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Things to do in Vancouver

Enjoying adventurous activities doesn't always have to mean missing out on city life. Not in Vancouver, anyway.

Our most recommended things to do in Vancouver

Vancouver, BC: Whale Watching Tour

1. Vancouver, BC: Whale Watching Tour

Experience the awe and inspiration of seeing whales in their natural environment on this unique whale-watching excursion from Vancouver. Get the chance to spot orcas, humpback, minke, and gray whales, as well as porpoises and seals. Depart from Granville Island in downtown Vancouver on a high-speed, custom-built, luxury catamaran that takes you on a fully-guided whale watching and marine wildlife tour. As you set out from Vancouver, choose whether you want to stay inside the heated cabin or head outside and pick from 3 different viewing areas on 2 levels that are perfect for photography. Marvel at the beauty of the Strait of Georgia on this outdoor adventure. As you sail, learn about the history of the area and the local marine wildlife from your knowledgeable crew. Immerse yourself completely in this incredible experience while we take free high-resolution photos of the wildlife, yourself, and your loved ones! It is the quintessential whale-watching experience for every adventurer. Select the half-day cruise, or opt for the sunset option to watch the sun go down over the water.

Vancouver: 24 or 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Pass

2. Vancouver: 24 or 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Pass

See the sights of Vancouver at your own pace with a 24- or 48-hour pass for the hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus. Choose from a variety of options to suit your interests. Listen to an informative on-board commentary to help you choose where to hop off. Experience the hustle and bustle of downtown Vancouver and the serene natural beauty of the local parks. Jump off at Science World or indulge your passion for sport at the Olympic Village. Stroll the rainforest pathways of Stanley Park, enjoy a bite to eat on Granville Island, visit the iconic Gastown Steam Clock or shop 'til you drop on Robson Street. Benefit from multiple stops, including Coal Harbour, English Bay Beach, Chinatown, and the Sports District. Make the most of your experience in Vancouver with additional options. Choose experiences like seeing the city from the water on a relaxing harbor cruise, or taking a tour of the city in the evening.

Vancouver to Victoria and Butchart Gardens

3. Vancouver to Victoria and Butchart Gardens

Visit Victoria, British Columbia’s capital city, on this full-day guided tour from Vancouver city. Try to spot marine life on the ferry to Vancouver island, walk among the flowers in the Butchart Gardens, and admire the Victorian architecture in Victoria.  Start from downtown Vancouver and travel south through the city aboard a climate-controlled bus. Hop aboard a BC Ferry for a 90-minute voyage across the Georgia Strait through the scenic Southern Gulf Islands. Keep an eye out for orcas along the way. Once docked on Vancouver Island, the tour continues to the world-famous Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site of Canada. See millions of bedding plants in over 900 varieties. Enjoy 2 leisurely hours to fully explore the 50 acres of stunning gardens. Head to downtown Victoria and pass through Canada’s oldest China Town and the scenic Victoria Harbor, including the Inner Harbor. Once downtown, you will have free time to explore the local area. Spend your time going for a stroll the Inner Harbor, taking in the thriving arts and cultural scene, or visiting the historic Empress Hotel or the Royal BC Museum. Take the ferry and bus to return to your meeting point in Vancouver. 

Vancouver: Sea to Sky Gondola and Whistler Day Trip

4. Vancouver: Sea to Sky Gondola and Whistler Day Trip

Ride the Sea to Sky Gondola, explore Whistler Village and admire the natural wonders in between on this day trip from Vancouver. Feel in awe of the ever-changing landscapes along the Sea to Sky Highway. There will be a pit stop to marvel at the 335-meter-high Shannon Falls. Ride the famous Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish, an outdoor paradise for climbers and backcountry adventurers. The gondola takes you to Habrich Ridge, where you will have 90 minutes to take in breathtaking views of the mountains, coastal rainforest, and network of inlets of Howe Sound. Pass the quaint town of Squamish and the Tantalus Glacier while continuing the journey to Whistler. Once there, enjoy free time to explore the downtown shops, cafes, the Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort, or the surrounding hiking trails.

Vancouver: Extended Panorama Flight by Seaplane

5. Vancouver: Extended Panorama Flight by Seaplane

Discover even more of the majestic mountains and expansive coastline that surround the breathtaking city of Vancouver, as you fly high over the scenery on this 35-minute flight. This extended version of the Vancouver Panorama tour offers the same sights before following the coast further north towards Whistler, then looping back down over the Islands and exploring the incredible Sunshine Coast. With currently over 50 aircraft, Harbour Air and Westcoast Air operate the largest all-seaplane fleet in the world. DeHavilland DHC-3 Turbine Single Otters and Twin Otters service regularly scheduled flights between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. DHC-2 Beavers service the Gulf Islands, and Cessna 185 aircraft are available for charter. Take your chance to experience Vancouver's beautiful landscapes from a bird's-eye-view!

Vancouver: Coastal Mountain Helicopter Tour with One Landing

6. Vancouver: Coastal Mountain Helicopter Tour with One Landing

Lift off from the SKY Hangar terminal at Pitt Meadows Regional Airport, just minutes away from the Coast Mountains of British Columbia. During this 1-hour tour, spend a total of 30 minutes up in the air, with an additional 20 minutes to drink in the views from your landing. Take in the views from your flight path as it leads up a river, past blueberry farms and spectacular golf courses, before approaching Pitt Lake—the second largest lake in Greater Vancouver and the largest tidal influenced lake in the world. Enjoy flying up sheer valley cliffs to a cascading waterfall from pristine Widgeon Lake, then over the upper alpine old growth forests and snow-capped mountains. Depending on the time of year your pilot may point out the remains of a WWII era bomber rumored to contain gold treasure. Then get a peek of either a mountain peak, alpine lake or glacier creek bed, depending on the daily conditions. Best of all, experience a landing in the wilderness. After shutting down, step out of the helicopter for 15 minutes of free time to explore. Breathe in the crisp mountain air and take in the incredible panoramic views. The flight back reveals the fertile Fraser Valley, and off in the distance, views of Vancouver and the Gulf Islands before landing at SKY Hangar again.

Vancouver 1-hour Harbor Tour

7. Vancouver 1-hour Harbor Tour

Take a break from the malls, museums and galleries and enjoy Vancouver from the outside on this fully narrated 1-hour cruise. From the spacious open-air decks you can enjoy a drink from the fully licensed bar and have a perfect view over this entire beautiful city. You will see the world famous Stanley Park, a rich-green oasis comprising of majestic cedar, hemlock and fir trees rising from the waters of the harbor. From the deck of the boat you can also see the impressive Lions Gate Bridge. Linking the City of Vancouver to North Vancouver, this huge suspension bridge is an impressive sight, particularly from the water it soars above. This relaxing hour cruise on the harbor also offers stunning views of the spectacular city skyline and the breathtaking North Shore Mountains. An ideal way to see the city at a calm and relaxed pace.

Vancouver 2.5-Hour Sunset Dinner Buffet Cruise

8. Vancouver 2.5-Hour Sunset Dinner Buffet Cruise

Gaze out on the downtown skyline, the mountains behind the North Shore, and the West Vancouver shoreline, all on this special Vancouver dinner cruise. Be served a delicious West Coast style buffet dinner accompanied by in-house music. On this 2.5-hour cruise, prepare to see the best sights of Vancouver as you sail along the water. Watch as the sun slowly disappears into the Pacific Ocean as you create an unforgettable memory. On board, you'll be treated to an all-you-can-eat West Coast themed buffet dinner. Dine on your meal as you savor the sounds of music. Get up and dance or take a stroll on the deck to see the city skyline from your vantage point on the water.

Vancouver: Victoria, Gulf Islands Cruise, & Butchart Gardens

9. Vancouver: Victoria, Gulf Islands Cruise, & Butchart Gardens

Experience the Pacific Coast and Vancouver Island by land and ship on a guided day trip from Vancouver with hotel transfers included. View the British Columbia coastline from a sightseeing cruise, followed by a stop at Butchart Gardens en route to the British-inspired city of Victoria. Board a BC Ferries vessel at Tsawwassen terminal for a 90-minute sail through the serene beauty of the Gulf Islands. On the way, look out for marine wildlife from the outdoor ship decks, especially eagles, sea lions, and whales. Arrive at Swartz Bay terminal on Vancouver Island and continue to the enchanting botanical paradise of Butchart Gardens. Wander through a series of themed gardens, highlighted by the massive Sunken Garden complete with a dancing fountain. Marvel at the architectural wonders of the city of Victoria boasts, including the iconic Parliament Buildings and the waterfront Fairmont Empress Hotel. Visit the shops and cafes of Government Street and Chinatown. Stroll along the Inner Harbour for prime ocean views, and enjoy some free time to take in this culturally significant city. Return on the bus to Vancouver by ferry to conclude this diverse tour.

From Vancouver: Sea to Sky Gondola and Whistler Tour

10. From Vancouver: Sea to Sky Gondola and Whistler Tour

Set off from Vancouver aboard a luxury coach on a journey to Whistler. Take in panoramic views of the ocean, sky-high mountains, and glaciers. Enjoy the special opportunity to spot local wildlife. The first stop is Shannon Falls, the third-highest waterfall in BC, where water cascades over a series of cliffs from a height of 335 meters (1,099 feet). There are two viewing platforms for the falls just a short walk from the parking lot. The next stop is the Sea to Sky Gondola just south of Squamish. Take a short ride up to the summit (an impressive 885 meters above sea-level). Enjoy time to grab a bite to eat, hike the trails, and enjoy the sweeping views of the surrounding mountain ranges and the turquoise waters of Howe Sound. From there, continue north along the Sea to Sky highway to the world-famous Whistler Village. The charming pedestrian-only village has something to offer everyone. Take 4 hours to explore world-class restaurants and shopping or just wander through the village. Watch the sunset on your way back to Vancouver.

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Frequently asked questions about Vancouver

What top attractions are a must-see in Vancouver?

What are the best day trips and excursions from Vancouver?

The best day trips and excursions from Vancouver are:

Victoria, British Columbia

Insider tips: Planning a trip to Vancouver

Mayuri is based in Canada and travels with her husband. She is the founder of ToSomePlaceNew, which covers European destinations and cultural travel. A history graduate and an MBA by qualification, she found her true calling in digging a city’s past and discovering their unique nuances. Find more about Vancouver on her blog.

What should I do on my first trip to Vancouver?

Vancouver is one of the vibrant cities on the west coast of Canada. It is home to one of the largest urban parks, called Stanley Park and has a stunning seawall. You can walk or bike the seawall, and enjoy hikes in nearby trails. When in the city, enjoy fish and chips at Granville Island, visit Vancouver museum, and wander the downtown area. You will find a lot of cool restaurants, sights and sea views in Downtown Vancouver, including Canada Place! Another must visit in Vancouver is the Capilano Suspension Bridge located in the northern part of the city, followed by the Grouse Mountains for a nice day trip!

What are some hidden gems to see in Vancouver?

Although the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a must visit in Vancouver (and it can be expensive for entry fees and attractions inside), consider visiting the Lynn Canyon, also located in the northern part of the city. This park and the bridge is smaller in comparison to Capilano, but it is less visited by tourists, and has no entry fees!

How much time should I spend in Vancouver?

Two to three days is ample time to explore Vancouver city’s attractions such as the Canada Place, Olympic Cauldron, a few museums, Stanley Park, Granville Island, ChinaTown, and more. In the evening you can also walk downtown or go on an evening cruise. On one of the nights go shopping at Robson Street, and eat at a nice restaurant!

What food is Vancouver known for?

Vancouver is best known for its seafood and sushi. You can relish seafood at the Granville Island restaurants, or downtown bistros. When in Canada, Maple Syrup infused foods are a must try as well. You will also be impressed with the coffee culture in Vancouver - be sure to sit down at a local cafe to enjoy!

What is the best way to get around Vancouver?

Once you arrive in Vancouver, you can use the SkyTrain to get to various neighbourhoods for sightseeing. Hop on and hop off tours are also a great way to explore various attractions. When exploring the downtown area, your best bet is to wear comfortable shoes and walk. Same goes for Robson Street. Biking is also a great way to explore this city!

What are the best months to visit Vancouver?

Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit Vancouver. These are the months of March to May, and then from September to November. During this time, the weather is mild and favourable for sightseeing, and you can also expect fewer crowds, and better hotel rates.

What is Main Street of Vancouver known for?

The Main Street of Vancouver is the place to be! It is filled with cozy bistros, coffee shops, independent boutiques, local breweries, consignment stores, sky rise buildings and world-class restaurants. I personally like the GasTown neighbourhood as it oozes European flair with vintage steam clock, buildings and cobblestone lanes.

What are the best neighborhoods for food?

Main Street, GasTown, and Robson Street are great for fine dining, coffee shops, and restaurants with an international menu. For seafood, head to Granville Island, and Chinatown to try fish, crabs, sushi rolls, dimsums and more!.

What are the best neighborhoods for shopping?

Located in the West End of Vancouver, Robson Street is the best place to go shopping in the city. You will find most of the popular brand names here including some of the largest Canadian labels (like Lululemon). And after shopping, you can sit down at a nice restaurant on Robson Street!

What neighborhood should I stay in when I visit Vancouver?

For a first time visitor, the downtown core, or Yaletown are great neighborhoods for accommodation. Hotels in these areas are in the mid range to luxury budget level. In downtown you can also choose suites with waterfront views!

What are the best annual events in Vacouver?

As the Roman amphitheatre is so well preserved, it is still used for a number of festivals and events throughout the year. For example, the Festival of Nîmes has been taking place since 1997, on dates throughout the summer - attracting international talent including Elton John, Radiohead and Metallica. The ancient arena also hosts the Great Roman Games - a reenactment spectacle for the whole family.

Other Sightseeing Options in Vancouver

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What people are saying about Vancouver

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 5,615 reviews

We highly recommend this tour! Vancouver is beautiful! Our tour guide Alex was very informative, knowledgeable and fun to be with. Our kids had a lot of fun. The bus was big enough for the whole group and we were all comfortable in it. 5 stars!

It was too good.I had a lot of fun that day.I really really enjoyed it.I started my new year with new experiences so once again it was really good

Kyle was such a great communicator in convincing me to cross the bridge, would not be so wonderful without him.

It was worth it. I went with friends and they enjoyed it too.

Family of 4. Loved the experience! Highly recommended