Perched on a peninsula surrounded by crystalline ocean and backed by rainforests which roll to the foot of the mighty North Shore Mountains, Vancouver enjoys one of the most magnificent urban settings on the planet.
With this many natural attractions on offer, you can literally ski in the morning and lounge on the beach in the afternoon, if you don’t mind missing out on world-class galleries, a thriving craft beer scene and a smattering of village-like neighbourhoods, that is.
So where to start when planning your Vancouver adventure? Here are our picks of the best things to see and do in Vancouver.
When to visit Vancouver
The best time to visit Vancouver depends on what sort of traveller you are. With this much natural beauty on offer, you’re guaranteed to find something to capture your heart.
Each season is unique. Winter in the city is fairly mild, but within half an hour’s drive you’ll find snowy slopes such as Grouse Mountain.
In spring you can combine skiing with kayak tours, as temperatures begin to rise in the city itself. A host of cultural events herald the start of high season, which is naturally peak time for wildlife watching. Bears, whales and open-air concerts are just some of Vancouver’s attractions in summer.
Come Autumn, the forests around the city are ablaze with fire-coloured foliage, making hiking even more of a pleasure.
Amazing attractions in Vancouver
From mountains to museums, microbreweries, cafes and craft shops, Vancouver has more top attractions than you could shake a stick at. Taking in the views from the summit of Grouse Mountain is a must, and there’s even a free shuttle bus from Canada Place. Or hail a boat and scan the water off Vancouver Island for orcas.
In summer, enjoy a dip in the saltwater pools at Kitsilano Beach, where the atmosphere is so relaxed it’s practically horizontal. And testing your courage on the Capilano Suspension Bridge, which sways over a 70-metre river, has to be one of the top ten attractions in Vancouver.
With its laid-back, outdoorsy culture and Victorian heritage, Vancouver cannot fail to charm, no matter what sort of holiday you’re after. The food scene is a fascinating fusion of regional delicacies and global influences, drawing on Vancouver’s Croatian, Chinese and Italian culture. Follow Vancouver Island’s quirky food trail to feast on everything from fresh oysters to homemade pies.
And of course, a nighttime stroll through Gastown, the city’s cobblestone birthplace, is a must, particularly in winter when the elaborate street lamps shine through flurries of snow.
Where to shop in Vancouver
Like most things, shopping in Vancouver is a laid-back affair. Think strolling in and out of independent boutiques and stopping for plenty of refreshments along the way.
Swap the tourist traps for coffee and browsing in Mount Pleasant, a bohemian village with a smattering of cool boutiques and galleries. Kitsilano is ideal for families thanks to its sandy beach and organic markets, while Granville Island is a hive of creative businesses. Expect graphic designers filling their baskets with maple smoked salmon and complex wines from British Columbia.
