Top 10: What to Do in Vancouver + Travel Hacks

The largest city in the state of British Columbia, and the third largest in Canada, Vancouver is a city with a fairly laid-back vibe, lots of things to do, and spectacular mountain scenery and views over the Pacific Ocean. With its rich history, culture, and natural beauty, the hardest part of visiting is narrowing down your itinerary. So, today at Civitatis, we’re going to tell you what to do in Vancouver, from the main landmarks in the city to day trips from the city and more. Let’s go!

1. Go for a Stroll in Stanley Park

Did you know that Vancouver is home to the largest urban park in the country? This nearly 1,000-acre (400-hectare) green oasis is located right in Vancouver’s Downtown and is in many ways the heart of the city. Stanley Park has been open since 1886 as the city’s first public park, and a large portion of the park remains forested, with over 500,000 trees scattered around the park, some of which tower 250 feet (76 meters) above the ground. The most famous of these trees is Stanley Park’s Hollow tree, a 700+-year-old Cedar stump with a massive hollow, making it a popular spot to take a photo! After a large windstorm damaged the tree in 2006, the park’s board considered felling the tree but a massive public response led to the tree being fitted with a metal frame to maintain its structural integrity.

The park is home to a wide variety of walking trails, like the Beaver Lake Trail, and the Lost Lagoon walk. You’ll also come across a variety of gardens, from the Rose Garden to the Ted and Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden.

The most famous landmark in the park, and in fact, one of the most popular landmarks in British Columbia, is the park’s First Nation Totem Poles. vibrant showcase of Indigenous artistry and cultural heritage. Carved by master craftsmen, each pole tells a unique story—rich with symbolism that reflects family lineages, spiritual beliefs, and a deep connection to nature. Over the years, these totem poles have been carefully preserved and restored, becoming one of British Columbia’s most iconic landmarks. Finish off your exploration of Stanley Park at Prospect Point, a lookout point on the northern end of the park.

See Stanley Park with an expert guide as part of this Vancouver free tour or Vancouver guided tour! Or, get your blood flowing on this Vancouver bike tour!

2. Check Out one of Vancouver’s Oldest Neighborhoods: Gastown

Another must in Vancouver is the Gastown neighborhood, considered the historic heart of the city and a National Historic Site. Accessible from the Waterfront Station, this neighborhood is packed with lively bars and trendy cafés as well as a wide selection of historical charms. Explore Gastown on foot on its lovely cobblestone streets, lined by gorgeous old lampposts and Victorian buildings. The most famous landmark in Gastown is its steam-powered clock, which hums the distinctive Westminster chime every 15 minutes!

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

See Gastown as part of this Vancouver free tour or Vancouver guided tour!

3. Visit Chinatown

Vancouver’s Chinatown is a fascinating part of the city, with its origins going back to the late 19th century when many Chinese laborers came to Canada to help build the Canadian Pacific Railway. Upon completion of the railway in 1885, many of these workers settled here, in what would become the city’s Chinatown. This is one of the most culturally diverse parts of the city, with plenty to discover. Indulge in the fantastic Chinese cuisine, which includes delights from tea shops to Chinese barbecues to cocktails. We recommend paying a visit to the urban oasis in the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, as well as the Sam Kee Building, the narrowest commercial building in the world, at just 4 feet 11 inches (1.5 meters) in width.

4. Have Lunch at the Granville Island Public Market

Next on our list is the vibrant Granville Island Public Market, an indoor haven brimming with farm-fresh produce and ocean-to-table delights. This market also features restaurants, bars, artists’ studios, and other curiosities to check out! If you decide to grab lunch here, you have plenty of options including great wholesome soups, Thai food, fish, and chips. Then, for dessert, grab yourself a ‘doughnut’! See the Public Market for yourself on this Vancouver guided tour.

5. Go on a Street Art Tour

Vancouver is also home to a vibrant arts scene, with colorful murals brightening up the city’s streets even on the greyer days. From big, colorful designs to intricate stenciling, many of these murals in the city tell stories of culture, history, and community. Explore the Downtown Eastside or Mount Pleasant to see the best murals, the latter of which you can discover on this coffee workshop + street art tour, or on this beer tasting + street art tour.

6. Grab a Ticket to Capilano Suspension Bridge

Perched in the heights north of Vancouver, Capilano Bridge Park is one of the most popular photo spots in the city. This iconic suspension bridge, which stands 230 feet (70 meters) in the sky and 700 feet (213 meters) in length, is covered by a rainforest canopy. Dating back to 1889, the Capilano Suspension Bridge was originally built by a Scottish engineer to cross Capilano’s First Canyon.

Buy a ticket to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park to feel the thrill of crossing the bridge for yourself. From the bridge, enjoy stunning views and watch out for the many gorgeous birds that circle the valley.

7. Try Poutine (and more) on a Food Tour in the City

Canada’s most famous culinary creation is undoubtedly poutine. This dish, which consists of french fries and cheese curds topped with a rich brown gravy originated in Quebec, though today it is celebrated as a national dish. Aside from poutine, Vancouver is also known for having some of the best sushi on the continent. On this Vancouver food tour, you can sample some local delicacies in various highly-rated eateries around Gastown, accompanied by a local guide.

8. Attend an NHL Ice Hockey Game at the Rogers Arena

One of our favorite things we did while in Vancouver was head to the Rogers Arena to see the Canucks play. Although Vancouver is Canada’s hottest city, ice hockey (referred to simply as ‘hockey’) is still a massively popular sport, and Vancouverites love the NHL and their team, the Canucks. Hockey is deeply ingrained in the city’s culture, and the hockey games are a lot of fun to attend, even if you’re not that interested in the sport itself. Simply enjoy the theatrics and the atmosphere. Grab a ticket for a Canucks NHL game at the Rogers Arena!

9. Kick Up Your Feet on the Beach

When you think of Canada, you probably don’t immediately think of going to the beach and enjoying the sun. However, this urban metropolis is surrounded by stunning nature, and that includes a wonderful coastline! Vancouver’s summer months are sunny but pretty mild, with temperatures mostly ranging between 65°F to 69°F (18°C to 21°C).

The most popular beach in the city is probably English Bay, which sits right off of Downtown Vancouver, making it a great place to go for an evening stroll. For a terrific sunset, head to Sunset Beach Park, where you can watch boats sail by as night falls. Locals love Wreck Beach, a large naturist beach with around 5 miles (8 kilometers) of beach, and absolutely stunning natural beauty.

10. Take a Day Trip Grouse Mountain

Make the most of the city’s mountainous surroundings on this Grouse Mountain day trip from Vancouver. This mountain is known as the Peak of Vancouver and attracts lots of visitors, tourists, and locals alike year-round. During the summer, people go hiking and use the mountain ziplines. In the winter, Grouse is a hotspot for skiing and snowboarding. Year-round, the mountain provides fantastic views from the peak, which is accessible via cable car.

More Day Trips from Vancouver

While there’s lots to see in Vancouver, there are also many more great day trips to take from the city. If you want to see another Canadian city, a day trip to Victoria is certainly doable. The capital of British Columbia, this historic city can easily be explored on foot, with all of the main attractions located around the Inner Harbour. See the parliament buildings and the famous Butchart Gardens, a definite highlight of the city.

Check out some day trip options with Civitatis below:

• Day trip to Victoria from Vancouver
• Seaplane excursion from Vancouver
• Rafting on the River Elaho from Vancouver

Vancouver: What You Need to Know

A brief history

For thousands of years, the land known as Vancouver was home to indigenous peoples, whose deep, enduring heritage. In 1792, George Vancouver, a British explorer claimed these lands on behalf of Great Britain. However, it wasn’t until 1860 when European settlers began to settle in Vancouver, for its resource-rich land. Later, such events as the building of the first railway line, the opening of the iconic Hotel Vancouver, and the establishment of the University of British Columbia all played a role in transforming Vancouver into the vibrant, modern city we know today.

Is Vancouver worth visiting?

Not only is Vancouver ‘worth visiting’, but it’s also one of our favorite cities to visit in Canada. A vibrant, clean city, with rich culture and lots of beautiful parks… this west-coast Canadian city is also surrounded by water and mountain views. Not convinced? Read on to see some of our favorite things to do in the city and why you’ll love it too!

When is the best time to Visit Vancouver?

The ideal time to explore Vancouver really depends on your interests. Summer, from June through September, is a favorite for many visitors, thanks to the warm, sunny weather that’s perfect for outdoor activities—from cycling along the seawall to enjoying the city’s many festivals and outdoor markets. If you prefer a quieter experience with milder weather, consider visiting in the spring (April to May) or fall (October to November), when the city is less crowded and you can still enjoy beautiful scenery.

Where to stay in Vancouver

Downtown Vancouver. Especially if this is your first time visiting the city, Downtown Vancouver is easy to get to from the airport, and a fantastic base for exploring the rest of the city. You’ll be within walking distance or on a public transport line to almost every tourist attraction. It’s also home to a fantastic selection of hotels. For food, Downtown has every major chain restaurant you can dream of, but most of the great eateries are in other districts of the city.

Do I need a SIM card when visiting Vancouver?

If you’re traveling to Vancouver from outside of Canada, you’ll want to look into an eSIM, the easiest way to stay connected while you travel. The advantage of an eSIM is that you don’t need to pick up a physical card, you can access the eSIM by following the instructions you’ll receive in your email after your purchase. Check out this eSIM Card for Canada from Civitatis.

There you have it! Those are our top picks for what to do in Vancouver. This city is sure to impress, with so much to do and see, with such beautiful surrounding nature. If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy the city, check out more tours & experiences in Vancouver with Civitatis!