Vancouver, located on the west coast of Canada, is a vibrant city filled with breathtaking natural landscapes and a diverse cultural scene. Here are some travel tips to make the most of your visit to this beautiful city.
- Pack for all weather: Vancouver is known for its unpredictable weather, so be sure to pack layers and a waterproof jacket.
- Utilize public transportation: Vancouver has an efficient public transit system, including buses, the SkyTrain, and the SeaBus, which can take you to popular attractions around the city.
- Explore the outdoors: Vancouver is surrounded by stunning mountains, forests, and beaches, so be sure to take advantage of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking.
- Sample the local cuisine: Vancouver is known for its diverse food scene, so be sure to try local favorites like sushi, seafood, and food truck fare.
- Visit popular attractions: Don’t miss iconic spots like Stanley Park, Granville Island, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge during your visit to Vancouver.
Top 20 sites and monuments to visit in Vancouver / Things to Do in Vancouver
- Stanley Park – A lush urban park with scenic views of the city and surrounding mountains. (Reference website: https://vancouver.ca/parks-re
- Capilano Suspension Bridge – A thrilling suspension bridge that offers stunning views of the Capilano River below. (Reference website: https://www.capbridge.com/)
- Granville Island – A bustling public market with fresh produce, artisanal products, and waterfront views. (Reference website: https://granvilleisland.com/)
- Vancouver Art Gallery – An art museum featuring a diverse collection of Canadian and international artwork. (Reference website: https://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/)
- Grouse Mountain – A popular ski resort in the winter and hiking destination in the summer, offering panoramic views of the city. (Reference website: https://www.grousemountain.com/)
- Vancouver Aquarium – A marine science center home to a variety of aquatic animals, including dolphins, sea otters, and jellyfish. (Reference website: https://www.vanaqua.org/)
- Science World – An interactive science museum with hands-on exhibits and immersive experiences for all ages. (Reference website: https://scienceworld.ca/)
- Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden – A tranquil garden designed in the traditional Chinese style, showcasing the beauty of nature. (Reference website: https://vancouverchinatown.ca/gardens)
- Queen Elizabeth Park – A beautiful park with stunning floral displays, a quarry garden, and panoramic views of the city skyline. (Reference website: https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/queen-elizabeth-park.aspx)
- Museum of Anthropology – A museum dedicated to the history and culture of indigenous peoples in British Columbia, with a diverse collection of artifacts and art. (Reference website: https://moa.ubc.ca/)
- Bloedel Conservatory – A domed conservatory filled with tropical plants, exotic birds, and stunning floral displays. (Reference website: https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/bloedel-conservatory.aspx)
- Robson Street – A bustling shopping district with a mix of high-end boutiques, popular chains, and local shops. (Reference website: https://robsonstreet.ca/)
- Vancouver Lookout – An observation deck with 360-degree views of the city, mountains, and water, offering a unique perspective of Vancouver. (Reference website: https://vancouverlookout.com/)
- VanDusen Botanical Garden – A stunning botanical garden with a variety of plants, flowers, and themed gardens, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. (Reference website: https://vandusengarden.org/)
- Vancouver Seawall – A scenic waterfront path that stretches for 28 kilometers around the city, perfect for walking, biking, or rollerblading. (Reference website: https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/seawall.aspx)
- Lighthouse Park – A coastal park with rugged trails, old-growth forests, and stunning views of the ocean and surrounding islands. (Reference website: https://www.vancouvertrails.com/trails/lighthouse-park/)
- Museum of Vancouver – A museum dedicated to the history and culture of Vancouver, with exhibits on topics ranging from indigenous peoples to modern urban development. (Reference website: https://museumofvancouver.ca/)
- Vancouver Maritime Museum – A museum showcasing the maritime history of Vancouver, with exhibits on shipbuilding, navigation, and exploration. (Reference website: https://vancouvermaritimemuseum.com/)
- Bard on the Beach – An outdoor Shakespeare festival held in Vanier Park, featuring professional performances of the Bard’s plays against a stunning backdrop of the city skyline. (Reference website: https://bardonthebeach.org/)
- Vancouver Public Library – An iconic building designed by architect Moshe Safdie, with a vast collection of books, digital resources, and cultural events. (Reference website: https://www.vpl.ca/)
Pricing and transportation details for each attraction will vary, so be sure to check the individual websites for up-to-date information on admission fees, hours of operation, and directions on how to get there.
Don’t forget to get Travel Insurance Before You Travel
If you’re looking for travel insurance, we recommend the following travel insurance provider:
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| World Nomads Travel Insurance | Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip with Travelex | Cancel for any reason with Travel Guard |
Our Top Travel Gear and Equipment Recommendations: Best Camera, Photo and Video Equipment for Your Travels
If you’re interested in our recommended travel gear and photo/video equipment:
- Best and Most Useful Travel Gear:
- Best photo / video cameras and equipment for Travel:
- Best Action Cameras and Portable Cameras
- Best Full-Frame DSLR Cameras and DSLR Cameras for Amateur and Professional Photographers
- Best Drones and Aerial Photography Cameras
- Best Tripods, Monopods and Selfie Sticks for Photography and Videography
- Best Mobile Phones and Cell Phones, Best Laptops and Computers for Travel:
3 Days in Vancouver Itinerary
Day 1:
- Start your day with a visit to Stanley Park, where you can explore the lush gardens, scenic seawall, and iconic totem poles.
- Head to Granville Island for lunch at the public market and browse the artisan shops and galleries.
- In the afternoon, visit the Vancouver Art Gallery to view the diverse collection of Canadian and international artwork.
- End the day with dinner at a local restaurant in the downtown area.
Day 2:
- Begin the day by taking the SkyTrain to Grouse Mountain for a day of skiing or hiking, with panoramic views of the city.
- After lunch on the mountain, visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge for a thrilling experience and scenic views of the forest.
- In the evening, explore the nightlife in Gastown, known for its historic charm and trendy restaurants.
- End the day with a walk along the Vancouver Seawall to take in the city lights and waterfront views.
Day 3:
- Start your day with a visit to the Museum of Anthropology to learn about the history and culture of indigenous peoples in British Columbia.
- Head to Queen Elizabeth Park for a leisurely stroll through the gardens and a visit to the Bloedel Conservatory.
- In the afternoon, explore the shops and cafes along Robson Street for some shopping and people-watching.
- End your trip with a visit to the Vancouver Lookout for panoramic views of the city before heading to the airport.
We regularly use and recommend Booking.com for our hotel bookings, using this link comes at no extra cost to you and helps to support the site!
Best Vancouver Hotels and Top Rated Accommodations – Where to Stay in Vancouver
Best Vancouver Hotels priced over $300+ per night:
- Fairmont Pacific Rim
- Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver
- Rosewood Hotel Georgia
- The Burrard Inn
- Georgian Court Hotel
Top Vancouver Hotels priced between $200 to $300 per night:
Top Vancouver Hotels priced between $100 to $200 per night:
Best Reviewed Hotels in Vancouver priced between $50 to $100 per night:
Please note that ratings and prices may vary depending on the season and availability. Make sure to check the current rates and availability through the provided links.
We hope you find a suitable hotel option for a wonderful stay and visit in Vancouver.
For more about Canada, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and other destinations in Canada read the travel tips and see all travel stories, videos, photos and writing on Rolling Coconut’s Travel section.
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