whales due to their inability to provide a suitable environment for the animals – a ban we love!
What I like most about the Vancouver Aquarium is that they are a conservation project. The aquarium is committed to animal rescue, research, and environmental stewardship. In addition, some educational programs help visitors learn more about animals and how to care for them. Of course, wildlife does belong in the wild, but there is a line where education and research can help the future of all species.
Admission to the aquarium starts from $42 CAD for an adult, which is the discounted price if you buy online in advance! The aquarium can be very busy, so I recommend purchasing tickets in advance so you don’t have to wait for a long time to get in or be turned away altogether.
19. Vancouver City sightseeing tour
If you’re only in Vancouver for a couple of days, then one of the best ways to get to know the city is on a sightseeing tour. When I have friends visit, I am that tour guide but for other visitors like yourself, it’s great to get a local guide – at least for a day.
There are a few different sightseeing tours to choose from. Some drive you around, some are cycling, and some are even walking tours! I personally recommend this particular city tour because it actually drives you around (wasting less time getting to places) and takes you to all of Vancouver’s highlights, including Granville Island, Gastown, Chinatown, Stanley Park, and more! It’s the tour I suggest to friends because of the stops.
This tour guarantees a small group and includes a 5-hour tour with hotel pick-up and drop-off. It’s a great way to see all of the best Vancouver attractions in one day without any planning required. This tour is $175 CAD per person.
Check availability and grab your tickets for this small-group city tour here!
Do you really need to do this tour? No, not really. Like I’ve said before, you can easily get around Vancouver using Google Maps and public transport (more on that below.) But, this is a really great tour and most travelers will love it.
20. Walk around Gastown
Gastown is one very unique neighborhood in Vancouver. Not only is it the oldest area in Vancouver (it has cobblestone streets to prove it) it’s also one of the trendiest. The old European-style streets are lined with boutique shops, cafés, and bars, perfect for enjoying a drink.
Head into Gastown for a few hours of exploring and maybe even do some shopping. If you’re here for brunch or breakfast, stop in at the Twisted Fork. It’s my personal favorite!
After, take a stroll along Water Street and check out some of the boutique stores. This is also where you’ll find lots of souvenir shops if that’s your thing. Be sure to check out the old Steam Clock. It’s a famous landmark in the city, and every hour on the hour, the clock comes to life.
Finish your time in Gastown with a drink. If you want a cheap place, check out the Cambie, which has $5 CAD happy hour deals. They also often have live music. Or just wander around and stop in at any patio or bar that catches your eye – there are so many!
For something really unique, you can try out one of Vancouver’s top tours with this Lost Souls of Gastown Walking Tour. It tours Gastown at night and tells the story of Vancouver’s rough and rowdy past. You’ll see all of Gastown’s famous sites, as well as a gothic theater. If you’ve never been on one of these after-dark walking tours, you’re in for a treat – I always have so much fun!
21. Tour the Butchart Gardens and Victoria
If you don’t have time to explore Vancouver Island for a few days, it doesn’t mean you can’t visit on a day trip from Vancouver! Victoria is actually the capital of BC and is a historic city that always reminds me of Europe.
Without a doubt, everyone must visit the island and see the beautiful city of Victoria and, of course, the famous Butchart Gardens!
The Butchart Gardens are nothing short of phenomenal and will likely be the most beautiful gardens you’ve ever seen. There are over 55 acres of gardens, 900 bedding plant varieties, and 26 greenhouses. In fact, it takes over 50 full-time gardeners to maintain them all!
In order to get to the gardens, you’ll have to ride the ferry over to the island. It is about a 90-minute ferry ride, and then the gardens are only a 40-minute drive away. Afterward, you can explore Victoria and all of its attractions before heading back to Vancouver.
The entrance to the gardens without a tour is $27-$42 CAD (depending on the dates you visit), but be sure to bring extra money in case you want to have lunch, a glass of wine, or buy a souvenir! Tickets can be bought online or at the gate in person.
You can go on your own, or you can book a Butchart Gardens tour. Tours might just be the better option since transport is all organized for you – otherwise, this can quickly add up! One of the most popular tours is this Victoria and Butchart Gardens day tour.
At 13 hours long, it’s certainly filled with fantastic stops, including the scenic ferry to Vancouver Island, a tour of downtown Victoria, and a visit to the gardens. I particularly love this tour as the guides are just so friendly and helpful, and it is a super convenient way to visit Victoria.
Check out the thousands of positive reviews and book your full-day tour here!
Getting Around Vancouver
Transportation and ease of navigating a new city are super important to consider when planning a trip. It will help you determine where to stay and what you’ll be able to visit while in the city. In Vancouver, there are a few different options for transportation in and around the city.
Driving
This is probably the best form of transportation if you want to explore anywhere outside of downtown Vancouver and participate in activities like hiking or skiing, which require getting a bit further away. Traffic in downtown Vancouver can be fairly busy, just like any city center.
There is ample parking available both on the streets and in parkades, though it can be expensive. Some hotels provide parking, so check ahead of time.
If you can, rent a car so you can explore Vancouver with ease! Just be prepared to pay for parking unless your hotel includes it.
Car share
A great option besides renting a car is using a car share service like Modo or Evo. These services allow you to rent a car and pay based on the time it’s used (i.e., pay for 30 minutes, two hours, or the full day, depending on how long you drive).
You can pick up and drop off the car at specific checkpoints around the city, and the best part is they get lots of free parking. This makes it super easy to use a car for just the time that you need it.
Public transportation
Vancouver’s public transit system is not as extensive as many other major cities, but it is still a good way to get around to main attractions. The SkyTrain provides excellent access to some of the neighboring cities, such as Burnaby, New Westminster, or Surrey, so it offers a good option if you plan on exploring outside of downtown. It also runs from the airport, so again, a good option to get into the city from the airport.
There are also many buses in the city that run frequently. Note that public transportation options are extremely limited overnight, with only a couple of night buses and no SkyTrain options after around 1 am. All public transportation is run by the company TransLink and is fairly affordable; a single trip costs $3.20 CAD, and a day pass costs $11.50 CAD.
Taxis and rideshares
Taxis are available throughout the city, as are Uber and Lyft. These are good options in the downtown core but can get pricey if you are going further outside of that region. For example, the taxi cost from YVR to Vancouver is about $30-$50 CAD.
Aquabus
The Aquabus is one of the more unique ways to get around Vancouver. These small boats visit 8 locations in the harbor all the way from The Village to Granville Island. The Aquabus costs $20 CAD for a full-day pass or round-trip tickets start at $4.50 CAD, but prices vary depending on the route you take. You can check out all their routes and prices here.
Walking and biking
Vancouver is a very walkable city, and it is possible to walk just about anywhere in the downtown core.
Biking is also a good option, as there are dedicated bike lanes throughout most of the city. You can rent bikes all over the city and pretty much ride everywhere you want to downtown. I love doing this, especially on a beautiful day!
Where to Stay in Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver is one of the most popular cities in Canada. The fact is that in the summer and winter, the city books up in advance very fast! Booking your hotel or hostel well in advance is the only way to secure the best place to stay for you!
Some great hotels and hostels in Vancouver that we love are:
Hyatt Regency Vancouver – $$$
Can’t decide whether you’d prefer to stay near Stanley Park or Gastown? Well, the Hyatt Regency might just be right for you, as it’s located right between them! Rooms here enjoy gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows that help to bring in light and there is a small fridge, work desk, and toiletries in the bathroom too.
You can also conveniently enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at their beautiful Mosaic Bar and Grill just off the lobby. As you can imagine, it’s a luxury stay in a large hotel chain that is highly reviewed! So if you’re looking to celebrate something special, or just fancy taking your vacation to a whole new level, then staying here will definitely do the trick.
I’ve seen a one-night stay at the Hyatt Regency going as low as $232 CAD per night, although the rooms here on average are more around the $300-$500 CAD mark. So, for the best price, don’t forget to reserve your room in advance.
Times Square Suites – $$
For a beautiful hotel close to Stanley Park, the Times Square Hotel is a fantastic choice! It’s very hard to fault this hotel, and the location really is perfect. The fully equipped kitchens and gas fireplaces are a nice touch in all of the rooms, plus the suites have living rooms and a washer and dryer.
For being pretty affordable, it has a lot of amenities, which is just one of the reasons we love staying here! You can book a room here from $232 CAD per night, but as this is a popular stay, I recommend checking your dates and booking ahead of time to secure your preferred room type!
The Cambie Hostel Gastown – $
The Cambie Hostel is a great budget-friendly hostel that’s located right in the heart of Gastown and close to lots of bars and restaurants and attached to the hostel is a very lively bar too. The rooms are clean, although the bathrooms are a little on the small side (part of the fun when you’re staying cheap, though!).
It’s perfect for backpackers on a budget and is considerably cheaper than others offering comparable quality. A bed in a dorm here starts at around $50 CAD, and you can book a stay here through Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Didn’t find exactly what you’re looking for? Click here to browse all hotels in Vancouver!
For more info on the best areas and hotels, check out my complete guide on where to stay in Vancouver. It breaks down everything you need to know before choosing the right hotel!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Renting a Car in British Columbia
If you’re arriving in British Columbia via plane, then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough. British Columbia is a large province, and traveling between the best places to visit in BC requires transport. Although you can use public transport on some occasions, this means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.
Car rental in Canada isn’t relatively cheap, but it’s not that expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with a pick-up and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though, depending on the time of year. For car rentals, I use the website Discover Cars. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used Discover Cars all over the world, including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter). Using Motorhome Republic, you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada and you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! Read my tips on using Motorhome Republic here before you book!
Thanks for reading!
Thanks so much for reading our guide to all of the best things to do in Vancouver, Canada! We really hope this has helped inspire your visit here. We love Vancouver and are sure you will too!
If you have any questions, just leave a comment below and we will get back to you! Also, if you loved this travel guide, jump over and check out all our other Canada travel guides or these related articles below.
How to Spend One Day in Vancouver, BC: An Ideal 1-Day Itinerary
Sally
Sunday 6th of August 2023
So informative and helpful - we will be spending 4 days in Vancouver in July 2024 and using your article to guide us. Brilliant! Thank you so much 😊
Mamad
Wednesday 24th of May 2023
one of the best blogs ever. every time I wanna plan a trip to BC, checking your blog is the first thing I do. really appreciate it.
Mamad
Thursday 25th of May 2023
@destinationlesstravel, will do !
destinationlesstravel
Wednesday 24th of May 2023
Hey Mamad,
Thank you so much!
Enjoy Vancouver!
Thanks Daniel
Rachel Frampton
Friday 18th of December 2020
My boyfriend and I are planning to go to Vancouver for our vacation, which is why I've decided to start looking for an airport transfer service that may fetch and drop us off. Well, thank you for sharing here that we should visit Stanley Park and bike around the area. It's also interesting to learn that there is a Granville Island Brewing that we may visit.