Vancouver Things To Do

Things To Do

Taking to the waves and the wilds is an intrinsic part of Vancouver culture. A constellation of attractive beaches glitters downtown, as well as on the North Shore and in West Vancouver. The city that loves to bike, blade, swim, hike, kayak, and climb also loves its fine galleries and museums. An exceptionally family-friendly city, Vancouver also offers a slew of excellent activities for those with tots and/or teens in tow.

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Smart Splurge    Great Value
Granville Island
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.
Accessible from Old Bridge St.; Vancouver, BC; 604-666-5784; www.granvilleisland.com
Tags: family | culinary | market | live music
Stanley Park great value
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.
Accessible from Beach Ave. or Georgia St.; Vancouver, BC; 604-257-8400
Tags: beach | family | landmark | great value | swimming | editor pick
Vancouver Aquarium
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.
Stanley Park; Vancouver, BC; 604-659-3474; www.vanaqua.org
Tags: family | aquarium | wildlife
Museum of Anthropology
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.
6393 North West Marine Dr.; Vancouver, BC; 604-822-5087; www.moa.ubc.ca
Tags: family | museum | history
Grouse Mountain
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.
6400 Nancy Greene Way; Vancouver, BC; 604-980-9311; www.grousemountain.com
Tags: skiing | hiking | outdoors
Lynn Canyon
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.
Accessible from Peters Rd.; Vancouver, BC; 604-981-3103; www.dnv.org
Tags: beach | hiking | free
Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
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.
578 Carrall St.; Vancouver, BC; 604-662-3207; www.vancouverchinesegarden.com
Tags: family | free | history | park | editor pick
Deep Cove Kayak
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.
4310 Gallant Ave.; Vancouver, BC; 604-987-2202; www.deepcovekayak.com
Tags: family | outdoors | nature
Mount Seymour
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.
1700 Mount Seymour Rd.; Vancouver, BC; 604-986-2261; www.mountseymour.com
Tags: skiing | family | outdoors | editor pick
VanDusen Garden
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.
5251 Oak St.; Vancouver, BC; 604-878-9274; www.vancouver.ca/parks/parks/vandusen/website
Tags: family | outdoors | gardens
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