Vancouver: The Best Things To Do

Vancouver is a city located on the coast of British Columbia, Canada. It is known for its natural beauty, its vibrant culture, and its active lifestyle. It is home to a diverse population of over 2.5 million people and is the largest city in Western Canada. Vancouver is one of the most popular destinations for tourists from all over the world and offers a variety of activities and attractions to explore and enjoy.

History of Vancouver

The first Europeans to settle in the area now known as Vancouver were Spanish explorers in 1792. Soon after, the area was explored by British naval captain George Vancouver, who gave the area its name. Vancouver was heavily influenced by the First Nations peoples who lived in the area and was largely an agricultural area until the late 1800s when the Canadian Pacific Railway arrived. The railway brought a wave of immigrants to the area, and Vancouver quickly became a major port city. In 1886, Vancouver was incorporated as a city, and since then it has grown to become Canada’s third largest city.

Things To Do In Vancouver

Vancouver is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for culture, nature, adventure, or something else, you’ll find it here. Here are some of the best things to do in Vancouver.

Explore Stanley Park

Stanley Park is one of Vancouver’s most beloved attractions. It is a 1,000-acre public park located in downtown Vancouver that is home to an abundance of wildlife, lush gardens, and beautiful views of the city and surrounding mountains. The park has numerous walking and biking trails, a seawall for running or biking, popular beaches, and many attractions such as the Vancouver Aquarium, totem poles, and much more. Stanley Park is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Vancouver.

Visit Granville Island

Granville Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vancouver. Located on a small island in False Creek, Granville Island has something for everyone. The island is home to a bustling public market with vendors selling delicious local food, unique art galleries, boutique shops, and much more. Granville Island also offers great views of downtown Vancouver and is home to many popular attractions such as the Granville Island Brewery and Kids Market.

Climb Grouse Mountain

Grouse Mountain is one of the most popular hikes in Vancouver. The hike to the summit of Grouse Mountain is known as “the Grind” and is a challenging but rewarding 6-kilometer hike with 1,200 meters of elevation gain. At the top of Grouse Mountain there are spectacular views of the city and surrounding mountains, as well as many attractions such as a zip line, wildlife refuge, restaurants, and much more.

Explore Chinatown

Vancouver’s Chinatown is one of the largest in North America and is home to many unique shops, restaurants, markets, and cultural attractions. Chinatown is also home to many historic buildings and monuments such as the iconic Millennium Gate and Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Chinatown is a great place to explore and discover traditional Chinese culture and cuisine.

Take a Tour Of Gastown

Gastown is one of Vancouver’s oldest neighborhoods and is home to some of the city’s most iconic buildings such as the Steam Clock and Gastown Steam Plant. The neighborhood is filled with boutique shops, trendy restaurants, and art galleries. Taking a tour of Gastown is a great way to explore the history and culture of this unique area.

Popular Tours In Vancouver

Vancouver is home to some amazing tours that allow visitors to get an up close look at some of the city’s most iconic attractions. Here are two of Vancouver’s most popular tours that are sure to make your visit to the city unforgettable.

Granville Island Boat Tour

Take a boat tour around Granville Island and explore some of its best attractions from the water. You’ll get to see all of Granville Island’s highlights up close including its bustling public market, unique art galleries, boutique shops, and much more. The tour also includes stops at other popular locations such as Prospect Point Lookout, English Bay Beach, and Kitsilano Beach. You can book this tour here.

Stanley Park Bike Tour

Explore one of Vancouver’s most beloved attractions on two wheels with this Stanley Park bike tour. You’ll get to enjoy some amazing views of downtown Vancouver while cycling around Stanley Park’s many trails and attractions such as Beaver Lake and Lost Lagoon. The tour also includes stops at popular locations such as Siwash Rock, Third Beach, and Brockton Point Lighthouse. You can book this tour here.

Conclusion

Vancouver is an amazing city filled with plenty of things to do for people of all ages. From exploring Stanley Park on foot or bike to tasting local flavors in Chinatown, there are so many things to see and do in this vibrant city that you won’t want to miss out on. Don’t forget to add some tours to your itinerary to make your visit even more memorable!