Vancouver Things To Do

Vancouver’s most-visited spot is perfect for acquiring gourmet picnic ingredients at the island’s public indoor market, visiting the Kids Only Market, or catching an outdoor performance.

Adored by locals, Stanley Park covers 1,000 acres of Vancouver’s downtown peninsula. Trails, totem poles, pebbly beaches, an open-air pool, teahouses, and snack shacks account for its draw.

A watery wonderland in Stanley Park; young and old delight in the antics of thousands of sea and river creatures, from beluga whales to Amazonian snakes.

Tracing the history of B.C.’s First Nations peoples, the architecturally inspiring M.O.A. sits amid totems and forest at the brink of the university grounds on the Point Grey cliffs.

The pursuit of powder brings people to the Peak of Vancouver in the winter. In summer, resident grizzlies Grinder and Cooler come out of hibernation to entertain the masses.

Just as dramatic as nearby Capilano Canyon, but without the hefty admission price, Lynn Canyon’s Suspension Bridge leads to forest trails and a rock-strewn beach.

This beautiful Chinese garden offers a restorative escape from Vancouver’s historic, if somewhat down-at-heel, Chinatown. Constructed without the use of power tools, the authentic gem is divided in two; one half offers free admission, while the other, quieter half, charges $10 and offers more opportunities for solo reflection. Both sides provide a pleasant spot to while away a sunny afternoon.

At the easternmost fringe of North Vancouver, Deep Cove is a delightful village with a few restaurants and cafés. The u-shaped harbor offers sheltered waters where you can get your balance in a kayak before venturing out to the more popular, and often choppier, waters of Indian Arm.

Winter sports enthusiasts can ski, snowboard, toboggan, or hurtle down the slopes in a snow tube at Enquist Snow Tube Park at this mountain on the city’s fringe. Ideal for beginners, visitors to Seymour can also go on dogsled and snowshoe tours that run from December till May each year.

Open since 1975, this 55-acre garden is home to over a quarter of a million plants that come from as far away as the tip of South Africa. The finely landscaped grounds include rock gardens and tranquil ponds. Guided walking tours of the garden and its myriad sculptures are available. Japanese tea ceremonies and painting classes take place under the trees. Don’t miss the garden shop and the highly esteemed Shaughnessy Restaurant, where entrée ingredients come from the garden itself. It’s also a fine place for afternoon tea.