Things to Do in Vancouver
Vancouver is a city where the ocean, the mountains and the rainforest meet a glass-and-steel downtown, where you can ski in the morning and kayak in the afterno…
Vancouver is a city where the ocean, the mountains and the rainforest meet a glass-and-steel downtown, where you can ski in the morning and kayak in the afternoon, and where every neighbourhood has a different personality. From the seawall of Stanley Park to the cobblestones of Gastown, there is more to do here than any single trip can hold. This guide covers the best things to do in Vancouver for every kind of traveller, from the must-see icons to the free walks, the family-friendly stops, the romantic corners, the outdoor fun, the rainy-day museums, the seasonal highlights and the best day trips beyond the city.
What to do in Vancouver
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Top things to do in Vancouver
Start with the Stanley Park seawall (a 10 km walk, run or cycle around the park), the Vancouver Aquarium and the Brockton Point totem poles. Visit Granville Island for the public market, the artisan studios and the brewery, and walk Gastown for the Gastown Steam Clock and the cobblestone streets. Ride the SkyTrain to the Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver, and take the SeaBus to the Lonsdale Quay Market. Visit the Museum of Anthropology at UBC for Indigenous art and the Vancouver Art Gallery for Canadian art.
Free things to do in Vancouver
The Stanley Park seawall is free to walk, run or cycle, and the Brockton Point totem poles are free to visit. Granville Island is free to wander (the market and the studios are free to browse), and the Gastown cobblestone streets and the Steam Clock are free. The Vancouver Art Gallery offers free admission on certain days (check current schedules), and the beaches at English Bay and Kitsilano are free to enjoy.
Things to do in Vancouver for families
Families love the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park, the Capilano Suspension Bridge (with its tree-top adventure and cliff walk), and Science World at the False Creek. The Vancouver Maritime Museum and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre are great for kids, and the Kitsilano Beach and Pool offer summer swimming. The Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver is a free alternative to the Capilano.
Things to do in Vancouver for couples
Couples should walk the Stanley Park seawall at sunset, visit Granville Island for the market and the artisan studios, and walk Gastown for the cobblestones and the cocktail bars. Book a table along the False Creek or the English Bay, and take the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay for a sunset dinner. In winter, skate at the Robson Square Ice Rink and warm up with a cocktail in Yaletown.
Outdoor activities in Vancouver
Vancouver is an outdoor capital. Walk or bike the Stanley Park seawall, the False Creek seawall and the Kitsilano beach, and rent a kayak in the False Creek or the English Bay. Hike the Grouse Grind (or take the gondola) in North Vancouver, bike the Central Valley Greenway, and snowshoe on Mount Seymour. In winter, ski Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain or Mount Seymour, all within 30 minutes of downtown.
Rainy-day activities in Vancouver
Vancouver's museums and indoor attractions are excellent. The Museum of Anthropology at UBC, the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Vancouver Aquarium (partially indoors) and Science World cover art, nature and science. The Bloedel Conservatory in Queen Elizabeth Park is a tropical greenhouse, and the Vancouver Public Library's central branch is a striking piece of architecture. Granville Island's market and studios are mostly under cover.
Seasonal activities in Vancouver
Summer (June–September) is the high season for the seawall, the beaches and the outdoor patios, with the Celebration of Light fireworks in July. Fall (October–November) brings salmon runs and changing colours. Winter (December–February) is for skiing on the local mountains and the Robson Square Ice Rink. Spring (March–May) brings cherry blossoms and the return of the outdoor patios.
Day trips from Vancouver
Drive to Whistler (2 hours) for the mountain resort and the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, to Victoria (3 hours with the ferry) for the provincial capital and the Butchart Gardens, and to the Fraser Valley (1 hour) for wineries and farm stands. The Sea-to-Sky Corridor (1 hour) offers the Squamish area and the Sea-to-Sky Gondola, and the Sunshine Coast (2 hours with the ferry) offers a quieter coastal escape.
Day trips from Vancouver
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Where to stay in Vancouver
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Vancouver?
Three days is enough to see Stanley Park, Granville Island, Gastown and the Capilano Suspension Bridge, with time for a day trip to the North Shore mountains or Victoria. Add a day if you want to include Whistler or the Fraser Valley.
What is the best time of year to visit Vancouver?
Summer (June–September) is the high season for the seawall, the beaches and the patios, with the Celebration of Light fireworks in July. Fall (October–November) brings salmon runs and changing colours. Winter (December–February) is for skiing on the local mountains. Spring (March–May) brings cherry blossoms and the return of the patios.
Do I need a car in Vancouver?
No. Vancouver has an excellent SkyTrain, bus and Seabus system, and most central neighbourhoods are walkable. A car is useful for day trips to Whistler, the North Shore mountains and the Fraser Valley, but parking downtown is expensive.
What are the best free things to do in Vancouver?
The Stanley Park seawall is free to walk, run or cycle, and the Brockton Point totem poles are free. Granville Island is free to wander, and the Gastown cobblestone streets and the Steam Clock are free. The beaches at English Bay and Kitsilano are free to enjoy, and the Vancouver Art Gallery offers free admission on certain days.
Is Vancouver good for families?
Yes. Families love the Vancouver Aquarium, the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Science World. The Vancouver Maritime Museum and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre are great for kids, and the Kitsilano Beach and Pool offer summer swimming. The Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is a free alternative to the Capilano.
How do I get from Vancouver to Whistler?
Whistler is about 2 hours north of Vancouver along the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99). Epic Rides and YVR SkyLynx offer scheduled shuttles from Vancouver and the airport to Whistler Village, or you can rent a car for the most flexibility.
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