Introduction to Vancouver

Vancouver is a beautiful coastal city located in British Columbia, Canada. With a population of over 2.5 million people, it is the third-largest city in the country and one of the most populous metropolitan areas in North America. Vancouver is an international hub for culture, entertainment, business, and education, with a strong economy bolstered by a diverse range of industries. The city has a unique blend of natural beauty and urban amenities, making it a great place to live and visit.

Vancouver was originally inhabited by the indigenous Coast Salish people, and it has been home to European settlers since the 18th century. It was incorporated as a city in 1886 and quickly grew in prominence as an important port and transportation hub. Over time, it has developed into a vibrant and diverse city that celebrates its multicultural heritage. Vancouver is known for its beautiful natural sights, such as Stanley Park, English Bay Beach, and Grouse Mountain. It is also home to world-class museums, art galleries, restaurants, theatres, and music venues. With so many attractions to explore, it can be difficult to decide which ones to visit first. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the top 10 things to do in Vancouver.

1. Explore Stanley Park

Stanley Park is a 400-hectare park located near downtown Vancouver. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on three sides and has breathtaking views of the coastal mountains. The park is home to several attractions, including the Vancouver Aquarium, the Seawall, and the Totem Poles. Visitors can also take in the stunning views from Prospect Point or take a walk through the park’s many trails. Stanley Park is a great place for picnicking, swimming, biking, and birdwatching.

2. Visit Granville Island

Granville Island is a vibrant cultural district located in False Creek. It is home to a range of attractions, including the Granville Island Public Market, theatres, galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. The market has over 50 vendors selling a variety of fresh produce, seafood, baked goods, and local crafts. Visitors can also take a walk along the seawall or take a boat tour of False Creek. Granville Island is the perfect place to explore and experience the city’s culture and energy.

3. See Vancouver from Above on the Vancouver Lookout Tower

The Vancouver Lookout Tower provides panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. Located on top of the Harbour Centre building in downtown Vancouver, the tower is an excellent spot for taking photos or admiring the view. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the tower or take a seat in the glass-enclosed gondola for an even better view of the city skyline.

4. Take a Whale Watching Tour from Vancouver Harbour

Vancouver Harbour is one of the best places in Canada for whale watching. Several companies offer boat tours that depart from the harbour and take visitors out into the Strait of Georgia where they can observe orcas, humpback whales, grey whales, and other marine life. The tours typically last for two to three hours and include onboard commentary about the whales’ behavior and migratory patterns.

5. Visit Grouse Mountain

Grouse Mountain is one of Vancouver’s most popular attractions. Located north of downtown Vancouver, it is home to a variety of activities such as skiing and snowboarding in winter, zip-lining in summer, and hiking year-round. The mountain also has an outdoor theatre, restaurants, an observation deck with panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains, and even an alpine wildlife refuge with resident grizzly bears.

6. Go Shopping at Robson Street

Robson Street is one of Vancouver’s main shopping districts. It is home to a variety of stores selling everything from high-end designer labels to casual streetwear brands. Robson Street also has a variety of restaurants and bars to explore when you’re done shopping. It’s a great place to find one-of-a-kind items or just wander around and soak up the atmosphere.

7. Visit Museum of Anthropology at UBC

The Museum of Anthropology at UBC is one of Vancouver’s best museums. Located on the University of British Columbia campus, the museum houses over 33,000 objects from around the world that cover a variety of topics such as art history, archaeology, ethnology, and conservation. It also has an extensive collection of artworks from various First Nations cultures in British Columbia. The museum also hosts educational programs, workshops, and special events throughout the year.

8. See Vancouver’s Chinatown

Vancouver’s Chinatown is one of the largest in North America and is home to some of the city’s best restaurants and shops. Visitors can explore its vibrant streets lined with colorful shops selling everything from souvenirs to traditional Chinese medicines. Chinatown also has several cultural attractions such as Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and Sam Kee Building—the narrowest building in North America—as well as street markets where you can buy fresh produce and knick-knacks from local vendors.

9. Take a Cycling Tour of Stanley Park

For visitors looking for an active way to explore Stanley Park, a cycling tour can be a great option. Several companies offer guided bicycle tours that take you around the park’s many attractions such as Lost Lagoon, Beaver Lake, Third Beach, and Siwash Rock. The tours typically last for two hours and are suitable for all fitness levels. They are a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the park’s natural beauty.

10. Experience Vancouver’s Art Scene

Vancouver has an exciting art scene with galleries like Or Gallery and Hot Art Wet City showcasing contemporary art exhibitions throughout the year. There are also numerous public art installations throughout the city such as murals in Gastown or sculptures in Granville Island Public Market. For visitors looking for something different to do in Vancouver, exploring its vibrant art scene can be an enjoyable experience.

Tours Around Vancouver

Explore Vancouver’s West End with a Bike Tour

For visitors looking for an active way to explore Vancouver’s West End neighborhood, a bike tour can be an ideal option. Several companies offer guided bicycle tours that introduce visitors to this vibrant community including its unique shops, cafés, galleries, parks, beaches, and more. The tours typically last for two hours and are suitable for all fitness levels. They are a great way to get some exercise while exploring this picturesque area of Vancouver. Book a Bike Tour of Vancouver here to experience this unique part of the city on two wheels!

Discover Downtown Vancouver on a Walking Tour

For visitors looking for an intimate way to explore downtown Vancouver, a walking tour can be an ideal option. Several companies offer guided walking tours that introduce visitors to this vibrant part of town including its diverse neighborhoods, architectural highlights, local cafés and restaurants, public parks, and much more. The tours typically last for two hours and are suitable for all fitness levels. They are a great way to get some exercise while learning about all that downtown Vancouver has to offer.Book a Walking Tour here to experience this unique part of the city on foot!