Vancouver vibes: Canada's best west coast things to do

Cradled between snow-capped mountains and the sparkling waters of the Pacific, Vancouver is a city in Canada that blends wild beauty with urban sophistication like nowhere else. Here, you can swap from glass-fronted skyscrapers and bustling streets to soaring peaks, pristine beaches, forested slopes, and idyllic waterfronts within minutes.

Often ranked among the world’s most scenic cities and a gateway to Canada’s spectacular national parks and the Rocky Mountains, Vancouver is more than just a pretty face. Whether you're drawn to the thrilling outdoor adventures or the diverse tapestry of cultures reflected in the city's eclectic neighbourhoods, independent shopping, and innovative nightlife scene, we’ve picked the best things to do in Vancouver to make sure you don’t miss a thing.

Go green in the city at Stanley Park

Stanley Park is Vancouver's green heart and one of North America's most spectacular urban spaces. This massive 405-hectare (1,000-acre) peninsula of lush rainforest and pristine beaches offers an escape from city life without leaving downtown. Take a ride or walk around the entire peninsula on the park's famous 9km (5.59 mi) Seawall, where you can take in impressive views of the city skyline, ocean, and mountains at every turn. Elsewhere, take your time to check out the ancient 450-year-old Douglas firs on hidden walking trails, watch marine life at the aquarium, and discover Indigenous history at the iconic totem poles at Brockton Point. In summer, dive into the heated oceanside pool at Second Beach, cool off on English Bay's waterslide, or enjoy a peaceful barbecue at Third Beach.

Top tip: Stanley Park is big, so grab a map from a local gift shop or concession kiosk to plan your visit.

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Satisfy your appetite at Granville Island

Granville Island lives up to its reputation as the beating heart and comeback kid of Vancouver, transforming from an industrial centre into the city's most tempting spot for wandering, eating, and people-watching. This popular spot blends its warehouse past with a thriving arts scene, and its converted industrial buildings now house galleries, theatres, restaurants, and artist studios alongside charming houseboats and waterfront cafes.

The crown jewel of this cultural hub is the Granville Island Public Market, the undisputed Vancouver highlight for food-loving travellers. This foodie paradise offers an incredible variety of local specialties, fresh seafood, artisanal products, and ready-made treats from dozens of kiosks and cafés. Summer weekends see the market buzzing with people soaking up the relaxed atmosphere, while evening visitors can explore excellent restaurants and trendy bars and catch a show at the renowned Arts Club Theatre.

Top tip: Check out Canada's first locally produced sake with a tasting at the maker's kiosk in Granville Island Public Market.

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Take in epic views from Grouse Mountain

If you're chasing adventure but don’t have the time for the nearby outdoor hot spots of Whistler, Jasper, and Banff, Grouse Mountain delivers an alternative close to the city centre. Just hop on the Skyride gondola, North America’s biggest aerial tramway, and soar from street level to 1,231m (4,039 ft) in eight minutes flat. At the top, a wild playground and impressive cityscapes await.

In winter, join Vancouverites and carve up fresh powder on illuminated beginner-intermediate ski runs, strap on snowshoes for a hike, or ice skate under the stars. Come summer, swap skis for hiking boots and tackle the Grouse Grind, also known as "Mother Nature’s Stairmaster." It’s a lung burner, but the summit views are worth every sweaty step. On a clear day, you’ll spot the San Juan Islands, 160km (99 mi) away in Washington state. There’s dining, varied trails, intricate wood carvings, and resident wildlife at the top.

Top tip: Visit at night to watch the city lights twinkle below.

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Test your nerve on a suspension bridge

Immerse yourself in North Vancouver’s lush temperate rainforest with a trip to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, 15 minutes outside the city centre. Brace yourself and prepare to cross the iconic 70m-high (230 ft) suspension bridge, which sways high above the Capilano River, before continuing through the Treetops Adventure trail to walk across seven suspension bridges high above the forest floor. Elsewhere, brave the Cliffwalk, a heart-stopping walkway along the cliffside of Capilano Canyon some 30 stories above the river, and take in the wildlife and flora as you go. When you’re done with heights, explore the intricate totem poles and visit the Story Centre for interesting exhibits and seasonal entertainment.

Top tip: If you’re afraid of heights and don’t want to brave the bridge's wobble, head to nearby Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge Park, which offers a smaller and non-swaying alternative amid waterfalls.

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Visit Gastown, Vancouver's birthplace

Step back in time and soak up Vancouver’s history with a visit to Gastown, the city's oldest and most charming neighbourhood. This revitalized district, an easy walk east of downtown, has a distinctly European feel with cobbled streets, antique-style lamp posts, and beautifully preserved Victorian architecture. Wander these streets to explore independent boutiques, avant-garde galleries, and some of the city's hippest coffee houses, restaurants, and bars, all housed within its character-filled brick buildings. Stop at Maple Tree Square, the historical heart and birthplace of modern Vancouver, marked by a statue of Gassy Jack, the area's colourful founder.

Top tip: A visit to Gastown isn't complete without snapping a photo with the iconic Gastown Steam Clock at the corner of Cambie and Water streets. This unique, two-tonne landmark cheerfully puffs steam and chimes every 15 minutes. Go early or late in the day to get the best snaps.

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Soak up the good life on Kitsilano Beach

Epitomizing the laid-back Vancouver lifestyle, Kitsilano Beach (or just Kits if you want to sound in-the-know) is where Vancouver’s easygoing souls come to sunbathe and soak up everything they love about their city. Think sandy shores, mountain views, and Canada’s longest heated saltwater pool right on the edge of the ocean — it’s as dreamy as it sounds. In summer, join Vancouverites as they sprawl on the sand, spike volleyballs, or take in the downtown views on a stroll along the shoreline path. Come winter, spend your time wandering up to West 4th Avenue for indie shops, wellness studios, and brunch spots. Kits is all about slow days, salty air, and soaking up that West Coast spirit.

Top tip: Slightly east is Vanier Park, where you can nerd out at the Vancouver Maritime Museum or jump on the Aquabus for a breezy ride to Granville Island or downtown.

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Go on a Vancouver whale-watching trip

Surrounded by water on all sides, Vancouver is the perfect place to set off on a whale-watching trip in search of these incredible marine giants. Most boat trips head to the Salish Sea, where you take in jaw-dropping views as you bounce through the waves, scanning the horizon for the tell-tale spray of a humpback whale breaching or the sleek dorsal fin of an orca pod surfacing. On the wildlife bingo card, you can expect everything from orcas, humpback whales, and porpoises to friendly sea lions, fluffy seals, and soaring bald eagles. Peak season runs from April to November when these ocean legends come out to play: breaching, tail-slapping, and generally being showoffs. The best launch spots include Granville Island, Steveston, and Horseshoe Bay, and with luck, you’ll catch pods of orcas against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks.

Top tip: Humpback whales cruise through from June to November, while orcas and blue whales show up between May and October.

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See Vancouver's Museum of Anthropology

Set on the edge of the University of British Columbia campus 20 minutes west of downtown, the Museum of Anthropology hits different — and not just because of its giant storytelling totem poles that tower over you in the glass-walled Great Hall. With a collection of carvings, totem poles, and artifacts that are unequalled in North America, this place dives deep into the stories and art of the Indigenous people of British Columbia, especially the Haida, whose work commands both awe and respect. You’ll also find treasures from Asia, Africa, and the South Pacific, although the museum's focus is firmly rooted in the land you’re standing on.

The building itself is a WWII-era fort transformed by a local architecture legend. Make a day of it and swing by nearby Wreck Beach (it's a clothing-optional one), wander the UBC Botanical Gardens, or geek out at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum.

Top tip: Visit the Museum of Anthropology on Thursdays when it’s open until 9pm for a more intimate experience. Tickets are half price after 5pm.

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Experience Vancouver’s multicultural soul

Step through Chinatown's ornate Millennium Gateway and dive into one of North America's largest Chinese communities: an authentic and buzzing maze of hanging lanterns, herbal shops, dumpling joints, unique market stalls, and red-gold everything. Get a feel for Vancouver’s multicultural tapestry with a wander down Pender, Main, and Keefer streets, where old-school dim sum spots sit next to edgy art spaces and street murals.

Don’t miss the Sam Kee Building on Carrall and Pender. At just 1.8m (5.9 ft) wide, it’s the narrowest commercial building on the planet (yes, it’s Guinness official). Swap chaos for calm at the tranquil Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, the first authentic Ming Dynasty garden built outside China — no nails, no shortcuts, just perfect feng shui. Stroll through the peaceful courtyards and pavilions to marvel at the craftsmanship and to appreciate their yin-and-yang design.

Top tip: Visit over Lunar New Year, which falls between January 21 and February 20, to experience Vancouver’s incredible Chinatown parade.

Admire Vancouver Art Gallery’s collection

In the heart of downtown, the Vancouver Art Gallery blends big city energy with West Coast creativity. Housed in a former courthouse, this place serves up a rotating mix of more than 8,000 pieces, from 16th-century European classics to pop art from Warhol and Lichtenstein, as well as sculptures, photography, and a huge range of contemporary multimedia installations. Don’t miss works by Emily Carr, a true Vancouver Island icon, whose art captures the wild spirit of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re deep into art or here for the café, this venue hits the cultural sweet spot.

Top tip: Need a sightseeing breather? Grab a seat at the sun-drenched Gallery Café and soak up the scene over coffee and people-watching.

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Smell the roses in VanDusen

Craving a dose of pure botanical bliss? Vancouver delivers with VanDusen Botanical Garden, a vibrant oasis that's more than just pretty flowers. This meticulously cared-for green space is home to more than 7,000 plant species from across the globe, boasting intoxicating swaths of peonies, lilies, and magnolias, plus a whimsical Elizabethan hedge maze. Wander through themed gardens, chase butterflies, or just kick back with a cup of something hot at Truffles Café.

Top tip: Check what's on the VanDusen's events calendar because the beautiful gardens often play host to live music events, wine tastings, and other happenings among the blooms.

Experience it for yourself on: Best of the Pacific Northwest