Vancouver Sights: What to Visit

Vancouver has quickly become one of the most cosmopolitan and ethnically diverse cities in Canada. Art galleries, nightclubs, restaurants of all kinds… If you are one of those people who likes the sea as much as the mountain, Vancouver is the perfect city for you. Bordered by towering peaks and a wild coastline, this city in British Columbia offers museums, hiking trails, whale watching… and much more. Ready to dive in? From Civitatis, the best Vancouver sights!

A short history

For thousands of years this land belonged to the native peoples until, in 1792, George Vancouver claimed these lands on behalf of Great Britain, in the process giving it the name that we all know today. But it was a Spaniard who first discovered what is now British Columbia: just a year before, José María Narváez arrived by sea to these distant lands, but decided not to settle.

From that moment, rumours of a new land full of possibilities spread across Britain, meaning that the first settlers arrived in 1860 in search of a new life.

The construction of the first railway, the emblematic Hotel Vancouver or the inauguration of the University of British Columbia, were just some of the milestones on the path to the prosperous Vancouver of today.

The old Gastown neighbourhood

One of the Vancouver sights you simply cannot miss is the Gastown neighborhood, one of the oldest in the entire city.

Among the attractions in this area are peculiar steam clock and traditional Victorian-style houses. Looking to learn more about one of the most emblematic neighbourhoods in the city? In that case, perhaps take a guided tour of Vancouver. The best way to get to know the city!

Stanley Park

Did you know that Vancouver is home to the largest urban park in the entire country? Almost as iconic as the famous Central Park in New York, Stanley Park is a Canadian equivalent!

Extending over 400 hectares this park, built in honour of the Governor and Freemason Count Frederick Arthur Stanley, is has lakes, beautiful paths for walking and endless spaces to enjoy a picnic.

Chinatown

We’ve already spoken about the diversity in the city, but now we want to give a special mention to the Chinese population.

This neighbourhood is one of the oldest Chinatowns in all of North America and is the perfect opportunity to discover its culture, its peculiar architecture and, of course, its delicious food! Take a walk through this fascinating place, and discover the multiculturalism of modern Vancouver!

Capilano Bridge Park

You will find this park in the heights north of Vancouver. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the stunning nature of British Columbia, Capilano Bridge Park is the perfect option Walk among the treetops on this suspension bridge and enjoy spectacular views of the Capilano River 70 metres below.

Vancouver Police Museum

Vancouver is full of interesting museums, but if you’re looking for something totally different, we recommend the Vancouver Police Museum. A surprise around every corner!

Housed in the old morgue where the autopsies of murder victims were once performed, this museum has a large collection of confiscated weapons, counterfeit coins, and tales of the most heinous crimes that rocked the city…

Kitsilano Beach

If you think of Canada it’s probably not the beach you have in mind, but if you visit the city during the summer months, we highly recommend that you spend a day visiting the spectacular Kitsilano Beach. The best in all of Vancouver!

This place is a favourite among locals looking to enjoy the sun, practice sports and, of course, take a refreshing dip! And of course, the sunset from this beach is quite a spectacle.

What to eat in Vancouver

Thanks to its great cultural diversity, Vancouver has one of the most varied gastronomic offerings in Canada, on a par with Toronto. Among the most typical dishes that you simply cannot miss during your visit to the Canadian city is the famous poutine, a dish made from fries, meat and melted cheese. Sounds good right? Careful, it’s addictive!

And we recommend that you try other typical recipes such as tourtière or peameal bacon. You can taste some of them with this food tour of Vancouver. Mouth watering!

One last Vancouver sight you simply can’t miss: if you pass through the city during the warmer months (May to October) you should stop by the Richmond night market. A place where you can get lost among endless food stalls of all kinds!