City: Vancouver
Top Things to do in Vancouver
Countries
Top 10 Things to do in Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver was founded as “Gastown” by an Englishman with a penchant for beer and storytelling. Today Gastown is a historic section of the Canadian metropolis, and the lively pubs still reflect the area’s former status as a sort of community drinking center. The city’s forests, grand parks, and impressive suspension bridge beckon travelers to explore them, as do the city’s shops and museums. Relive the glory of the 2010 Winter Games with visits to Olympic venues and the marvelous Olympic Cauldron.
Restaurants in Vancouver
1. Stanley Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
North America's third-largest park draws eight million visitors per year, many of whom may skate or walk past you on the Seawall, a scenic, 5.5-mile path running along the water on the park's perimeter. It's just one of many trails among the park's 1,000 acres, which also house an aquarium, nature center and other recreational facilities.
Reviewed By Chris D - New Westminster, Canada
One thousand acres of trees, miniature Railways, Aquariums, totem poles - the list is almost endless. While not all attractions are open in all seasons, more than enough, even in the winter season. Many of these sites have their own page on TripAdvisor, so be sure to check out ALL that Stanley Park has to offer before you go.
2. Granville Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Former industrial site has been transformed into an artsy, posh neighborhood with quaint shops, cafes and bookstores.
Reviewed By William S - Kobe, Japan
Granville is not so easily accessible unless you have a car. We managed to catch a bus close enough to walk. There are many restaurants - some pretty good - and lots of shops - most selling tourist goods. If you plan to go, I suggest you review the list of shops and make sure there are places interesting to you. Granville can be really crowded at times. The indoor market with food and restaurants is the most useful though you may have to eat standing up. Watch where you walk as traffic runs through where you’ll be walking. I can’t quite figure out why it is so popular.
3. Vancouver Seawall
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Kris K
Great place for walking, running or just enjoying the picturesque beauty of the bay and downtown. Suggest rent a bike and ride along it or atleast drive. we went when it was arctic blast and was still able to walk for a few pictures. Must visit attraction if you are in town even for a short stay.
4. Museum of Anthropology
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Explore traditional and contemporary art from Northwest Coast First Nations and other cultures across the world. See magnificent Indigenous carvings, weavings and contemporary artworks in a spectacular building overlooking Mountains and sea. Admire the world’s largest collection of works by acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid, including his famous cedar sculpture The Raven and the First Men. Explore the Museum’s Multiversity Galleries where more than 16,000 objects from around the world are displayed. Visit the award-winning Koerner Ceramics Gallery, displaying a collection of European ceramics unique to North America. Stroll the Museum Grounds, where monumental Haida houses, poles and Musqueam house posts capture the dramatic beauty of traditional Northwest Coast architecture and design. Enjoy a wide range of special Exhibitions and public programs, including free guided gallery walks. Visit the MOA shop and relax in Café MOA. MOA is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam people.
Reviewed By Richmond C - Palm Springs, California
We were told this was a great museum but that was an understatement! We were so glad we made the effort to get to this somewhat removed (from downtown) location. They have an absolutely remarkable, beautiful collection of gorgeous northwest native art and colossal totems. It one of our favorite places in a city of great places.
5. VanDusen Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
VanDusen Botanical Garden is a 55-acre oasis in the heart of Vancouver with over 7,500 plant species and varieties from around the world! Spot and photograph local wildlife, find your way through an Elizabethan hedge maze, unwind in a serene setting, dine on the patios of Truffles Cafe or Shaughnessy Restaurant, or browse the garden-themed gift shop. VanDusen has something for everyone to enjoy! The Garden's multi-award winning LEED Platinum Visitor Centre was named Most Sustainable Building of the Year in 2014. Shaped like an orchid when viewed from above, its organic lines echo the way nature and conservation have been considered at every turn.
Reviewed By b l - Vancouver, Canada
Don't get me wrong, this is a beautiful place and I highly recommend visiting. However, the management is lacking. They do not treat their long-term members well. The front desk has undertrained people working there that have no clue what is happening and no authority to do much.
6. The Liberty Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Established in 2010, The Liberty Distillery is a true artisanal distillery. We select only the best organic BC grains which are carefully fermented and triple-distilled in our traditional hand crafted copper pot stills; producing ultra-premium Vodka, Gin, Whiskey, and other seasonal limited batches with character and distinction. Open seven days a week, we welcome you to experience our Signature Cocktails, take a distillery tour, or to purchase your own bottle of Liberty Distillery's best!
Reviewed By Julie L - Brisbane, Australia
This would be a great place for a function as it’s a great space. All of their locally distilled liquors were very good, I especially liked the gin. They make some original cocktails and some old favourites. Recommend coming in happy hour (3-6pm) for a few bargains.
Lovely and helpful staff.
7. Queen Elizabeth Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Situated on Little Mountain - the highest point in Vancouver proper - this former rock quarry has been converted into a beautiful city park with flower Gardens, public art, grassy knolls, and panoramic views over the city.
Reviewed By Rajat C - Bellevue, Washington
We were there yesterday. It was an okay park. The roses hadn't bloomed, otherwise the rose garden would have looked beautiful.
The Creative Fountain was not running either.
We entered the Blodel Conservatory which turned out to be great. This was our first conservatory experience so we liked it. Right outside the conservatory, you can see the top view of whole city. Pretty good. Not very picture perfect view though.
Parking inside is paid, but you can park on the main road for free. We parked on 33rd Avenue.
8. Spanish Banks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 438 reviews
This expansive beach offers fantastic picnicking opportunities, swimming, beach volleyball, or simply a panoramic view of Vancouver and the Mountains. Spanish Banks tends to be a quieter beach which makes it very family-friendly.
Reviewed By Sassamatt - Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Spanish Banks Beach is the last of three of the southwest Beaches that surround Vancouver's outer harbour. Along the beach is a pebble pathway that keeps you close to the shore and in full view of both the water and the skyline. This pathway is sometimes divided for pedestrians and bikers and sometimes they are shared use. At the farthest end, near the Anchor (sculpture commemorating where the Spanish explorers met British explorers) is an off-leash dog beach. Further east is the first of three concession stands. The beach is patrolled during the summer. Picnic tables and bar-b-ques are available on the grass lawn foreshore.
9. Pacific Spirit Regional Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 240 reviews
Beautiful forest laced with well-marked trails for hiking and running.
Reviewed By jazzglow - Vancouver, Canada
I live on campus at UBC and this park is one of the best things about living there. I absolutely love jogging on these trails. There are so many different routes. The park is beautiful any time of the year - leaves changing in the fall, snow in the winter, even in the rain it feels so lush and alive. I consider myself very lucky to live in a city where this much forest (granted, second growth) is preserved. Just watch out for bikes on some paths if you are on foot. Many bikers announce that they are approaching but some do not. Have seen owls, banana slugs, lots of cool fungi, eagles, etc.
10. False Creek
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 856 reviews
Peaceful harbor and dock, perfect for boating.
Reviewed By NeggyRichmond_Canada - Vancouver Coast and Mountains, Canada
It’s an easy walk for an hour or 2 and you see wildlife, boats, canoes, SUP’s, awesome views of BC Place, new Casino, BC Pavilion, Olympics Village, Science World, many eateries, pubs, people watching, bikes, joggers and that incredible Vancuover skyline with those 25-30 story apartments reflecting off of the water
TAGS
