Best Things to do in Vancouver

The best thing about Vancouver is there is no shortage of entertainment, activities or views to see. If you’re looking for things to do in Vancouver then you have come to the right place; Vancouver is a dense enough city that you can spend a day shopping and exploring the concrete playground of central Vancouver, but it’s so closely located to incredible mountain ranges and dense native bush that you can easily get lost in nature for a day or two.

If you’re a keen hiker or nature enthusiast then Vancouver needs to be your next holiday destination to visit. From 70 year old train wrecks located in the dense forest south of Whistler, to a rainforest located a 15 minute drive from the city centre, Vancouver has everything you need for a couple of days to a few weeks stay. This article is perfect for couples, big groups or families with small children, there’s something for everyone.

Stanley Park

Stanley Park is a 400 hectare public park sitting on the edge of central Vancouver, Stanley Park has views of the water, snow capped mountain ranges and the west coast walkway along the edge of the city centre.

Cycle, walk or run and explore Stanley park in all its natural beauty. Spot squirrels rummaging through the trees or watch the geese glide along the lake. Stanley park, along with facing incredible sunrises and sunsets, has a few restaurants bordering the park; dine in or takeaway from one of the many restaurants and cafes to finish off your evening.

Cycling Stanley Park

Cycling Stanley park allows you to circumnavigate the whole park within an hour or two, allowing for more time to explore the rest of the city or stop off at the Stanley Park aquarium or stroll around the Lost Lagoon. Hire a bicycle from English Bay Bike rentals on Davie street on start your day by cycling the Vancouver sea wall.

Stanley Park has a one way cycle system, meaning you can only cycle anti-clockwise around the park. If you dare turn around to go the other direction or even swerve within your lane be prepared to cop some abuse. Stick to the left and park your bike off the path if you’re leaving the track to explore the park on foot.

Granville Island

Granville Island is a great shopping district for food, gifts or those unnecessary necessities. Located in the Fairview neighbourhood, Granville Island is actually a peninsula that you can access via ferry crossing from the main CBD or personal vehicle through the highway. Either take a ride on a harbour ferry boat for $6 and enjoy the 5 minute ride across to Granville Island from Vancouver central, or drive in through the southern entrance.

The Granville Island market is open 7 days a week from 9am – 6pm and also hosts a raft of activities and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. From the indoor food market with fresh produce, baked breads and ready to eat meals, to book stores about mythical creatures and boutique chocolates. Once you’re done window shopping and buying gifts for the ones you love, stop off at the pub that overlooks the harbour and enjoy a meal and a pint while basking in the sun.

Gastown

Gastown is another great shopping district with a mix of contemporary fashion, souvenirs, restaurants and nightclubs. Gastown is Vancouver’s first neighbourhood which was named after a steamboat Captain who arrived in 1867 to open the areas first saloon, unfortunately these days the immediate surrounding areas of Gastown are draped in poverty and drug use, however that shouldn’t stop you from visiting this historic town while you’re in Vancouver.

The Gastown clock is a big draw card for tourists, the steam powered clock which features in many photos and postcards for Gastown was installed in 1977 on top of a steam grate.

Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is the worlds 43rd largest island sitting off the west coast of Canada in the Pacific ocean and is an extremely popular destination for hikes, beautiful landscapes and history. With 32 lakes on offer to explore, several rivers and incredible mountains you can find either a quiet place for a picnic or lace up your hiking boots in search of incredible views.
The Butchart Gardens or Craigdarroch Castle are only a couple of the amazing sites you can visit on Vancouver Island, while also learning about the Indigenous peoples who have inhabited the island for thousands of years.

Getting to Vancouver Island

There are 2 ferry services from Vancouver that can bring you to Vancouver Island; Tsawwassen or Horseshoe Bay further up the coast.
Alternatively, there are 3 different ferry services from Washington State that can take you to Vancouver Island.

If you’re choosing to spend more than a day on Vancouver Island then I would suggest hiring a car to get around, the Island is 456km in length so it’s worth exploring as much of the island as possible.

Check out Airbnb or Booking.com for some accommodation options on the island, you will be running a tight schedule if you’re heading to Vancouver Island for a day trip but it is definitely doable.

Lynn Canyon Park

Lynn Canyon Park is favoured for it’s suspension bridge and free of charge entry, unlike its popular neighbour Capilano Suspension bridge. Lynn Canyon Park was one of my favourite places and hike to do in Vancouver. You can easily spend a whole day wondering through the park and exploring the different trails throughout this Canadian forest. Experience the freezing temperatures of the flowing rivers or explore the mossy forest floor and gaze up at the green canopy above.

The Lynn Canyon suspension bridge towers 50m above the canyon and forms part of several hiking trails that lead through the public park. Sitting so close to central Vancouver, Lynn Canyon park makes for a great place to visit if you’re strapped for time but want to explore the natural beauty of Canada.

If you’re visiting during Spring or Summer then be aware of bears, they are most commonly seen higher in the mountains away from urban Vancouver but it’s not unusual for them to make home closer to civilization either.

Other Things to do in Vancouver

Whistler Train Wreck

Sitting just south of Whistler is the site of an old train and carriages that derailed in the 1950’s, after a speed miscalculation approaching a corner causing the carriages to derail however no one onboard was injured. The box cars still sit where they were left among the towering trees beside a flowing river. These days they are creative contrast between urban and nature with their colourful markings of spray artists and taggers.

The track to reach the Whistler train wreck is not clearly laid out and is not easy to get to during winter due to the icy paths. Read more about the Whistler train wreck here.