Things to Do in Vancouver, BC
From the iconic Stanley Park and must-visit attractions like Granville Island to unique neighborhoods and sandy beaches, there are no shortage of fantastic sights to see in Vancouver. Take a look below at some of our favourite ways to experience this special city.
Vancouver Aquarium
Since it opened in 1956, the Vancouver Aquarium has been a centre for both education and fascination. The facility is home to sea otters, a Pacific white-sided dolphin named Helen, tropical fish, and more, in beautiful galleries that recreate a number of wildlife habitats. The Aquarium is also renowned for its rescue and rehabilitation work.
Stanley Park
Comprised of 405 hectares of trees, forest trails, and beaches, Stanley Park is continuously named the most beautiful park in the world and it’s no surprise that visiting it is one of the top things to do in Vancouver. Stroll around scenic Lost Lagoon, hike through woods, marvel at the Rose Gardens, go for a bicycle ride around the Seawall, or watch the sunset at Third Beach.
Fly Over Canada
Located in Canada Place, this interactive experience takes you on an exciting eight-minute ride from coast to coast. Special effects like wind, mist, and motion make this a journey like no other and a favourite for both locals and tourists alike.
Pacific Centre Shopping Mall
Just down the street from the Quality Inn & Suites Downtown Vancouver, this shopping mall has it all. Hit Holt Renfrew and Nordstrom for designers from Versace to Victoria Beckham; peruse local favourite retailers like Aritiza; and find classic brands like the Gap.
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden
Right in the heart of Chinatown, this is one of those downtown Vancouver attractions you won’t want to miss. The tranquil garden and public park is the first “scholars” garden built outside of China and features a jade-coloured pond, koi fish, and rocks and foliage arranged in accordance with Feng shui principles.
Granville Island
Home to a large public market, artist studios, theatres, and a wide variety of restaurants, historic Granville Island is a landmark and Vancouver tourism highlight. Visitors can easily spend the entire day here, shopping local vendors and taking in arts and culture. There’s even a special Kids Market for little ones, too.
Granville Street Entertainment District
Granville Street is a major and diverse street, where visitors will find a wide variety of shops and restaurants. Popular retailers like Urban Outfitters are minutes from our hotel. Just across the bridge, South Granville Street shopping includes antiques, boutiques, and home decor. And Heirloom, Ouisi Bistro, and Vij’s Rangoli are just a few of many Granville Street restaurants to try.
Kitsilano
Best known for its big, beautiful sandy beach, Kitsilano is one of the city’s most laid back neighbourhoods. Find outdoor and active wear retailers like Patagonia and Lululemon along 4th Avenue, as well vegetarian restaurants like the Naam (which has been nourishing locals since 1968).
Seawall
Located around the water’s edge of Stanley Park, the century-old Seawall is a quintessential Vancouver landmark to visit. Rent a bicycle and ride around it, or go for a walk and just breathe in the salt air. Either way, you’ll be surrounded by magnificent, sweeping views of the city.
Pro Sports
If you’re a sports lover, you’ve come to the right place. The Vancouver Canucks, BC Lions, the Whitecaps, and the Giants all proudly call Vancouver home. Check out a game at one of the city’s many stadiums: BC Place, Roger’s Arena, or the Pacific Coliseum.
Concerts
Hotels near Granville Street, like the Quality Inn & Suites Downtown Vancouver, are minutes away from legendary concert venues like the historic Commodore Ballroom, where greats like David Bowie, B.B. King, Tina Turner, and Nirvana have all performed. Rogers Arena also continuously attracts big artists and the Vogue Theatre (just blocks from our hotel’s doorstep) has a concert on almost nightly.
City Tours
Hop on-hop off tour buses are available all around the downtown Vancouver. Stanley Park also offers a variety of unique tours, from bicycle and private tour buses to horse-drawn carriages. Here are some of our recommended companies for city tours:
- The Vancouver Trolley Company – Vancouver’s best hop-on, hop-off sightseeing company
- WESTCOAST Sightseeing – Vancouver’s best escorted city tours, also offering Whistler tours and Victoria tours
- Dominion Tours – Vancouver Spanish (Espanol) Language City Tours
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