Vancouver is jam-packed with exciting things to see and do. With its mountains, beaches, parks, gardens, culture, and art, Vancouver is filled with every kind of tourist attraction. Visitors can enjoy historic sites, ancient works of art, glorious flowers, and majestic mountain views. You could never get bored in this city with its many kid-friendly attractions, shopping destinations, and delectable restaurants and lounges. Check out these top attractions in Vancouver.
Canada Place
Canada Place welcomes thousands of people throughout the year and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Vancouver. It features a port for cruise ships to dock, the Vancouver Convention Centre, the Pan Pacific Hotel, and Vancouver’s World Trade Centre. Visitors can tour around this beautiful architectural wonder that makes Vancouver’s waterfront shine, buy Canadian souvenirs while they explore, or take a virtual ride across Canada on the FlyOver Canada experience.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
If you aren’t afraid of heights then the Capilano Suspension Bridge will blow you away. At 230 feet in the air, this bridge is suspended over the Capilano River. The bridge itself is 460 feet long but the 27 acre park also features many other attractions to keep you busy all day. Brave the Cliffwalk along the Capilano Canyon, get a squirrel’s eye view from the Treetops Adventure experience, snap some photos in the Totem Park, or grab a bite at the Cliff House Restaurant. Originally built in 1889 but replaced and rebuilt multiple times since, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is a long-time favorite for many tourists and locals alike.
Vancouver Lookout
If you want to see the city of Vancouver in all its sprawling splendor, the Vancouver Lookout at the Harbour Centre is the place to go. The lookout offers a 360° view of the city of Vancouver, the Pacific Ocean, and the magnificent mountain ranges that grace the Vancouver skyline. You can see this all from 553 feet above street level. If the breathtaking views of Vancouver put you in the mood for some food, the Top of Vancouver revolving restaurant offers fine dining options or there is a food court available in the Harbour Center Mall.
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Built in 1986, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is the first Chinese garden built outside of China. Its covered walkways and breathtaking pavilions make this garden a beautiful attraction to visit any time of the year. The ponds, koi fish, and traditional Chinese architecture will transport you to another realm as you stroll though this magical garden. Be sure to visit the Eight Treasures gift shop for unique collectibles and artisanal souvenirs once you’ve completed your tour of the exotic Chinese gardens.
Chinatown
Vancouver’s Chinatown ranks as one of the biggest in North America. Filled with little shops, Chinese medicines, traditional markets, and exotic imports, this community welcomes visitors from all around the world. Visitors can purchase souvenirs, fresh fruit and vegetables, and curious trinkets as they browse the shops. Stop into one of the restaurants and try some dim sum or grab a sweet treat from one of the Asian bakeries. Special events and festivities happen on a regular basis so be sure to check their calendar to see if your visit coincides with anything you wouldn’t want to miss.
Vancouver Aquarium
Situated among the luscious greenery of Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium is home to over 50,000 animals and over 30 exhibits. Perfect for families, this attraction is a favorite for kids and adults alike. Visitors can get acquainted with sea turtles, dolphins, sea lions, and sea otters then go for lunch at the Oceanwise Café or the Courtyard Café. Stop in at the gift shop for some aquatic themed souvenirs and know that your purchase helps fund the aquarium’s education, conservation, and research initiatives.
Stanley Park
With 1000 acres of land, this gem of Vancouver is a beautiful and exotic forest that stretches out from the West End into the Pacific Ocean. Built in 1888, Stanley Park is filled with sparkling lagoons, Douglas fir trees, colourful flowers, and countless trails for visitors to walk through. You will see totem poles, open air displays, a gift shop, the Vancouver Aquarium, miniature train tours, and natural wildlife. There aren’t any bears, but you might get to see the Canadian beaver, squirrels, swans, bald eagles, raccoons, and other critters who call the park their home. Once you get hungry you can head to the Prospect Point Bar & Grill for a bite to eat.
Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain is located just 15 minutes out of the city area. You can take the SkyRide gondola that will elevate you 2800 feet up from the Lower Terminal to the Peak Chalet. If you’d rather challenge yourself, climb the 2.9 kilometer trail of the Grouse Grind to its summit. It’s steep, so watch your step! At the top, you can dine at The Observatory and take in the fabulous views of the city below or grab a cocktail at the SkyDeck lounge. If you want to spend some time exploring there are plenty of attractions on the mountain, including the Theatre in the Sky, the Lumberjack Show, the Mountain Ropes Adventure, and the Wildlife Refuge. It’s easy to spend the entire day discovering everything this popular attraction has to offer.
English Bay Beach
Known as one of the hottest places to engage in some people watching, English Bay beach attracts tourists all year long. It’s a great place to suntan in the summer months or watch sunsets throughout the entire year. Visitors can take a stroll along the seawall, grab an ice cream, or play some beach side basketball and volleyball. English Bay is also home to the Celebration of Light firework festival which attracts thousands of people from all over the world every year.
Granville Island
Granville Island is a small peninsula that is completely loaded with all the shopping, entertainment, and incredible food any visitor could ever hope for. You can enjoy live music, fresh seafood, antique shops, craft stores, and incredible views from this little city within a city. Explore the massive Public Market and browse its rows upon rows of stalls selling wares from every type of vendor. You can also take a tour at the Granville Island Brewery or explore the two storied Kids Market with your little ones.
Vancouver is a hub of culture, diversity, and beauty. It offers such a wide range of art, history, and entertainment that you can’t help but be awed as you tour through this magnificent city. Whether it’s nature you’re looking for, the vibrant pulse of the city’s nightlife, or exciting experiences the whole family can enjoy, Vancouver has a little bit of something for everyone.
