Things to Do in Vancouver
50 curated spots from Vancouver itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Brockton Point Totem Poles
Visit the display of Indigenous totem poles, one of BC’s most visited cultural sites, and read the interpretive panels about the artists and nations.
30m · Free
Canada Place & Waterfront
Visit the iconic sail-roofed building housing cruise terminals and museums. Walk the public plaza for mountain views, street performers, and outdoor exhibits with stunning photo opportunities.
1h 15m · Free
Capilano Suspension Bridge & Rainforest Walk
Walk the famous 450-foot bridge suspended above old-growth rainforest. Explore the surrounding park's trails, visit the Kia'palano Indigenous Cultural Site with totem poles and First Nations stories. Allow 2-3 hours total.
2h 30m · $40-50 per person
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Cross bridge, zipline on Treetops Adventure (wear sneakers, medium fitness; book via park site); 20min bus/SeaBus from West End
3h · $60-80
Chinatown Cultural Walk
Serendipitous explore historic alleys; photography of neon heritage buildings; indoor museum if overcast.
2h · Free
False Creek Ferries / Aquabus Ride
Hop on a small passenger ferry for a short ride between Granville Island and Yaletown or the downtown side, with skyline and bridge views.
30m · $8-15 round-trip
False Creek Kayaking
Guided 2hr paddle from Granville rentals (e.g., Granville Island Kayak); wear swimsuit/quick-dry clothes, moderate fitness; book ahead
2h · $70-90
False Creek Kayaking from Granville Island
Rent a double kayak from an operator at Granville Island and paddle the calm waters of False Creek for skyline views, bridges, and occasional wildlife like seals and seabirds.
2h · $35-50 per person (2 hours rental)
Gastown Historic District
Stroll cobblestone streets, see the Steam Clock, admire brick and Victorian-era buildings, and pop into boutiques and galleries.
2h · Free (shopping extra)
Gastown Historic Neighborhood Walk & Steam Clock
Wander Victorian-era brick streets, the famous Steam Clock (street-level, no entry fee), galleries, vintage shops, and alleyways. No itinerary needed—just explore. Combine with a coffee or dinner reservation in the same area.
2h · Free
Gastown Historic Walking Tour
Explore Vancouver's birthplace with cobblestone streets, historic architecture, local galleries, boutique shops, and the famous Steam Clock. Easily walkable with great photo opportunities.
2h · Free to explore ($15-30 if joining guided tour)
Gastown Nightlife Bars
Bar-hop historic alleys; peak social energy Fri/Sat; no photo bans in lounges.
2h · $30-50
Gastown Steam Clock & Architecture Walk
Explore Victorian brick buildings, cobblestones, and historic clock; wander side streets
1h 30m · Free
Granville Island Boozy VIP Food Tour
20+ tastings including donuts, cheeses, charcuterie, and local beer; skip lines at Public Market and artisan stops; photography highlight at market overlooks during golden hour prep.
3h · $120 or Free
Granville Island Exploration
Wander artisan shops and seawall; best photography from False Creek viewpoints (less crowded north side).
2h · Free
Granville Island Market & Exploration
Browse artisan stalls, street performers; wander public market freely
2h · Free
Granville Island Public Market & Artisan Studios
Wander the indoor market stalls, local food counters, and surrounding artisan workshops, galleries, and theatres in a converted industrial area.
3h · Free entry (food & shopping extra)
Granville Island Public Market & False Creek Exploration
Browse the market's artisan stalls, watch buskers, sample local goods, and walk along False Creek's waterfront. No tickets needed—just explore. Nearby galleries and vintage shops if you want to extend.
2h · Free (food costs separate)
Grouse Mountain Skyride & Alpine Trails
Ride the gondola to the summit for sweeping 360-degree views of the city, mountains, and ocean. Walk easy alpine trails at the top. Combine with Capilano Bridge in a North Shore day (same neighborhood, 20 mins apart).
2h · $65-75 per person
Kitsilano Beach & Neighborhood Walk
Relax on the beach, swim if weather permits, or walk the waterfront. Browse the nearby vintage shops, bookstores, and cafés on 4th Avenue. This is local Vancouver—families, couples, yoga-goers, no party crowd.
2h · Free
Kitsilano Beach & Park
Lounge on sands, swim in outdoor pool, stroll trails with mountain views
2h · Free
Kitsilano Beach & Seawall Walk
Start at Kitsilano Beach Park, enjoy the sandy beach and mountain views, then follow the paved Seawall path east along False Creek towards Vanier Park for an easy, scenic coastal walk.
1h 30m · Free
Queen Elizabeth Park & VanDusen Botanical Garden
Free or minimal-cost urban parks offering 360-degree city views, manicured gardens, and nature walks. Bring a picnic or just enjoy the views. No agenda—perfect for relaxation and photography.
1h 30m · Free (VanDusen ~$8-12 if visited)
Queen Elizabeth Park Views
Stroll gardens for panoramic city/mountain panoramas; free and serene
1h · Free
Robson Street Shopping & Stroll
Walk along Canada's premier shopping district with luxury boutiques, flagship stores, and street-level cafes. Browse galleries and enjoy people-watching from outdoor seating.
2h · Free to browse, shopping prices vary
Stanley Park Seawall
Walk or rent bikes near the park entrance and follow the seawall loop for ocean, harbor, and mountain views; stop by beaches along the way.
2h 30m · Free (bike rental ~$15-25)
Stanley Park Seawall Bike Ride
Rent bikes for 10km loop past beaches, totem poles, and Third Beach; beach time included
2h · $20-30 or Free
Stanley Park Seawall Cycle
Rent bikes and pedal the scenic 6.2-mile loop past Brockton Point Lighthouse, historic totem poles, beaches, and mountain views. Flat, well-maintained path. Stop at Prospect Point for the view.
2h · $10-15 per bike (hourly rental)
Stanley Park Seawall Golden Hour
Cycle or stroll to Third Beach viewpoint for sunset skyline shots; less crowded trails.
2h · $20 bike rental
Stanley Park Seawall Walk
Stroll or bike along the famous 5.5-mile waterfront path with views of the North Shore mountains, Burrard Inlet, and Lost Lagoon. Perfect for families with manageable sections and multiple photo opportunities.
1h 30m · Free (bike rental ~$30-50/day)Restaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie
Intimate modern Chinese brasserie serving shareable small plates and creative cocktails in a stylish heritage-building space.
1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Benton Brothers Fine Cheese
Artisan BC cheeses, organic bread, and charcuterie platters; flexible portions suit any dietary needs with vegan/gluten-free options available.
1h · $40-60 per person
Brunch Spot in Downtown
Weekend brunch featuring local ingredients, creative takes on classics, and warm hospitality—a Vancouver staple experience
1h 30m · $25-45 per person
Burdock & Co
Farm-to-table tasting menu with local foraged ingredients (15min transit from North Van)
1h 30m · $40-50 per person
Café Artigiano (Robson Street)
Local café with quality espresso drinks, pastries, and light breakfast plates; order a latte and a breakfast sandwich or croissant to start your day.
45m · $15-25 per person
Cafe in West End Neighborhood
Start your morning with fresh pastries, coffee, and local juice options before exploring downtown
45m · $15-25 per person
Cardero's Restaurant
Bay views with avocado toast and fresh seafood omelets
1h · $25-40 per person
Casual Dinner in Gastown
Mid-range dining with local flavors and casual atmosphere, perfect after exploring the historic neighborhood
1h 30m · $30-60 per person
Cioppino's Mediterranean Grill
BC wine-paired salmon or wild mushroom pasta; fully customizable for restrictions.
2h · $60-80 per person
Fairmont Pacific Rim Brunch
Brunch buffet cruise or terrace with customizable egg-free, nut-free dishes confirmed available.
1h 30m · $50-70 per person
Fine Dining Restaurant - Downtown
Experience Vancouver's acclaimed culinary scene with Pacific Northwest cuisine, fresh seafood, and innovative preparation
2h 30m · $80-150 per person
Go Fish
Fish and chips or chowder from shack with harbor views
45m · $20-35 per person
Granville Island Public Market
Browse the indoor market’s food vendors for salmon, fish and chips, chowder, fresh baked goods, and local treats; grab a casual meal and sit by the water.
1h 15m · $20-35 per person
Granville Island Public Market (various vendors)
Pick from fresh seafood, soups, sandwiches, international bites, and bakeries in the indoor public market; share a few small plates or grab fish and chips.
1h · $15-30 per person
Granville Island Public Market (vendor stalls)
Browse artisan vendors and sample local BC seafood, fresh baked goods, and Nanaimo bars. Pick-your-own food court vibe—grab items from different stalls. Abundant vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options from multiple vendors; seafood and prepared foods clearly labeled.
1h 15m · $15-25 per person
Hy's Steakhouse (Tour Stop)
Prime beef slider, nourish bowl, or seared ahi tuna; vegetarian nourish bowl accommodates restrictions.
1h · $40-70 per person
Jam Cafe Beatty
Hearty all-day brunch spot with big portions—think eggs benny, pancakes, and hashes; arrive near opening to minimize waits.
1h 15m · $20-30 per person
Jam Café Kitsilano
Hearty, creative brunch plates in a cozy space; try the Charlie Bowl or brioche French toast before a morning of walking or paddling.
1h · $18-30 per person
Kissa Tanto
Japanese-Italian fusion ramen and salads (15min bus from Kitsilano)
1h · $25-45 per person
Lonsdale Quay Market Stalls
Fresh local seafood or salads from vendors confirming dietary accommodations on-site.
1h · $30-50 per person