Many people who come to Vancouver ask us: "What can't I miss when I visit Vancouver?"
To answer that question (and others), we put together our "Top 20" list: the twenty attractions you can't miss when visiting Vancouver.
Some attractions are located in North Vancouver and West Vancouver, but since they're close to the city's central area, we've included them here too — so you get the complete list of everything worth seeing.
1. Stanley Park
Located in central Vancouver, this 1,001-acre municipal park is 10% larger than Central Park in New York. Main attractions inside the park:
- Totem Pole Plaza
- Walking, rollerblading, or biking the Seawall (the waterside path that runs around the entire park)
- The Lighthouse (with a beautiful view of the north side)
- Siwash Rock
- Passing underneath the Lions Gate Bridge
- Prospect Point (an incredible view of West Vancouver and the Lions Gate Bridge)
- Hollow Tree
- Lost Lagoon
- Beaver Lake
- The Rose Garden
2. English Bay
This is where the fireworks competition takes place in the last week of July / first week of August. It's also where the "Polar Bear Swim" happens, when people plunge into the icy water on the first day of the year (winter here).
What to see at English Bay, beyond the attractions above (if you're here on the right dates):
- The sunset (wonderful). Sit on the sand and lean against one of the driftwood logs, already positioned for the best possible view
- A-maze-ing Laughter — 14 bronze sculptures of a shirtless laughing man in different poses. They're patinated bronze, stand 2.59m tall, and each weighs 250kg. Created by Chinese artist Yue Minjun
- Inuksuk — a figure made of stacked stones, a symbol of our 2010 Winter Olympics
3. Granville Island
Called an "island," it's actually a peninsula. A very lively place, especially on sunny weekends. What to see:
- The Public Market: fruits, vegetables, meats, and fish produced in the region. A great place to buy authentic maple syrup, smoked salmon, poutine, and regional chocolate
- Granville Island Brewery: a craft brewery with daily tours, where you learn about how beer is made and sample various flavors
- The Giants: a work by Brazilian artists "Os Gêmeos" — admire it, photograph it, and feel proud to be Brazilian
- The Broom Factory: handmade brooms in every style and size, crafted right there, with the artisan working in front of you
- The Glass Factory: watch the glassblowing process live
- Lobster Man: tanks with live lobsters, giant crabs, mussels, and scallops for sale — great if your Airbnb has a kitchen
- The Kids Market: a massive toy store right across from the brewery
4. Chinatown
One of the largest Chinatowns in North America, Vancouver's Chinatown dates back to the late 1800s. Vibrant colors, exotic goods, affordable souvenirs, and excellent food options. Main attractions:
- Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden — the first classical Chinese garden built outside China
- Millennium Gate
- Sam Kee Building — the narrowest commercial building in the world, less than 2 meters wide
5. Gastown
The neighborhood where Vancouver began. One of the most charming spots in the city, with a European feel, excellent restaurants, fashion and decor shops, and art galleries. Don't miss:
- The statue of Gassy Jack (who gave the neighborhood its name)
- Maple Tree Square
- The Steam Clock
6. Downtown
The "heart" of the city, where you can walk safely at any hour of the day or night. What you shouldn't miss (if you have time, go inside the attractions; if you're short on time, at least enjoy the facades):
- Canada Place — from May to October you'll also see cruise ships docked here; during peak season we can get up to 4 ships a day
- FlyOver Canada — a 4D-feel simulator that takes you on a journey across Canada, from the east coast to the west
- Vancouver Convention Centre — a world-award-winning facility for architecture and sustainability, hosting conferences and expos year-round
- Marine Building — a masterpiece of Art Deco style
- Vancouver Art Gallery — a former courthouse, now an art gallery that has hosted exhibitions by Monet, Picasso, and Leonardo da Vinci, plus an important collection of Canadian artists like Emily Carr
- Shangri-La Hotel (62 floors, 201m) and Trump Tower (63 floors, 187.8m) — "neighbors" on West Georgia Street, the tallest buildings in the city
- BC Place — a football stadium with a retractable roof, home to the BC Lions and Vancouver Whitecaps, and a venue for major concerts (we've had U2, Coldplay, and others)
- Rogers Arena — home of our local hockey team, the Canucks; worth checking if there's a game scheduled during your trip dates. It also hosts concerts (we've had Lady Gaga, Elton John, and others)
- Vancouver Public Library — a public library shaped like the Colosseum
- Waterfront Station — the terminal station for the SkyTrain and the SeaBus (which connects Vancouver to North Vancouver), with a heliport for scenic flights and neoclassical architecture
- Christ Church Cathedral — an Anglican cathedral with beautiful stained glass
- Granville Street — the liveliest street in the city after dark, with neon lights and Deco architecture
7. Queen Elizabeth Park
The highest point in the city, with stunning landscaping and free admission. In spring, the cherry blossom display draws visitors from all over the world; in fall, the park takes on indescribable colors. The view of Vancouver and the mountains to the north is also breathtaking. For those with a bit more budget, the restaurant inside the park ("Seasons in the Park") is a great choice for Pacific coast cuisine with this view.
8. Capilano Suspension Bridge
Rainforest, waterfalls, and a suspension bridge (it sways but doesn't fall) stretching 137 meters and hanging 70 meters above the Capilano River. While you're there, don't miss the Treetops Adventure (a walkway through elevated platforms high in the trees) and the Cliffwalk Adventure (a walkway anchored to the cliffside, with glass floor sections). Pure adrenaline!
9. Grouse Mountain
A mountain open year-round. In summer you can see two grizzly bears and outdoor shows; in winter you can ski, snowshoe, or simply sit at the restaurant and take in the view and the people out on the slopes.
10. Museum of Anthropology
Part of UBC (University of British Columbia), it holds one of the most important collections of First Nations art in the world, along with stunning contemporary architecture and a vast collection of totem poles, canoes, ceremonial masks, and clothing. The museum also has galleries with significant collections of European porcelain. It's worth pairing your visit with a walk through the university campus and a stop at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum (with a giant whale skeleton!).
11. VanDusen Botanical Garden
For anyone who doesn't have time to visit Vancouver Island's Butchart Gardens, VanDusen Botanical Garden offers a fantastic experience — many people actually prefer it, finding it more "natural." In December the gardens get an extra treat: thousands of colorful lights and holiday music.
12. Kitsilano
This is where Greenpeace was born. A super charming neighborhood, with excellent parks, gorgeous beaches, a fantastic public pool, and the city's best little bars, cozy restaurants, and ice cream shops.
13. Vancouver Lookout
On days without rain or fog, don't miss the view of Vancouver from above — plus the view of Mount Baker, a mountain located in the United States but close enough to the border to be admired from here. There's also a rotating restaurant at the top.
14. Yaletown
The best place in the city for a later dinner (although here, "dinner" always happens pretty early... and "a little later" means something like 8:30pm). It's a trendy area, with interesting boutiques, award-winning hair salons, plenty of beautifully decorated bars, and lots of young professionals enjoying the night, especially during happy hour.
15. Vancouver Aquarium
An attraction for all ages, and easy to pair with a visit to Stanley Park, since it's located inside the park.
16. Science World
A chance to have fun while learning! If you're traveling with kids age 3 or older, this attraction should be at the top of your list.
17. Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
Another suspension bridge, located inside a wonderful park. Free admission.
18. Lighthouse Park
"Lighthouse Park" is located in West Vancouver. It has several trails (some quite easy, where you can even push a stroller, and others more challenging). Beautiful views and great photos guaranteed.
19. Olympic Village
See where the athletes stayed during the Winter Olympics. Besides having fantastic views of False Creek, downtown, BC Place, and Science World, it has excellent breweries and is always a lively spot.
20. Lonsdale Quay
You can visit this part of North Vancouver on a "mini cruise" that costs very little: hop on the SeaBus at Waterfront Station and in 12 minutes you'll be in Lonsdale. You'll enjoy a wonderful view, both of North Vancouver and of central Vancouver on the way back. While in Lonsdale, be sure to visit the new Polygon Gallery, an art gallery focused on photography and new media.
Now that you know Vancouver's main tourist attractions, it's time to plan your trip! Message me on WhatsApp and let's put together the perfect itinerary for you to experience them all.