Vancouver is one of the most liveable and fascinating cities in Canada and North America in general. One of Vancouver's main attractions is the incredible nature surrounding the city, which includes a rocky coastline, fantastic forests and spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains. Life in the city is lively and eventful, the food scene is constantly evolving, and there is no shortage of art and culture. For once, you can also confirm a stereotype: Canadians are really polite and kind!
When it comes to exploring this vibrant city, you'll require a comfortable base. That's where the wide selection of accommodation options at http://www.britishcolumbiahotels.net/en/ in British Columbia comes in handy.
So here are a few tips on things to see and do in Vancouver.
Looking for a hotel in Vancouver? We have selected the best offers on Booking.com for you.
1 - Stanley Park Seawall
Named the best park in the world by Trip Advisor users, the 404.9-hectare city park has about 8 million visitors a year and is one of Vancouver's main tourist attractions.
Here you can do various activities; the ideal is to visit the park by bicycle: the park is gigantic, with the help of a guide you can get your bearings well and visit the main areas of interest. You can do relaxing activities such as sunbathing on the beach, relax in a rose garden, visit the open-air water park and make the acquaintance of sea lions and Pacific dolphins or visit the area of the ancient Aboriginal villages.
Visiting with children: this is the perfect place for children; there is an outdoor water park and a heated outdoor pool. There is also a miniature train that winds through more than a kilometre of forest.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: Bus 19 to Stanley Park, walk to the west side of the park on the Seaside Bike Route; if biking, walk to Second Beach on the Seawall; access from the Georgia Street entrance, which connects the main com transport with the Seawall Route at Coal Harbour - Get directions
Hours: daily 9am-5pm
Ticket cost: free
2 - English Bay
Photo by Ian Spence. Oceanfront English Bay focuses on one of the city's busiest and most beautiful beaches. English Bay offers high-end shops and restaurants, but it is also a popular outdoor area where people come to walk, cycle, rollerblade or admire the art installations that are periodically displayed.
The biggest event is held in the summer, when thousands of people flock to the shores for the extraordinary fireworks display to the sound of music. Another popular event is the New Year's Eve Polar Bear Swim, when fearless swimmers plunge into the cold waters of the Pacific!
In the West End district, in the historic centre. Easily accessible on foot from anywhere in the centre, flanked by the fully pedestrianised Beach Avenue - Get directions
Watchthe sunset from Inukshuk: this particular sculpture is located at the southern tip of the beach and is one of the most beautiful spots from which to watch the sunset!
3 - Museum of Vancouver
Not far from Kitsilano Beach, in the beautiful surroundings of Vanier Park, is the Museum of Vancouver, the city's local history museum! This is an unmissable visit to learn more about the Canadian city and its past. Also, if you are travelling with children, you can relax in the huge park around the museum after the visit.
Inside the museum you will find both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions retracing all the stages of the city's history, such as the'Neon Vancouver' exhibition, where you can discover the city of the 1950s, when it had some 19,000 neon lights scattered throughout the streets!
Practical info: directions, times and prices
Directions: at 2138 West 40th Avenue, easily accessible from Kitsilano Beach (550 m, 7 min), in Vanier Park - Get directions
Hours: Thu-Sun 10am-4pm, Mon-Wed closed. For current exhibitions see official website
Ticket price: full price $10.00 (€6.40), concessions $5.00 (€3.20)
4 - Kitsilano Beach
Photo by User:Flying Penguin. The sandy shoreline of Kitsilano Beach defines the laid-back lifestyle of Vancouver locals. It's a place where locals hang out with friends or take a dip in the outdoor heated seawater (in a pool three times the size of an Olympic-size pool!), or just admire the mountain backdrop. From Kitsilano there are views of the city centre that are simply marvellous. In addition to the beach and the ocean, the area offers a number of cafes and trails, as well as a lively shopping strip.
Jericho Beach is perfect for sporting activities: beach volleyball, sea kayaking, windsurfing and sailing; Spanish Banks, the less crowded beach, is ideal for skim boarding; while those who want to enjoy a secluded beach can head to Wreck Beach, a 4.8-mile stretch of sand adjacent to the University of British Columbia campus.
In the Kitsilano neighbourhood, just west of the city centre, a few blocks south of West Fourth Avenue. Inside Kitsilano Beach Park - Get directions
5 - Granville island
Once a predominantly industrial site, today Granville Island is a thriving hub of activity with a relaxed and distinct atmosphere. Former factories now house theatres, art galleries and trendy restaurants, but the most famous attraction is the Granville Island Public Market.
The Granville Island Public Market is one of the best open-air markets in North America, with over 12 million visitors each year looking for items ranging from fruit to vegetables, meat to fish. Everything from rare mushrooms and incredibly fresh fish to artisanal cheeses and homemade charcuterie can be found here.
Stop forlunch: this is the best place to enjoy a typical lunch break, perhaps tasting the many fish specialities! When the weather is nice, you can enjoy a meal outside, overlooking the sea, and watch the boats go back and forth in the English bay.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: south of the Granville Street Bridge, the arts hub is connected to residential areas by a road and footbridges to the south, and to the Downtown peninsula (across False Creek) by ferry - Get directions
Hours: Granville island always accessible / Market open daily 9am-6pm
Ticket price: free
6 - Science World
The Science World at Telus World of Science is a science museum run by a city-based non-profit organisation. It is a fantastic exhibition that houses both permanent and temporary collections, as well as interactive displays and futuristic exhibits. Its distinctive dome shape makes it stand out in the city skyline.
The permanent galleries include the physics-orientedEureka, the Sara Stern Research Gallery, the Kidspace Gallery dedicated to children and the Illusions and Our World Gallery. Recently the museum has been expanded to twice its size, adding truly spectacular activities and experiences for the whole family.
Admire it at night: when the sun goes down, the dome itself is illuminated by special light effects. A unique spectacle.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: in the heart of Vancouver along the False Creek Seawall. Located across the street from the Main Street-Science World Skytrain station - Get directions
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm
Ticket price: full price $27.62 (€17.80), over 65, students and children 13-18 years old $22.14 (€14.20), children 3-12 years old $18.57 (€11.90), under 3 free
7 - Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Photo by jmv. The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is the first classical Chinese garden in all of Canada, the perfect place to visit all year round, with covered walkways and beautiful pavilions that protect against Vancouver's not always favourable climate. The jade green pond, the koi fish, the collection of 150-year-old miniature trees and the tai hu rock imported from China are just some of the delights the garden offers.
Built in 1986 by 53 Chinese master craftsmen and with 950 crates of material, it was constructed using 14th century methods: no glue, screws or power tools were used.
Take part in the activities: the Garden offers free guided tours and samples of traditional Chinese tea. Highly recommended for families, admission also includes a treasure hunt for the little ones.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
Getting there: Bus 19 and 22 from Downtown Vancouver, nearest Skytrain station is Stadium-Chinatown - get directions
Hours: early May to mid-June and September 10 a.m.-6 p.m., mid-June to late August 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m., early October to late April 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; November to April closed Monday
Ticket price: full price $16.00 (€10.30), students $12.00 (€7.70), seniors $13.00 (€8.40)
8 - Chinatown
Chinatown is a lively neighbourhood with endless activities to do.
We recommend a visit to the authentic Chinese market where you can spend a whole day sampling exotic products and never-before-seen meats, buying items of questionable utility and where you can even consult Chinese doctors and try traditional cures.
The evening activities are equally enthralling: from DJ sets at the Fortune Sound Club to sampling Asian cocktails at The Keefer Bar.
It is located in Downtown's largest neighbourhood, near the famous Gastown district. Criss-crossed by several bus lines, the nearest metro station is Stadium-Chinatown Station - Get directions
Don't miss Chinese New Year: it is celebrated here with lots of small events and an amazing parade that fills the streets with colour and traditional music (between late January and early February).
9 - Gastown
The historic centre and oldest part of the town, Gastown owes its name to sailor Jack Gassy Deighton, who in 1867 opened the first saloon here (a sort of pub, the kind seen in western films, which mainly sold alcohol).
We recommend a stroll along Water Street, which features elegant boutiques, shops, art galleries, theatres, etc..
It is here that the world-famous Vancouver International Jazz Festival takes place every year.
The neighbourhood is located north of the downtown Vancouver peninsula, within the larger Downtown district. It is easily accessible on foot from all parts of downtown, such as Hornby Street (10 min). Served by the Waterfront Railway and Metro Station - Get directions
Listen to the whistle of the Gastown Steam Clock: this famous, old-fashioned clock is steam-powered and its whistle marks the time! So make sure you're here when a new hour strikes.
10 - Vancouver Art Gallery
Photo by Cord Rodefeld. Art makes us curious, and the place to discover the power of art is the Vancouver Art Gallery. Visitors can immerse themselves in groundbreaking historical and contemporary exhibitions, discovering diverse works by Canadian, indigenous and internationally renowned artists.
The Vancouver Art Gallery opened in 1931 with a collection of historic British paintings and only seven works by Canadian artists. Those humble beginnings were the basis for what would become a collection of over 10,000 pieces and one of the most important photographic collections in North America.
Practical info: directions, hours and prices
Directions: on Hornby Street, within easy walking distance of the city's other attractions, the nearest Skytrain stop is Burrand - Get directions
Hours: daily 10am-5pm, Tue until 9pm
Ticket cost: full $24.00 (€15.40), seniors $20.00 (€12.80), students $18:00 (€11.60), children 6 - 12 years $6.50 (€4.20), children under 5 free
11 - Vancouver Lookout
Photo by Xicotencatl. 
This is a revolving observation platform (with an attached restaurant) located at the highest point of theHarbour Centre, 167 metres above sea level. Accessed by a glass lift in just 40 seconds, from the top there is a spectacular 360° view of the city, the majestic North Shore Mountains and even Vancouver Island just off the Pacific coast.
The entrance ticket is valid for a whole day, which means that it is possible to enter with the same ticket at various times of the day, so you can enjoy the view in the morning, at dusk or in the evening, for example.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: West Hastings Street; on foot in the city centre, opposite the Waterfront station of the SkyTrain - Get directions
Hours: October to May daily 9am-9pm; June to September daily 8:30am-10:30pm
Ticket cost: full price $18.25 (€11.75), over 60 $15.25 (€9.80), 13-18 year olds and students $13.25 (€8.50), 6-12 year olds $9.50 (€6.10), under 5 free
12 - FlyOver Canada
One of Vancouver's best-loved attractions is this flight simulator, which allows you to 'fly' from coast to coast through some of the country's most spectacular locations using the latest in flight technology.
Wind, scents and other effects will make you feel like you' re really flying, flying over deep valleys through which wild rivers flow, magnificent prairies, snow-capped mountains that dominate the land, not to mention taking in the vibrant urban environments that characterise the heart of Vancouver. The full experience with FlyOver Canada takes about 25 min.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
Getting there: walk north on Howe Street or Burrad Street to Canada Place, or east from Stanley Park across Coal Harbour Dam. Nearest station is Waterfront Station, 5 min walk - Get directions
Hours: daily 10am-9pm
Ticket cost: $21.00 (€13.50) to $43.00 (€27.70) depending on date chosen
13 - Robson Street
Photo by Adam Jones, Ph.D.. Robson is Vancouver's main shopping street, with international brand shops and more unique shops - ideal for luxury shopping or just window shopping. The main retail shopping area starts around Granville Street, where the entrance to the Pacific Center and Nordstrom mall is located. Near the intersection of Burrard and Alberni, one block from Robson, is'Affluent Alley', the area that houses Tiffany & Co, Hermes, Agent Provocateur and other high-end luxury brands.
And when appetite calls, plenty of options. At the eastern end of Robson, there are many casual restaurants serving beer and burgers; at the western end, there are reasonably priced Asian restaurants. In between, excellent high-end options such as Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House and CinCin Restaurant & Bar.
Easily accessible on foot from anywhere in the city centre, as it runs from Stanley Park to BC Place Stadium, passing through several neighbourhoods - Get directions
14 - Vancouver Aquarium
Photo by pelican. The Vancouver Aquarium is home to over 50,000 amazing aquatic creatures, including adorable sea otters and fascinating jellyfish. There are daily shows featuring dolphins, sharks and sea otters, but you can also see free-roaming species in the famous Amazon gallery.
The Treasures of the BC Coast, on the other hand, allows you to discover the unique species that inhabit British Columbia's local waters, including the Pacific Octopus. During your visit, you will also learn what serious conservation issues affect the oceans today, such as pollution and intensive fishing. Did you know that over 8 million tonnes of plastic are dumped into the oceans every year? On-site facilities include a delightful café, children's play area and an aquatic-themed gift shop.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: inside Stanley Park, reachable by bus 19 - Get directions
Hours: daily 10am-5pm
Admission: full price $40.00 (€25.65); concessions: 65 years and over, students aged 19 and under and 13-18 years old $32.00 (€20.60); children aged 4-12 years $23.00 (€14.80); children under 3 years free
15 - Capilano Suspension Bridge
The'Capilano Suspension Bridge Park' includes a 137 m long and 70 m high bridge and is a Vancouver attraction that offers an adrenaline-pumping, natural experience. History, culture and nature are presented in unique and electrifying ways, visitors are accompanied by knowledgeable staff and there is signage providing lots of useful information.
The Cliffwalk takes visitors across a granite cliff along the Capilano River on a labyrinthine series of narrow cantilevered bridges, ladders and platforms that penetrate the rainforest vegetation. The Treetops Adventure takes guests 110 feet into the middle of a coastal rainforest on seven suspension bridges attached to ancient trees. It is accessible to guests of all ages.
Don't miss the Canyon Lights: this is a festival of lights that takes place over the Christmas period, when the bridge and the entire park are illuminated, creating wonderful plays of light!
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: 9 km from downtown, 20 min by car or free tourist shuttles every 15 min, stops at Canada Place Way at the information kiosk, Melville Street entrance to the Hyatt Hotel, the Blue Horizon Hotel at 1225 Robson St. and the Westin Bayshore at 1601 Bayshore Drive - Get directions
Hours: late January to mid-March and mid-October to mid-November 9am-5pm; mid-March to mid-April and mid-June to mid-October 9am-6pm; mid-April to mid-May 9am-7pm; mid-November to late January 11am-9pm; closed 25 December
Ticket price: 17 to 65 years $54.95 (€35.40), over 65 $49.95 (€32.20), students 17 and under $41.95 (€27.00), 13 to 16 years $29.95 (€19.30), 6 to 12 years $18.95 (€12.20), free under 6 years
16 - Grouse Mountain
At 1,250 metres above Vancouver and only 15 min from the city centre lies the vast alpine playground of Grouse Mountain. The iconic Red Skyride offers visitors and locals alike the opportunity to see British Columbia's extraordinary wildlife during the 8-minute ride from the valley station to the summit.
It is one of Vancouver's most popular attractions and is open all year round, offering a wide range of outdoor adventures, summer activities, the best in snow sports and more.
Among the many activities, there is also a wildlife refuge that is home to two orphaned grizzly bears and a zipline. In winter, winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snowshoeing and sleigh rides are available.
Spend a day in the great outdoors: sporty visitors can walk the almost two-mile trail known as the Grouse Grind, often referred to by locals as 'Mother Nature's Stairmaster', while families can discover the Grizzly Bear Habitat with children.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
Getting there: from Downtown Vancouver take the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay, then bus No 23. There is also a free summer shuttle that operates between Canada Place and Grouse Mountain - Get directions
Timetable: Grouse Mountains always accessible / Skyride daily 9am-9:30pm
Ticket Cost: Prices vary depending on the activity and time of year, with daily tickets ranging from $32.00 (€20.60) to $59.00 (€38.00). See official website
17 - Queen Elizabeth Park
Photo by Ted McGrath. Queen Elizabeth Park's central point, Little Mountain, marks the highest point in Vancouver and its elevated location offers excellent views of downtown and the mountains to the north.
The park offers numerous recreational activities, including golf and tennis courts, an extensive outdoor arboretum, and the enchanting tropical setting of the Bloedel Floral Conservatory. You can also stop for lunch at the Seasons in the Park restaurant.
Lock your padlock at the LoveLocks Statues: if in many cities lovers lock their padlocks on bridges, here you can do so on this statue, created especially for this purpose!
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: a couple of blocks from the VanDusen Botanical Garden, about a 20-minute walk via W 33rd Ave - get directions
Hours: daily 6am-10pm
Ticket price: free
18 - VanDusen Botanical Garden
Photo by Wendy Cutler. The VanDusen Botanical Garden is a 55-acre outdoor oasis with over 7,500 species and varieties of plants. A fantastic location for nature photographers, it also offers a beautiful hedge maze and the chance to relax in a serene setting in the heart of Vancouver. There are sculptures dotted everywhere and pathways winding through a total of 40 themed gardens that border lakes and ponds, cross bridges and wander through giant sequoias and bamboo stands.
You can picnic or dine in the courtyards of the Shaughnessy Restaurant or Truffles Café. Don't forget to visit the award-winning visitor centre and gift shop.
Admire its beauty in every season: in spring, the rhododendron walk is full of colour. At Christmas time, the Festival of Lights illuminates the garden with more than a million lights. In autumn, the entire park is tinged with red, yellow and orange.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
Directions: on Oak St, reachable by bus 17 Southbound Oak St stop or Northbound Oak St stop - Get directions
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm
Ticket prices: October to March full price $8.20 (€5.30); over 65 and 13-18 years $5.75 (€3.70); children 5-12 years $4.10 (€2.65); April to September full price $11.50 (€7.40); over 65 and 13-18 years $8.05 (€5.20); children 5-12 years $5.75 (€3.70); under 4 years free
19 - Secret Garden Tea Company
As a former British colony, Vancouver has maintained the culture of Afternoon Tea. The Secret Garden Tea Company is considered one of the best places for Afternoon Tea. The High Tea experience includes an endless variety of blended teas served on delicate china along with delicious homemade cakes, scones, jams, sandwiches and more.
Treat yourself to a tea break: other great places for afternoon tea around the city are the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver's Castle and the Adonia Tea House.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
Directions: at 2138 West 40th Avenue, about 2 km from the VanDusen Botanical Garden, connected by bus 041 - Get directions
Hours: Wed-Sun 9am-4pm. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Ticket price: variable depending on choice. Menu available on the official website
20 - Museum of Anthropology
Photo by Guilhem Vellut. A member of theUniversity of British Columbia, the Museum of Anthropology deals with cultures from around the world, with an emphasis on the First Nations of British Columbia.
On display are works of native art, including large totem poles. Also, ethnographic and archaeological objects representing Asia, the South Pacific, the Americas, Africa and Europe. The interesting building was originally part of a World War II fort. Local architect Arthur Erickson transformed the space into this world-class museum. This is an unmissable visit to learn about the history and traditions of this area!
Discover the Campus: Take some time to explore the entire University Campus. There is also the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, focusing on natural history, the UBC Botanical Garden with its many interesting plantations and the delicate Japanese Nitobe Garden.
Practical information: directions, times and prices
How to get there: 6393 NW Marine Dr, accessible from downtown in 40 min by bus (lines 004 and 014) or by Mtro Canada Line to Olympic Village Station Platform 1 and from there change to bus 084 to Westbound Chancellor Blvd @ Allison Rd - Get directions
Hours: daily 10am-5pm, Tue until 9pm
Ticket price: adults $18.00 (€11.60), concessions $16.00 (€10.30)
Other attractions to visit
If you still have a few days left there are other worthwhile museums and centres such as the Gordon MacMillan Southam Observatory with its Cassegrain telescope that allows visitors to explore the skies (free public sessions on Friday and Saturday evenings). Next door is the HR MacMillan Centre, an astronomy museum and planetarium.
Vancouver's TheatreSports is one of the world's best theatres for improvisational performances, and offers fun themed shows with stellar casts! If street art is your thing, don't miss the many murals on Vancouver's East Side. The city is in fact known for this aspect too! Here you can find plenty of Instagrammable spots where you can take some souvenir photos for your instagram profile!
And finally, south of Vancouver is Richmond, at first glance not a scenic city, but full of tourist attractions, such as a renowned Buddhist temple, the picturesque former fishing village of Steveston, and the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, which conveys the history of the West Coast fishing industry.
4 things to do in Vancouver
Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island
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Sightseeing bus tour: this is a great way to get your bearings and get to know the layout of the city, during the tour you can enjoy wonderful panoramic views.
Whale watching: seeing whales up close is a truly exciting experience and there are numerous expeditions departing from Vancouver every day. You can embark on a tour lasting about 3 hours
Kayak Tour: with so much nature surrounding the city, along with the wildlife that lives there, taking a kayak tour is one of the best ways to experience it.
Explore Vancouver Island: one of Canada's most beautiful destinations, and it's less than two hours by ferry from Vancouver. Here you can visit the famous Butchart Gardens
Plan your stay in Vancouver: flights and hotels
Vancouver is well served by the International Airport (YVR), whose traffic is constantly increasing(compare flights).Although Vancouver, compared to other Canadian locations is quite mild (in winter it rarely drops below zero), the best time to visit is from late May to mid-September.
Once in the city, you can get around by efficient public transport. To experience the best of Vancouver, it is a good idea to stay right in the city centre(compare accommodation on booking) also because most of the attractions, along with shops and restaurants, are concentrated right here. There are plenty of activities to do after dark, especially music and the arts. To name a few: FACT and Boiler Room, theElectric Owl Social Club is the place for indie music lovers, while Celebrities is the city's gay community's most popular nightclub; EDM fans go to Venue Nightclub, rock 'n' rollers frequent the Roxy while The Bourbon is for country music fans.