Having lived in Vancouver for over two decades, we have hosted countless first-time visitors to this vibrant city. A common question we receive is: “What are the must-see attractions in Vancouver?”
Our recommendations vary throughout the year, but there are several iconic spots we always suggest for those visiting for the first time—these are the essentials that showcase why Vancouver is such a remarkable city.
We’ve previously crafted an in-depth article that showcases 25 fantastic day trips from Vancouver. This post has resonated with our readers, leading to a surge of inquiries about the city.
Although we don’t frequently write about our own hometown because it feels so familiar, we recognize that for those outside Vancouver, it remains a premier travel destination.
FREE Things to do in Vancouver
Your Local’s Guide to the Best Activities in Vancouver
Vancouver isn’t known for being affordable, so this guide emphasizes budget-friendly activities. We love our city and strive to spend time outdoors whenever possible. Below are our favorite outdoor activities in Vancouver.
Top Things to Do in Vancouver
With so many attractions and activities in Vancouver, it’s unlikely you’ll have time for all 25 recommendations. Therefore, let’s start with the essentials you should prioritize if you have just a few days.
1. Explore Stanley Park and The Seawall
Undoubtedly, Stanley Park stands out as Vancouver’s premier tourist attraction. It’s the city’s first and largest urban park, offering an incredible 1,000 acres of natural beauty. You can easily spend an entire day exploring this beloved park, which is nearly encircled by the stunning Vancouver Harbour and English Bay.
To fully appreciate Stanley Park, we highly recommend walking or biking along the Stanley Park Seawall, a scenic 10 km loop that highlights Vancouver’s premier outdoor space. Walking the Seawall takes about 2-3 hours, while biking around it takes roughly an hour at a leisurely pace.
Things to Do in Stanley Park (Note: Some activities are not free):
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- Visit the Totem Poles
- Enjoy breathtaking views at Prospect Point
- See the iconic Siwash Rock
- Check out Brockton Point Lighthouse
- Bird-watch at Lost Lagoon
- Walk beneath the famous Lions Gate Bridge
- Explore 27 kilometers of forest trails
- Swim at the heated Second Beach Pool
- Visit the Vancouver Aquarium
- Take a Horse-Drawn Tour of the park
- Ride the Stanley Park Train
- Bike around the Seawall (rentals available or join an E-bike tour)
- Play at Stanley Park Pitch & Putt
Access a downloadable map of Stanley Park.
If you’re driving to Stanley Park, be mindful that all parking is paid.
The picture above captures the Stanley Park Seawall, with Prospect Point Lookout visible at the top of the cliff.
2. Visit Granville Island
Granville Island ranks among the most adored attractions in Vancouver, especially for first-time visitors. You can explore Granville Island affordably by simply wandering through the market and enjoying the breathtaking waterfront views of False Creek and the Burrard Bridge.
The Granville Island Public Market operates daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, featuring over 50 vendors offering a wide range of food options. On sunny days, you might even catch live busker performances—check out their performance schedule.
A variety of restaurants are available on Granville Island, including the popular patio at Bridges Restaurant and the upscale Sandbar Seafood Restaurant.
However, if you’re looking to keep costs low, we recommend grabbing a bite from the Public Market’s Food Court and enjoying your meal outdoors by the waterfront (just beware of those sneaky birds!).
Access a downloadable map of Granville Island.
If you’re a fan of beer, don’t miss a visit to Granville Island Brewing, which touts itself as “Canada’s first microbrewery” since its establishment in 1984. They offer daily tours and tastings.
An enjoyable way to reach Granville Island is via the Aquabus, a small water taxi seen in the image below. It operates every 15 minutes, making it easy to hop on and off. For schedules, prices, and dock info, click here.
Learn more about how to get to Granville Island.
3. Granville Street Entertainment District
After your exploration of Granville Island, walk across the Granville Street Bridge and head north towards Vancouver’s bustling Entertainment District. No matter the hour, Granville Street buzzes with activity.
For nightlife, Granville is the go-to neighborhood in Vancouver.
It’s also perfect for people-watching, with landmarks like the Commodore Ballroom (a renowned music venue), Orpheum Theatre (home to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra), and the famed Roxy Cabaret (a long-standing venue for live bands).
Fun fact: At one time, the Granville Street strip was said to have the highest concentration of neon signs globally, second only to Shanghai, China.
While you’re in the area, don’t miss out on Robson Square and the Vancouver Art Gallery. If Vancouver’s weather is rainy during your visit (which is likely between November and April), you can find refuge in the massive Pacific Centre Mall.
4. Grouse Mountain and the Grouse Grind
Grouse Mountain is one of Vancouver’s top attractions, proudly titled The Peak of Vancouver.
You can reach the summit of Grouse Mountain for FREE by tackling the Grouse Grind, affectionately dubbed Mother Nature’s Stairmaster. However, prepare for a challenging hike; the trail can become crowded during the summer, especially on weekends.
The Grouse Grind spans 3 kilometers straight up, featuring an elevation gain of 2,800 feet (853 meters). This strenuous hike is not recommended for beginners or casual walkers. We’ve observed many tourists attempting this trail in jeans and dress shoes without water or snacks—don’t be that person. This is a serious hike.
Note: The Grouse Grind is closed during the winter months.
Grouse Mountain Skyride
Alternatively, you can take the Grouse Mountain gondola (Skyride) to reach the summit. This gondola operates 365 days a year, departing every 15 minutes between 8:45 AM and 10:00 PM. Prices for Grouse Mountain tickets vary by season; check the official website for current rates.
To descend from the mountain, you can either take the Skyride (approximately $15 as of 2018) or opt to hike down. Instead of retracing the steep Grouse Grind, we recommend the BCMC trail for a more enjoyable descent.
Dining Options at Grouse Mountain
Altitudes Bistro is the primary restaurant on Grouse Mountain, boasting one of the best patios in Vancouver with sweeping views of the surrounding area. For a more upscale dining experience, the Observatory Restaurant opens only for dinner.
To stick with our theme of budget-friendliness, we suggest packing a lunch rather than dining at the mountain restaurants, as there are numerous locations to enjoy the stunning views without spending a dime.
Grouse Mountain weather can be unpredictable (it’s a mountain, after all), so be sure to check the forecast beforehand. Refer to this page for weather updates and operational hours.
5. Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
Do not confuse the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge with the Capilano Suspension Bridge; the former is a pedestrian bridge located in Lynn Canyon Park in North Vancouver.
Unlike Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, entry to Lynn Canyon Park is FREE.
The suspension bridge soars 160 feet (50 meters) above the canyon floor and can feel quite bouncy when you reach the center.
While the bridge is the main attraction, we often enjoy hiking the park’s extensive network of forest trails that span over 600 acres of temperate rainforest.
Adjacent to Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is the 50 kilometers (31 miles) of trails in the nearby Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve, featuring both the challenging Lynn Peak hike and the gentler Twin Falls hike.
Parking at Lynn Canyon can be difficult on weekends, so arriving early is advisable. Be sure to visit the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre before crossing the bridge.
Related: Cliffwalk at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Hiking in Lynn Canyon Park is a fantastic family-friendly activity for all ages.
6. Hiking and Kayaking in Deep Cove
We genuinely love Deep Cove. This charming community lies in the eastern part of North Vancouver, featuring a quaint village filled with delightful shops and restaurants, including the much-loved Honey’s Doughnuts (beware—they’re highly addictive!).
Deep Cove is also well-known for its marina and kayaking opportunities. Kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and surf-skis can be rented from Deep Cove Kayak, but be warned: this shop fills up quickly during the summer, especially on weekends. Advance reservations for equipment rentals are advisable.
The Quarry Rock hike is a popular choice, offering an easy trail that takes about 1.5 hours round trip. The stunning views from the top of Quarry Rock make the hike worthwhile.
Parking in Deep Cove can be tricky, so aim to arrive early (before 8:30 AM) to secure a spot. Alternatively, public transit is available from Lonsdale Quay Market.
7. Explore Cypress Provincial Park
Your activities in Cypress Provincial Park will depend on the season and weather.
In the summer, you can access a range of hiking trails offering breathtaking views of Howe Sound and the North Shore Mountains. In the winter, check out snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and cross-country skiing at the Cypress Mountain Ski Area.
The hiking and snowshoeing trails in Cypress Provincial Park are free to use. However, day passes are required for skiing or snowboarding to access the chair lifts (not free). Here’s the ticket information for Cypress Mountain.
Located in North Vancouver, Cypress Mountain co-hosted events during the 2010 Winter Olympics and is known as the site where Canada earned its first Gold Medal on home soil.
Related: Snowboarding at Cypress Mountain in Vancouver
This image shows the views from the Eagle Bluffs hike, which begins at the Cypress Mountain parking lot.
8. Mountain Biking in North Vancouver
The North Shore mountains are renowned for their world-class mountain biking trails suitable for all skill levels, featuring both easy cross-country paths and more technical trails with obstacles like bridges and ladders.
Mount Seymour offers the most extensive trail network on the North Shore. One of the most popular biking trails is the CBC Trail, a 2-kilometer path beginning at the top of Seymour Parkway.
If you’re without a mountain bike, rentals are available at Lynn Valley Bikes or Endless Biking, with rates varying based on the type and duration of rental.
Here’s a map of Mount Seymour Biking Trails.
9. Gastown Steam Clock
Located near Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver, the iconic Gastown Steam Clock has been a tourist attraction for decades. Originally built in 1977, this clock is one of the few functioning steam-powered clocks worldwide.
The Gastown Steam Clock whistles and releases steam every 15 minutes, delighting passersby.
While it may seem like a typical tourist trap, we recommend taking a few moments to appreciate it.
As you wander Gastown, marvel at its cobblestone streets and unique architecture; stop in at the various shops, art galleries, and restaurants. One of our favorite spots is Steamworks Brew Pub, where you can enjoy craft beer.
10. Olympic Cauldron at Jack Poole Plaza
The Olympic Cauldron from the 2010 Winter Olympics is situated at Jack Poole Plaza, right next to the Vancouver Convention Centre, one of Canada’s largest convention venues.
This plaza provides breathtaking views of Burrard Inlet and the North Shore Mountains, and offers the chance to watch floatplanes coming and going from the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre.
You will find several public art installations here, including the Digital Orca and The Drop.
Float planes situated in front of Jack Poole Plaza.
The Olympic Cauldron at Jack Poole Plaza.
11. Canada Place
Canada Place is known for its iconic white sails that dominate Vancouver’s skyline. It offers visitors unobstructed views of Burrard Inlet and the North Shore Mountains.
The location is adjacent to the Vancouver Convention Centre and Jack Poole Plaza to the west, as well as Gastown to the east.
You can easily fit all of these attractions into a sightseeing tour; it’s just a leisurely hour’s walk from Coal Harbour to Gastown.
Canada Place also hosts the Vancouver Cruise Ship Terminal, which gets quite busy during the summer as it can accommodate up to four luxury cruise ships at once. This terminal serves as the home port for many Alaskan cruises departing from Vancouver.
Inside Canada Place is the popular virtual flight ride, FlyOver Canada, which lasts about 20 minutes. Still, please note that it is NOT free; check prices and hours here.
12. Horse Racing at Hastings Racecourse
Hastings Racecourse, also known as Hastings Park, is a historic racetrack that has existed since 1947.
While not big gamblers, we love the atmosphere at Hastings Park, indulging in the spectacular views of the North Shore Mountains while enjoying an entertaining afternoon. Admission is free, allowing us to place a small bet on the ponies to add to the excitement.
Hastings Racecourse is located next to the Vancouver Coliseum and Playland, Vancouver’s historic amusement park.
Note: Playland operates only in the summer and requires an entrance fee.
Related: 25 Awesome Day Trips from Vancouver
13. Walk, Run, or Cycle the Vancouver Seawall
Did you know that Vancouver boasts the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path? This Seaside Greenway stretches an impressive 28 km, connecting Coal Harbour, English Bay, and Kitsilano.
While we mentioned earlier that you should prioritize the Stanley Park Seawall, if you have a few days in Vancouver, exploring other sections of the Seawall is highly recommended.
Walking or cycling along the Seawall allows you to pass many of Vancouver’s iconic landmarks, including the Lions Gate Bridge, Siwash Rock, the A-maze-ing Laughter art display, Science World, BC Place (home to football and soccer games), Rogers Arena (NHL stadium), Olympic Village, Granville Island, Burrard Bridge, and Kitsilano Beach.
Here’s a printable map of the Seawall.
Colorful autumn foliage lining the Seawall in Yaletown, a neighborhood in downtown Vancouver.
14. Walk across the Lions Gate Bridge
Walking across the Lions Gate Bridge offers a unique perspective of the city. The bridge connects Stanley Park and Downtown Vancouver to North Vancouver, including West Vancouver.
The Lions Gate Bridge features separate walking and cycling lanes on either side. We recommend walking north on one side and south on the other to capture a variety of photos.
If you’re driving, consider parking at Prospect Point in Stanley Park. From there, it’s a short walk to the south side of the bridge. If you’re starting at the north side, Park Royal Mall in West Vancouver offers parking.
The image above shows the south side of the Lions Gate Bridge.
15. Ambleside Beach in West Vancouver
Vancouver features several urban beaches, with the most popular located in either Stanley Park or English Bay. All of these beaches are free to access, although parking may come at a cost.
Ambleside Park, located in West Vancouver across Burrard Inlet from Stanley Park, stands out as an alternative to the central Vancouver beaches. The park boasts over 8 km (5 miles) of walking trails and offers fantastic westward views for sunset watching.
Other Popular Vancouver Beaches
Can You Swim at Vancouver Beaches?
Yes, you can swim at Vancouver’s beaches, but we don’t recommend spending too much time in the water due to potential risks of sewage and pollution from nearby boat traffic.
In the summer of 2018, popular swimming spots, including Kitsilano Beach, Jericho Beach, and English Bay, were closed due to elevated E. coli bacteria levels.
Related: Best Things to Do Along the Sea to Sky Highway
16. Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver
While you’re in West Vancouver, make sure to visit Lighthouse Park, designated as a National Historic Site of Canada. To access the scenic Point Atkinson Lighthouse, embark on an easy forest hike along the designated Lighthouse Park trail, marked by some of Greater Vancouver’s largest Douglas Fir trees.
With several well-marked hiking trails open year-round, you can plan to spend about 2 hours in the park. We suggest packing a light picnic to enjoy while taking in the stunning ocean views.
Here’s a map of Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver.
17. Lonsdale Quay Market in North Vancouver
For a fantastic view of the Vancouver skyline, visit Lonsdale Quay Market in North Vancouver. The market features a variety of shops offering fresh produce, craft beer, and souvenirs.
One of our favorite spots is The Soup Meister’s Nephew, where you can enjoy a warm bowl of homemade soup; it’s a local hit. Grab your soup and enjoy it outside on the scenic boardwalk (shown below).
After your meal at Lonsdale Quay Market, stroll toward the nearby The Shipyards District, where a Night Market is held every Friday evening during the summer.
For the best sunset views, make your way up to the lookout tower at Lonsdale Quay (beneath the big Q) or take a short walk to nearby Waterfront Park.
To reach Lonsdale Quay from Vancouver, hop on the 15-minute Seabus ferry from Waterfront Station.
Related: The Best 10-Day Road Trip from Vancouver
18. Cleveland Dam and Capilano Canyon
The Cleveland Dam, located in the Capilano River Regional Park, is another popular free attraction in North Vancouver.
Several hiking trails within the park lead to viewpoints of the dam and Capilano Lake (shown below). We often bring our kids along for these hikes—they enjoy the terrain!
The Capilano Salmon Hatchery is another free attraction worth visiting. It’s a short walk from the Cleveland Dam, but you can also drive down Capilano Road to get there. The hatchery is open year-round, but late August to November is the best time to see salmon returning to the river.
If you’re driving, there’s parking available at the Cleveland Dam parking lot on Capilano Road, or you can take public transit from Lonsdale Quay Market or Park Royal Mall.
Views of Grouse Mountain and Capilano Lake captured from Cleveland Dam.
19. Kitsilano Beach Park
Kitsilano Beach Park, often called ‘Kits’, is one of the most frequented beaches by both locals and visitors. Accessible on foot or by bike via the Seawall, Kitsilano Beach is located at the northern edge of Kitsilano neighborhood, facing English Bay, downtown Vancouver, and the North Shore Mountains (as seen in the image above).
Kitsilano Beach also features the outdoor Kitsilano Pool, the longest swimming pool in Canada, and Vancouver’s only saltwater swimming pool, open from May to September.
For the best city views, visit Elsje Point. While you’re there, check out the nearby Vancouver Maritime Museum (adult admission is $13.50) and H.R. MacMillan Space Centre (adult admission is $22.75).
Find more information about Kitsilano Beach Park.
20. Richmond Night Market
Open from April to October, the Richmond Night Market has become a cherished summer tradition for many in Vancouver.
Note: there is an entrance fee of $8.50 for adults, but it is free for seniors and children under seven, making it a reasonable cost relative to the experience.
The market draws inspiration from Asia’s bustling night markets, featuring over 100 food stalls alongside more than 200 retail vendors.
We relish the opportunity to try a variety of street food—tornado potatoes, grilled meat skewers, takoyaki, dumplings, blooming onions, and sweet desserts. Pricing for the food typically ranges from $3-$15 per item.
Although Richmond Night Market offers free parking, the lots can fill quickly on weekends, so we recommend taking the Canada Line SkyTrain to Bridgeport Station and walking a couple of blocks west to the market.
Related: Foodies Delight at the Richmond Night Market
21. Explore Vancouver Chinatown
Vancouver’s Chinatown has earn its place as the third largest in North America (after San Francisco and New York). It’s situated just east of the downtown core and boasts a rich history with many retail, specialty grocery stores, and cafes.
Notable attractions include the striking Chinatown Millennium Gate on Pender Street and Sun Yat-Sen Park, a free alternative to Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden (which charges $16 per adult during the summer).
While in Chinatown, you’ll find an array of dining options, and some of our favorites include Phnom Penh, Ramen Butcher, and Sai Woo.
Here’s a map of Vancouver Chinatown.
22. New Westminster Quay and Boardwalk
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, consider a trip to New Westminster Quay and its beautiful boardwalk.
The River Market features a variety of shops and restaurants, while New Westminster Pier Park is a picturesque riverside area connecting visitors to the Waterfront Esplanade Boardwalk.
Other fun activities around New Westminster include visiting the Fraser River Discovery Centre and the Samson V Museum. Alternatively, you can enjoy a Paddle-wheeler Riverboat Tour along the historical Fraser River.
To reach New Westminster Quay, take the SkyTrain Expo Line from downtown Vancouver. The train ride takes about 25 minutes, and the River Market is just a block south of the New Westminster SkyTrain station.
23. Photograph the Murals of East Vancouver
If street art excites you, explore the backstreets of East Vancouver, particularly the Mount Pleasant neighborhood along Main Street, between 4th and 14th Avenue. This area showcases the best street art in Vancouver.
Every August, the city hosts the Vancouver Mural Festival, the largest annual celebration of public art in Canada.
The interactive map provided displays every piece of art from the Vancouver Mural Festival, featuring works from previous years.
Take a look at these photos of murals from several years ago.
24. Free Vancouver Walking Tours
You can participate in free walking tours in Vancouver that cover many of the attractions mentioned in this guide.
These tours are a fun way to meet fellow visitors and discover the backstories behind Vancouver’s attractions.
Here is a list of free walking tours in Vancouver.
25. Drive the Sea to Sky Highway to Squamish
Interestingly, one of the best activities in Vancouver is actually to leave the city. The breathtaking Sea to Sky Highway ranks among the most beautiful drives in the world, and we wholeheartedly agree.
It’s essential to have a vehicle for this experience.
Rentals can be arranged at Vancouver airport, so be sure to book online for savings.
Your journey begins in downtown Vancouver, passing through Stanley Park and over the Lions Gate Bridge.
Continue on to Horseshoe Bay. It’s worth stopping at Horseshoe Bay Village to grab coffee and pastries while enjoying the scenery at the marina, where large BC Ferries depart.
Next, you’ll arrive at Porteau Cove Provincial Park, where you can walk the pier and take in stunning views of Howe Sound. Then, drive past Furry Creek toward Britannia Beach, where you can visit the Britannia Mine Museum, or continue on to Squamish.
Related: The Best Road Trip from Vancouver for First-Time Visitors
Shannon Falls and Sea to Sky Gondola
Before reaching Squamish, make sure to visit Shannon Falls Provincial Park to view the spectacular waterfalls and the nearby Sea to Sky Gondola. You can also hike the Stawamus Chief trail, which is a challenging hike with breathtaking views at the summit.
The drive from Vancouver to Squamish typically takes about an hour without stops.
Plan for a 4-hour round trip, allowing for various stops along the way.
At this point, you can choose to head back to Vancouver or, if time allows, continue on to Whistler.
The drive from Squamish to Whistler takes approximately 45 minutes; we recommend stopping at Tantalus Lookout if weather permits.
Related: Best Things to Do Along the Sea to Sky Highway
Where to Stay in Vancouver
Vancouver offers a wide array of accommodation options, from upscale five-star hotels to budget-friendly hostels and everything in between.
- Find Vancouver hotels here.
- Most attractions are located in the downtown area, so keep this in mind when selecting your accommodations in Vancouver.
- Note that many downtown hotels charge extra fees for overnight parking, which can be as high as $40 per night.
- If you’d prefer to stay closer to the mountains, consider options like the Lonsdale Quay Hotel or the Holiday Inn North Vancouver.
Vancouver Travel Tips and Things to Know
- For convenient car rentals, pick up and return at the Vancouver airport. Save on Vancouver car rentals here.
- If visiting in winter, ensure your vehicle has snow tires for mountain drives.
- Save time and money by taking the SkyTrain from Vancouver International Airport to downtown Vancouver; the journey takes only 25 minutes. Learn how to use the Vancouver Airport SkyTrain.
- Bicycle sharing is a cost-effective means of getting around Vancouver, with multiple options available.
- Check the Vancouver weather forecast before starting your day—weather can be unpredictable! Prepare for rain in the winter months.
- Here’s an interactive map of Vancouver attractions.
Have you visited Vancouver? What did we miss?
Share your recommendations in the comments below—our readers appreciate your input!
