Vancouver is a stunning city because of its location between the lake and the mountains. It’s hard not to fall in love with the place as soon as you set eyes on the towering trees and lush landscaping, the hip cafes and trendy eateries, and the special vibe that fills the air. It’s an intriguing blend of modern culture and historic charm, with a plethora of activities, attractions, and culinary delights waiting for curious tourists. Here are some of our recommendations for must-do experiences in Vancouver during your time there to ensure you have a memorable and enjoyable trip.
Go To Granville Island
Granville Island should be high on the list when it comes to experiences in Vancouver, and it has a wide variety of restaurants and other food options, and you don’t even need a guide to learn about them all. Explore this culinary mecca that is home to a summer farmers’ market, the first microbrewery and artisan boutique sake winery in Canada, and, of course, Granville Island Public Market.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
If you visit Vancouver on Silversea Cruises, you’ll more than likely be dropped off right by the Capilano Suspension Bridge, making it an easy attraction to enjoy. The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a popular place, so you can expect to see a lot of other people there, but that shouldn’t stop you from going because it’s a beautiful place. You can walk across the suspension bridge and learn about the culture of the First Nations and the area’s history.
Stanley Park
Beaches, playgrounds, an aquarium, a pool and splash park, a golf course, botanical gardens, 17 tennis courts, and much more can be found in this massive 1,000-acre park. There’s plenty to do inside the park’s boundaries to keep you busy for a whole day. You can take a bike ride along the Seawall, which goes around the entire island, or you can head inside and get lost amid the ferns and centuries-old cedars that line the 40 miles of trails that wind through the interior. The area is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including raccoons, coyotes, great blue herons, beavers, bald eagles, and even whales.
Museum of Anthropology
The UBC Museum of Anthropology is home to more than 530,000 items from cultures past and present, ranging from ancient sculptures to modern aboriginal works. The Great Hall is a stunning space with glass walls that runs from floor to ceiling and hosts events, giant totem poles, and artwork that highlight the culture of British Columbia’s First Nations.
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is a must-see for every garden aficionado. Joining a guided tour is the best option for seeing the garden and learning about its many components, from the tiles on the roof to the trees in the periphery.
Grouse Mountain
Many people from Vancouver and beyond visit “the Peak” year-round to enjoy the outdoors. Grouse Mountain offers a wide variety of activities throughout the year, from ziplining and hiking in the summer to snowshoeing and ice skating in the winter. If you want to climb 2,800 vertical feet, try the Grouse Grind, a 1.8-mile trail with 2,830 stairs. You can also ride the gondola up and enjoy the breath-taking panorama of the harbour and the sea.
Kitsilano Beach
Among the many popular beaches in Vancouver, Kitsilano Beach is probably the most well-known. A heated saltwater pool and a variety of other outdoor activities attract a lot of locals here during the warmer months, making this waterfront location a great place to people watch.
