As a Canadian expat from Vancouver living in France, we are asked: „What should we see on our trip to the west coast of Canada?”
Fortunately, I have a long list of the best things to do in Vancouver – the city is full of exciting things to do and see.
Transportation in Vancouver
Strolling Stanley Park or spotting Sealife at the Vancouver Aquarium will get you from one attraction to the next all day, but with a day pass from the one Hop-on and Hop-off bus – – Getting on and off the buses allows for easy and punctual transportation around Vancouver. Each bus includes a commentary about the city that points out historical facts and landmarks. Buses run within 10 minutes, so waiting times after getting off are kept to a minimum so that you can enjoy all that Vancouver has to offer during the daily hours.
Or if you feel like more adventure and physical exercise, Bike rental is a good option. ezeeRiders bike rental Have a moderate inventory of bikes on the corner of Robson Street and Denman Street near Stanely Park. Self-renting makes it easy to choose a bike and ride around town to stop at every sight ridden before you set off. Cycle BC is another company that rents bikes in Vancouver. In their rental office, the staff offer m and routes through the city to help you plan your city tour. Vancouver is very bike-friendly, so many streets have cycle lanes to protect riders.
Best things to do in Vancouver
When visiting Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, top attractions range from the Granville Island Public Market to the many sights of the 2010 Winter Olympics.
And getting to other well-known attractions in Vancouver’s beautiful countryside is a great option Discover everything that the city offers its visitors.
1. Stanley Park
Right in the city center, this park offers one greener side of Vancouver. There are no sky-high buildings or traffic in this quiet park. Instead, it offers recreational facilities and natural attractions like bird watching.
Stanley Park is a beautiful 4,000 square kilometers of green space with a walkway that runs around the coast. You will find people riding bikes, rollerblading, and walking around the sea wall. Stanley Park has beaches for picnics, a swimming pool, lawn bowling, playgrounds, and natural paths through mature trees.
There’s a look towards it Lions Gate Bridge or First narrow bridge. It was built by the Guinness family over the first narrowing of the inlet. Well worth a stop to see pictures of North Vancouver. The bridge connects North Van with Downtown. There are also the very famous ones TeaHouse restaurant that Alfonz took me to our anniversary.
2. Aquarium
The aquarium is located in the center of Stanley Park and is a huge tourist attraction. They have Dolphin and beluga whale shows. My favorite is the Amazon rainforest exhibition. If you look over your heads, try to spot the three sloths that live there. This is our ritual when you go with the kids. This is Canada’s largest aquarium with 800 different aquatic species. You can Book your tickets online forward to skip the line.
3. Robson Street
This street runs through the core of downtown and is lined with high-end shops, fabulous restaurants, and pedestrian tourists year round. Here you can find Steamrollers mexican wrs, Fast food but healthy. At the end of Robson Street you can rent bikes as well Tour around the SeaWall.
4. Granville Island
This island has a large market, shops and restaurants. Alfonz and I got married on a boat rented through Accent Cruises that docks right in front of Bridges, the famous and excellent restaurant. Granville Island is home to the Comedy Club, Arts Club Theater and great pubs for the travelers looking for the night life. When we’re on a boat, we often dock here and go to one of the burger bars for lunch.
The Granville Island Market sells everything from freshly prepared foods and snacks to local produce and raw seafood. Honey, bread, pastries, and flowers are also sold among the numerous vendors occupying the indoor market. Have a bite to eat and sit outside on ledges and benches that line the dock and listen to live music or other artistic performances. Watch out for the fearless seagulls soaring low as they are ready to steal your food right off your plate. Stroll the island’s beaches after exhausting the public market or shop in the many small boutiques on the streets of Granville Island.
5. Kitsilano & Jericho Beaches
The beaches of Kitsilano and Jericho are my old territory. If you follow the beach you will land on Granville Island towards town. With lots of photo opportunities and beautiful walks along the paths, every beach is sure to be a relaxing stopover.
6. North Vancouver’s Quay Market
Catch the SeaBus at the Waterfront Station that crosses the Burrard Inlet to North Vancouver for a day on the wharf. Nice little shops, similar to Granville Island, have lovely views of the water.
7. World of Science
This is the huge shiny metal ball on the skyline and is entertainment for kids of all ages. you have one Omnimax theater shows many interesting documentaries like the Rocky Mountain Express.
8. Gastown
It’s in the city center and known for that Steam clock and the excellent Microbrewery Pub, Steamworks. When we lived at the Delta Hotel Suites for the first few years of our marriage, we made many stops at local Gastown hotspots. The night life here is fabulous, Lantern lighter comes to mind. To attempt Thai Palace for excellent Thai food in Vancouver.
9. Metrotown shopping center
This is a huge mall on the Sky Train route. I took the kids from one end of the Sky Train to the other to show them the lower mainland.
10. White Rock White Rock
In this small coastal community we lived with the children for 8 years. It is known for great restaurants on the beach. I recommend Pearl for excellent food & Mobydicks for fish and chips (Try the homemade tartar sauce.)
11. Cilano suspension bridge
Located in north Vancouver, it offers a breathtaking view of the canyon below and recently they added Treetops on foot Excursion. On eco-walks along the bridge, you acidify yourself over treetops, along granite rocks and over extensive canyons the suspension bridge Visitors walk 450 feet above and 250 feet above the ground. This attraction gives visitors a taste for Vancouver’s natural beauty. This is one of the best things nature lovers can do in Vancouver!
12. Whistler Mountain
Whistler & Blackcomb are beautiful mountains with a very pretty village well worth the 1 1/2 hour drive from downtown. I would suggest staying one night in one of the fabulous Whistler Village Hotels with Spa and really enjoying a massage or pedicure.
13. Harrison Hot Springs
If you drive east for two hours you will find Harrison Hot Springs. Stay at the resort and enjoy outdoor healing pools and a lovely dinner at one of their restaurants. We enjoyed the Copper room on our last visit and Alfonz was not feeling well so they packed his dinner and sent it to the room for us. We like to leave the resort for at least one meal, which are our favorites The Black Forest for german food (i suggest your schnitzel) and that Crazy fish for seafood.
14. Vancouver Island
It can only be reached by BC Ferries and the trip alone is worth the trip to Victoria for the few nights. Often times our family would travel to the mainland from Duncan, my hometown between Victoria and Naniamo, and we would see Orca and dolphins by doing Georgia Straight waters. Last year our family had one Whale watching tour from the Campbell River and discovered two pods of killer whales A total of 13 mammals in one afternoon. Often you can see Grizzly and black bears many on this tour Eagles, sea lions Sunbathing and a wide variety of wildlife. We loved the Zodiac boats which are great for speed and we caught up with the whales twice. It was surprisingly cool on the water and they prepared us in parkas. We went on an extended four hour tour and both kids fell asleep on the way back.
15. Grouse Mountain
Go to the top of this mountain, a 15-minute super skyride from downtown, and enjoy hiking, zip lining through the mountains, or enjoy winter activities like snowshoeing or skiing or summer activities depending on the time of visit. The adventures on the top of this mountain offer everyone an entertaining experience of nature.
16. Classic Chinese garden
This is the first Chinese garden built outside of China. With flowers and plants from across the country, this garden offers a beautifully tailored landscape. The Serenity and peace Felt in the garden is made through authentic techniques and rock formations. Admission includes a guided tour and a cup of Chinese tea to enjoy during your walking tour.
17. Olympic Attractions in Vancouver
The Vancouver Convention Center is home to the 2010 Winter Olympics cauldron. The torch reflects blue and green spotlights at night and the torch is lit for special events in the city. The Richmond Olympic Oval, which hosted speed skating events in 2010, has since grown into a public ice rink with a racetrack and other on-site fitness facilities. And with delicious eateries right next to the Olympic Oval on Richmond Street, you can have a bite to eat in one of the many eateries.
If you go to Victoria check this out Museum, Butterfly Gardens and Butchard Gardens . If you are traveling north on Vancouver Island be sure to check this out Tofino, famous for storm watching, surfing and whale watching. The community of Tofino is on the ocean side rather than the Georgia Straight side of the island, and the spectacular forces of the Pacific Ocean can be observed here. You can rent a cabin right on the beach, and I have writer and painter friends who have used it as a retreat.
If your into wine then definitely check out the nearby Naramata Bench Wine Country.
Points 1-8 Getting on our list of the best things to do in Vancouver can be easy accessible through Skytrain and no need for a car when staying in downtown Vancouver. Points 9-14 You will need a car – You can rent a car with Europcar Canada.
In the tall, sky-high building that the city discovers, you’ll find natural beauty, fun activities, historical sights, and greener landscapes.
Vancouver is the ultimate destination for exploring your inner adventure while experiencing the culture and customs of Vancouver one of the largest cities in Canada.
alinaf