Vancouver is one of the places on Earth where nature and the city sit together most comfortably. Nowhere else can you walk out of the downtown business core into temperate rainforest within a few minutes, or climb a mountain for sea and skyline views at the same time. The city is also a doorway to First Nations culture and food from around the world. Whether you come solo, as a couple, or with the family, Vancouver has everything you need.
#1 Stanley Park
Canada's largest urban park at 405 hectares, full of temperate rainforest with Douglas firs hundreds of years old. The 10-kilometre Seawall path rings the park along the entire shoreline, good for walking, cycling and inline skating. The Prospect Point lookout has a beautiful view of Lions Gate Bridge and Burrard Inlet. The park is more than 130 years old and remarkably well preserved.
- Free to enter at all times, with no admission fee
- Rent a bike on Denman Street near the park entrance, around 10-15 CAD a night
- Don't miss the Totem Poles, which showcase the art and culture of the First Nations peoples
#2 Capilano Suspension Bridge
The most striking suspension bridge in Vancouver, crossing the Capilano River canyon at a height of 70 metres and a length of 137 metres above the lush old-growth forest below. Besides the main bridge there is Treetops Adventure, a series of small suspension bridges between seven giant Douglas firs, and Cliffwalk, a walkway jutting out from the rock face for a 360-degree view of the canyon.
- Buy tickets online ahead of time to save time, around 65-70 CAD per adult
- The ticket includes Treetops Adventure and Cliffwalk in one price
- Come on a weekday morning to avoid the weekend queues
#3 Granville Island
A small island in the middle of the city that was once an industrial site but has been transformed into a leading arts and culture district. The highlight is the Public Market, an old warehouse building packed with more than 100 shops selling fresh food, vegetables, fruit, baked goods, seafood and local crafts. Around the edges are art galleries, theatres, waterfront restaurants and a Kids Market for families.
- Come on a weekday for a less crowded market, especially the 9-11 a.m. morning window
- Cross over on the little Aquabus from False Creek to add some charm to the trip
- Try the Mini Doughnuts from Lee's Donuts, a famous shop in the market with a long queue but well worth it
#4 Gastown and Steam Clock
Vancouver's oldest district, founded in 1867 by a businessman named Gassy Jack Deighton. Old cobblestone streets lined on both sides with red-brick Victorian buildings are full of boutiques, art galleries and fine restaurants. The key landmark is the Steam Clock, one of only a few steam clocks in the world, which puffs out steam with a steam-whistle sound every 15 minutes.
- The Steam Clock puffs steam every 15 minutes — have your camera ready
- Water Street is the heart of Gastown, with shops you can browse all day
- This district is great for souvenir shopping — genuine handmade Indigenous art
#5 Grouse Mountain
A 1,231-metre mountain that rises above Vancouver, reached by the Skyride aerial tram in 8 minutes for a 360-degree panorama of the city and the ocean. In winter it's the best ski resort close to the city; in summer it has hiking trails, a habitat for grizzly bears and wolves, and an exciting lumberjack show.
- The Skyride tram ticket includes all the activities at the top in one price, around 80 CAD per adult
- Summer (June-September) is good for hiking and seeing grizzly bears in the refuge
- Winter (December-March) means skiing and snowboarding right from the middle of the city
#6 Canada Place
An iconic building shaped like five sails that stands out on the waterfront, built for World Expo 1986. Today it's the hub for the Vancouver Convention Centre, the cruise terminal, and the FlyOver Canada attraction, a simulated flight over Canada with surround 4K imagery. The outer promenade gives views of the North Shore mountains and the enormous cruise ships docked at the pier.
- Walk the Canadian Trail along the promenade for free, with beautiful harbour and mountain views
- FlyOver Canada costs around 35-40 CAD and is great for kids and families
- During cruise season (May-October) you'll see giant cruise ships docked at the pier to photograph
#7 Science World at TELUS World of Science
A geodesic dome building 47 metres in diameter that is as iconic as Canada Place, also built as the Expo Centre for World Expo 1986. Inside is the best hands-on science museum in western Canada, with physics and wildlife exhibits and a large IMAX dome screening science films daily. It's great for kids and families.
- The IMAX dome requires a separate seat booking, around 10-15 CAD extra
- There are new rotating exhibits every year, so check what's on before you go
- The building is beautiful in the evening, reflected in the waters of False Creek — great for photos
#8 Queen Elizabeth Park
A public park set on Little Mountain, the highest point in Vancouver at 152 metres, with a 360-degree panorama of the city and the North Shore mountains. It's a local retreat with flower gardens of many varieties. It also has the Bloedel Conservatory, a large glass dome housing tropical plants and hundreds of brightly coloured bird species from around the world.
- Free to enter the park; the Bloedel Conservatory has an admission of around 7 CAD
- The lookout on Little Mountain is best in the afternoon, when you can see the skyline and the mountains
- The flower gardens are at their best in May-June, the blooming season
Where to stay in Vancouver for this trip
A well-located hotel means less commuting and more sightseeing. Here are real, top-rated stays in Vancouver — compare Agoda · Booking · Trip.com in one click.
Fairmont Pacific Rim
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Fairmont Pacific Rim
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Rosewood Hotel Georgia
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Hotel BLU Vancouver
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Tours, tickets & activities in Vancouver
Day tours, attraction tickets and travel essentials for Vancouver — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
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Before You Pack
Vancouver is the best city in Canada for travelers who want nature, culture and convenience all at once. Plan at least 4-5 days to take in every highlight without rushing.