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Pan Pacific Vancouver, Vancouver

Things to do guide

The best things to do in Vancouver

Updated 1 October 2026 · 14 things to do

Pictured: Pan Pacific Vancouver

Vancouver has the kind of setting other cities would sell their grandmothers for: glass towers on a harbour, a rainforest park on the doorstep, and snowy mountains close enough to ski before lunch. It's a city where people really do cycle the seawall in the morning and hit the slopes in the afternoon.

Come for a few days to see the city, then add Whistler, Victoria or the North Shore trails. Pack a rain jacket whatever the season, because the Pacific likes to remind you who's in charge, and then the clouds lift and the whole place looks unreal.

Don't miss

  1. 1Stanley Park
  2. 2Granville Island Public Market
  3. 3Capilano Suspension Bridge
  4. 4Gastown
  5. 5Whistler

The big sights

  1. Stanley Park

    Nature

    The Stanley Park seawall path beside the water in Vancouver
    Photo: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A thousand-odd acres of old-growth rainforest on the edge of downtown, ringed by a 9-kilometre seawall for walkers, runners and cyclists. Totem poles stand near Brockton Point, there are beaches along the route, and the views back to the city and across to the North Shore mountains are spectacular.

    Hire a bike and ride the seawall clockwise. It's flat, easy, and unforgettable.

    Tip: Allow a good half-day, and stop at Third Beach for sunset.

  2. Granville Island Public Market

    Market

    Shops and galleries on Granville Island
    Photo: Xicotencatl, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A former industrial peninsula under the Granville Street Bridge, now home to a lively food market, studios, galleries and theatres. Graze on smoked salmon, pastries, cheese and fresh fruit, then watch the tiny ferries zip across False Creek.

    Tip: Take the little Aquabus or False Creek Ferry from downtown for the best way in.

  3. Gastown

    Neighbourhood

    The steam clock on Water Street in Gastown
    Photo: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood has cobbled streets, converted warehouses, independent boutiques and restaurants. The steam-powered clock on Water Street, which whistles every quarter hour, draws a small crowd.

  4. Chinatown

    Neighbourhood

    One of the largest historic Chinatowns in North America, with traditional shops, bakeries and the tranquil Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, a walled oasis modelled on Ming dynasty scholars' gardens.

  5. Museum of Anthropology

    Museum

    The glass-walled main hall of the Museum of Anthropology at UBC
    Photo: Xicotencatl, CC BY-SA 4.0

    On the University of British Columbia campus, this museum is renowned for its collection of Indigenous art from the Northwest Coast. The Great Hall, with its soaring totem poles and carvings against a wall of glass, is spectacular.

Up in the mountains and rainforest

  1. Capilano Suspension Bridge

    Activity

    The Capilano Suspension Bridge crossing the river canyon
    Photo: Markus Säynevirta, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A swaying 137-metre bridge slung 70 metres above the Capilano River, set in a forest park with a treetop walkway and a cliffside path. It's very touristy but undeniably thrilling, especially when the bridge wobbles underfoot.

    Tip: Lynn Canyon Park, nearby, also has a suspension bridge and is free to enter.

  2. Grouse Mountain

    Activity

    A cable car climbs from North Vancouver to a mountaintop with sweeping views of the city, the harbour and the islands. In winter it's a ski and snowshoe area, and in summer it has hiking trails, including the famously steep Grouse Grind.

Beaches and the waterfront

  1. English Bay and Kitsilano Beach

    Beach

    English Bay Beach in Vancouver
    Photo: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0

    English Bay is a sandy city beach with a sunset view over the ships anchored offshore, and Kitsilano Beach has a big outdoor saltwater pool and a lively volleyball scene. Both are perfect for a summer evening.

  2. Canada Place

    Landmark

    The white sails of Canada Place on Vancouver's waterfront
    Photo: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0

    The white-sailed convention centre and cruise terminal on Coal Harbour is Vancouver's most recognisable building. Walk the pier for views of seaplanes taking off, the North Shore mountains and the cruise ships heading for Alaska.

Eat and drink

  1. Sushi

    Food

    The city's large Japanese community and its Pacific seafood make Vancouver a brilliant sushi town. You'll find everything from tiny counters to high-end omakase rooms.

  2. Nanaimo bars

    Food

    Two layered Nanaimo bars on a plate
    Photo: Stephanie Spencer, CC BY 2.5

    A no-bake British Columbia treat with three layers: a crumbly chocolate-coconut base, a custard-flavoured buttercream middle and a chocolate topping. It's named after the town of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, and found in cafés across the city.

  3. Japadog

    Food

    A Japadog hot dog from Robson Street in Vancouver
    Photo: GoToVan from Vancouver, Canada, CC BY 2.0

    A Vancouver street-food original: hot dogs topped with Japanese flavours such as teriyaki, seaweed and wasabi mayo. It began as a street cart in the city, and the carts are still dotted around downtown.

Days out

  1. Whistler

    Day trip

    Whistler village in the British Columbia mountains
    Photo: Richie Diesterheft from Santa Barbara, CA, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0

    A purpose-built alpine village in the Coast Mountains, a scenic drive up the Sea to Sky Highway. It has some of North America's biggest ski terrain in winter, and mountain biking, hiking and lake swimming in summer. The Peak 2 Peak gondola links two peaks in the sky.

    Tip: The Sea to Sky Highway has viewpoints worth stopping at, including Shannon Falls.

  2. Victoria and Butchart Gardens

    Day trip

    The Sunken Garden at Butchart Gardens near Victoria
    Photo: Warfieldian, CC BY-SA 3.0

    A ferry ride across the Strait of Georgia takes you to Vancouver Island and British Columbia's elegant capital. The Butchart Gardens, a former limestone quarry turned sunken garden, are the highlight, and Victoria's Inner Harbour has a heritage-hotel and teatime atmosphere.

    Tip: Allow a full day, and check ferry times before you set off.

Where to stay in Vancouver

Not sure which area suits you? Read our guide: Where to stay in Vancouver →

Getting around

Downtown is compact and walkable, and the SkyTrain, SeaBus and buses reach most places. Hire bikes for the seawall. A car is useful for Whistler and the Sea to Sky Highway, though shuttle buses also make the trip.

When to go

Summer is dry, bright and the best season for the seawall, beaches and hiking. Winter is mild in the city but wet, with snow on the mountains and skiing at Whistler and the North Shore. Spring brings cherry blossom to the streets.

Questions about visiting Vancouver

What is Vancouver best known for?
Its setting between mountains and sea, Stanley Park, Granville Island, easy access to skiing and Whistler, and a strong food scene.
How many days do you need in Vancouver?
Three days covers the city sights, Stanley Park and a mountain or two. Add a couple more for Whistler or Victoria.
Is Vancouver worth visiting?
Yes. Few cities combine city life, mountains, ocean and rainforest so closely, and it's a great base for exploring British Columbia.
Do you need a car in Vancouver?
Not in the city, where public transport and walking work well. A car helps for Whistler and the Sea to Sky Highway.

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