Things To See In Vancouver BC

Vancouver is one of Canada’s most exciting, vibrant and diverse cities. Situated on the west coast of British Columbia, the city is surrounded by stunning nature, including the North Shore Mountains, Howe Sound and the Juan de Fuca Strait. As a major port city, Vancouver has long been a place of connection between cultures, and today its population reflects the richness and diversity of the world.

Vancouver is a city of beauty, history, and modernity. The city has been continuously inhabited since the late 1800s and has grown to become one of Canada’s most populous cities. With a population of over 2.5 million people, Vancouver is a bustling and bustling city that offers year-round activities. Whether you are looking for culture, nature or adventure, you are sure to find something to suit your tastes in Vancouver.

History of Vancouver

The city of Vancouver was first inhabited by the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. The rich natural resources of the region provided a bountiful source of sustenance for these early inhabitants, and many of the original First Nations settlements remain today.

The city of Vancouver was founded in 1886 when two of the first Euro-Canadian settlers, John Deighton (better known as Gassy Jack) and August Jack Khatsahlano, opened the first saloon in what is now Gastown. In the following years, Vancouver quickly developed into a bustling port city thanks to its strategic location at the mouth of the Fraser River.

By the early 20th century, Vancouver had become the largest city in British Columbia, a position it has held ever since. In 1886 it was incorporated as a city. The original downtown core was primarily made up of small businesses and single family homes, while the surrounding areas were largely forests and farms.

In the decades that followed, Vancouver experienced unprecedented growth. By 1931 the population had reached nearly 200,000 people as waves of immigrants from around the world flocked to the city in search of a better life. Today, Vancouver remains one of Canada’s most diverse cities with people from all walks of life calling it home.

What to Do in Vancouver

Vancouver is a bustling city full of activities and attractions that appeal to all ages and interests. From cultural experiences to outdoor adventures, there is something for everyone in Vancouver.

Explore Stanley Park

Stanley Park is a must-see for visitors to Vancouver. Located on the edge of downtown Vancouver, the park is an oasis of urban greenery that is home to over 1,000 acres of lush forest, gardens and beaches.

Popular attractions within Stanley Park include the Stanley Park Seawall, which stretches 8 km along the park’s perimeter; the Stanley Park Railway, which takes visitors on a leisurely 30-minute tour of the park; and the famed Rose Garden which features over 500 varieties of roses in bloom from June to October. The park also offers acres of trails for walking, biking and rollerblading, as well as opportunities for swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding on its many beaches.

Visit Gastown

Gastown is a vibrant neighbourhood located in the heart of downtown Vancouver. The area is home to some of Vancouver’s oldest buildings and cobblestone streets, giving it an old-world charm that is popular with visitors and locals alike.

Gastown is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with restaurants and bars offering a range of culinary experiences from around the world. Popular attractions in Gastown include the iconic steam clock, located on Water Street; Blood Alley Square, an open air public park; and Gassy Jack Statue, which commemorates the area’s namesake John Deighton (better known as Gassy Jack).

Grouse Mountain

Grouse Mountain is one of Vancouver’s most popular attractions. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Grouse Mountain offers stunning views of the city and its surrounding mountains. The mountain is home to a wide range of activities for visitors including hiking trails, zip lines, paragliding and even skiing in the winter months.

Grouse Mountain also features several restaurants serving up delicious local cuisine as well as an observatory where visitors can take in panoramic views of the area. The mountain is also home to several other attractions including an outdoor theater, wildlife refuge centre and a grizzly bear habitat.

Popular Tours in Vancouver

In addition to exploring some of Vancouver’s attractions on your own, there are many tours available that offer unique experiences for visitors to enjoy. Here we explore two popular tours in Vancouver:

Vancouver Seaplane Tour

Experience Vancouver like never before with a seaplane tour from Harbour Air Seaplanes. This scenic tour will take you high above downtown and into Burrard Inlet where you will get stunning views of snow-capped mountains, lush forests and beautiful beaches. You’ll also have the chance to fly by some of Vancouver’s most iconic landmarks such as Lions Gate Bridge and Stanley Park.
Book your seaplane tour here.

Brewery Tour

For beer lovers, there’s no better way to experience Vancouver than on a brewery tour with Brewery & The Beast. On this tour you’ll get to explore some of Vancouver’s best breweries such as Parallel 49 Brewing Company and Strange Fellows Brewing Co., where you’ll learn about their brewing process and taste their unique beers. You’ll also get to sample some delicious local dishes from some of Vancouver’s top chefs.
Book your brewery tour here.

Conclusion

Vancouver BC is a vibrant and beautiful city filled with activities for all ages and interests. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures or cultural experiences, Vancouver offers something for everyone. Be sure to check out Stanley Park, Gastown and Grouse Mountain while you are here and don’t miss out on some of the popular tours such as the seaplane tour and brewery tour. With so much to see and do in this amazing city, you will be sure to find something that appeals to you!