Best Places to Go in Vancouver

Vancouver is a bustling coastal city on the western part of Canada, home to a population of over 2.5 million people. Located in British Columbia, this beautiful city is well known for its stunning natural scenery and vibrant culture. From the majestic North Shore Mountains to the sparkling blue waters of the Strait of Georgia, Vancouver is a city unlike any other.

Vancouver’s history is steeped in its Indigenous roots, with the city’s modern day inhabitants belonging to many different First Nations. The city has been a popular destination for traders, immigrants, and explorers for centuries, making it an incredibly diverse and multicultural place. In recent years, Vancouver has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists, thanks to its world-class attractions and stunning scenery.

No matter what type of experience you are looking for, Vancouver has something for everyone. From outdoor activities and sightseeing tours to shopping, dining and nightlife, this city has it all. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best places to go in Vancouver, so you can make the most of your visit to the city.

Outdoor Adventures

Vancouver is home to some of the most stunning outdoor scenery in the entire world, making it a great destination for outdoor adventurers. Whether you’re looking to take a leisurely hike through the lush forests, go kayaking in the ocean, or take a scenic drive through the mountains, Vancouver has something for everyone.

One of the most popular outdoor activities in Vancouver is hiking. From easy strolls through the city parks to challenging treks up the North Shore Mountains, there are plenty of trails for hikers of all skill levels. The Grouse Grind is a particularly popular hike, which takes you through lush forests and up to breathtaking mountaintop views. The Capilano Suspension Bridge is another great option for hikers – it’s a 135-metre long suspension bridge that stretches across a deep canyon filled with waterfalls and old-growth trees.

If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, head to the nearby Whistler ski resort. It’s one of the largest ski resorts in North America and offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world. There are also plenty of other winter activities such as snowshoeing, ice skating and tubing.

Vancouver also has plenty of opportunities for water sports like kayaking, sailing and stand-up paddle boarding. Rent a kayak or paddle board and explore some of the island’s hidden coves and beaches, or book a tour with a local guide who can show you some of the area’s best-kept secrets. There are also plenty of great sailing opportunities in the area – book a sunset cruise or rent a sailboat and explore the stunning coastline of Vancouver Island.

Sightseeing Tours

Vancouver is full of interesting attractions and landmarks that are sure to delight visitors. If you want to get to know the city better, consider taking one of the many sightseeing tours available.

The Sea to Sky Gondola is one of Vancouver’s most popular attractions – a 10-minute ride up from sea level will take you to an observation deck with incredible views of Howe Sound. The gondola is also home to many exciting outdoor activities like zip lining, rock climbing and hiking trails. Or take a guided tour of Stanley Park – this 400-hectare park features stunning gardens, rainforest trails, beaches and plenty of wildlife.

For those looking to explore Vancouver’s unique neighbourhoods, consider taking a food tour or bike tour. Vancouver is home to many amazing restaurants and unique neighbourhoods – explore them on two wheels or taste your way around town on a food tour. You can also hop on a bus tour that takes you around some of the city’s top attractions or take a harbour cruise to see some of Vancouver’s most iconic sights from the water.

Shopping & Dining

Vancouver is home to some amazing shopping and dining experiences. The city’s Chinatown district is one of the largest in North America – explore its vibrant streets and shop for unique souvenirs and handicrafts. Gastown is another popular shopping destination – this historic neighbourhood features cobblestoned streets and plenty of boutique stores and galleries.

The city also has many great restaurants offering all kinds of cuisine – from gourmet restaurants to casual eateries and food trucks. For delicious seafood dishes head to Granville Island Public Market – this bustling market is full of fresh seafood, produce and artisanal products. If you’re looking for something more upscale, check out Robson Street – it’s packed with high-end stores and trendy restaurants.

Nightlife

Vancouver is known for its vibrant nightlife scene – if you’re looking for an unforgettable night out, this city has something for everyone. Head to Granville Street for some of the best bars, pubs and nightclubs in town – there’s something for every taste here from craft beer bars to trendy dance clubs. Yaletown is another popular nightlife destination – it’s filled with chic lounges, rooftop terraces and hip bars serving up craft cocktails.

For something a bit more offbeat, check out Gastown – it’s home to some unique bars like The Alibi Room which serves up creative cocktails in an industrial-chic setting. Or head to Davie Street which is full of lively pubs with live music and DJs playing all night long.

Tours

Vancouver has plenty of exciting tours available for visitors looking for an immersive experience in the city.
For an unforgettable experience,take a Gastown Ghost Tour – this 90-minute walking tour takes you through one of Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhoods while your guide tells stories about local legends and ghosts from past centuries. Or take a guided bike tour that takes you through some of Vancouver’s most picturesque neighbourhoods – from Stanley Park to Kitsilano Beach – while your guide shares interesting stories about the city’s origins and culture.

If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, book a whale watching tour – these tours take you out on the open ocean in search of orcas, humpback whales and other marine wildlife that call this area home. Or book an outdoor adventure tour – these tours offer exciting activities like zip lining, rock climbing and kayaking while exploring some of Vancouver’s stunning natural scenery.

Finally, if you want to get an aerial perspective on the city, consider taking a helicopter tour – these tours take off from downtown Vancouver and soar over Coal Harbour and English Bay while your pilot tells stories about the city’s history and points out some of its top attractions from above.

No matter what type of experience you are looking for in Vancouver, there are plenty of exciting tours available that will help you make the most of your visit to this stunning city.