Exploring Vancouver Like a Pro: Insider's Top 30 Must-Do Experiences
Vancouver is a city that holds a special place in our hearts. It's not just another stop on our map of 120+ countries visited; for a time, we called it home. We spent years exploring its diverse neighbourhoods, discovering our favourite coffee shops, and learning the best mountain trails to escape to on a Saturday morning.
We've been back many times since then, most recently just last year, and each visit reaffirms why we love it so much. When you visit Vancouver, you're seeing one of the few places on Earth where you can ski in the mountains and relax by the ocean in the same afternoon. The incredible natural beauty is everywhere, and it is what drew us to moving there in the first place.
We know how overwhelming it can be to look at a map of a new city and wonder where to even begin. This guide is our answer to that. It's not a list of every possible thing to do. It's a curated guide to the experiences we believe are genuinely worth your time, based on our firsthand knowledge.
So, if you're looking for a guide that goes beyond the basic tourist checklist, you're in the right place. Let's get into the best things to do in Vancouver.
Top 5 Things to Do in Vancouver (If You’re Short on Time)
We know that not everyone has weeks to explore a city. If you're planning a quick trip or just want to hit the absolute highlights, these are the five experiences we always tell our friends to prioritize. Each of these will be detailed further down in this guide.
- Cycle the Stanley Park Seawall: A classic Vancouver activity with incredible views of the city skyline, mountains, and the Pacific Ocean.
- Explore Granville Island Market: A bustling hub of local artisans, fresh food stalls, and fantastic places to eat. It's a feast for the senses.
- Ride the Gondola Up Grouse Mountain: For the best panoramic views of the city and surrounding nature, a trip up the “Peak of Vancouver” is essential.
- Walk Through Historic Gastown: Discover Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood in downtown Vancouver with its Victorian architecture, cobblestone streets, and famous Steam Clock.
- Cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge: A thrilling walk through the treetops of a coastal rainforest, located just minutes from the city.
Outdoor Adventures in Vancouver
Vancouver's biggest draw is the wild, natural landscape that surrounds it. You are never more than a few minutes away from a dense forest or the saltwater of the Pacific Ocean. This easy access to the outdoors is what truly defines the city. We've spent countless hours exploring these trails and waterways, and here are our top picks for getting outside.
Kayak or Paddleboard in False Creek or Deep Cove
Paddling offers a completely different perspective of the city. For great urban views, you can rent a kayak and explore the calm waters of False Creek, paddling past Granville Island and Science World. For a more serene experience, make the trip to Deep Cove and kayak surrounded by lush forests and mountains.Relax on Kitsilano Beach
Known locally as “Kits Beach,” this is one of Vancouver’s most popular spots to unwind. On a warm day, the beach is full of locals playing volleyball and swimming in the massive outdoor saltwater pool. It’s a great place to people-watch and enjoy the view of the downtown skyline across the water.Nearby, you’ll also find Jericho Beach and Sunset Beach, which are also great spots to relax.Vancouver’s Top Attractions and Neighbourhoods
Beyond the stunning natural landscapes, Vancouver is a city of distinct neighbourhoods and world-class attractions. It’s worth spending time exploring the urban side of the city to get a real feel for its culture and history. We’ve spent years wandering these streets, and these are the places we always find ourselves returning to.Eat Your Way Through Granville Island Market
Granville Island isn’t just a market; it’s a bustling hub of activity. Housed in old industrial buildings under the Granville Bridge, this is where you’ll find an incredible array of fresh produce, local seafood, and artisanal food stalls. The entire island is also home to theatres, craft studios, and breweries. Some call it a tourist trap, but we say it is a tourist attraction for a reason.Our Tip: While the whole market is a feast, we never leave without getting a fresh, warm doughnut from Lee’s Donuts. It’s a Vancouver institution. We also recommend checking out Granville Island Brewing for a local pint.Explore Historic Gastown
As Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood, Gastown has a character all its own. Walk the cobblestone streets past the iconic Gastown Steam Clock. It’s easily accessible from the main transit hub at Waterfront Station. We loved taking our time to admire the Victorian architecture, and browse the many independent boutiques and art galleries. It’s a great place to find a unique souvenir.While everyone gathers to watch the Gastown Steam Clock whistle on the hour, the real appeal for us is the atmosphere and the fantastic restaurant scene that comes alive at night.Wander Through Canada Place
With its iconic white sails, Canada Place is one of the most recognizable buildings on Vancouver’s skyline. It serves as the city’s main cruise ship terminal and convention centre. It’s also a great starting point for a walk along the waterfront, offering fantastic views of the harbour and the North Shore mountains. The FlyOver Canada attraction, a simulated flight across the country, is also located here.The Vancouver Art Gallery is located in a former courthouse and is the largest art gallery in Western Canada. Its collection focuses on BC artists, including Emily Carr. This is a perfect place to check out on a rainy day.
Robsom Street is the city's main shopping hub, where you'll find a mix of major international brands, flagship stores, and local boutiques. It's the best area for people-watching and soaking up the energetic downtown vibe. We used to do this all the time when we lived just off of Robson St.
Tucked away in Chinatown, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is an oasis of tranquility. It was the first full-scale classical Chinese garden ever built outside of China, and every element is designed with harmony and balance in mind. It's a truly peaceful place to spend an hour, especially if the downtown hustle starts to feel a bit much.
The Museum of Anthropology is located on the beautiful campus of the University of British Columbia (UBC). It houses an extensive collection of art and artifacts from around the globe, with a special emphasis on British Columbia's First Nations. The magnificent building itself, designed by Arthur Erickson, is worth the visit alone.
Once you've checked off the main sights, it's time to explore the experiences that give Vancouver its unique character. These are the places and activities we've discovered over the years that offer a different perspective on the city, far from the typical tourist crowds.
The neighborhood of Mount Pleasant is like a massive outdoor art gallery. Thanks to the annual Vancouver Mural Festival, the walls and alleyways around Main Street are covered in incredible, large-scale murals by local and international artists. The best way to see them is to simply wander on foot and let yourself get a little lost.
Wreck Beach is one of North America's most famous clothing-optional beaches. To get there, you have to descend a long flight of stairs (Trail 6) through a beautiful forested ravine. The atmosphere is famously laid-back and welcoming. It's a unique Vancouver experience, but be prepared for the steep climb back up the stairs.
- Downtown: If it's your first visit and you want to be in the centre of it all, this is your best bet. You'll be within walking distance of Canada Place, Robson Street, and many other attractions.
- West End: This was our old neighbourhood when we lived in the city. It's a quieter, more residential area nestled between downtown and Stanley Park. We loved that we could walk to the seawall in just a few minutes.
- Yaletown: A trendy, upscale area known for its converted warehouses, chic boutiques, and excellent restaurant scene. It's a great spot if you're looking for good nightlife.
- Kitsilano: If you want a more laid-back, beach-town vibe, "Kits" is a great choice. It's a bit further from the downtown core but has a fantastic beach, a huge outdoor pool, and lots of healthy cafes.
- On Foot: The downtown core is compact, safe, and very walkable. It's our preferred way to explore the city's central neighbourhoods.
- Public Transit: TransLink runs an excellent and integrated system of buses, the SkyTrain (light rail), and the SeaBus ferry. We've always found the SkyTrain to be the most efficient way to get from the airport (YVR) directly into downtown.
- Biking: Vancouver is one of Canada's most bike-friendly cities, with a network of separated bike lanes. Using the Mobi bike-share system is a great way to cover more ground than walking.
- By Car: We'd advise against renting a car if you're only staying in the city. Traffic can be heavy, and parking is expensive and difficult to find. However, a car is very useful for doing some of the day trips we mentioned.
- Summer (June – August): This is when you'll get the best weather—long, sunny, and warm days. It's perfect for beach days and hiking, but it's also the busiest and most expensive time of year.
- Shoulder Seasons (May, September, & October): Personally, we think September is the ideal month to visit. The weather is often still beautiful and summer-like, but the summer crowds have gone home.
- Winter (November – February): This is the rainiest season, but it's the best time for deals on flights and hotels. Plus, if you're a skier or snowboarder, the local mountains are covered in snow.
Our Favourite Places to Eat and Drink
Vancouver is a fantastic food city. You could spend weeks eating your way through it, but here are a few of our go-to spots:
- For Seafood: For something fresh and casual, you can’t beat the fish and chips from Go Fish, located near Granville Island. For a more classic sit-down meal, Blue Water Cafe in Yaletown is an institution.
- For Casual Eats: Vancouver’s food trucks are excellent and diverse. You can find them scattered around the city, especially near the Vancouver Art Gallery.
- For Sushi: The city is famous for its incredible sushi. We’ve had many great meals at Tojo’s Restaurant, which is known for creating the California Roll.
- For Craft Beer: The neighbourhoods of Mount Pleasant and East Vancouver (nicknamed “Yeast Van”) are packed with amazing craft breweries. We love exploring this area and trying flights at places like 33 Acres Brewing Company.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vancouver
Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we get about travelling to Vancouver:
What is Vancouver best known for?
Vancouver is famous for its incredible natural setting. It is one of the few major cities in the world where the mountains meet the ocean, offering a unique combination of outdoor adventure and vibrant urban life. It is also well known for its massive urban rainforest, Stanley Park, and its role as a major hub for the film industry, often called “Hollywood North.”
Is 3 days enough to see Vancouver?
Three days is enough time to get a great taste of Vancouver and see its main highlights. In a long weekend, you can comfortably explore Stanley Park, visit Granville Island, and wander through key neighbourhoods like Gastown. While you won’t see everything, it’s a perfect amount of time for a first introduction to the city.
What is the number one attraction in Vancouver?
While what’s “best” is always up for debate, Stanley Park is widely considered Vancouver’s number one attraction. Its sheer size, scenic seawall, lush forest trails, and proximity to downtown make it a must-visit destination for nearly every visitor to the city.
Can you get by in Vancouver without a car?
Yes, you can absolutely get by in Vancouver without a car. The downtown core is very walkable, and the city has an excellent public transit system (SkyTrain, buses, SeaBus) and a great network of bike lanes. We only recommend renting a car if you plan on doing multiple day trips to places like Whistler or Vancouver Island.
Our Take on Vancouver
Vancouver is one of those rare cities that truly has something for every type of traveller. You can spend your morning hiking a mountain trail and your afternoon discovering a new neighbourhood, all before sitting down to a world-class dinner. It’s a place that holds a lot of great memories for us, and we hope this guide helps you go out and make some of your own.