If you’re planning your first trip to Vancouver, you already know that there’s a lot to see in this stunning city on Canada’s West Coast. It’s hard to narrow it down to just five activities that should be on your itinerary, but we’ve compiled some must-see favorites that are definitely worth your attention. Here they are.
Stanley Park
The iconic Stanley Park is a must-see in Vancouver, deserving at least a full day of exploration. After all, it’s one of the largest urban parks in North America, with so much to see!
You can tour the park on a trail that welcomes cyclists, pedestrians, and rollerbladers. If you’d like to rent a bike, several rental shops are nearby.
The loop is a bit over 8.5 km, starting at Devonian Harbour Park and ending at Second Beach in English Bay.
With a bit of luck, your ride will end there at the end of the day, where you can catch a breathtaking sunset, either sitting on the logs on the beach or on the terrace of one of the restaurants with a beautiful view, like Hook Seabar or The Cactus Club Cafe.
Make the most of your visit by stopping at the famous Vancouver Aquarium, located inside the park. Plan for at least 2 hours for the visit—it’s both highly informative and enjoyable. You’ll discover species native to Canada as well as those from all around the world.
The aquarium is also a perfect place to learn about the Ocean Wise program and the importance of ocean conservation.
Other must-see park attractions include views of the famous Lions Gate Bridge, the “Girl in a Wetsuit” statue, Prospect Point Lookout, Siwash Rock, the Totem Poles, and many more. There are also plenty of perfect picnic spots and many interior park trails.
Grab the official brochure and lose yourself for hours!
Chinatown
Vancouver’s Chinatown is the largest in Canada and the second-largest in North America.
If you’re not sure where to start exploring this neighborhood, join a guided tour like Bob Sung’s A Wok Around Chinatown.
You’ll discover some of the neighborhood’s best-known attractions, including the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, a peaceful spot to recharge in the middle of the city. It was the first classical Chinese garden to be built outside of China.
Of course, the food scene is not to be missed, and you absolutely must try dim sum and pastries like apple tarts and sesame balls.
Special mention goes to the traditional tea ceremony at the Chinese Tea Shop (included in A Wok Around Chinatown tour), where you can learn more about this ritual and purchase all you need to recreate it at home.
Granville Island
Granville Island is a well-known destination with much more than just the Granville Public Market!
This formerly industrial peninsula is now a melting pot of art, culture, and gastronomy that will please the whole family.
You’ll find the market, of course, with its many stalls where you can shop for lunch or groceries for the coming days (if you have access to a kitchen), as well as many other shops and art galleries worth exploring.
Among them, check out Edible Canada for gourmet local products, A Bread Affair for delicious bread, sandwiches, and cookies, and Make, a store where you can create custom accessories.
If you have kids, don’t miss the Kids Market, designed entirely with them in mind!
You can easily spend half a day here, stopping at various spots to put together an impromptu picnic.
To get there, two ferry services operate from downtown Vancouver: False Creek Ferries and Aquabus.
Canada Place and the surrounding area
Head to Coal Harbour near the marina and take the trail leading you to Canada Place. Not only can you watch seaplanes taking off and landing, but you’ll also find plenty of informative panels about Vancouver’s history.
You’ll also pass several impressive art installations, such as the famous Digital Orca.
At Canada Place, head to the back of the building to try FlyOver Canada, a truly unique virtual reality experience.
You’ll board a ride-like platform that takes you soaring across Canada from coast to coast. The scents and movements make you feel like you’re really there!
A great plan for when Vancouver’s weather takes a turn.
Nearby, the restaurant Miku Vancouver is the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood while taking in the view. Their aburi (flame-seared) sushi is absolutely exceptional and very different from what you might be used to.
If you’re on a budget, go for lunch.
Nature close by
While many recommend the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge, it’s not the only place to get a dose of fresh air near Vancouver.
Many Vancouverites suggest heading to Lynn Canyon instead, a free site less than an hour from downtown. To get there, take the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay, and take a moment to admire Vancouver’s skyline.
Then, hop on bus 228 to the terminus, and you’ll find yourself in a vast park with multiple trails to choose from, depending on how much time you have. And, of course, don’t miss the suspension bridge—though it may be less impressive than Capilano, it’s still worth a visit.
The color of the water is absolutely stunning! Pack a lunch and you can easily spend the entire day there.
If you prefer to stay in the city, head to Spanish Banks to relax on the beach, facing both the mountains and the city. The wind in your face will fill you with the invigorating energy that only nature can provide!
