Things to do

21 Exclusive Things To Do In Vancouver, Canada

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Vancouver is one of the cities that can be considered perfect since it successfully combines natural landscapes and a serene environment. This city is so blessed with beauty but not just beauty, it has character too.

The city has a great culture and awesome food, its people are welcoming friendly and safe. Moreover, here you can take a tramp through the trees, walk down the street, ride on bicycles, shop, and taste their global hit cuisine.

Alright, if you are going to Vancouver, here are 21 things to do in Vancouver that will guarantee you a memorable trip:

1. Roam Around Stanley Park

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Those who want to spend time in the surrounding nature should definitely visit Stanley Park. This 1,000-acre park comprises forests, gardens, and trails for jogging and walking.

You can rent a bike and ride along the Vancouver Seawall, the longest waterfront pavement in the world. It also contains features such as the Brockton Point Totem Poles and horsecars, particularly horse-drawn carriages.

Do not leave without seeing the picturesque Prospect Point providing a view of Lion's Gate Bridge. This is one of the popular things to do in Vancouver BC if you are a nature lover.

2. Visit The Granville Island

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Granville Island is popularly known for its arts, food, and cultural experience as well. In this area, there are many small-scale artisan studios, specialist boutiques, theatres, and art galleries.

For lovers of food, Granville Island Public Market will be a worthy attraction since you will find fresh produce, food, and handmade goods.

If you have children with you, do spare time and go to the Kids Market while those who want to dine with an amazing view of False Creek can do so easily.

3. Watch Marine Creatures At Vancouver Aquarium

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Located within Stanley Park in Vancouver, the Vancouver Aquarium offers the underwater experience of the ocean. With over 65000 water creatures, it is good for kids and adults irrespective of their age.

Here you can enjoy seeing otters, stunning jellyfish, and amazing sea lions. Many of the exhibits are touch-activated and most of the programmes that are presented daily are informative and entertaining.

You can actually have fun when you visit, while at the same time contributing towards important marine wildlife conservation and rescue. We also recommend you book the ticket from their official website beforehand.

4. Experience Whale Watching

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British Columbia boasts of various water animals such as orcas, humpbacks, seals, and dolphins. Not only that a dead great white shark was even found off Haida Gwaii recently. 

From Granville Island, you can take a whale-watching tour on either a catamaran owned by Prince of Whales or Wild Whales and be part of an eco-friendly conservation tour.

Get an educative and entertaining session on whales and marine conservation as you experience the best of Vancouver’s water bodies. So, don't miss out on this thrilling activity while you are in this beautiful city of British Columbia.

5. Roam Around The Richmond Night Market

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This is the largest night market in North America and is open at weekends and on holiday evenings from May to October.

The Richmond Night Market will offer more than 600 international food items including grilled squid, pho fries, gyozas, roti mac and cheese, nitrogen ice cream at the food courts, and more than 100 gifts and accessories stalls.

It has games, live music, entertainment, and of course many people to interact with and beautiful skylines to conquer. Moreover, the five-admission Zoom Pass allows bypassing the line, getting into the line up with someone sweet, and sharing the costs of admission.

6. Explore The VanDusen Botanical Garden

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This spectacular garden occupies 55 acres and has themed areas such as the Japanese Garden, which is quiet, and the Elizabethan Maze, which is more playful.

One of its popular attractions is the Festival of Lights which is celebrated during the winter. It is a quiet place where a visitor can observe numerous species of plants, flowers, and sculptures.

Remember to take your camera with you to capture the stunning views and listen and partake in educational gardening classes for gardening lovers.

7. Learn About Art And Artifacts At Museum of Anthropology

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This is yet another fun thing to do in Vancouver CA where you take your kids along with you. The Museum of Anthropology is at the University of British Columbia and specializes in Indigenous art and artifacts.

They include gigantic statues of governors like Colter and Limbert, detailed carvings, and today's indigenous artworks. If you are taking a guided tour there is a better opportunity to receive more information about the First Nations culture and history in Canada.

It is a feast both culturally and visually, thanks to its great design and nice views of the surrounding territory.

8. Discover Vancouver Downtown

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Discover the heart of the city where new and tall buildings meet house shops and markets today.

On Robson Street there are many shops and expensive restaurants; the Vancouver Art Gallery exhibits paintings from Canadian and world contemporary art. It also faced numerous waterfront sides such as Canada Place and Coal Harbour regions.

So, if you are looking for things to do in downtown Vancouver then do not miss the opportunity to have an exciting trip at night to clubs, discos, pubs, and other entertainment establishments that offer parties with live music.

9. Ride The Aquabus

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Riding the Aquabus is also one of the fun stuff to do in Vancouver, this activity is perfect to go with friends as well as family. The Aquabus ferries are like bright little toys and are an entertaining means of transport in False Creek.

These small boats link different attractions such as Granville Island, Science World and Yaletown among others. The AquaBus provides an attractive mode of transport by providing a practical as well as an aesthetic viewpoint of the city's skyline and the waterfront. 

Therefore, this is the best choice for families and tourists who wish to experience a different Vancouver.

10. Ziplining At Grouse Mountain

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Popular by its name, the Peak of Vancouver, Grouse Mountain, is the place where people can practice outdoor activities all year round. 

It offers a lot of fun activities starting from hiking and ziplining in the summer to skating and snowshoeing in the winter; lumberjack shows grizzly bear visits in between. 

For the daredevils, the Grouse Grind is a 2,830-step climb through a 1.8-mile trail up the mountain’s 2,800 feet. Or just take the gondola up for an incredibly beautiful view of the city and the sea.

11. Enjoy Your Time At Queen Elizabeth Park

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Queen Elizabeth Park is an urban park built on a hill that provides visitors with excellent vantage views of Vancouver and other neighboring hills.

This park has well-maintained landscapes such as the Quarry Garden and also the Arboretum. The Centennial is surrounded by the driving pavilion of mixed and tropical birds and plants known as Bloedel Conservatory. 

It also has a restaurant for tourists where they can have their lunch or dinner at the specialized restaurant called Seasons in the Park which is also famous for its great food and superb view.

12. Stop By The Canada Place

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Canada Place is, indeed a special facility that hosts a unique Speciality building with the shape of a ship sail. It also contains event and exhibition spaces and the Flyover Canada which is an innovative flight ride with an Incredible glimpse of the most beautiful regions of Canada. 

Canada Place is also an important terminal for sailing to and from Alaska. To watch the harbor view and the North Shore Mountains, or to get a glimpse of the aircraft flying through the seaplane, one can simply walk at the promenade.

Do not leave the theater without seeing the light effects that are projected on the sails in the evening.

13. Admire The City Beauty At Vancouver Lookout

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The Vancouver Lookout is situated 553 feet above ground giving one an impressive view of the town of Vancouver. Nestled in the middle of downtown this observation deck opens especially panoramic views of the city’s skyline, mountains, and the ocean. 

Tickets are used for a particular day and it can be used whenever the view during the day or at night is preferred. It is actually one of the best ways to orient oneself and enjoy the wonderful view of the city.

14. Take Your Kids To The Science World

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Science World is a fun science center that is contained in a geodesic dome and is a great place to visit for science enthusiasts of all ages. This interactive science center features hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, and an OMNIMAX theatre.

They cover areas of interest such as physical and life earth science and human body knowledge, thus combining knowledge and fun. The kids will especially enjoy the Kids Zone, while special exhibits will guarantee you have not seen everything before.

The science center is located along False Creek; added to this, Science World has attractive outdoor features and a good location.

15. Spend Time At Kitsilano Beach

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Also locally referred to as Kits Beach, it is an ideal location for sunbathing, swimming, and even beach volleyball. The beach is surrounded by a skyline view of the city and mountains thus it attracts citizens and tourists.

Close by, is Kits Pool, which is the longest outdoor pool in Canada and it is a heated saltwater pool. Kitsilano Beach is also surrounded by good restaurants, cafes as well as fashion boutiques, hence, a vantage point if one has a whole day to spend.

16. Relax By The Water At English Bay

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English Bay is a popular neighborhood in Vancouver providing a view of its prominent beach, versatile street performance, and firmness. It should be noted that this area is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding or just lounging near the lake.

The area comes alive during the annual Celebration of Light, a spectacular international fireworks competition held in the summer. Being close to numerous cafes and restaurants English Bay is an excellent choice for having a sunset dinner right on the water.

17. Learn History At Brockton Point Totem Pole

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This is cultural and historical art located in Stanley Park; it is known as the Brockton Point Totems. These are beautifully elaborated poles that symbolize the art and themes of the indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest.

Every totem has an informational plaque with information about its creation and purpose so that the guests can learn about Indigenous Canadian culture. The environment is equally scenic from where one can have a good view of the harbor, and the mountains and also take photographs.

18. Take Pictures At Steam Clock

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The Gastown Steam Clock is one of the landmarks of Vancouver which will certainly draw people's attention to its uniqueness and correlate with the use of a specific style.

Constructed in 1977, the clock is steam-operated, and apart from displaying the correct time, at fifteen-minute intervals, it blows a cute cloud of steam. 

It is one of only two that continue to operate and is a notable reminder of Gastown’s old-world look with a new-world innovation. Located right in the thick of cafes and shops, it has become a prime area to take photographs and take a short coffee break.

19. Visit Bloedel Conservatory

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The Bloedel Conservatory is home to exotic plants and flowers with bird-colored feathers and a very warm climate. Currently situated inside a commercial space, this garden offers a welcome, tropical respite no matter the season, but in particular during the detested rainy Vancouver winter. 

Travelers can walk through Exhibits like Rainforest and Desert and watch parrots, finches as well as other birds in their natural environment. It is a peaceful place and extremely popular among those interested in taking a peaceful and family-friendly walk.

20. Unwind At Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

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A very restful spot in one of the world’s most vibrant cities, Vancouver, this is actually the first classical Chinese garden ever to be constructed outside China.

Originated and built in compliance with oriental traditions and local resources, it encompasses a maze-like trail system, several blazed galleries, and a koi pond. 

In the main aspects, the garden can be described as a quiet and private area that allows people to free their minds from the noise of the city.

There are so many cultural, philosophical, and architectural guides about Chinese culture. What a great opportunity to get lost in beauty and history!

21. Dive Deep Into The Museum Of Vancouver

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The Museum of Vancouver offers a great insight into Vancouver's pre-history, history, and future. Permanent collections include Indigenous material and European colonization as well as modernist art and design.

Some are the neon signs and the growth of Vancouver as a modern city amongst other things. This means that museums are not boring places to visit because they have; interactive displays and creative displays. 

Situated along the waterfront near Vanier Park the museum has great scenery and other attractions such as Kitsilano Beach nearby.