This travel guide with all the best things to do in Vancouver, BC has been a long time coming. I visit this popular Canadian city as part of our annual Whistler trip, and other times throughout the year we drive up just because. Every time I visit, I’m always on the hunt for what’s new in town. But I also find myself coming back to certain places again and again.
So, if a travel guide to Vancouver, BC is what you’re craving, consider this your ultimate roundup of all of Vancouver’s must-do activities. Expect to find everything from restaurants to activities, plus the perfect packing list!
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Things to Do in Vancouver, BC
Vancouver is the most densely populated city in Canada, so it can definitely get overwhelming when it comes to planning your itinerary. If you want help, let me plan you a custom travel itinerary!
If you’re ready to dive into planning alone, here’s everything you need to travel to Van City. You can also save this to Pinterest for later!
Visit Granville Island
website | get directions | cost: ~$1-5/hr for parking | best for: shopping
Located in Vancouver’s False Creek on the edge of downtown Vancouver, Granville Island is a quick bridge walk away that takes you to a world-famous public market. It’s basically the Pike Place of Vancouver, with vendors selling everything from fresh fruit to doughnuts to handmade artisan goods. As such, is one of the quintessential things to do on this travel guide for Vancouver, BC.
The market is open from 9 AM – 8 PM every day. Definitely bring small change and canvas bags to keep track of your goodies.
Explore Stanley Park
website | get directions | cost: ~$3.75-$4.75/hr for parking | best for: activities and paved walking paths
As Vancouver’s first and largest urban park, this is the perfect spot if you love nature but you don’t feel like embarking on an expansive hike. Stanley Park is bigger than New York’s Central Park at almost 1,000 acres of natural forest and a gorgeous shoreline view, so you can easily spend a whole day here. I recommend at least 2 hours.
Once you get to Stanley Park, which is open from 6 AM – 10 PM unless otherwise noted, you can take a guided tour via horse-drawn carriage, shuttle trolley, or tour bus. During the summer, you’ll find a lot of activities like Theater Under the Stars. I’ve gone to their shows before and always have a great time!
You can also explore on your own and walk the 16+ miles of paved walkways, which offer an epic view of the coast. In fact, Vancouver has the longest uninterrupted waterfront path in the world at more than 17 miles long. A major portion of the Vancouver Seawall is in Stanley Park, but it also goes all the way to the University of British Columbia. You’ll want to bring your walking shoes and water to keep hydrated.
For food, there are a couple of restaurants and cafes. But I usually skip the concession stands so I don’t ruin my appetite for something more exciting in town.
Bike around the city
One of my absolute favorite things to do in Vancouver, BC is bike. I always rent e-bikes because you can cover more ground, but if you want to really fit in like a local, get a regular street bike. There are a lot of rental options around the city, including city-funded Mobi bikes or shops like JO-E Bikes near Stanley Park. I typically go the shop route to ensure I get an e-bike.
The Vancouver Seawall is probably my favorite area for biking because it’s a long path free of cars. You can start in Stanley Park traveling counter clockwise and then take it all the way along the coast to UBC on the west coast. However, keep two things in mind. First, Stanley Park is crowded on weekends and bottle necks on the narrow path can slow you down. Second, the path becomes tight sand/gravel around Kits Beach. I personally hate this, but it’s not unsurmountable if you’re a somewhat capable biker. You’ll also need to carry your bike up stairs to get to the path because it breaks at Kits Beach.
Another option is Arbutus Greenway. This long paved path runs north to south between about Richmond and Kits. It’s not as pretty as the Seawall, but still a fun time!
Sample Asian food in Vancouver, BC
areas: Chinatown (get directions) & Richmond (get directions) | best for: dim sum and other Asian delicacies
With Vancouver’s large Asian population, it’s not surprising they have a bustling food scene. Most restaurants are Canadian cash only, so head to the ATM and get ready for a fun afternoon eating!
Chinatown
One option for excellent Asian eats is Chinatown, which is in Vancouver proper and has a lot of restaurants, apothecaries, and food markets. It’s easy to walk from place to place, so I encourage you to let your stomach be your guide! However, I highly recommend Phnom Penh is one of your stops for excellent Cambodian food.
Prefer a guided tour? I’ve sent clients on this Chinatown Culinary & Cultural Food Tour from a Chef and they all rave about it! The tour includes a stop at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, which is another great stop in Chinatown.
Richmond, BC
Richmond is another option, which many people say is the better of the two areas for sampling Asian food. It’s an approximately 30-minute drive south of Vancouver, but it’s worth it.
I have a ton of Richmond restaurants saved to my map below, but one spot you should prioritize is Richmond Public Market. This indoor food court has a ton of options so it’s great for a little crawl. Don’t miss Xi’an Cuisine, Hei Hei Rice Rolls, and the Korean food spot next to Hei Hei for fried chicken. I also love Peanuts for boba and wheel cakes, and Eggette House for bubble waffles!
Parker Place is another shopping center with a food court full of great eats. Pine House Bakery has excellent pineapple buns, and the roast pork at Aberdeen Fresh Meat & BBQ is so juicy that locals line up for it.
Craving dim sum? Continental Seafood is one of my favorite spots.
Richmond Night Market
If you’re a fan of street food and crave bustling night markets like I do, check out Richmond’s Summer Night Market. It’s a great family-friendly activity…I know some people who love it so much they drive up from Seattle just for the day!
The Night Market is open from late April through late October. A lot of other articles will suggest public transit, but if you have a car there’s a huge free parking lot and we had no problem getting a spot.
Doors open 7 PM Friday through Sunday. Arrive 30 min before opening (Friday is best for less crowds) and pay $40 for a Zoom Pass. It lets 5 people get in faster than the $8.50 per person general admission line. That means you only need one pass for a larger group, or you can use it on future visits up to 5 times.
Once you get into the market, beeline for the food vendors so you can start ordering before the crowds set in. It was virtually empty when we got in at 7 PM on a Friday in July.
Expect to pay around $15-$20 CAD per dish. If you want to save some money, bring bottled water with you. And remember to bring cash, as most vendors don’t accept cards.
While the vendors change every year, you should seek out grilled or fried squid and the rotato potato skewers. These are usually staples always at the market. Other favorites when available include the sushi hot dog, Eggette bubble waffles, Rainbow Sticky Rice, and Aloha Boys flying noodles.
Check out Queen Elizabeth Park
website | get directions | cost: ~$3.25-$4.25/hr for parking, plus an additional ~$7 for the conservatory | best for: amazing views and a tropical greenhouse
Queen Elizabeth Park is in south Vancouver, so many tourists never make it. But that’s a shame because it has wonderful views of the cityscape and a bunch to explore.
The park sits at the highest point in Vancouver proper. Within the hills you’ll find walking trails meandering around stunning landscaping displays that but me of Butchart Gardens near Victoria.
At the top of the park is Bloedel Conservatory, a glass dome that’s home to a tropical greenhouse. I love escaping here because I get to see all my plant babies’ cousins in their natural habitat. And the best part? There are colorful birds roaming the space!
Pro tip: You’ll also be near VanDusen Botanical Garden if you want to explore even more stunning landscape.
Go shopping in Vancouver, BC
website | cost: free (unless you buy anything) | best for: boutiques and vintage shops
Since Vancouver is such a popular Canadian destination, it’s not surprising the shopping scene is unbeatable.
I always make a point to take the short walk from Chinatown to Gastown to pursue the souvenir shops, indie art galleries, and Victorian architecture. While touristy, there are some good boutiques and it’s a great excuse to visit Coastal Peoples Gallery for stylish Indigenous goods and to get a glimpse of the nearby steam clock.
Aside from Gastown there are plenty of vintage shops to keep you busy. Some of my favorite vintage shops around the city are By Design Modern, The Fabulous Find, Attic Treasures, and ReFind.
If you’re looking for good shopping streets to meander, Main Street in Riley Park near Queen Elizabeth Park is one of my favorite places to shop. It’s lined with cute cafes, restaurants, and shops perfect for poking in on a lazy Saturday. 4th Street in Kitsilano is another great option.
Another thing I love to do is explore Vancouver’s farmer markets. One of my favorites is the Riley Park one that runs year round on Saturdays from 10 AM to 2 PM. The location changes in winter vs. summer, but both are near Queen Elizabeth Park so it’s a great activity after checking out the observatory! Note the market is oddly larger in winter, which is opposite most farmers markets!
Relax at Kitsilano Beach
website | get directions | cost: ~$3.75-$4.25/hr for parking | best for: sunbathing and the heated Kitsilano pool
Vancouver’s most popular beach, also known as Kits Beach, is the perfect spot to catch some sun and enjoy a unique backdrop of skyscrapers and vast mountains — really it’s a package deal. Little ones can take a dip in the heated saltwater Kitsilano pool that’s just a stone’s-throw away from the ocean.
There is a gravel path that runs between the beach and road. You can take this all the way to neighboring beaches to the west of Kits Beach, such as Jericho and Spanish Banks. Vancouver has some of the most stunning coastline with water that’s bluer than Seattle, so a beach visit is one of the best things to do in Vancouver, BC!
Grab a craft drink
One of the favorite things to do in Vancouver, BC is to try new breweries, wineries, and cocktail bars. There are a bunch more on my map below, but here are a few of my favorites.
33 Acres Brewing Company
website | get directions | best for: beer, coffee, or food all in one
33 Acres is a super hip brewery in the equally hip Mt. Pleasant neighborhood. Think bright white walls, lots of plants, and other hipster ambiance. But this place isn’t just somewhere to see and be seen. They’re making excellent beers and coffee drinks. They also have a hearty brunch menu on weekends, which I have yet to try but looks awesome!
Brassneck Brewery
website | get directions | best for: great beers and a laid back vibe
This brewery is a short walk from 33 Acres and has a totally different vibe. The decor is industrial western with high ceilings to let the conversation really envelope the space. Plus it’s near a few other breweries just steps away, so you can go on a little crawl if you have time.
L’Abattoir
website | get directions | best for: finessed craft cocktails & food
L’Abbattoir is a trendy cocktail bar in Gastown. I love the moody vibe, excellent drinks, and cool atrium seating in the back. They also have a pretty dense food menu, but I have yet to try it. If you do though, let me know how it is!
Grapes & Soda
website | get directions | best for: wine, cocktails, & light bites
Grapes & Soda is a fantastic little wine and cocktail bar tucked on a quiet street in Kits. They have an excellent wine list, many of which are from BC. But don’t miss their creative and refreshing cocktails. The last time I went they were serving this cocktail called Ambrosia that had vanilla-infused tequila, bourbon, rhubarb, grapefruit, and egg white. I’m still thinking about it, so order it if it’s still on the menu when you visit! You also shouldn’t skip their light bites if you’re feeling hungry.
Play on Grouse Mountain
website | get directions | cost: ~$10 for all-day parking, $40-$80 for mountain/ski access | best for: winter sports and outdoor adventures
If you’re visiting during the winter months and want to get some snowboarding in or maybe a quick sleigh ride, then definitely check out Grouse Mountain. It’s one of Canada’s North Shore Mountains and is only a 25-minute drive from downtown Vancouver.
If you’re visiting in the summer months there’s still a lot to do. The mountain offers zip-linings, numerous hikes and lookout points, and a wildlife refuge. One of the most popular activities is the Grouse Grind, a straight shot up the mountain that is quite difficult but offers nice views.
Pro tip: Save time and purchase any winter equipment rentals you’ll need online in advance. They’ll be ready for you at the Rental Outpost at the top of the mountain.
Explore Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
website | get directions | cost: ~$40-$72 pp entry fee | best for: amazing views
If you’re afraid of heights, then this isn’t for you. That said, if you want some of the most expansive views of Canada’s wilderness, then you can’t go wrong with a walk along the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
The suspension bridge reaches about 450 feet across the entirety of the Capilano State Park and takes you through beautiful gardens. You’ll also get to see the monumental First Nations totem poles and have a 360° view of the West Coast rainforest.
Plan on needing about 2 ½ – 3 hours to explore the park and check out the bridge. Bring comfortable walking shoes and, of course, your camera!
Pro tip: There is a free shuttle to the bridge at Canada Place right in downtown Vancouver. You should aim to get to the park right at opening on a weekday to minimize crowds.
Check out Lynn Canyon Park
website | get directions | cost: ~$3/hr for parking, free entry | best for: a smaller suspension bridge
Want to experience a suspension bridge, but hesitant to fork over a ton of money for Capilano? Lynn Canyon is the answer.
This wooded park in north Vancouver is near Capilano Park and is a popular spot for locals to walk and swim. You’ll find a few meandering trails mostly on boardwalks. This makes it easier in some ways, but a lot of the trails have a bunch of stairs so you’ll work up a sweat!
The most popular thing to do in Lynn Canyon is visit the suspension bridge. It’s much smaller than Capilano, but it extends over a pretty little waterfall and is thrilling since it moves. Go very early for pictures without people, as this spot gets really crowded, particularly in summer.
Visit one of Vancouver’s many museums
I’ll be honest, I’m not much of a museum person. That said, I would be remiss not to include one of Van City’s most notorious attractions on this list of things to do in Vancouver, BC. So, here’s a list of the most popular museums to check out.
Museum of Vancouver (MOV)
website | get directions | cost: ~$15-$22 per ticket | best for: civic history
The MOV is part of a collection of museums including the Planetarium, Observatory, and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, all within walking distance from each other. The MOV features an eclectic and educational collection of galleries that illustrate Vancouver’s young but rich history.
Vancouver Art Gallery
website | get directions | cost: ~$29 per ticket, kids under 18 free | best for: contemporary art
Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the Vancouver Art Gallery features intimate and ever-changing exhibits with a unique contemporary art flare. I’ve been here before and, while small, it always has interesting exhibits.
Vancouver Aquarium
website | get directions | cost: ~$41-57 per ticket | best for: sea life
Located in Stanley Park, this is Canada’s largest aquarium and offers countless educational and entertaining exhibits, all with promoting conservation in mind. It’s perfect for all age groups. Capacity is limited, so be sure to buy your tickets in advance.
Museum of Anthropology (MOA)
website | get directions | cost: ~$10-$25 per ticket | best for: Indigenous art and totem poles
Located at the University of British Columbia campus, the MOA is stunning from the outside with a solid stone frame and glass walls. On the inside, the museum features towering totem poles and endless examples of indigenous works of art.
Pro tip: UBC also has a large botanical garden with a TreeWalk if you’re interested in exploring more of the campus. It’s also near Wreck Beach and the vast Pacific Spirit Regional Park, two great areas for outdoor adventures.
Eat at Vancouver’s best restaurants
Now onto the best thing to do in Vancouver, BC: eat! I have a ton of restaurants on my map below, plus a whole article on the best hidden gem restaurants in Vancouver, but here are some of my favorite must-stop restaurants.
Maenam
website | get directions | cuisine: Thai | best for: khao nam tod
When it comes to Thai food in Vancouver, or really Asian food anywhere, I can honestly say Maenam is one of my favorites. Their dishes are elevated, yet they remain authentic with bold spices and fresh flavors.
I always make sure to order the khao nam tod or “crispy rice salad” since it’s one of those dishes that’s hard to find done right at most Thai restaurants in Seattle. I love the combination of textures and the crispy, savory bite of the curried rice puffs. Luckily everything is served family style, so I don’t have to compromise with just one dish.
Vij’s
website | get directions | cuisine: Indian | best for: lamb in garam masala
I always make it a point when I’m in Vancouver to stop by Vij’s. It’s definitely on the fancier side when it comes to Indian food, but I love how fresh and authentic the menu is. Each dish is balanced and has a noticeable creative flare that’s different from more Americanized Indian food restaurants.
I usually start the evening with a few of their specialty cocktails and a couple of samosas. Then, after combing through the menu I almost always get the lamb lollipops in garam masala which comes tender and perfectly seasoned. If they were located here, I’d definitely add Vij’s to my list of the best Indian restaurants in Seattle.
Kissa Tanto
website | get directions | cuisine: Italian-Japanese fusion | best for: pasta from a 1-Michelin star restaurant
I’ll never turn down a funky fusion restaurant, and Kissa Tanto might just top the list with their clever fusion of Japanese and Italian cooking. They’re located in Chinatown in an unassuming old brick building. On the inside it’s wonderfully chic and intimate, perfect for a fancy date night or dinner with friends.
As for the menu, each item pairs delicate Japanese flavors with warm Italian cooking. If available, I recommend the dandelion pappardelle, which combines perfectly cooked noodles with smoked pork and savory salami, then balances it out with the refreshing addition of ginger.
Cafe Medina
website | get directions | cuisine: Mediterranean | best for: brunch
Cafe Medina is a fun and upscale brunch spot that offers an eclectic menu with everything from fluffy German-style waffles to breakfast paella to fricassée. It’s popular and fills up quickly, so I recommend getting there early to avoid having to wait.
I used to always get the shakshuka, which combines perfectly poached eggs in a rich tomato-spiced sauce. They took this off the menu at one point, but you can still get a similar dish with the tagine.
Pro tip: Cafe Medina takes reservations by donation for 2-6 people up to two weeks in advance. If they’re full when you arrive you will have to wait outside the restaurant until they call you off the waitlist, so bring a jacket if it’s expected to rain.
Toshi
website | get directions | cuisine: Japanese | best for: sashimi and nigiri
When I’m in the mood for traditional, high-quality sushi, I always check out Toshi in Vancouver. I like that they focus on authentic sushi instead of more Americanized rolls. Everything I’ve tried at Toshi has always been spot on, so I usually get Chef’s recommendation.
It’s popular so be prepared to get put on the waitlist. That said, it’s definitely worth the wait if you’re looking for fresh and flavorful fish and cooked seafood dishes that would rival the best sushi in Seattle.
Botanist
website | get directions | cuisine: American | best for: brunch
This trendy restaurant is near the cruise terminal, so it’s a great spot for people watching. You may think it’s a touristy dud since it’s inside a Fairmont Hotel, but this restaurant is Michelin recognized and has extremely good food. The interiors are also a midcentury lover’s dream.
The best time to visit is brunch because it’s cheaper and the menu is more casual. They do a pre fixe menu for ~$65 CAD pp that includes 2 courses and 2 drinks. Considering cocktails are expensive, this is a great deal!
If it’s available, definitely get the lobster Benedict and steak tartare. The tartare especially had Parmesan foam and tasted like a cheeseburger. I’ve never had a tartare like this and I’m always on the hunt of the best steak tartare in Seattle, so it’s a must try!
Rain or Shine Ice Cream
website | get directions | cuisine: ice cream | best for: coffee toffee
Rain or Shine Ice Cream is a must-stop regardless if you like adventurous ice cream flavors or if you’re a diehard vanilla lover. Their ice cream is super creamy and dense so you leave feeling satisfied.
Rain or Shine Ice Cream also focuses on local suppliers sourcing their dairy from Birchwood Dairy Farm, less than an hour away from their original location in Cambie. Each of their creative flavors also features locally-sourced ingredients.
Pro tip: Earnest Ice Cream is another great choice with a similar ethos. I love their coffee flavor too!
Lee’s Donuts
website | get directions | cuisine: doughnuts | best for: honey doughnuts
I have to admit I’m a bit picky when it comes to doughnuts since Seattle has a ton of awesome doughnut spots to choose from. Luckily, Lee’s Donuts has satisfied my craving on more than one occasion. Their doughnuts are made fresh every morning, so I recommend getting there as soon as they open to snag a fluffy, warm doughnut.
My favorite is the honey doughnut, which is their most popular. It’s a yeasted doughnut dipped in a honey glaze and the results are perfectly sweetened, nutty, and dangerously addictive.
Pro tip: Lee’s Donuts original location is located in the Granville Island Public Market, so it’s perfect for starting your morning before venturing out into the rest of the market.
More tips for visiting Vancouver
Here’s some advice for how to make the most of your trip to Van City.
When to visit Vancouver, BC
Vancouver is technically still in the Pacific Northwest, so avoiding the rainy season is best if you want to get around comfortably. I recommend visiting between May and October when the weather is mild and there’s a lower chance of rain.
If you’re especially interested in whale watching then you’ll want to go from April-October because that’s when they’re most likely to be in the area. However, any time works to visit Vancouver, BC. For example, I go every March and always have a great time!
Getting to Vancouver, BC
As for logistics, you have a couple of options for getting to Vancouver.
The best option is driving if coming from the PNW. It’s about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Seattle to Vancouver, BC. However, you’ll have to allot extra time for getting through customs if you’re arriving during rush hour. Note, crossing the border doesn’t require any tolls.
Flying is the fastest transportation option, with only a one-hour flight plus customs. However, you’ll need to tack on the typical one hour before your flight to get to the airport and won’t have a car once you arrive unless you rent one.
You can also take the ferry, which delivers you from Seattle to Vancouver Island via the Victoria Clipper in just under three hours. Then you’ll take a second 90-minute ferry to Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay, where you have about an hour’s drive from the Bay to downtown Vancouver.
Obviously this last option is only best if you want to tack on Victoria, BC to your trip. If you do, I recommend checking out my list of unique things to do in Victoria, BC.
Vancouver packing list
To round out your travel guide to Vancouver BC, here’s everything you should make sure to bring with you!
Umbrella or rain jacket
Umbrellas may be a bit controversial, depending if you’re a strict anti-umbrella Pacific Northwesterner like most of us in Seattle are. That said, if there’s one thing I can guarantee about visiting the PNW year-round, it is that you should be prepared for rain.
Good walking shoes
Regardless if you’re embarking on the Capilano Suspension Bridge or taking an easy jaunt in Stanley Park, you should definitely bring at least one good pair of walking shoes. I usually bring a cuter pair that transitions well between outdoorsy activities and eating in nicer restaurants.
Reusable tote bags
Shopping bags are always a good idea regardless if you’re shopping at the Granville Public Market or strolling through Chinatown. I usually keep two or three in my purse that pack down small.
Sunscreen
If you’re visiting Vancouver in the summer, you should definitely plan on getting a good bit of sun. Especially since so many activities in Vancouver are walking distance from each other.
More to do in Vancouver BC
One of my favorite things about visiting Vancouver BC, is that it’s constantly (and I mean constantly) changing. Every year more businesses open spots in Vancouver, and I’m doing my best to try as many new spots as I can!
Here’s the map of Vancouver, BC I keep with all my research. There are quite a few destinations in Vancouver that are still on my list to try. When I do, I’ll update this post to add them above if they’re the best of the best. So save this to Pinterest for later!
Other getaways near Vancouver, BC
After you use this travel guide for Vancouver, BC to plan your trip, tack on additional days in nearby destinations to maximize your time in the area. And remember, I’m here to help plan your trip if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all your options!
