For many, the bustling city of Vancouver is the starting or ending point of a tour of Western Canada. But it certainly pays to linger here for a few days, because there is also a lot to do in Vancouver. From hiking through green Stanley Park to shopping on hip Granville Island. Or book a whale tour because from April to October you have a great chance of seeing these mighty beasts here! We already visited Vancouver twice and here we compile what are the best things to do in Vancouver, where to stay and the best restaurants.
10 best things to do in Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver is located on the west coast of Canada in the state of British Columbia. Around the city you will find beautiful landscapes with vast rainforests and snow-capped mountain peaks in the distance. Vancouver therefore has a nice mix of city and nature. Spend two to three days here for the best experience!
1) Walking through Stanley Park
Stanley Park is Vancouver’s green lung and so large that you could easily spend an entire day here. Stanley Park borders the sea so you yourself have a chance to spot animals like seals in the water here! Walk along the Sea Wall through the park to the Prospect Point Viewpoint. This viewpoint is without a doubt the most photogenic stop in the park and gives you a great view of the Lions Gate bridge. In the park you can also take several nice walks. While doing so, be sure to stop at the nine Totem Poles at Brockton Point.
TRAVEL TIP: You can also rent bikes in Stanley Park. We haven’t done this ourselves but it seems like a fun way to see a lot of the park! This guided tour is highly recommended!
2) Shopping on Granville Island
This former industrial area, which is technically a peninsula, was completely renovated in the 1970s. Now it is the trendiest place in Vancouver! Daily you will find a public covered market from 10am to 6pm where you can buy all kinds of local food items such as pastries, cheese, bread. Adjacent to the public market you will also find plenty of nice food stalls. You will also find trendy clothing stores, art galleries and bars such as the Granville Brewing Company on Granville Island. You can reach Granville Island by bus. Or take the Aquabus ferry from the Hornby Terminal and admire Vancouver from the water.
3) Admire the steam clock in Gastown
Gastown is the oldest neighborhood in Vancouver and also the most vibrant! As you stroll through the cobblestone streets surrounded by tall Victorian buildings you will find plenty of quaint stores, art galleries and restaurants. The best thing about this neighborhood is undoubtedly the extraordinary Gastown Steam Clock. This is one of the only steam clocks in the world. Every fifteen minutes, steam shoots out of the five whistles on top of the clock. Whistling symphonies are added on the hour which really makes it worth coming to see this clock!
4) Eating at the Richmond Night Market
If you are in Vancouver between May and October, be sure to visit the Richmond Night Market at night. This is the largest night market in North America and reminds us very much of the night markets of Thailand. Stroll through the many booths and sample dishes such as gyoza, dim sum and nitrogen ice cream. Meanwhile, you can enjoy the live music and lively vibe at this market. This is undoubtedly one of the most fun things to do in Vancouver!
5) Sniffing culture in Chinatown
Chinatown in Vancouver is the third-largest Chinese neighborhood in North America. Not surprising, since 20 percent of Vancouver’s population is of Chinese descent. For us, it was the first time ever in a Chinatown, so we thought it was special to walk through here. You’ll see all kinds of Chinese stores selling herbs, dried spices and more. This interspersed with local restaurants where you can eat for not much money. The best thing to do in this district, however, is the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. The pond with water lilies, pagoda and many ,plants make you forget for a moment that you are in Canada.
Opening hours Chinese Garden: Wednesday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. | price: $16 CAD
6) Walk across the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
Besides being a vibrant city, Vancouver is also a great place to escape into nature. Lynn Canyon Park is a great example. Here you will find numerous hiking trails through the Canadian forests. We found the most fun in this park to be the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. This wooden suspension bridge takes you across the gorge with swirling water and gives you great views of the green surroundings. From downtown Vancouver, you can take bus line 209 that will take you directly to the park.
TRAVEL TIP: Many visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge but this will cost you $53 CAD per person. That’s why we went to Lynn Canyon Park. Here, admission is free for a similar experience!
7) Whale and orca spotting
The waters between Vancouver and Vancouver Island in British Columbia are one of the best places to spot whales. In fact, from April through October, you have an incredible chance of seeing humpback whales here, as well as orcas, seals, sea otters and so much more! We went along with the Prince Of Whales where we not only saw a lot of animals but also got an awful lot of information. With this tour, you also have a “whale guarantee”! The chance of seeing one on your tour is 95%, and if you do not see one then you may join the next tour.
8) The heights with the Sea to Sky Gondola
You reach the Sea to Sky Gondola by driving down part of the Sea to Sky Highway. This drive alone is well worth it where you can enjoy the typical Canadian landscapes. For 66 km you drive through a landscape of vast forests and the sea just beside you. The final destination is the Sea to Sky Gondola which takes you up to 880m above sea level. At the top, then, you have a fantastic view of the mountains and the sea. A ticket for the gondola costs $68CAD per person. If you’d rather not spend it, you can also hike up the Sea to Summit trail (6.5 km) and take the gondola back down for $20 CAD.
9) Even more shopping in Pacific Centre
Hopefully you will have good weather during your visit to Vancouver, as Vancouver is known to be very rainy. Fortunately, you can then go to the Pacific Center. This is the largest mall in the heart of Vancouver with as many as more than 100 stores. You will find the well-known clothing brands, hair salons and various food stands. This is where you’ll gladly want to take shelter if you need to and you just don’t know what to do in Vancouver.
10) Eating in Vancouver
Vancouver is a multicultural city, and you can see that in the wide range of restaurants. From the local poutine (fries with gravy and bits of cheese) to various international cuisines. In Vancouver, going to dinner is an experience in itself! It is not for nothing, then, that it is one of the best “food cities” in the world. Here are some of the best restaurants in Vancouver:
- Cafe Medina: the best brunch in town. Be sure to try the shakshuka!
- Revolver: fair-trade coffee, delicious pastries and you can do your own coffee tasting there
- La Belle Patate: this is the place to be to taste Canada’s national dish, delicious poutine!
- Kozak Ukrainian Restaurant: this restaurant will give you a taste of Ukrainian cuisine with its contemporary dishes
- La Taqueria Pinche Taco: tacos of a whole new level, made with love!
Where to stay in Vancouver, Canada
The best place to stay in Vancouver is “Downtown. This is the cultural heart of Vancouver and close to the main attractions. We ourselves stayed at the Victorian Hotel. This small boutique hotel built in 1898 is beautiful to stay in with its Victorian interior.
- Budget ($): Victorian Hotel
- Comfort ($$): L’Hermitage Hotel
- Luxurious ($$$): Coast Coal Harbour Hotel
How to get around in Vancouver
Most attractions in Vancouver are within walking distance of each other. If you go outside Vancouver then you can use public transportation such as the Translink System or Skytrain or you can rent a car rental. We would advise against taking a cab because cabs are very expensive in Vancouver. There is also Uber in the city but it is not yet as established as in other places.
Best travel time Vancouver, Canada
The best travel time for Vancouver is from late May to late September. It’s summer then and not only are you more likely to have good weather, the city is much more alive with all kinds of events like the Richmond Night Market. But you can certainly visit Vancouver during the other months as well, just be prepared to get wet!
What would you like to do in Vancouver, Canada? Let us know in a comment below! Looking for more information about your next trip? Please do not hesitate to contact us or send an email to info@snoezelsontheroad.com
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