The Best Things to Do in Vancouver, Canada

Bounded by the Burrard Inlet, the Fraser River, and Vancouver Harbour, and cradled by the North Shore Mountains, Vancouver's stunning geography is enhanced by lush temperate rainforests. Situated on Canada’s west coast in British Columbia, the city enjoys a climate with mild winters and warm, dry summers, making it a year-round haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether kayaking through serene waters, exploring rugged trails, cycling along the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path, or skiing in the nearby mountains, Vancouver’s outdoor offerings are all easily accessible from the urban center.

Still, there’s plenty to enjoy within the bustling metropolis. Vancouver’s culinary scene reflects its cultural diversity, demonstrating a dynamic array of flavors and techniques that draw upon global inspirations and innovate upon local traditions. From casual bites to fine dining, expect an emphasis on quality and craftsmanship that highlight the bounty of the Pacific Northwest.

The city also surprises many with its vibrant art and culture scene, where the creative spirit is deeply intertwined with its natural surroundings and multicultural heritage. From public art installations to galleries and exhibitions, Vancouver celebrates local and Indigenous artistry in a way that reflects its evolving identity.

Whether you’re coming to Vancouver for its outdoor pursuits, culinary offerings, or cultural experiences, here’s how to make the most of your time in the city.

See: The Vancouver skyline. With gleaming skyscrapers against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, Vancouver’s skyline perfectly encapsulates the harmony of urban living and wild beauty that defines this city. Take in sweeping 360-degree views from the 553-foot-tall Vancouver Lookout tower, enjoy a bird’s-eye view of downtown and the North Shore mountains from the city’s highest point: Queen Elizabeth Park or head to Choklit Park, which offers a perspective of False Creek and downtown minus the crowds.

Touch: The forest floor. Stroll through the towering fir and cedar forests of Vancouver’s 1,000-acre Stanley Park and join a Talaysay Tours guided walk, led by Indigenous guides who share traditional knowledge about the land and the many ways plants have been used for food, medicine, and technology.

Smell: The fresh mountain air. The North Shore Mountains are Vancouver’s dramatic backdrop, with the three main peaks—Grouse, Cypress, and Seymour—all within 45-minutes or less from downtown. Summit Mount Seymour in the summer, race down Cypress Mountain’s slopes during winter’s peak ski season, or take a more relaxed approach with a jaunt on the Skyride gondola at Grouse for panoramic views of the city below.

Hear: The sound of the waves lapping against the shore. With immediate proximity to nine beaches, there are ample ways to appreciate an auditory escape: People watch at lively English Bay in the West End, hit the volleyball courts at Kits Beach, or try skimboarding at Spanish Banks. Few cities offer such extensive oceanfront access so close to downtown.

Taste: Fresh seafood. Thanks to its location on the water, Vancouver’s restaurant scene features a stunning feast of fresh seafood. Savor Dungeness crab, chinook salmon, halibut, sea urchin, oysters, and clams, all served in a variety of ways. Head to Blue Water Cafe in Yaletown, a go-to spot for award-winning seafood dishes and ambitious cocktails that draw upon the talents of industry-leading local and international talents. Then, grab a seat at the Greek seafood restaurant Hydra Estiatorio, or Neptune Palace Seafood Restaurant for plump, vibrant Cantonese-style seafood in a dining hall luxe enough to obscure its setting in the Marine Gate Shopping Mall.

Aside from Vancouver’s location on the water, the region’s mild climate also fosters a bounty of produce. With the area’s strong commitment to sustainability, many restaurants embrace a farm-to-table ethos, sourcing ingredients from within the province and rotating their menus with the seasons.

Despite the communal deference to climate-consciousness, Vancouver doesn’t have a signature dish. “The Canadian culture is about embracing many different cultures and encouraging them to live side by side, which has resulted in a vibrant and exciting culinary scene,” says Michelle Ng, founder of Vancouver Foodie Tours and a 36-year-long Vancouver resident. Neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little Italy, Greektown, and Punjabi Market invite you to eat your way around the world.

10 am - Enjoy dim sum at Dynasty Seafood Restaurant.
A traditional Chinese brunch of bite-sized dishes served in steamer baskets or on small plates alongside tea, dim sum has long been a beloved weekend ritual for friends and family, with more and more restaurants offering the dining service. Like Spanish tapas, these dishes are meant for sampling, sharing, and ordering with your eyes first, and for good reason, considering the city’s dim sum scene is often compared to Hong Kong’s for its exceptional quality. At Dynasty Seafood Restaurant, indulge in favorites like dumplings filled with steamed minced pork or crab meat, sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves, and steamed barbecue pork buns.

1 pm - Explore Granville Island.
Beyond shopping for locally made jewelry and trinkets, food lovers can dive into the Public Market, a treasure trove of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and handmade baked goods. Treat yourself to zesty lemon squares at the dessert destination The Lemon Square, maple-candied salmon nuggets at Longliner Seafoods, or freshly baked canelés at La Bise. For a distinctly Canadian twist on Japan’s national drink, visit the tiny Artisan Sake Maker to savor a flight of small-batch sake crafted on-site using BC-grown rice.

4 pm - Sip natural wine at La Fabrique St. George.
Situated in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood, this winery crafts exceptional Georgian-style wines using BC-sourced grapes, embracing traditional methods like grape stomping and aging in ancient clay amphoras known as qvevri. Create your own charcuterie board from their wide selection of artisanal cheeses, deli meats, and crackers, then cozy up by the fireplace on a plush couch. Garnish the experience with live music performances ranging from pianists and DJs to jazz trios and quartets.

6:30 pm - Dinner at Savio Volpe.
Favored for its rustic yet refined approach to traditional Italian flavors, Savio Volpe offers a menu that emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce. Choose from saffron linguine, tagliatelle with bolognese, agnolotti stuffed with braised beef, and more—all made in-house daily.

8:30 pm - Have a nightcap at Key Party.
Tucked away behind the old-school Zottenberg and Sons Accounting office, this dimly lit speakeasy offers an intimate cocktail experience with a nostalgic 1970s vibe. Step through a wooden door into a lounge dressed in red walls, velvet curtains, and a wooden bar, where the cocktail menu features a mix of signature creations and inventive twists on classics. Sip the Dirty-er Martini, which takes the traditional cocktail up a notch by garnishing it with blue cheese-stuffed olives.

“Vancouverites love their outdoors,” says Vancouver Mountain Guides owner and alpine guide Brent Nixon, who has lived in Vancouver for the past 45 years. “The culture in this city is very much ingrained in going for a hike, a trail run, a climb, a ski, or a mountain bike ride versus going shopping or watching a movie. And the ocean and the mountains are part of the fabric of the people that live here.”

With the water, mountains, and rainforests at your fingertips, Vancouver’s terrain beckons you to enjoy activities like mountain biking, kayaking, and hiking all within a single day.

8 am - Grab a breakfast pastry at A Bread Affair.
With a commitment to crafting artisanal bread and pastries with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, this bakery on Granville Island has earned a loyal following. Indulge your sweet tooth with a gooey cinnamon bun, or opt for their savory ham and cheese croissant.

8:30 am - Go on a whale-watching tour.
The waters surrounding Vancouver teem with marine wildlife, including whales, sea lions, otters, harbor seals, and dolphins. Hop aboard a Prince of Whales tour departing from Granville Island for a three- to five-hour adventure that brings you up close to this spectacular natural beauty.

1:30 pm -Explore Pacific Spirit Regional Park
Home to creeks, beaches, cliffs, and bogs, this 2,100-acre temperate rainforest is situated next to the UBC campus. Explore nearly 50 miles of trails ideal for walking, hiking, cycling, and horseback riding while surrounded by towering Douglas firs, spruce, and cedars. The park is also home to Wreck Beach, one of two officially designated clothing-optional beaches in Canada.

5:30 pm - Head to Jericho Beach for a sunset paddle.
Set off on a sunset adventure with a guided kayak tour from Jericho Beach Kayak Centre. Paddle along the tranquil waters as the Vancouver skyline glows against a dusky pink sky—a breathtaking way to experience the city at golden hour.

7:30 pm - Enjoy dinner at Green Leaf Cafe.
“Per capita, we have one of the highest numbers of sushi restaurants in the world,” notes Ng, highlighting that Metro Vancouver alone is home to over 600 establishments, offering everything from classic rolls and nigiri to sophisticated omakase experiences. Head to Green Leaf Cafe in the Kitsilano neighborhood for an Aburi sushi dinner, where the seafood atop beds of supple sushi rice is lightly scorched with a torch, adding a smokiness that enhances the fish’s flavor and texture.

9 pm - Grab a sweet treat at Rain or Shine.
Cap off your night with a sweet treat at one of the city’s favorite ice cream spots. If you’re visiting on a Tuesday, try their twist on Taco Tuesday—a taco shell-shaped waffle cone filled with two scoops of ice cream. Popular flavors include honey lavender, London fog, and cracked mint.

"Art is definitely something that takes second place in a city like Vancouver,” local art history teacher and co-founder of Curated Tastes Miret Rodriguez says, reflecting on the side of the city often overshadowed by its nature-centric reputation. “But [actually,] the scene is really present.” Beneath the surface lies a vibrant contemporary and Indigenous art scene, showcased through a variety of galleries, museum exhibitions, and an impressive collection of over 400 public installations. From striking murals to intricate sculptures and statues, these works reflect the city's creative edge. “Art is the ultimate way to get to know the city’s history, culture, and the fabric of Vancouver, and to quickly understand how multicultural we are,” says Rodriguez.

Architecture enthusiasts will also find much to admire, as Vancouver offers an eclectic tapestry of styles and influences. Queen Anne Revival homes, Art Deco buildings, and neoclassical landmarks tell the city’s history while highlighting its ever-evolving identity.

11 am - Find inspiration at the Vancouver Art Gallery.
Housed in a restored 1906 neo-classical provincial courthouse, the Vancouver Art Gallery is the city’s largest, boasting an expansive collection of over 12,000 artworks. Browse pieces by Canadian artists Emily Carr and the Group of Seven, alongside a selection of Indigenous and international art. While there, don't miss the 1931 Gallery Bistro, which provides an enticing selection of West Coast-inspired dishes like pork belly eggs benedict and mushroom quiche.

1 pm - Browse the Bill Reid Gallery.
Dedicated to the works of renowned Haida carver Bill Reid and other Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast, the Bill Reid Gallery showcases masterful sculptures, jewelry, prints, and more that celebrate Indigenous culture and history. “Art lets us learn about our Indigenous history and what it means to be an uninvited guest and to live on unceded lands,” says Rodriguez, highlighting Vancouver’s position on the unceded traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. Before you leave, stop at the gift shop, which offers framed prints, finely crafted jewelry, handmade glassware, masks, and sculptures.

3 pm - Admire the Marine Building.
Completed in 1930, the Marine Building is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in North America. Its exterior showcases marine motifs, like sea creatures, anchors, and ships, that reflect Vancouver’s coastal heritage. Inside, the marble-clad lobby, two stained glass windows, and five elevators featuring brass doors with bold geometric patterns and 12 types of inlaid hardwood further highlight its stunning craftsmanship. The Marine Building is now home to many offices, so visit during business hours Monday through Friday to ensure the doors are open.

3:30 pm - Refuel at Nemesis Coffee.
Alongside its in-house roasted beans and expertly crafted lattes, this spot features a seasonal, all-day brunch menu, though you can always count on staples like avocado toast and eggs benny. Don’t miss the tempting array of pastries, including buttery croissants filled with dark chocolate mousse and their cult-followed cruffins, a delicious hybrid of a muffin and croissant.

4:30 pm - Unwind at the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Classical Chinese Garden.
The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden has offered visitors a serene escape in Vancouver’s Chinatown since 1986. Modeled after the Ming Dynasty scholar’s gardens of Suzhou, it embodies harmony through the integration of Feng Shui, Taoism, and yin and yang principles, and this garden holds the distinction of being the first of its kind built outside China.

As you wander, discover intricate rockeries, koi-filled ponds, and architectural features like pavilions with curved roofs offering shaded spots for quiet reflection. While the adjacent Sun Yat-Sen Park is free to explore, the Classical Chinese Garden requires paid entry, but it’s well worth it. Opt for a guided tour to gain a deeper appreciation of the philosophy, Ming Dynasty traditions, and symbolism woven into the garden’s deliberate design.

6 pm - Enjoy dinner at Phnom Penh.
Cambodian- and Vietnamese-inspired dishes shine at this family-run Chinatown institution, which has welcomed diners since 1985. Though their vast menu boasts nearly 100 noodle-, rice-, and soup-based dishes, you’ll never go wrong with their deep-fried chicken wings and the ever-popular #71 marinated butter beef, served carpaccio-style with a flavorful mix of cilantro, soy, garlic, and vinegar. Be prepared to wait in line.

Granville Island Hotel $$
As Granville Island’s only hotel, this boutique retreat offers a peaceful alternative to the bustle of downtown Vancouver. Its prime waterfront location provides sweeping views of False Creek and the city skyline, and the 82 well-appointed rooms place you just a five-minute stroll from the vibrant Public Market.

The Burrard $$
Built in 1956 and revamped in 2010, this no-frills boutique hotel in central Vancouver offers 72 vibrant rooms just steps from Davie Street and Yaletown. With mid-century charm, teal walls and curtains, and pops of canary yellow, the décor evokes a playful, retro California vibe. Rooms are simple yet practical, featuring a Nespresso machine, mini fridge, and small desk, along with views either overlooking the city or its palm tree-lined courtyard.

The DOUGLAS, Autograph Collection $$$
Part of the expansive Parq Vancouver casino and hotel complex, this 188-room property pays homage to the Douglas fir, a symbol of the region’s natural heritage. Details like a hollowed-out tree centerpiece in the reception area and Douglas fir-infused gin served at the bar, reflect its connection to the Pacific Northwest. The hotel offers 10 onsite restaurants, bars, and lounges for your convenience, with menu choices ranging from casual burgers at BC Kitchen to the upscale steakhouse Victor, ensuring a dining experience for every mood.

Fairmont Pacific Rim $$$$
Though Vancouver’s downtown core is home to three Fairmont hotels, the Pacific Rim distinguishes itself as the only five-star Fairmont property, offering a luxurious waterfront setting. The hotel features an exceptional spa complete with a Jacuzzi, steam room, mineral bath, dry cedar sauna, and fitness center. Not to be outdone, the location’s signature restaurant, Botanist, provides a refined dining experience inspired by the Pacific Northwest.

The Canadian dollar (CAD). Bills come in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, and 5. As of December 2024, 1 USD converts to roughly 1.40 CAD.

Like the rest of North America, Canada uses Type A and B plugs. Type A plugs feature two flat, parallel pins, while Type B plugs include an additional rounded grounding pin. The standard voltage is 120 V, with a frequency of 60 Hz.

For outdoor enthusiasts, July and August offer the driest weather and plenty of sunshine. However, this also marks peak tourist season, so expect crowds. If you’re here for winter sports, December through February draws skiers and snowboarders to nearby slopes. For a quieter experience, consider September and October, when autumn colors peak, crowds thin, and the weather remains pleasantly crisp.

Do: Take advantage of public transit. Between the SkyTrain, SeaBus, West Coast Express train, buses, and the Mobi bike share program, the city is well connected.

Do: Pay attention to the waste receptacles, divided into compost, garbage, paper, and containers. Sustainability is a core value here, so dispose of waste correctly to align with the city’s green initiatives.

Don’t: Underestimate the rain. Be sure to pack waterproof shoes and a raincoat, even during summer visits. Despite the city’s “Raincouver” nickname, locals opt for rain jackets over carrying umbrellas.

Botox was discovered in Vancouver in 1987—by accident. Ophthalmologist Dr. Jean Carruthers and her dermatologist husband, Dr. Alastair Carruthers, were using botulinum toxin to treat patients with eye spasms when they observed a surprising side effect: Wrinkles around the eyes softened significantly. This unintentional finding sparked its cosmetic use, transforming Botox into a global phenomenon and revolutionizing the beauty industry with one of the most sought-after non-surgical treatments.

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