THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Vancouver (Updated 2024)

British Columbia

Things to do in Vancouver

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Vancouver

Things to Do in Vancouver

Everything you love about cities (nightlife, food scene), plus lots of nature. Walk the Seawall in Stanley Park. Then, take one of the ferries to artsy Granville Island.

Explore popular experiences

See what other travellers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.

Ways to tour Vancouver

Book these experiences for a close-up look at Vancouver.

Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour from Vancouver
772
Historical Tours
from
C$266
per adult
Reserve
Vancouver City Sightseeing Tour: Capilano Suspension Bridge & Vancouver Lookout
164
Full-day Tours
from
C$167
per adult
Reserve
Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure from Vancouver
2,668
Nature and Wildlife Tours
from
C$236
per adult
Reserve
Vancouver Seaplane Tour
335
City Tours
from
C$177
per adult
Reserve
Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour
624
Food & Drink
from
C$129
per adult
Reserve
A Wok Around Chinatown: Culinary and Cultural Walking Tour Led by a Chef
253
Food & Drink
from
C$138
per adult
Reserve
Whistler and Sea to Sky Gondola Tour
171
Full-day Tours
from
C$199
per adult
Reserve
Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
317
Historical Tours
from
C$246
per adult
Reserve
Whistler and Sea to Sky Gondola Tour
385
Full-day Tours
from
C$219
per adult
Reserve
Vancouver Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour
1
Adventure Tours
from
C$60
per adult
Reserve

Day Trips

From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

Top Attractions in Vancouver

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.

1. Stanley Park

Parks

North America's third-largest park draws eight million visitors per year, many of whom may skate or walk past you on the Seawall, a scenic, 5.5-mile path running along the water on the park's perimeter. It's just one of many trails among the park's 1,000 acres, which also house an aquarium, nature center and other recreational facilities.

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2. Granville Island

Neighbourhoods

This large sandbar and former industrial site is now a posh, artsy neighborhood filled with quaint shops, eateries, breweries, and year-round arts and cultural festivals. Located in False Creek, it's famous for the Granville Island Public Market where you can get fresh produce, gourmet food, and artisanal handicrafts. Visit during summer when the island is exceptionally bustling with outdoor entertainment acts, or during the holidays for twinkling festive lights. You can get to Granville Island by car by crossing the Granville Bridge. Otherwise, you can also take a scenic ferry ride, or a walking or bike tour of the waterfront. – Tripadvisor

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3. Vancouver Aquarium

Aquariums

Discover over 65,000 amazing animals like rescued sea otters, sea lions, and other extraordinary aquatic species in the heart of Vancouver’s iconic Stanley Park. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty of Canada’s largest aquarium, featuring 120 world-class exhibits, thrilling 4D Theatre experiences, interactive displays, daily educational animal programs, 60+ years of marine mammal rescue stories, and so much more. From the enchanting waters of local Canadian habitats to the exotic wonders of the Amazon rainforest, learn about the incredible diversity of the animal kingdom around the world!

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4. VanDusen Botanical Garden

Gardens

Admission tickets from C$10

VanDusen Botanical Garden is a 55-acre oasis in the heart of Vancouver with over 7,500 plant species and varieties from around the world! Spot and photograph local wildlife, find your way through an Elizabethan hedge maze, unwind in a serene setting, dine on the patios of the Garden Café or Shaughnessy Restaurant, and browse the garden-themed gift shop. VanDusen has something for everyone to enjoy! The Garden's multi-award winning LEED Platinum Visitor Centre was named Most Sustainable Building of the Year in 2014. Shaped like an orchid when viewed from above, its organic lines echo the way nature and conservation have been considered at every turn.

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5. Vancouver Seawall

Geologic Formations

Seawall path winds through a scenic park, with a dedicated cycling lane and picturesque views of the sea and city skyline. Features tranquil spots for picnics and lookouts for panoramic vistas.

This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

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Ferries

The Aquabus's 13 vessels make stops up and down False Creek every 15 minutes or less -- so you never have to wait long for a ride. All of our routes are wheelchair accessible and bike-friendly. Hop aboard our iconic rainbow boats to enjoy the spectacular Vancouver skyline from a unique and impressive vantage point! The Aquabus is a family-owned business that has been providing ferry transportation in False Creek since 1986. With over 30 years of experience serving False Creek and the surrounding area, the Aquabus is an essential adventure for tourists and commuters alike. Let our friendly and knowledgeable skippers ferry you around Vancouver in comfort!

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7. Granville Island Public Market

Flea & Street Markets

Merchants and vendors from all over the area bring their wares here.

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8. Queen Elizabeth Park

Parks

Situated on Little Mountain - the highest point in Vancouver proper - this former rock quarry has been converted into a beautiful city park with flower gardens, public art, grassy knolls, and panoramic views over the city.

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9. Vancouver Downtown

Neighbourhoods

More residential than business.

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Neighbourhoods

The oldest commercial district in Vancouver, best known for its beautiful Victorian-style architecture.

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11. Canada Place

Convention Centres

Waterfront complex containing hotels, a cruise ship terminal and an IMAX theater.

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12. Museum of Anthropology

Art Galleries

Explore traditional and contemporary art from Northwest Coast First Nations and other cultures across the world. See magnificent Indigenous carvings, weavings and contemporary artworks in a spectacular building overlooking mountains and sea. Admire the world’s largest collection of works by acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid, including his famous cedar sculpture The Raven and the First Men. Explore the Museum’s Multiversity Galleries where more than 10,000 objects from around the world are displayed. Stroll the Museum Grounds, where monumental Haida houses, poles and Musqueam house posts capture the dramatic beauty of traditional Northwest Coast architecture and design. Enjoy a wide range of special exhibitions and public programs, including free guided gallery walks, and visit the MOA Shop. MOA is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam people.

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Other Top Attractions around Vancouver

Learn how recommendations for the rest of the page are selected

Nature and Wildlife Tours

City Tours

Half-day Tours

Bus Tours

Culinary Tours

Walking Tours

Full-day Tours

*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

Amanda Williamson
Milton, New Zealand10 contributions
All Round Experience
-Beautiful scenery: you will see Lion Gate's Bridge, Totem Poles, Lighthouse, Mountains and views of the park
-We walked around the who seawall, it was 9km but broke it up and was memorable
-We also stopped in at the Aquarium which was a cool experience
Review of: Stanley Park
Written April 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Amanda Williamson
Milton, New Zealand10 contributions
Beautiful Scenery
-Easy access to walk around
-Lots of beautiful scenery
-Make sure you walk into little shops, we almost missed a lot of wonderful little shops as advertising wasn't tha