Things to Do in Vancouver
50 curated spots from Vancouver itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
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)
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
Vancouver Art Gallery
Head into downtown to explore the Vancouver Art Gallery’s rotating exhibits of Canadian and international art, including local and Indigenous works; allow time for both permanent and temporary exhibitions.[3]
1h 30m · $24-30 per person
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 Zipline Experience
Add a guided zipline session for the trip’s main adrenaline moment; wear secure shoes and light active clothing.
2h 30m · $120-$160
Chinatown Cultural Walk
Serendipitous explore historic alleys; photography of neon heritage buildings; indoor museum if overcast.
2h · Free
Chinatown Street Scan
Do a short final wander for street textures, murals, and a last set of city photos before heading out.
1h · Free
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden
Visit the classical garden for a quieter, contemplative photo stop and a change of pace from the street scenes.
1h · $16-$18
English Bay Photo Stop
Spend time at the beach edge for sunset, skyline, and water reflections, with a gentle promenade vibe.
1h 30m · 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 (Granville Island Area)
Join a guided kayak rental or tour from operators at Granville Island to paddle the calm waters of False Creek, passing city skyline views, marinas, and houseboats; wear quick-dry layers and bring a light jacket.
2h · $45-70 per person
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 Heritage Walk
Stroll the historic streets, Steam Clock area, and brick-lined blocks for architecture and street photography.
2h · Free
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 Cooking Class
On Day 2 or 3, slot in an afternoon or early evening cooking class at a Granville Island school or kitchen studio, often focusing on local seafood or regional cuisine; book in advance and arrive 15–20 minutes early.
2h 30m · $90-130 per person
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)
Granville Island Waterfront Stroll
Walk the docks and edges of the island for harbor views and relaxed photos, then linger in nearby shops.
1h 30m · Free
Grouse Mountain Skyride
Take the cable car up for broad views and an easy mountain experience with minimal hiking required.
2h · $70-$90
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 personRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Granville Island Public Market
Arrive around 9:00–9:30 AM for coffee and a light breakfast from local vendors—try fresh pastries from Purebread and fruit from produce stands.[1][3]
1h · $15-25 per person
Cioppino's Mediterranean Grill
BC wine-paired salmon or wild mushroom pasta; fully customizable for restrictions.
2h · $60-80 per person
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
Belgian Waffle Loft
Grab a relaxed breakfast or coffee with a sweet or savory waffle before entering the market area.
45m · $15-$25 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
Blue Water Cafe
Choose a seafood-focused lunch after the paddle, with a strong local-sourced West Coast feel.
1h 15m · $35-$50 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
Chambar
Choose a refined yet approachable lunch with Belgian-influenced dishes and strong service.
1h 15m · $30-$50 per person
Edible Canada Bistro
Sit down for a relaxing lunch focused on Canadian ingredients—look for dishes featuring local seafood and seasonal produce.[1]
1h 15m · $25-40 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
Food Stalls at Richmond Night Market
Build your dinner from multiple stalls—try skewers, bubble tea, and fusion street foods; bring some cash as many vendors are cash-only.[2]
1h · $20-35 per person
Go Fish
Fish and chips or chowder from shack with harbor views
45m · $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