Top 12 Things to Do in Vancouver
If you’re planning a visit to Canada this year, Vancouver could be one of your top destinations. The third biggest metropolitan area in Canada, there are things to do in Vancouver for everyone.
No matter how old you are, where you come from, or what you’re traveling for, Vancouver won’t leave you empty-handed. This city is a cultural hub with sea access and nature at its doors.
This city is often pitched against Toronto, but there are no winners to the Toronto Vs Vancouver debate. So, let’s take a look at the best activities Vancouver has to offer for fans of the indoors and outdoors, culture seekers, and foodies.
Top Things to Do in Vancouver: Outdoor Locations
With its mild weather, beach and mountain access, and gorgeous landscapes, Vancouver’s outdoors has so much to offer. Whenever you get a break from the rain, give a shot to the attractions below.
1. Stanley Park
Stanley is Vancouver’s biggest urban park. Stretching over 400 hectares, Stanley is a safe haven in downtown Vancouver. In Stanley Park, you can take a walk along the famous seawall, visit the Lost Lagoon, or ride the train.
Visiting Stanley is one of the most satisfying free things to do in Vancouver as is is the perfect place to soak up some sun and enjoy the scenery.
2. Second Beach
A great place for family fun, Second Beach is one of your safest options for outdoor swimming. This beach is located on the western side of Stanley Park and includes a heated outdoor swimming pool.
You can enjoy the comforts of a pool, alongside the beauty of a beach at the Second Beach in Vancouver.
3. VanDusen Botanical Gardens
VanDusen Garden is named after local lumberman and philanthropist Whitford Julian VanDusen. This garden is located at the heart of Vancouver and hosts more than 7,500 species. There is a lot to see and learn in Vancouver’s botanical gardens.
Top Things to Do in Vancouver: Indoor Activities
Although the weather is rarely too cold or too hot in Vancouver, there is a reason it’s called the city of rain. If you find yourself locked in one rainy afternoon, don’t worry. With the many museums Vancouver has to offer, you’ll be grateful for a few days inside.
4. Science World
Science World is the perfect place to spend some quality time with your kids. This indoor attraction offers many interactive exhibits with themes of movies and video games. Additionally, Science World holds a monthly event called “After Dark” night.
After Dark specials allow for drinking alcoholic beverages and include activities directed towards adults. Visiting Science World is one of the most fun things to do in Vancouver.
5. Vancouver Aquarium
Visiting Canada’s largest aquarium is one of the fun things to do in downtown Vancouver. Enjoy the sealife from local Canadian species and the rest of the world. Take your kids to hold spineless marine animals, or go to their after hours party for unique adult fun.
If you’re a big fan of marine life, consider checking out Ripley’s Aquarium Toronto as well.
6. Museum of Anthropology
Vancouver’s Museum of Anthropology is dedicated to showcasing the diverse nature of the country. Learn about Canada’s Indigenous background, the local life of now, and the science of human nature as a whole.
Everything inside and outside of this museum is worth learning about. So if you’re in Vancouver, do give a chance to one of the most interesting museums the city has to offer.
For more indoor activities this city has to offer, check out our article on indoor activities in Vancouver.
Top Things to Do in Vancouver: Cultural and Historic Locations
If you enjoy traveling to learn about new cultures, then fear not! Vancouver is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, and it doesn’t hide that at all. Let’s look at a few places you can learn about the culture.
7. Orpheum Theatre
Once Vancouver’s biggest vaudeville house, Orpheum is now best known as the home of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. This concert hall was built in 1927 and showcases what art meant in Vancouver more than 90 years ago. Orpheum Theatre is one of the most pretentious Vancouver attractions to visit.
8. Britannia Mine
Learn about Vancouver’s history in the Britannia Mine Museum. This museum showcases artifacts and important information about Vancouver’s mining days. For 70 years, the Britannia mine was one of the most important sources of copper production in Vancouver.
Nowadays this non-profit organization intends to “create accessible learning experiences to inspire discovery and connection through guided interpretive programming, self-exploration opportunities, and the preservation of our historical site and artifacts.” according to their website.
9. Marine Building
If you’re trying to explain the term “art deco” to someone, just take them to 355 Burrard street and point to the Marine Building. This building is one of the best pieces of public artwork the city has to offer.
The Marine Building was built when the neighbourhood was for the rich. After bankrupting its builder, Marine ended up being the tallest building in Vancouver until 1939. This beautiful landmark is more preserved for artistic reasons than anything else.
Top Things to Do in Vancouver: Food and Shopping
If you’re over the history and culture, then let’s look at the best places to eat and shop in Vancouver. No different from any other modern city in the world, Vancouver is a great place to eat whatever your heart desires.
10. Granville Island
Up to the 70s, Granville Island was nothing more than a wasteland. Previously an industrial site, the island managed to transform into a hipster, posh, public mark. Granville Island is the perfect place to shop for some artisan goods or a picnic in Stanley Park.
The island hosts occasional festivals and you can experience the island’s vibrant summer scene with live entertainment events. A place to eat gourmet food and find good quality unique items, Granville Island would make a great addition to your Vancouver list.
11. Gastown
We’d refer to Gastown as The must-visit for modern tourists. There is no shortage of things to do in Vancouver Gastown, but we can list a few of the more eye-catching ones today.
In Gastown, you eat at the most casual or the most elegant restaurants. You can buy all the souvenirs you need and party in the later hours of the event. Even if you’re only in Vancouver for a day, don’t miss out on everything Gastown has to offer.
12. Chinatown
The Chinatown district is a two-in-one destination. Both culturally significant and extremely delicious, Chinatown is also one of those places you’d never want to miss.
The area was founded when the first wave of Chinese immigrants settled in Vancouver around the 1890s. Chinatown is home to great food, some shopping, and stunning street art.
Honorable Mentions
If we were to list all the amazing things to do in Vancouver, this article would take forever. On the same line of thought, it would take forever to see all of the city as well, but we would be amiss to leave some of these out.
Queen Elizabeth Park is gorgeous in spring, Vancouver’s seawall is a trail you must walk, and Roedde House Museum should not be missed. Additionally, if you’re looking for things to do in North Vancouver, don’t skip on the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.
Conclusion
Vancouver is not a one-day trip. There are lots of things to do in Vancouver. Therefore, If you’re planning to visit the city, make sure to leave enough time to see all the beautiful landscape. You’d be amiss not to experience the city in its full potential.
FAQs
1. What Is Vancouver Best Known For?
Vancouver is best known for the beautiful scenery it has to offer. For a big city with a fast pace of life, Vancouver has an astonishing natural presence.
2. Do You Need a Car in Vancouver?
Vancouver is the proud owner of the most extensive public transport system Canada has to offer. You’re unlikely to encounter any issues without a vehicle in this city.
3. When Is the Best Time to Visit Vancouver?
The best times to visit Vancouver are late spring and fall. Vancouver is at its best weather from March to May and then later from September to November.
