Vancouver, a bustling west coast seaport in British Columbia, is among Canada’s densest and most ethnically diverse cities. It’s a city that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and a thriving food scene. In this guide, we’ll explore 20 must-visit spots in Vancouver, delving into their unique features, culinary delights, and entrance fees.
Stanley Park
Stanley Park, one of Vancouver’s greatest treasures, offers a lush, green escape in the city. The park features a seawall for biking or walking, beautiful beaches, and the Vancouver Aquarium. Entrance is free, but the Aquarium charges CAD 40 for adults.
Granville Island
Granville Island is a vibrant shopping district known for its public market, art studios, and performance spaces. Here, you can enjoy a variety of food, from fresh produce to artisanal cheese and baked goods. There’s no entrance fee to the island.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a thrilling experience with its suspension bridge, treetop adventures, and cliffwalk. The entrance fee is CAD 54.95 for adults. The park doesn’t offer food, but there are nearby restaurants.
Vancouver Art Gallery
The Vancouver Art Gallery houses a collection of over 11,000 artworks. The entrance fee is CAD 24 for adults. The gallery’s café offers a selection of sandwiches, salads, and beverages.
Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain offers outdoor activities like hiking, ziplining, and skiing. The Skyride to the peak costs CAD 59 for adults. The mountain has several dining options, including the upscale Observatory.
Queen Elizabeth Park
Queen Elizabeth Park, home to beautifully manicured gardens and the Bloedel Conservatory, is free to enter, but the conservatory charges CAD 6.50. The park’s Seasons in the Park restaurant offers stunning views and a varied menu.
Museum of Anthropology
The Museum of Anthropology, located at the University of British Columbia, showcases indigenous art. The entrance fee is CAD 18 for adults. The café offers light snacks and beverages.
Kitsilano Beach
Kitsilano Beach, with its saltwater pool and volleyball courts, is a popular summer spot. Entrance is free. The beach has a concession stand and a nearby Boathouse restaurant.
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is a serene oasis in Chinatown. The entrance fee is CAD 14 for adults. The garden itself doesn’t offer food, but Chinatown has numerous dining options.
Science World
Science World, with its interactive exhibits, is a hit with families. The entrance fee is CAD 27.15 for adults. The on-site café offers a variety of snacks and meals.
Gastown
Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood, is a historic area known for its whistling Steam Clock and Victorian architecture. The area is free to explore and is filled with a variety of restaurants and pubs, offering everything from gourmet cuisine to casual bites.
VanDusen Botanical Garden
The VanDusen Botanical Garden is a paradise for nature lovers, with its vast collection of plants from around the world. The entrance fee is CAD 8.50 for adults. The garden’s Truffles Café offers a selection of sandwiches, salads, and beverages.
Vancouver Aquarium
Located in Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium is a centre for marine research and conservation. The entrance fee is CAD 40 for adults. The aquarium’s café offers a variety of meals and snacks, with a focus on sustainable seafood.
English Bay
English Bay is one of the city’s most popular beaches, known for its beautiful sunsets. The beach is free to access and has several food concession stands offering snacks and quick bites.
Robson Street
Robson Street is Vancouver’s premier shopping district, with a range of high-end brands and local boutiques. The street is free to explore and offers a variety of dining options, from sushi to Italian and Greek cuisine.
Pacific Spirit Regional Park
The Pacific Spirit Regional Park offers a network of trails perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The park is free to enter and doesn’t offer food, but there are picnic spots for those who wish to bring their own.
Canada Place
Canada Place, with its iconic sail-shaped design, offers panoramic views of the city and mountains. It’s free to explore, and the on-site food court offers a variety of dining options.
Lynn Canyon Park
Lynn Canyon Park, home to the free Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, offers a variety of hiking trails through a lush rainforest. The park’s café offers a selection of sandwiches, salads, and beverages.
FlyOver Canada
FlyOver Canada is a virtual flight ride that showcases Canada’s most awe-inspiring sights. The entrance fee is CAD 33 for adults. The ride doesn’t offer food, but Canada Place has numerous dining options.
Richmond Night Market
The Richmond Night Market, open from May to October, offers a vast array of food stalls serving Asian street food and more. The entrance fee is CAD 4.95.
From the historic charm of Gastown to the thrilling FlyOver Canada ride, these 20 must-visit spots in Vancouver offer a diverse range of experiences. Each location, with its unique features and culinary delights, promises an adventure that’s quintessentially Vancouver. So, pack your bags and set off on a journey to explore the best that this vibrant city has to offer.
