Vancouver: what's actually worth it
In 1886, a great fire razed the original settlement, forcing residents to rebuild with brick and steel, laying the sturdy foundation for today’s skyline. Yet, despite this industrial rebirth, the city retains a quiet, rain-soaked humility that feels more like a sanctuary than a metropolis. You will find it is less about rushing through attractions and more about savoring slow mornings in Stanley Park, where mist clings to ancient cedars while the harbor whispers stories of resilience and serene coastal life.
Top things to do in Vancouver
Stanley Park
Park · ★ 4.8 (49,057 reviews)
Vancouver's largest urban park has beaches, trails & family attractions, plus a picturesque seawall.
Check tours & tickets →Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.6 (37,781 reviews)
Built in 1889, this 137m-long treetop bridge offers scenic views of the forest below.
Check tours & tickets →Gastown Steam Clock
Historical Landmark · ★ 4.5 (28,260 reviews)
Built in 1977, this well-known, antique-style clock is powered by steam & whistles to tell the time.
Check tours & tickets →Queen Elizabeth Park
Park · ★ 4.7 (15,388 reviews)
Urban landmark on a hill featuring manicured gardens, a conservatory, sculptures & sports courts.
Check tours & tickets →Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.8 (12,178 reviews)
Scenic canyon with a suspension bridge in a 617-acre forest with hiking trails & swimming holes.
Check tours & tickets →VanDusen Botanical Garden
Botanical Garden · ★ 4.7 (13,715 reviews)
Space with ever-changing greenery, flowers & art installations plus fine dining & a casual cafe.
Check tours & tickets →Grouse Mountain
Ski Resort · ★ 4.6 (16,721 reviews)
1,200-metre mountain offering activities such as skiing & hiking plus sweeping views of Vancouver.
Check tours & tickets →Sea to Sky Gondola
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.7 (12,889 reviews)
Dramatic gondola over Howe Sound, plus cafes, hiking trails, lodges & a suspension bridge.
Check tours & tickets →Science World
Museum · ★ 4.5 (16,177 reviews)
Interactive science displays & films for kids from toddlers to early teens, inside a geodesic dome.
Check tours & tickets →Vancouver Aquarium
Aquarium · ★ 4.5 (12,429 reviews)
Popular kid-friendly attraction showcases local & exotic aquatic life with a focus on conservation.
Check tours & tickets →Where to eat
JOEY Burrard
Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (11,790 reviews)
Snazzy chain outpost known for frozen cocktails offering an eclectic menu from sushi to steak.
Website →Earls Kitchen + Bar
Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (9,740 reviews)
Sleek, upscale chain serving gourmet burgers, global comfort food, cocktails, wines & beers.
Website →iDen & Quanjude Beijing Duck House
Chinese Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (9,369 reviews)
Acclaimed Chinese eatery offering elevated cuisine & a robust wine list in an airy, elegant setting.
Website →Glowbal
Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (10,214 reviews)
Global fare & lots of cocktails served in a glitzy, sprawling space with a long, sleek bar.
Website →Miku Vancouver
Sushi Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (8,347 reviews)
Sushi & sustainable seafood are served in a sophisticated setting with a patio & water views.
Website →Coast
Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (6,637 reviews)
Upmarket bi-level eatery serving West Coast seafood, with a huge circular oyster bar & cocktails.
Website →Cardero's Restaurant
Seafood Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (7,228 reviews)
Seafood, burgers & classic comfort dishes on expansive marina-side patio plus weekend brunch.
Website →Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
Seafood Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (8,704 reviews)
Vibrant, booth-lined dining room for seafood & steak, with a popular oyster bar & rooftop patio.
Website →Tours worth booking ahead
Granville Island Public Market
Market · ★ 4.6 (24,950 reviews)
Popular indoor market with restaurants, bars & cafes, plus gourmet food stalls & artisan boutiques.
Check tours & tickets →Toonie Tours Vancouver | Free Walking Tours, Private Tours, Bike Tours, Art, Beer & Coffee Tours
point_of_interest, establishment · ★ 4.9 (2,730 reviews)
Check tours & tickets →Prince of Whales - Whale & Marine Wildlife Adventures Vancouver
Tour Agency · ★ 4.8 (2,349 reviews)
Check tours & tickets →Get outside
Whytecliff Park | West Vancouver
Park · ★ 4.8 (3,744 reviews)
Rocky swimming beach & popular scuba diving spot featuring walking trails, a cafe & mountain views.
Website →Cates Park/Whey-ah-Wichen
Park · ★ 4.6 (2,267 reviews)
Seaside trails with totem poles alongside tennis courts, playgrounds & a picnic area.
Website →Pacific Spirit Regional Park
Park · ★ 4.7 (1,815 reviews)
Dog-friendly park offering 73km of trails amid old-growth trees & a bog with interpretive boardwalk.
Website →Deep Cove Park
Park · ★ 4.7 (1,763 reviews)
Website →Quarry Rock
Hiking Area · ★ 4.6 (1,233 reviews)
Serene hiking spot with waterfalls & moderate trails, plus panoramic water views.
Website →After dark
Steamworks Brewpub
Brewpub · ★ 4.4 (8,104 reviews)
Cheery microbrewery serving its house beers with diverse pub grub including steaks, pizza & chili.
Website →Score on Davie
Pub · ★ 4.4 (3,041 reviews)
Neighbourhood hangout serving Canadian pub fare, local wines & tap craft beers plus weekend brunch.
Website →Guilt & Co
Bar · ★ 4.5 (2,349 reviews)
Dark, intimate space for cocktails, nibbles & a stage for live performances.
Website →The Shameful Tiki Room
Cocktail Bar · ★ 4.5 (2,141 reviews)
Lively haunt with a tropical vibe offering Polynesian-inspired food, exotic cocktails & live music.
Website →More guides
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