Vancouver BC Attractions: A City Guide for Tourists

Vancouver BC is a city with endless attractions. From its iconic skyline to its lush green forests and rugged coastline, Vancouver is a city that overflows with beauty and culture. Located on the unceded lands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, Vancouver is the most populous city in British Columbia and the third-largest metropolitan area in Canada. With its diverse population, stunning natural scenery, and vibrant arts scene, Vancouver has something for everyone.

History of Vancouver BC

Vancouver has a long and storied history. It was founded in 1886 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, who named it after Captain George Vancouver, a British explorer who charted much of the region in 1792. The city’s early economy was based mainly on lumber and fishing, with some of the earliest settlers being loggers and fishermen. In the late 19th century, Vancouver became a major trading port for ships coming in from Asia and Europe, helping to establish the city’s multicultural roots. In the mid-20th century, the city experienced a significant economic boom due to its close proximity to the US border. This led to a surge in population growth, which continues to this day.

Things to Do & See in Vancouver BC

Vancouver is home to a wide array of attractions, from world-class museums and galleries to outdoor adventure opportunities. Here are some of the top things to do and see in Vancouver BC.

Stanley Park

No visit to Vancouver is complete without a visit to Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America. Situated on the tip of Vancouver’s downtown peninsula, Stanley Park is renowned for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and ocean. It features over 1,000 acres of old-growth forest, a seawall that wraps around the entire park, over 8 miles of hiking trails, and numerous beaches. Visitors can also explore its many attractions, such as the famous collection of totem poles at Brockton Point, the Vancouver Aquarium, and Prospect Point Lighthouse.

Granville Island

Granville Island is one of Vancouver’s most popular attractions and a must-visit destination for any visitor. Situated on an island in False Creek, Granville Island offers a wide range of attractions, including galleries, theaters, a public market, craft breweries, and numerous restaurants. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk along its boardwalks, explore its numerous art galleries, or take a boat tour around False Creek. It’s also home to Granville Island Public Market, one of Canada’s most famous markets, which features over 200 vendors selling everything from farm-fresh produce to freshly made meals.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of Vancouver’s most iconic attractions. Located in North Vancouver’s Capilano River Regional Park, the bridge spans across the Capilano River Canyon and offers stunning views of the surrounding forest and mountains. Visitors can take a thrilling walk across the bridge or take part in a guided tour that explores the park’s ecology, history, and culture. Other attractions include a treetop adventure course and a cliff walk along the canyon walls.

Vancouver Art Gallery

The Vancouver Art Gallery is a must-see destination for any art lover. Located in downtown Vancouver’s historic Gastown district, it houses an impressive permanent collection of over 11,000 works by Canadian and international artists. Visitors can explore its many galleries featuring works by renowned artists such as Emily Carr, Lawren Harris, Marc Chagall, Robert Rauschenberg, and many more. The gallery also hosts a variety of special exhibitions throughout the year as well as lectures and educational programs for all ages.

Grouse Mountain

Grouse Mountain is one of Vancouver’s top outdoor attractions. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, it offers stunning views of both the city and surrounding mountains. Visitors can take a cable car ride to the top of the mountain or hike up one of its numerous trails. At the top, visitors can explore its many attractions such as an alpine theatre, an aerial tramway, ziplines, an animal refuge, and many more. During winter months, it also offers skiing and snowboarding opportunities.

Popular Tours in Vancouver BC

Vancouver offers several popular tours that provide visitors with a great way to explore the city and its many attractions. Here are two popular tours that offer an unforgettable experience in Vancouver BC:

Seaplane Tour to Victoria

Experience Vancouver like never before on this incredible seaplane tour to Victoria! On this two-hour tour, you’ll take off from downtown Vancouver and soar above the city skyline before heading out over the Gulf Islands towards Victoria. Along the way you’ll see breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, lush forests, rugged coastlines, and picturesque islands dotting the Pacific Ocean. Once you arrive in Victoria, you’ll have an hour to explore this charming city before heading back to Vancouver. Book your Seaplane Tour to Victoria here.

Gastown Food Tour

Experience the best of Gastown on this delicious food tour! On this two-hour walking tour you’ll explore one of Vancouver’s oldest neighborhoods while sampling some of its best culinary offerings. From classic British pub fare to Asian fusion dishes and local craft beer tastings, you’ll be sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds. Along the way you’ll learn about Gastown’s history from your knowledgeable guide and gain insight into why this neighborhood is such a beloved part of Vancouver culture. Book your Gastown Food Tour here.

Conclusion

Vancouver BC is a city that overflows with beauty and culture. From its iconic skyline to its lush green forests and rugged coastline, Vancouver is home to endless attractions that offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or cultural exploration, Vancouver has it all. From Stanley Park to Granville Island to Grouse Mountain and beyond, Vancouver is sure to offer an unforgettable experience. Don’t forget to check out some of the city’s popular tours such as the Seaplane Tour to Victoria or Gastown Food Tour for an even more immersive experience!