Things To Do
in Vancouver
Vancouver is a coastal city in British Columbia known for its dramatic mountain backdrop and lush urban parks. It blends a maritime, East Asian, and West Coast culinary scene with a strong emphasis on sustainability and fresh seafood. The city’s neighborhoods—from Gastown to Kitsilano to the North Shore—offer diverse vibes, easy access to nature, and a mild year-round climate.
Visitors will find a cosmopolitan, outdoor-loving destination with plenty of photo-worthy scenery at every turn.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Gastown, the historic heart of Vancouver. Enjoy a freshly brewed coffee at one of the quaint cafes while admiring the iconic Gastown Steam Clock. Take a leisurely stroll through cobblestone streets rich with charming boutiques and art galleries.
After lunch at a local eatery, head towards Canada Place to enjoy stunning waterfront views. Explore the interactive exhibits at the Vancouver Port and learn about the city's maritime history. Don’t miss the opportunity to walk along the seawall, soaking in the beauty of the harbor and mountains.
As the sun sets, make your way to Coal Harbour for a picturesque view of the skyline against the twilight sky. Enjoy a delightful dinner at a waterfront restaurant, savoring fresh seafood dishes. Conclude your day with a relaxing stroll along the marina, watching the boats bobbing gently in the water.
Begin your day with a bike ride or a peaceful walk around the stunning seawall of Stanley Park. Stop by the Vancouver Aquarium to marvel at the diverse marine life and learn about conservation efforts. Don’t forget to capture the iconic totem poles that represent the rich Indigenous culture.
After a picnic lunch in one of the park's many beautiful spots, visit the Lost Lagoon for some birdwatching and a chance to spot local wildlife. Make your way to Prospect Point for panoramic views of the Lions Gate Bridge and the North Shore mountains. Enjoy the tranquility of the park as you explore its lush trails and hidden gardens.
As evening approaches, settle down at a cozy pub within the park for some traditional Canadian fare. If the weather permits, consider a sunset boat tour around the park’s perimeter for a unique perspective of the city. End the evening with the sounds of nature as you relax under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-5 |
| 🚆Public transit day pass | $11-15 |
| 🍺Beer at a bar | $6-9 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty and easy access to mountains and water
- Very walkable neighborhoods with strong safety and cleanliness
- High-quality and diverse food scene with seafood and Asian influences
- Rainy winters and frequent gray skies
- High living and dining costs; traffic can be heavy during peak hours
Places to Visit in Vancouver
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic oceanfront path with skyline and mountain backdrops, ideal for sunrise and golden-hour shots.
Forest canopy scenes and dramatic bridge angles; great for moody forest photography.
Colorful markets, water views, and vibrant street scenes; excellent for candid and street photography.
Harbor views, sails, and mountain reflections—classic Vancouver skyline photography.
Beachside sunset shots with Pacific Ocean and city silhouettes.
Food in Vancouver
Vancouver Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled or cedar-planked salmon served across seafood restaurants and coastal markets.
Must-Try!
Seasonal and succulent prawns often featured in seafood-focused menus.
High-quality, fresh seafood (including saffron-cured or specialty rolls) in many neighborhoods.
Tuna or salmon bowls with fresh toppings, a popular casual choice.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A hub for fresh seafood, produce, baked goods, and ready-to-eat treats with waterfront views.
One of North America’s largest night markets, famous for diverse street-food stalls and vibrant atmosphere.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Canadians value personal space and polite conversation; say please and thank you; form orderly queues at shops and transit.
Respect signage and spaces at cultural sites; acknowledge Indigenous lands and history when visiting.
Safety
Tipping in Vancouver
Ensure a smooth experience
Restaurants typically expect 15-20% gratuity; smaller services (like coffee shops) may have optional tipping; tip in cash or by card as you prefer.
Credit and debit cards widely accepted; tap-to-pay is common; cash can be useful for street vendors and smaller shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry, mild days with long daylight hours; peak outdoor activities and festivals; water-based recreation is popular.
Comfortable temperatures with vibrant autumn foliage; rain increases as the season progresses.
Mild but wet; mountains nearby offer skiing and snowboarding; expect frequent rain in the city.
Rapid green-up and blooming flora; showers are common, but sunny days appear more frequently as the season progresses.
Vancouver at Night
Hiking in Vancouver
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Steep 2.9-km ascent on Grouse Mountain offering sweeping city and coastal views.
Three-tiered granite monolith near Squamish; rewarding but challenging day hike.
Long day hike to a pristine turquoise lake in Garibaldi Provincial Park near Whistler.
Pleasant forest trails with a scenic canyon and waterfall; accessible and family-friendly.
Airports
How to reach Vancouver by plane.
Main international gateway; connected to downtown via the Canada Line SkyTrain in about 25 minutes.
Alternative gateway to the Fraser Valley; about 60-80 minutes from downtown by car.
Cross-border option for occasional trips; roughly 2.5-3.5 hours by car or shuttle.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mosaic of communities with large Asian populations (Chinese, South Asian), Indigenous residents, and a vibrant immigrant presence.
Tech, education, and creative industries attract residents to downtown and nearby neighborhoods.
Year-round visitors drawn to nature, culture, and food scenes.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A central winter sport in Canada; many rinks host public skate and local teams.
Popular on city fields and in local clubs; nearby MLS markets attract fans.
Whistler Blackcomb and nearby resorts offer world-class seasonal slopes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Vancouver.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vancouver offers abundant vegetarian options; many menus feature plant-based dishes, dairy-free choices, and gluten-free accommodations. When dining out, ask about stock-based sauces and cooking methods to ensure alignment with preferences.