On the shores of Pacific Ocean, surrounded by the mountains, Vancouver has the perfect balance of nature and modern city. Along with its unparalleled nature and ethnically diverse population,it is a paradise for nature and wellness. The forests, oceans and rivers make it one of best destination for hiking, swimming, and surfing in North America. Its unique skyline of high-rise buildings against the backdrop of gorgeous mountains, parks, public spaces, and sustainable public transit systems are the reason why it consistently ranks as one of the most liveable cities worldwide.
Vancouver was the cynosure of all eyes when it hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics. Start your day early at the downtownwaterfront to see the Olympic Cauldron where the flame was lit during the games. There is a board walk along the waterfront offering breathtaking views of the mountains across the harbour.Along with cafes and restaurants there is a seaplane airport as well.Walk to theCanada Place– an iconic landmark along the cruise terminal. Home to the Vancouver Convention Center and the World Trade Center, there is Flyover Canada– a Virtual Flight Simulator hovering over some of Canada’s most spectacular sights coast to coast. Most of tours in Vancouver originate from the downtown waterfront. You can take a tour busfrom here to visit two of Vancouver’s most popular attractions – Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge.
The Grouse Mountain also called the Peak of Vancouveris one of the mountain peaks of the North Shore mountains of the Pacific Ranges. At its peaksit is the site of an Alpine Ski Resort with many activities like lumberjack shows, Eco walks, Paragliding, Ziplines,Theatre, andfeaturesa refuge for Grizzly Bears. There are several dining options and a chalet as well. To get to the top, hop on to the Skyride–an aerial tramway system which takes visitors to the Alpine Station situated right next to a chalet in just 8 minutes.Its worth taking the ride up dangling above the Douglas firs that blanket the mountains,for thesweeping views of the cityscape below, the surrounding peaks, the Pacific Ocean, the inlets, the bays, and the nearby islands. There are chair lifts that takes you to The Cuta slope with the most famous vantage point of Vancouver. To even get more higher take the elevator to the viewPOD at the Eye of the Wind–a large wind turbine with a suspended viewing deck right below the hub of its massive blades. Needless to mention the views from there are jaw dropping.
Next stop is at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park –the center of attraction here is a swingingsuspension bridge over the Capilano River in a stunning location. It is a thrilling experience to cross this 137 m long bridge at a height of 70 m. On the other side of the bridge is the Treetops adventure which is a series of suspended walkways attached to the old trees that takes you to the mid level of the rainforests. There are guided walking tours that introduces you to the west coast ecosystem, the flora and fauna andthe history of the area. Not for the faint hearted, there is also the Cliffwalk – a granite precipice along the River on a series of narrow cantilevered bridges, stairs, and platforms through rainforest vegetation.
Head to the beautiful Stanley Park – right next to the downtown which is one of worlds largest urban park. A heavily forested 1000 -acre park,that is home to over a half a million tress that are over 100 years old and 300 feet high. Inside the park is the Vancouver Aquariumwith many marine wildlife from the surrounding areas and from across the globe including sea lions, otters, and penguins. This huge park has the longest uninterrupted seafront walkway offering sweeping views of the pristine nature. The recreational walkway snakes around the Sea Wall surrounded by the English Bayand the Burrad Inlet. At the Brockton Point there is a collection of nine Totem Polesthat commemorates the history and the culture of the indigenous people of the land. At the other end park is the Lions Gate Bridge which connects the downtown to the Northern and Western parts.
Just next to the city center is Vancouver’s historic neighbourhood of Gastown. It is a vibrant and trendy neighbourhood with shopping, dining,cobbled streets,and beautifully restored old buildings. This is also where you will find the famous Steam Clock– one of the few working steam clocks in the world. The clocks shoots steam from its five whistles and it gives off a toot from each whistle every half an hour.Not far from the Steam Clock is the Chinatown. Vancouver has one of the largest Chinese diasporas in North America. It is said you get some of the best Chinese food here in the continent and certainly in Canada. There are many restaurants here that also serve other East Asian cuisines as well. Apart from the food, there are plenty of shops selling souvenirs and crafts made by the diaspora. Right on the edge of Chinatown is Dr. Sun Yet-Sen Chinese Garden. An oasis of tranquility, this garden uses rare trees and rocks, and the principles of balance and harmony. You can learn the symbolism behind the placement of each plant, rock, and the paths. To get a 360-degree view of Metro Vancouver and beyondtake the glass elevator totheLookout – the UFO shaped observation deck which is distinctive feature of downtown skyline. Other sights of interest in the Vancouver is the Science Worldwith a geodesic dome featuring interactive exhibits, displays and a 3D cinema theatre. In suburban Vancouver, the the main attractions are the Queen Elizabeth Park that houses a conservatory, the VanDusen Botanical Gardenswhich is close by and of course the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish.
Vancouver is known for its wellness inspired by the nature that surrounds it. Take the little Aquabusand go to Granville Islands to spend an afternoon.Just over the bridge from the city center it is a peninsula rather than an island and home to a vast public market that has just about anything you could want, fresh produce, cheeses, butcher shops, fresh baked goods, fresh seafood and wine. It has a thriving artist’s community that sells handmade products and a famous brewery. The market’s food court is filled with delicious local eats and treats. Its location next to the False Creek makes it a picturesque spot.
Being on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver has many beaches to choose from. English Baywhich is also called the Sunset Beach. Its famous with the locals for viewing sunsets and it is also home to the Polar Bear Swim that attracts swimmers from world over who take the plunge in the icy water during winter. The one other popular beach is the Kitsilano Beach or the Kits beach as the locals call it. Sunset views are also amazing from here. There is volleyball and the Kits Pool – the only saltwater pool in Vancouver and the longest one in the world.
Best Place to Stay– Yaletown, Gastown and Granville Street are in downtown core and are good neighbourhoods to stay if you want to explore everything that Metro Vancouver has to offer. Not only you will be nearto most of the attractions, you will have plenty of options for food and dining be it Pubs, Bars, Cafes or Restaurants. Most of the chain and luxury hotels are in located in the Coal Harbour / Waterfront area and these are expensive. For nature and adventures lovers, North Vancouver will work best being closer to the mountains and hiking trails. West-endalong the English Bay is best suited for people looking for outdoor activities like sailing and kayaking.
Transportation – Most of the attractions in Metro Vancouver are covered by Transit. TransLink is the regional transportation authority which operates the public transit system made up of a network of buses, the SkyTrain, Ferries, and the Sea Bus, as well as a commuter train service. You can buy day passes or a Compass Card which is accepted in all transits.
Best Time to visit– Vancouver is an all-season destination. Summer months June to August are best with plenty of sunshine. Its warmer but also the peak season. March – April is good with milder weather and busy because ofSpring and Cherry Blossoms. September till mid of October are best if you want to see the fall colors, however the weather can be bit unpredictable with bouts of rain. Winters are milder in Vancouver compared to rest of Canada, so December to February are the best if you are looking for skiing and winter sports.
Recommended Itinerary – A 3-day itinerary is a must; 4thday will give will enough time to see attractions outside of Metro Vancouver. It is the gateway to many attractions like the Ski resort town of Whistler, the wine region of Okanagan Valley, the Vancouver Islands,or the Rocky Mountains.Many of the cruise lines to Alaska originates from Vancouver. So,even two weeks can also fall short if you want to cover most part of this beautiful region.
This Post Has 26 Comments
Vancouver is actually on my bucket list. Thank you for sharing all the info and the pics are great.
Darina from daramiblog
Thanks Darina.
We were hoping to visit Vancouver this year, but had to cancel due to COVID. Your photos are beautiful! Thank you for sharing your trip, hope we can visit soon!
Thanks. Hope you will make it soon.
Its so beautiful to visit Vancouver.. Will plan as soon as this pandemic is ended
Thanks. You will love it for sure.
As always dada your post is beautifully described with awesome pictures! keep sharing
Thanks.
I’m so pleased that Vancouver is a year round destination. I would love to go up the viewing platform to get the views across the city and to go to the beach too!!
It is good year round, although summer and the fall are the best.
Vancouver is one of my favorite cities in the world. I visited my uncle who lived there years ago when I was still in high school and really want to return to show my husband what a beautiful city it is, so I’m saving this post!
Thanks Daniella. We will be happy to help plan your itinerary.
I grew up on the west coast of Canada. Vancouver holds a special place in my heart. Every time I visit I like to head to Granville Island, and The Naam in Kitsilano for their yummy food.
Granville is one of our favorites in Vancouver.
Vancouver is on our bucket list. We should have been there this year. Hoping for 2021.
You will love it.
Vancouver looks fantastic! Great post and gorgeous pictures. Thanks for sharing
Thanks Steph.
Great guide with a lot of beautiful photos! Thank you for that! I don’t know if I will ever go to Canada, because from Europe it takes a lot of time and money to go there, but if I will do that one day, then I will include this city on my Canada-must-visit list! 🙂
Thanks Sandra. I hope you get to visit Vancouver some day.
I’ve always dreamed to go to Vancouver, and after reading your post, I want to go even more. Great photos too, I must definitely save this for when we can return to travel!
Thanks Fabiana. Hope you get to visit soon.
I hear the food is also really good there because it’s more diverse. I’ve only been to Calgary so I can’t wait to be able to go to Vancouver.
Food is amazing in Vancouver. It’s a melting pot of various cultures and it reflects in the food as well.
I would love to go to Vancouver. Canada is definitely on my bucket list
I am sure you will love it.