Best Things to do in Vancouver

Take your nature walk to new heights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park (4). Open since 1889, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park offers some of the best adventure activities in Vancouver. Marvel at the spectacular views as you trek across the 450 ft long bridge that hangs 230 ft in the air. Or enjoy one of the park's other activities, including the story centre, cliff walks, rainforest trails, and more.

“There are so many amazing photo opportunities at Capilano Suspension Bridge,” Foxcroft says. “It also gives people a chance to get a bird eye’s view of Vancouver’s incredible old-growth trees without a strenuous hike.”

This award-winning park is open daily between May and January, with hours varying depending on the season. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park admission is $65.95 for adults and includes access to all of the park's various activities.

The park offers free shuttle services from various pickup points in downtown Vancouver. Your vacation advisor can arrange a tour which includes Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.

Shop, eat, and experience Vancouver's diverse culture at Granville Island (5). Surrounded by stunning waterfront views, Granville Island sees millions of visitors each year. They come for the cafes and dock-side restaurants, boutiques, theatres and art galleries. You can easily spend a whole day on the island. Wander through the public market for hand-crafted gifts, and vibrant produce stands. The public market is open daily from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and is accessible by bus, car, boat, and on foot.

The local travel experts at Canadian Train Vacations recommend a food tour, as a great way to experience Granville Island. 

“There’s a lot to see and try on Granville Island" says Shannon Brand, vacation advisor at Fresh Tracks Canada. "It’s helpful to have someone curate the best bites — plus there’s lots of opportunities to pick up foodie souvenirs.”

Get a bird's-eye view of the stunning city of Vancouver on a seaplane tour. Trips on Harbour Air’s sight-seeing tours range in length from 20 minutes to over an hour. Each one brings the promise of unbeatable views. So buckle up and get ready to see this beautiful mountain town as you've never seen it before.

“A seaplane over Vancouver gives a unique perspective on the city,” says Foxcroft. “Flying over the Lions Gate Bridge is always a special moment.”

For the ultimate excursion, request a private plane tour.

An ideal way to incorporate this experience is to add a day in Victoria and to travel there by seaplane. Your vacation advisor can take care of all the details. Schedule a call now.

There are few sights more thrilling than spotting a whale jumping out of the water. One of the best whale-watching areas in Canada, Vancouver is home to magnificent minke, orca, gray, and humpback whales. You're likely to spot a few other animals including sea lions, bald eagles, and more. The best time to see whales is between April and October. Most whale-watching companies promise a 90% chance or higher.

“Whale watching is one of our most popular add-on activities,” says Brand. “You have the opportunity to see wildlife, plus some great views of the mountains—and the city from the water.”

Ask your vacation advisor about adding whale-watching to your Canadian train vacation. Options include zodiac tours or larger catamaran vessels.

Travel 885m above sea level to some spectacular sights on the Sea to Sky gondola ride (6). There's more than breathtaking views. The gondola experience offers mountain-top yoga, live musical performances, and excellent hiking trails.

The Sea to Sky Gondola is open Sunday to Thursday, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Friday-Saturday from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Most visitors enjoy a return trip on the gondola, but you can also hike up to the top then take the gondola back down. The hike is quite steep and is classed as intermediate level. If you’re looking for adventurous things to do in Vancouver and Squamish, then definitely try the Sea to Summit trail.

The gondola is a short drive from Vancouver. Your vacation advisor can arrange a private tour with scenic stops along the way. 

Take a trip under the sea! Located in the heart of Stanley Park, The Vancouver Aquarium is home to various marine mammals, fish, turtles, frogs, and more. As Canada's largest aquarium, there's no shortage of things to see and do here. Visit the touch pools (9) where you can roll your sleeves up and gently touch a sea creature. Or take a stroll through the Amazon Gallery where you'll see a crocodile and some sleepy sloths.

The aquarium’s hours change through the seasons, but it is generally open 9:30a.m. to 5:00p.m. in the summer, and 10:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. in the winter, spring,and fall. Since the Vancouver Aquarium is one of the best things to do in Vancouver with kids, it's recommended that you purchase tickets in advance.

With Vancouver’s mild weather and temperate climate, there is always something in bloom at VanDusen Garden (11). Wander the Elizabethan Maze, search for the sculptures throughout, and linger over lunch in the Shaughnessy Restaurant.

A favourite summer-time activity is to grab a picnic basket with afternoon tea from the café to enjoy in a shady spot near the colourful blooms. The garden is open from 10:00 to 5:00 in March through October, with hours extended until 6:00 on weekends in August; and from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 from November through February.

See False Creek from a different perspective when you take a ride on Vancouver's Aquabus. Open daily from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m., Aquabus has been helping people make memories since 1985. The Aquabus features eight different stops and a vessel comes around every 15 minutes, so you never have to worry about being late and missing your ride.

Aquabus vessels are used by locals and tourists alike. The busiest time to ride the Aquabus is in the summer, but the ferries operate during the winter months as well. Looking to avoid a crowd? You can arrange to book a private trip for yourself and your companions. Riding the Aquabus is one of the cool things to do in Vancouver.

Any local will tell you, there's no better place to watch the sunset than English Bay Beach. Located along the Stanley Park seawall, English Bay is one of the most popular beaches in the city. Sit and relax while you watch vibrant pink and purple skies reflected in the sea below. Sitting on the beach and watching the sunset is one of the most romantic things to do in Vancouver. 

English Bay has everything, including concessions, chair rentals, volleyball courts, and more. The beach is open daily from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m and is accessible by transit — or your advisor can arrange a private transfer. There is no entry fee but those who drive will have to pay for parking. 

[ Read: 10 Most Romantic Vacations in Canada ]

As one of the oldest surviving buildings in downtown Vancouver, Christ Church Cathedral (12) is full of history. Regardless of your religious views, the church is adorned with stunning works of art, stained glass windows, and aesthetic architecture for you to enjoy. Normally open for visitors Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m Christ Church Cathedral frequently offers live music and performances. After you've toured the church, don't forget to stop at The Maundy Café for a little treat.

Bustling with food and locals, the neighbourhood of Chinatown offers some excellent night activities in Vancouver. Sip cocktails in a few of the city's best bars and eateries or spend a day shopping for unique treasures and treats. With origins dating back to 1886, Chinatown is steeped in history and is Canada's largest Chinatown. You should plan to spend at least half a day exploring the area if you want to soak in all this popular tourist destination has to offer.

The streets here are covered with cultural architecture, stunning murals, and colourful shop signs. With such a vibrant atmosphere, you may never want to leave this area. There is paid parking available in the area, but Chinatown is best enjoyed on foot.

Located on the shores of English Bay, Kitsilano Beach sees a variety of beachgoers from fitness buffs to families and picnic-lovers alike. Referred to by locals as Kits Beach, you'll find the seawall, basketball courts, tennis courts, and excellent swimming here. The beach also has a public pool and concession stands. During your visit, stop for lunch or dinner at The Boathouse Restaurant (14) where you can enjoy fresh seafood and hand-crafted cocktails. Paid parking is available and the beach is open 24 hours a day.

If you're looking for unique things to do in Vancouver, look no further than Wreck Beach. The famous, clothing-optional beach sees roughly half a million visitors each year and promotes body acceptance and natural lifestyles. Seeing visitors from over 150 different countries, there's more to the beach than nudity. Enjoy swimming, events, and stunning sunsets while you visit as well. If you're looking for a calm, quiet day at the beach, however, this isn't the spot for you.

On average Wreck Beach has up to 14,000 visitors each day and is usually packed. For a less busy trip, try visiting during the colder months. The beach is accessible by public transit, or your vacation advisor can arrange a private transfer.

The beach is accessible by public transit, or your Fresh Tracks Advisor can arrange a private transfer. The trip will also take you through University of British Columbia’s stunning campus. Be warned: getting down to the sand will require you to hike down a large staircase — with 490 steps!