The Best 8 Things to Do in Vancouver, Canada
I had the opportunity to visit Vancouver back in February for a long weekend. The close intersection of city and woodland nature here is like nothing I’ve seen before, especially compared to many of the bigger cities in the U.S. I found this city to be much quieter and calmer than many of the cities in America. If you’re looking for a relaxing weekend, this should definitely be on your list. Keep on reading for recommendations of what to do in Vancouver, Canada:
1. Gastown
Gastown is the main strip in Vancouver, marked by the iconic whistling Steam Clock. You’ll find numerous souvenir shops, boutiques, restaurants, and bars here. My favorite shops here were The Latest Scoop and One of a Few, but you can also find larger brands like Oak & Fort. Note: For the best atmosphere here, the mid-afternoon brings the most crowds, making the street feel alive. In the morning shortly after store openings, it was quite empty.
2. Grouse Mountain
This is the #1 most visited attraction in Vancouver, and for great reason. Just 15 minutes outside of downtown and easily accessibly by public bus, you can head up Grouse Mountain for incredible views of the city and various activities. One can take the Skyride up to the top, where you’ll find dining options, ski/snowboard lifts, ice skating, and the home to many native grizzly bears.
3. Day Trip to Whistler
Whistler is an absolute must to visit if going to Vancouver; you might even be reading this article simply for Whistler. This world-class ski resort is nothing less than exceptional. From one of the largest resort villages to Whistler and Blackcomb mountains with a top peak of 7,160 feet, it’s an incredible experience both on the ground and at the peak.
Whistler in the Summer
You should absolutely visit Whistler if coming in the Summer months as well, with 55% of yearly visitors actually coming during this time. Some of the top Summer activities include: Peak 2 Peak Gondola Ride, Lost Lake, Hiking, Whitewater Rafting, Skywalk on cliff edges.
Whistler in the Winter
Whistler has something for everyone, even if you don’t ski or snowboard. Here are just some top winter activities: Peak 2 Peak Gondola Ride, Dogsledding, Shopping in Whistler Village, Snowmobiling, and Snow Tubing.
Getting to Whistler from Vancouver
Take one of the Epic Rides coach busses, which cost around $44 per roundtrip ticket. It will pick you up right in downtown and have storage for your luggage/skis if needed. Sit on the left side of the bus on the way to Whistler for the best views!
4. Granville Island
Granville island is in the Southern end of Vancouver, bustling with hundreds of shops, restaurants, its own brewing company, art galleries, and the famous indoor public market. This was hands down my favorite part of Vancouver and really exudes the character of the city. The public market reminded me of Pike Place market in Seattle, filled with local businesses and food in every category you could imagine. For a more sit-down meal, I ate at the Sandbar Seafood Restaurant, which has nearly 4,000 reviews on Google at the time this article was written. This had some of the best seafood we ate while in Vancouver.
Pro Tip: There are many events happening on Granville Island throughout the year; check online to see if there are any fun festivals or activities going on during your visit to stop by and see!
5. Capilano Suspension Bridge
Warning: This bridge is EXPENSIVE! I was so shocked when I went to see a price of $54 to cross this bridge. However, I will say they do elevate the experience to make it somewhat worth the money. Upon entering, there are 10ft gnomes, a carousel, and a cutely decorated area. Then, of course, you come to the breathtaking bridge which is both scary and exhilarating to cross as it sways with people’s movement. Once you reach the other side, there is a pond, an entire treehouse “fort” of walking paths up in the tops of the trees, and a stand for hot drinks and donuts.
Pro Tip: Take the public bus from downtown for a fairly quick journey at a fraction of the price of a taxi if you do not have a car with you.
6. Stanley Park
Stanley Park is one of the greatest urban parks across the world and one of the top attractions in Vancouver, bringing in over 8 million visitors each year. Sitting on the Northwest end of the city. The 1,000-acre park features trails, beaches, the Vancouver Aquarium, golfing, and more.
7. Seafood and Sushi
It’s no doubt that some of the best seafood is in Vancouver. Here are some of the must-try restaurants that are tried and true:
- Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse
- Makoto Japanese Buffet
- Blue Water Café
- The Lobster Man (Granville Island Public Market)
8. Breakfast at Jam Cafe
Visit one of the most iconic breakfast spots in the city, usually hosting a long queue from the moment doors open at 8AM. The menu consists of your hearty brunch food such as benedict’s and french toast.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Vancouver?
This depends if you want to visit during the snowy months or not. For snow, I recommend visiting between December and March. For warmer weather, April through September has the nicest weather. Note that Vancouver has some of the most mild weather in Canada, making it a bit easier to travel to throughout the year.
Do I need to get a rental car?
No! I traveled throughout Vancouver just by using the city buses and occasional Uber rides. However, if you want to go deep into the nature surrounding the city, I would recommend having a car to go off the main roads.
What clothing should I pack for Vancouver?
For Summer, I recommend shorts and tops as the weather hovers in the low 80s. Bring a light jacket when going out at night as it can get a bit more chilly. For Winter, Layers and a rain jacket! It rains often.
Is Vancouver expensive?
The cost of a trip to Vancouver can vary greatly on the activities that you are planning. The major activities like Capilano Suspension Bridge and Whistler Lift passes were $$$ whereas I found the food to be $ to $$ with your exception of some fine dining spots.
