The most western province in Canada is British Columbia. The province offers a ton of outdoor activities because of it’s mountain ranges, the Pacific coastline, Glacier National Park, and more. The 2010 Winter Olympics were hosted in Whistler Blackcomb. On the border of British Columbia and Alberta are the Rocky Mountains. Field, BC is home to the Emerald Lake Lodge and Takakkaw Falls. Vancouver, the largest city in the province, is known for its film industry and is a bustling, beautiful city on the west coast. The country’s 8th largest city, there is something for everyone! Read on for 15+ things to do in Vancouver, British Columbia.
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When to Visit Vancouver and Victoria?
Being next to the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver stays relatively mild year round. Sunny summer weather is ideal for exploring but the summer season is also the most expensive. For the budget traveller, visit during spring or fall for good weather and get a bargain on hotels. Vancouver’s rainy season is October to June. Vancouver weather in the winter is mild compared to the rest of Canada with little snow in a season and above zero average temperatures. However, it is still rainy and we have short days in the winter (the sun sets before 5 pm).
Tourism Vancouver hosts Dine Out Vancouver food festival in February. The Cherry Blossoms bloom in mid March. Whale watching is best in April. The BC Spot Prawn and BC Halibut Festivals are in May, and the Asian-style night markets open mid-May. July and August are the best time to visit for festivals. September brings beautiful fall foliage and October is an all-out Halloween event. Winter is the best for snow sports and Christmas attractions.
How Long to Visit Vancouver?
You can explore Vancouver in as little as 2-3 days but if you can stay longer, there’s lots to do! A 7-day visit would be ideal. Pick your favourite things to do in Vancouver from this list!
How to Get to Vancouver?
Vancouver has a large international airport so it’s easy to fly to. You can also drive across the US or Alberta borders.
If you’re flying, hop on the skytrain to get from the airport to the city. On weekdays, you’ll likely need to get a 2-zone ticket (less than $10 CAD) to head into Vancouver but on weekends it’s the same price to travel in all zones ($2.85 CAD per trip or $10 CAD day pass).
Vancouver Things to Do
Granville Island
Head to Granville Island for the Granville Island Public Market, Granville Island Brewing, the Kid’s Market and more. The market has a great selection of food, souvenirs, and art. You can book a Granville Island Brewing tour. The tour costs less than $10 CAD, includes a 45 minute guided tour of the small batch brewery and comes with 3 samples.
Time spent on the island: Plan to spend about 2 hours on the island
Getting there: You can get there by “water taxi“, by bus, by car or by foot.
Cost: free
Olympic Village
Olympic Village was built for the athletes attending the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Rent a kayak with Creekside Kayaks between May and October. See Olympic Village Square (restaurant hub) and walk through Hinge Park. Eat at Tap and Barrel for dinner or stop at Craft Beer Market for a drink. Science World is great for families during the day or a fun after-hours event monthly called After Dark (includes special exhibits, shows and a bar). Rent a bike from Mobi – a bike share program that allows you to pick up and drop off bikes around the city. Bike along the paved ocean route trail in Olympic Village.
Time spent: Plan to spend about 2 hours in the Olympic Village, plus extra time for Science World
Getting there: Walk, bike, bus or drive to the Olympic Village
Cost: free
Cherry Blossoms
If you’re visiting in mid March, you might be lucky and see the beautiful cherry blossoms around the city. Check out this map for all the places to find them! There is a very large tree at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre that is perfect for photos and to see the Vancouver skyline. It’s a huge cherry blossom tree so head there if you’re visiting in mid March/April!
Capilano Suspension Bridge
The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a quick bus ride from downtown Vancouver and a fantastic destination. There is a free shuttle and you can hop on the bus at Canada Place. It is recommended you purchase your tickets online in advance. It’s approximately a 20 minute bus ride to the park and a beautiful drive! For $59.95 admission, you can cross the suspension bridge, walk through the treetop adventure and along the boardwalk and check out the cliffwalk for amazing views of the bridge. People spend an average 2.5 hours at the park.
I recommend buying a piece of homemade fudge ($5.50 CAD for one HUGE piece or $20 CAD for 4) and an ice cream ($6 CAD) – both were amazing and made in house. There is also a cute “Trading Post Gift Shop”, live music and a small restaurant serving burgers, hot dogs and fries.
Time spent at the bridge: Plan to spend about 2-3 hours in the park
Getting there: Your ticket includes a free shuttle from Canada Place
Cost: Adult tickets are $59.95
Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge: a free suspension bridge in Lynn Canyon Park. About a 20 minute drive from Downtown Vancouver, you can visit this beautiful free bridge if the Capilano Suspension Bridge is not in the budget.
Time spent at the park: Plan to spend about 1-2 hours in the park and at the bridge
Getting there: You can take the bus (there are several routes) or drive!
Cost: free
Canada Place and Digital Orca
Canada Place is a perfect place to enjoy the Vancouver waterfront. The free shuttle to the Capilano Suspension Bridge starts at Canada Place and while you’re there check out the digital orca. The Vancouver Olympic Cauldron is at Jack Poole Plaza, near Canada Place as well
Cost: free
Stanley Park
The free shuttle from the Capilano Suspension Bridge park stops at Stanley park. Note: you have to let the driver know you want to stop there or they won’t. Rent bikes at Mobi or Coal Harbour Bike Rental to bike along the Seawall. It takes approximately 2 to 3 hours to walk the entirety of the seawall, or one hour to bike. Keep your eyes peeled for the Siwash Rock, Lion’s Gate Bridge, 2010 Olympic Aboriginal Welcome Work, an Indigenous mural, and the Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremonies site.
How much time to spend in the park: Plan to spend anywhere from 1 to 4 hours at the park!
Getting there: you can walk to Stanley Park, drive around the park, bus to the park or bike
Cost: the park is free, bike rentals are $10-20 (depending on time biking)
Kitsilano Beach
Kitsilano Beach is a beautiful sandy beach just west of downtown. Lounge in the sun, play volleyball, go swimming, and anything else you do at a beach! It’s also a great place to watch the sunset. Lucky’s Doughnuts is an awesome bakery on your way to the beach so stop there to grab a snack.
How much time to spend at Kitsilano Beach: anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours
Getting there: Walk, drive, bus or bike
Cost: free to visit the beach, paid parking
Gastown
Gastown is a wonderful neighbourhood for nightlife and food. Hapa Izakyu for sushi is amazing. Meat and Bread makes the most delicious sandwiches. Visit the Gastown Steam Clock, an iconic landmark in Vancouver. For photographer’s, take photos of Vancouver’s Flatiron Building. Happy Hour is often between 3-6 pm and some places have a second happy hour from 9 pm onwards. See the city from above from the Vancouver Lookout. Visit local bookstores like The Paper Hound, McLeods and Albion Books.
How much time to spend in Gastown: anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours
Getting there: Walk, drive, bus or bike to Water Street and wander the neighbourhood
Cost: free
VanDusen Botanical Garden and Bloedel Conservatory
VanDusen Botanical Garden: General admission tickets are sold on site. Ticket prices range for adults from $8.60 to $11.90 (+GST), depending on the season.
Bloedel Conservatory in Queen Elizabeth Park: General admission tickets are sold on site with a first come-first serve bases. Ticket prices are $7.20+GST for adults.
Time spent at the gardens: Spend about 1.5 hours at the VanDusen Botanical Garden or about 1 hour at the Bloedel Conservatory.
Cost: Paid admission, ticket prices range in price
Capilano River Regional Park
Capilano River Regional Park: A beautiful park with lakes, trails, picnics and cycling trails.
Grouse Mountain and Ground Grind
Grouse Mountain: The Grouse Grind is 2.9-kilometre trail and unique and challenging hike. You’ll be climbing 2,830 steps up a mountain but you must book a download ticket to take the Skyride down. You can also purchase a ticket in advance to take the Skyride both ways to visit the mountain top attractions. Plan to spend a few hours hiking the Grouse Grind and atop the mountain.
Vancouver Public Library – Central Library
Vancouver Public Library: An absolutely stunning library, the circular exterior is incredibly aesthetic for photos.
Skyline Lookouts
Habitat Island offers one of the best views of the Vancouver skyline.
Cypress Bowl Lookout is a 30-minute drive from downtown Vancouver and an amazing lookout. Bring your telephoto lens for epic views at sunset!
West Van Trestle Bridge is near the Cypress Bowl lookout. You’ll find this 200 m trestle bridge that is lit up at nighttime. Take a wander on the bridge through the forest for epic photos!
Yaletown Station
There is a hanging art installation at the Yaletown Station. Recently it was these beautiful pink umbrellas!
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