What to do and see in Vancouver, Canada: The Best Sights & Landmarks

April 13, 2022 Enriqueta Cusson

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. Granville Island

Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 3S3 Canada +1 604-666-6655 [email protected] http://granvilleisland.com/
Excellent
55%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 19,545 reviews

Granville Island

Former industrial site has been transformed into an artsy, posh neighborhood with quaint shops, cafes and bookstores.

Reviewed By 643darenr - Burnham-On-Sea, United Kingdom

This was somewhere where we wanted to visit on our last trip but never made it. But glad we took the time on this trip and spend a very sunny Sunday afternoon on the Island. The public market is amazing, the sights, smells and colours are breathtaking selling everything from fruit and veg (all expertly displayed), to flowers, soaps, local crafts and the dessert counters WOW AMAZING. The food court area did get extremely busy but we were able to find a seat - the Chinese food counter was our preferred meal option and it was delicious, with us opting for the Lemon Chicken and the Honey Garlic pork. The food was that good that we actually visited again the following week. There are lots of other places to visit around the market, with shops and amazing houseboats + I believe there was a childrens play area. We then used one of the aqua buses to get a different view of the area back to Plaza of Nations. I would highly recommend Granville Market if you are in Vancouver

2. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary

646 Richards St, Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 3A3 Canada +1 604-682-6774 http://www.holyrosarycathedral.org/
Excellent
51%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 193 reviews

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary

This downtown gothic-style cathedral is known for its beautiful set of bells.

Reviewed By almeidaalex - Sao Paulo, Brazil

The church is near of Granville Station, a beautiful building and a peaceful place to connect with God!

3. Christ Church Cathedral

690 Burrard St (At Georgia St.), Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 2L1 Canada +1 604-682-3848 http://www.cathedral.vancouver.bc.ca/
Excellent
50%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 124 reviews

Christ Church Cathedral

This gothic-style cathedral has 29 beautiful stained glass windows.

Reviewed By ian_dempster - Wigan, United Kingdom

This cathedral was built by shipbuilders and the roof inside looks like the hull of a ship. Cathedral as some beautiful stained glass windows.

4. B.C. Place Stadium

777 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 4Y8 Canada +1 604-669-2300 [email protected] http://www.bcplacestadium.com/
Excellent
52%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 564 reviews

B.C. Place Stadium

BC Place is the largest sports, exhibition and entertainment venue of its kind in British Columbia, hosting the province’s most notable events including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. An all-new BC Place reopened in September 2011 after completing a major revitalization that included the installation of the largest cable-supported retractable roof of its kind in the world. BC Place has a seating capacity of 54,500. Today, BC Place is home to Vancouver Whitecaps FC, the BC Lions Football Club and the BC Sports Hall of Fame. BC Place is an important generator of economic activity in British Columbia, hosting world-class entertainment events, professional and amateur sport, community gatherings and exhibitions.

Reviewed By KeithR75 - Greendale, United States

We were fortunate enough to attend the HSBC World Series of Rugby at the BC Place Stadium. The event was outstanding and a pleasant mixture of sport and festival. It was like attending the World Cup and Mardi Gras in one weekend.

5. Vancouver Lookout

555 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 4N6 Canada +1 604-689-0421 [email protected] http://www.vancouverlookout.com/
Excellent
44%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,335 reviews

Vancouver Lookout

Your Vancouver sightseeing experience starts at the Vancouver Lookout!!! Where else can you enjoy a 360-degree aerial view of Vancouver, "the most beautiful city in the world"? Your adventure starts with a 40-second glass elevator ride, whisking you 170metres (450ft) skyward to our panoramic observation deck. Enjoy views of cosmopolitan Vancouver, historic Gastown and bustling Coal Harbour. Past. Present. Future. Our multi-lingual team provide complimentary guided tours with fascinating facts about Vancouver's history, infrastructure, local community, current trends and future expansion. Our iconic Vancouver attraction tops the Harbour Centre complex, a recognizable landmark in the heart of downtown.

Reviewed By Sami473 - Kuwait, null

Vancouver look out is almost 550 ft high observation tower right in the heart of the Downtown. Ists location is fantastic as it is near coal harbour in the old Gas town. The humming sound of downtown you can feel while coming from Robson street to port side. The journey starts from the elevator and you go up to observe a 360 degree view of the city. More you can enjoy to go more up in the revolving restaurant and enjoy meal revolving and seeing the beautiful city.

6. Bloedel Conservatory

4600 Cambie Street Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver, British Columbia Canada +1 604-257-8584 [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/bloedelconservatory/
Excellent
62%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 818 reviews

Bloedel Conservatory

NOTICE: Tickets are only available online for designated time slots so we can best manage a safe capacity.⁣ Visit www.bloedelconservatory.ca to book your time slot! Experience Bloedel Conservatory, a fun, family-friendly indoor attraction located at the peak of Vancouver in Queen Elizabeth Park. Discover 120 exotic birds and over 500 kinds of tropical plants inside the dome and then explore the fountains, gardens and sculptures around Queen Elizabeth Park.

Reviewed By Betterthanboating - Vancouver, Canada

Great place on a rainy day...full season lots of lovely paths, florals & views. Our 5 year old grandson was smitten and still talking about & reviewing the bird pictures he took home. Take time, sit wander slowly & enjoy! Also good value cost for seniors & children ♥️

7. Vancouver Downtown

Vancouver, British Columbia Canada
Excellent
55%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6,555 reviews

Vancouver Downtown

More residential than business.

Reviewed By kathybK5890JG - Tucson, United States

If you are even a moderate-ability walker, you will be able to visit many interesting sections of the city on foot. We stayed at the Georgian Court Hotel on Beatty Street, and it was 2.5 easy miles up Robson Street, a terrific shopping district, to Stanley Park with the horse-drawn carriage tours and aquarium. That's about as far as you need to go -- the Vancouver Lookout, Gastown with its steam clock and shoppes, and Chinatown and sports venues are all closer in. There are literally hundreds of restaurants on your doorstep. If you get tired, stop at any of the many sidewalk cafes that sell bubble tea, an oddly tasty concoction of a milk and flavor combination (your choice of flavors) that has some sort of gastronomical "bubbles" on the bottom that you drink up through a wide straw. Or there is a Starbucks every third block.

8. Library Square

350 Georgia St W, Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 6B1 Canada +1 604-331-3600
Excellent
45%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 269 reviews

Library Square

Reviewed By on_the_go_98765

It was completed in 1995 (pretty close to 2000) and fulfilled the architect's design mission of creating a multi-use hybrid structure combining retail, dining, an atrium, entertainment, and (of course) a library (but not in the traditional sense). The library is a 9-floor structure with a roof-top garden. This was (and is) a highly innovative approach to public spaces; it is practical but still remains inspiring. We found the best view of the crumbling coliseum from across the street, down an alley. The outside walls, as well as the color, evoke ancient Rome's influence. We stopped on every floor, did some exploring, appreciated that there were places for people to bring their lunch and eat in spaces designed for that purpose, and had children's areas for postcard making. In the days of ancient Rome, the coliseum was built for the people and today, so too, is his treasure of a building (and its atrium-covered interior mall space). This unique design is a real head-turner!

9. Marine Building

355 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 2G8 Canada +1 604-684-4819 http://www.vancouverhistory.ca/archives_marine_building.htm
Excellent
67%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 458 reviews

Marine Building

Reviewed By APP06 - Cambridge, United Kingdom

With so many new highrise buildings going up in Downtown Vancouver you could be forgiven for missing this architectural gem. In fact we nearly did but we were drawn by the impressive entrance (see photo) containing such intricate detail. Once there we read the informative plaque and then went inside to be greeted by a most impressive Art Deco interior. Completed just before major recession hit there is so much impressive detail inside the building including the airy windows and the lifts. We spent a pleasant 20 minutes or so looking around and there is no charge so why not have a look? A pleasant oasis of Old Vancouver amidst so much of the new!

10. University of British Columbia

6163 University Boulevard UBC Welcome Centre - Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1 Canada +1 604-822-3313 [email protected] http://visit.ubc.ca/
Excellent
56%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 546 reviews

University of British Columbia

UBC is one of the best places to visit in Vancouver for both tourists and locals. Just 25 minutes from downtown, the Vancouver campus is a special destination, brimming with West Coast scenery, world-class attractions and warm hospitality. Here you can lounge on a beach or cheer on a hockey game. Stroll through an ancient rainforest or wander a traditional Japanese garden. Picnic in a rose garden or dine on white linen. Start your visit at the UBC Welcome Centre and let the friendly staff help plan your perfect itinerary.

Reviewed By sharedvision - San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

“”The Tales Of Hoffman”” opéra performance by the UBC Voice and Opera Student Programme from the School of Music demonstrated why this programme continues to be so successful.. these students provided a stellar experience for us at this Opera performed at the Old Auditorium which created a special atmosphere.. the night was electric with this UBC Student production.. Nancy Hermiston continues to provide an environment for this programme to demonstrate why it is so supported and appreciated..the audience demonstrated very strong support by their applause and standing ovation... definitely an evening to remember..

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