There’s a whole heap of amazing things to do in Vancouver. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a little slice of culture, cake or the most incredible natural landscapes; the city has been bestowed with an epic amount of things to do and see when visiting this region.
I mean, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, should it? There are soooo many incredible places in British Columbia to explore – and all within relatively easy reach from Vancouver (if you’re okay with driving/longer distances).
Now, it’s true, I do have a pretty soft spot for everything Canadian. Who doesn’t, right? If I could live anywhere in the world (other than London), it would be in Canada. Like, anywhere in Canada. I swear, the whole country is gorgeous, and I’m already planning our next trip to some of Canada’s best places to visit. You see, over the years, we’ve explored so many provinces and regions, both in winter and summer, and the whole country makes for an unforgettable holiday destination, including amazing Vancouver!
Anyway, before I ramble on about the why and how I love Canada so much, I wanted to share some of my favourite haunts and joints that you should explore on your next visit to Vancouver.
It really is an incredible city that you’re going to love. Also, if you’re heading to Vancouver for the first time, check out our 1-week itinerary you can follow. It has all the details for spending a whole week in and around Vancouver. This means you just need to focus on getting yourself over to this amazing West Coast city. There’s so much to do in Vancouver. You will have the best time!
1.) Capilano Suspension Bridge
Around 25-minutes from the city centre, the Capilano Suspension Bridge (which you can see our full review in our blogpost) is one of the oldest (and most gorgeous) bridges in the region. Arrive earlier in the morning, when crowds are less, and walk over this historic bridge, head onto the cliff walk and ramble around the treetops paths. It’s a stunning place to explore for a few hours and really easy to visit, even if you’re staying in a chic hotel in downtown Vancouver.
Whilst here, you’ll be able to head across Raptor’s Ride, which is seasonally open in the warmer summer months. Think of it as a deep dive into the local area. Plus, you’ll be able to follow the Treetops Adventure Walk, which is perfect for all the family, especially slightly older children.
Also, for some of the best pictures, follow the Cliff Walk route. We loved this, you get some stunning pictures of the e Capilano Suspension Bridge and the whole gorge.
Oh, and don’t forget to buy these Capilano Suspension Bridge tickets before you arrive. This way, you avoid the big queues that sometimes form at peak times and weekends. Plus, these tickets let you queue jump away from the booth and head straight in! You will love it here at the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
It really is a gorgeous place and one of the best things to do in Vancouver, especially if you’re already planning on visiting Grouse Mountain, which is just a stone’s throw away from the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Looking for one of the best hotels in Vancouver? Make sure to book this suite at the Hyatt Vancouver Downtown Alberni. It’s right in the heart of downtown Vancouver and within the heart of all the action in the city. We loved staying here, and the rooms have some of the best views in all of Vancouver. You will love it.
Read more: Visiting Capilano Suspension Bridge
2.) Explore Chinatown
Chinatown is one of Vancouver’s oldest districts and possibly one of the largest across all of Canada and the USA. In fact, it’s said to be the largest and oldest Chinatown in the Western World. You see, it’s been around in Vancouver since the 19th Century and has been home to so many immigrants who arrived in Vancouver from Asia, generally. The area is a rich mix of culture, history and, of course, the most delicious food spots, which is great to visit for a few hours whilst exploring Vancouver.
Make sure to visit the famous Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and visit the Millennium Gate too. As I said, the neighbourhood is also one of the best spots to come for great Asian and Asian-fusion food. It’s come to be a total hot spot for a yummy bite to eat.
So, for some great food, head over to eateries like Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie (their sticky rice cakes are so good) and Kissa Tanto. All of these are yummy spots, right in the heart of Vancouver’s Downtown area. If you’re looking for some of the city’s best bao buns, you have to try the Newtown Bakery. This is an unfussy, cafe-like spot in Chinatown, and it has some of the best bao buns in all of Western Canada.
If it’s cocktails you’re after, head to Bagheera. This is the perfect spot to visit for pre-dinner tipples, and their cocktail menu is so delicious. Make sure to try their Braggart cocktail, which is a tropical milk glass of tastiness.
Finally, if you’re looking to see some gorgeous art-pop inside the Rennie Collection at Wing Sang. It’s totally free entry and a great spot to see.
Read more: Best things to do in Victoria
3.) Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery
Plonked in the centre of the city is the Vancouver Art Gallery (VAG). An iconic spot to see some of Canada’s(and some of the world’s) well-known art. Now, what I love most about the VAG is that it really does celebrate Canadian and First Nations Art. It’s incredible to see, and we absolutely loved seeing the works by the renowned Canadian, Emily Carr. Her work was inspired heavily by the First Nations communities and villages, and it’s so easy to see this within her work.
Whilst at the Vancouver Art Gallery, make sure to wander through the many rooms and floors. It’s a great spot to visit in its own right, but even better if you’re looking to shelter from the city’s unpredictable rain that can sometimes hit the west coast. Give yourself around 90-minutes to leisurely stroll through the galleries. It’s amazing.
Visiting Vancouver? See our map and itinerary for all the unmissable places
4.) Wander around Granville Island
Granville Island (Google Maps pin) is easily reached from Downtown Vancouver by the Granville Bridge… and it’s one spot you shouldn’t miss in the city. So, firstly, work up an appetite and head straight for Granville Island’s Public Market, where you can take a delicious foody tour or just head off exploring on your own. After filling up your tummy, head down the street to Granville Island Brewing Company. They’ll even let you sample some house-made beer.
Now, to make things easier, book this amazing Granville Island Market Tour. It’s the best way to try all the local delicacies and treats within the market, and you get to learn so much about the foodie heritage and culture of Vancouver. You see, the city is a beautiful mix of worldwide cultures – and Granville Island is a testament to that. We loved this tour.
One place you can’t miss is Lee’s Donuts. This place is iconic in Vancouver and one of the city’s most renowned fried dough spots. You will leave stuffed. Well, I did at least!
Don’t forget to browse the rest of Granville Island’s quirky little shops, too. Don’t miss Edible Canada, a popular little haunt and eatery that only offers the best products that are made totally in Canada.
Read more on visiting Granville Island
5.) Vancouver Food
Okay, there are more things to do in Vancouver that involve eating, with Vancouver having some of the best restaurants in Canada.
To be truthful, I do actually think I stopped eating whilst we were there. There are quite a few joints that you really should visit and enjoy. Some are perched right in the heart of the city centre, whilst others are a 10-minute drive to other neighbourhoods.
Take a look at Vancouver’s best restaurants in our blog post. Oh, and check out my totally favourite restaurant, Osteria Savio Volpe. Just make sure to pack some elasticated pants, their pasta, arancini and incredible canolis are everything. It’s the perfect spot for dinner in Vancouver.
Also, let’s discuss all the amazing dessert spots right within the heart of Vancouver, too! Vancouver is definitely a foody city. It’s one of those places where you’ll find some new joint or corner side bakery that you just have to visit. If you’re looking for some proper tasty places, make sure to grab a bite to eat in the city’s best bakeries. Make sure to gorge on all the goodies, especially the award-winning cakes at these little spots.
We totally loved Small Victory for their lemon tarts and Salted Caramel Macadamia Tart. Honestly, they are too good to miss. I’d fly back to Vancouver in an instant, just for these. If you want a truly authentic gelato, make sure to visit Mister. These guys know their flavours! Their shortbread ice cream sandwiches are unmissable when visiting the city.
6.) Vancouver seaplane tours
Vancouver is one of those cities that’s surrounded by the most dramatic natural landscapes. Glaciers, rugged mountaintops, snowcapped peaks – it has it all. If you’re staying in Vancouver, you can actually take an amazing seaplane flight (like this one we reviewed) from the harbourfront itself. It’s so easy, as long as you book these seaplane tour tickets beforehand. Prices depend on how long you want to spend above the city and mountains.
It really is a special experience to do, and one of the prettiest flights, and so easy to organise whilst visiting Vancouver. The only thing I’d say is to make sure you book your seaplane tour tickets in advance. Spaces can fill up fast, especially if the weather has stopped earlier bookings from being honoured. Secure your seaplane slot time and make sure you have a seat on the plane. Oh, and always choose the window seat!
Read more: Our seaplane flight from Vancouver
7.) Find the best coffee in Gastown
Possibly one of the favourite neighbourhoods to visit, Gastown has lots of things to do. If coffee is your thing, head over to Revolver on 325 Cambie Street, Nemesis for some great brews and The Birds & The Beets on Powell Street.
They make an epic kombucha. Don’t forget to see the historic Steam Clock and shop in some of the quirky little shops and art galleries you’ll find here. It’s one of the fun neighbourhoods and things to do in Vancouver.
Also, to make things easier, book this historical Gastown walking tour around the neighbourhood. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in this vibrant community and explore some of the iconic (and hidden) gems that surround the streets. We loved it. These tours take a few hours and the guides really know their stuff.
Looking for another amazing hotel in Vancouver? Well, make sure to book this suite at the AZUR Legacy Collection Hotel. It has such a cool, vibrant boutique feel and is the perfect place to stay when visiting Vancouver on a long weekend trip. Plus, it’s one of the smaller five-star luxe properties in Vancouver, which makes it a much more personal stay.
8.) Cycle the city
The best thing about the Vancouver city centre is that it’s pretty compact. Plus, it has the bonus of having Stanley Park (Google Maps pin) right in the city.
If you fancy working off some of those cakes and tasty meals you’ve been gorging on, book this amazing cycle tour of Vancouver and the wider coastline around Stanley Park. It’s a really great way to explore the city and one of the fun things to do in Vancouver.
We had the best time on the cycle tour in Vancouver. It’s such a great way to see the city, and perfect if you want to cover lots of ground, but not drive everywhere! You’ll have a blast.
Read more: Cycling tours in our itinerary to Vancouver
9.) Ski and views at Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain is a gorgeous place to ski, but also to enjoy the incredible views of the whole region. You can even see the USA from the top of the mountain. Spend the afternoon exploring this lovely place. You might even see some of the resident bears at the top. That’s if they’re not hibernating. It’s one of the best things to do in Vancouver if you love snow, views and skiing.
To make things easier, book this advanced Grouse Mountain cable car ticket that will get you right to the top of Grouse Mountain. It’s the best way to secure your spot and avoid some of the hefty queues that happen at peak times.
Also, if you want to pair this up with a visit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, make sure to book this guided tour that incorporates both places. It’s one of the best ways to see both sights from Downtown Vancouver without any of the stress of organising tickets or transport. It’s perfect if you want a more relaxing day, whilst still seeing the key sights on the edge of Vancouver itself.
Read more: Visiting Grouse Mountain
10.) Head to SoMA (South Main) Neighbourhood
Perched south-east of the centre of Vancouver, SoMA (South Main) starts around Main Street and even parts of the much larger Mount Pleasant neighbourhood. Over the last 5 years, SoMA has totally transformed, and it’s a great place to experience the cool vibe of the city. It’s a little away from the heart of Downtown Vancouver, but still within easy reach if you fancy a gander.
Don’t forget to head over to Fable Diner for some tasty grub. It’s been around since 2016 and has come to make a name for itself within Vancouver. It’s been created by the team behind Kitsilano’s farm-to-table neighbourhood restaurant, Fable. If you’re hankering for something sweet, head over to the Breka Bakery. It’s an unfussy little spot, and their strawberry cream doughnuts are so yummy. Now, that’s got to be one of the epic things to do in Vancouver, or at least eat!
Heading to Vancouver? See our map and itinerary
Epic One Week Travel Itinerary And Guide To Visiting Vancouver
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