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Separated from the low-lying Burrard Peninsula to the north and bounded by the Fraser River’s delta to the south, the beautiful port city of Vancouver has justifiably acquired the stature of being one of the most picturesque cities in the world.
The equable climate further makes it one of the most visited and liveable cities globally, internationally regarded as an ideal tourist spot.
Needless to say, it is a paradise for outdoor activities and adventures. So, if you are planning a visit to Vancouver and wondering what is the best place to visit in Vancouver BC, here are the 15 best ones to help you out.
What are the Best Places to Visit in Vancouver?
Located on a peninsula in the Strait of Georgia, Vancouver, the largest city of British Columbia, has everything from extensive parks and urban beaches to a mountainous backdrop.
However, this surrealism becomes the only problem one may face while visiting the beauteous city of Vancouver—the difficulty of deciding what to see.
Therefore, the following is an ultimate prospectus listing the best places to visit in Vancouver, BC.
1. Stanley Park
Situated to the north of downtown Vancouver and almost wholly surrounded by the sea, Stanley Park is the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path.
It is a lush and thriving park, and tourists can explore it on foot or by bicycle.
One of the best places to visit in Vancouver, you will find different things to see in and around the park—like the west coast sea life at the Vancouver Aquarium and its beaches, lagoon, and lake.
The aquarium is one of the most popular local attractions in Vancouver. A few animals within the aquarium include sea otters, reef sharks, sea lions, and dolphins.
Also located within the park is the famous recreational spot, the Seawall, divided into two separate sections: cyclists and joggers.
To learn more about the aquarium, click here.
It is the ideal spot for spending quality time with friends and family.
2. Capilano Suspension Bridge
To the north of Stanley Park is the majestic Capilano Suspension Bridge. Apart from the bridge that spans a 70-meter-deep river canyon, there’s a transparent platform, a cliff-walk, a collection of totem poles, a story center, and other footbridges.
The Tree-Tops Adventure, a series of seven suspension bridges built to let travelers travel from one tree to the next, is one of the most well-liked and stimulating activities near the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
They are making it one of the top locations to visit in Vancouver, British Columbia.
3. Granville Island
The breathtaking site of Granville Island is situated verbatim to the south of Downtown Vancouver and is connected to it by ferry.
Not veritably an island, Granville is a thriving hub of artists and retailers who have migrated into converted warehouses; it is home to numerous craft studios, artisan workshops, galleries, and theaters.
The Granville Island Public Market is situated at the heart of the region, an ideal spot to buy exciting souvenirs and delicious treats.
4. Grouse Mountain
Offering an unparalleled view, Grouse Mountain is one of the three major mountains in North Vancouver.
It has a cable car that ensures its accessibility in winter and summer. It becomes a paradise for adventurers to engage in outdoor activities like snowboarding, skiing, skating, and snowshoeing in winter.
Similarly, in summer, it is a haven for hikers trekking across the Grouse Grind, often referred to as Mother Nature’s Stairmaster. Upon reaching the mountain-top, visitors can enjoy the Lumberjack Show.
Further, Grouse Mountain houses North America’s largest aerial tramway- the Skyride (3,700 ft).
It’s consistently ranked as one of the best places to visit in Vancouver, BC. Click here to buy tickets and passes to Grouse Mountain.
5. University of British Columbia
On the gorgeous campus of British Columbia are two of Vancouver’s most popular tourist attractions—the Museum of Anthropology and the sprawling UBC Botanical Garden.
While the latter, designed by Canadian architect Arthur Erickson, houses one of the world’s most exquisite collections of British Columbia First Nations art, the former also contains numerous interesting plantings and a graceful Japanese garden.
To learn more about the Museum of Anthropology, visit its official website.
6. Kitsilano Beach
Its vast coastline and splendid mountainous backdrop make Kitsilano Beach the most favoured hang-out spot for locals and tourists.
It houses the only saltwater swimming pool in Vancouver. The area is also popular for walking trails and eateries, making it an ideal spot for picnics and gatherings.
The peaceful atmosphere of the beach makes it even more ethereal. Affectionately called Kits Beach by the locals, the beach also offers outdoor activities.
These include windsurfing, skimboarding, and standup paddling. Plus, did you know it’s where Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle are rumoured to be looking for a home in Canada?
7. Gastown
Gastown is considered Vancouver’s most historic neighbourhood as the oldest part of the city. Meticulously revived Victorian buildings and heritage structures essentially mark the highlights of this place.
The extremely famed Steam Clock, the cobblestone streets, and innumerable vintage lamp posts further give the neighbourhood an exceptionally distinctive ambiance, making one feel the essence of going back in time!
8. Canada Place
Another ferry terminal, Canada Place, is the bustling center of many events in and around the city.
Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, this place marks the commencement of their trip for most tourists. This is where the largest Canada Day celebration is hosted outside of Ottawa.
Moreover, it houses some of the most important centers in Vancouver, including the virtual flight ride FlyOver Canada, the World Trade Centre Office Tower, and the cruise ship terminal of Port Metro Vancouver.
However, the highlight of this place is an interactive walking trail, known locally as the Canadian Trail, where tourists are allowed to walk past and explore representations of different areas in Canada.
To stay updated with the events at Canada Place, click here.
9. China Town
The most bizarre yet alluring part of Vancouver is Chinatown. It is home to the world’s narrowest office space, the Sam Kee Building, which is barely two meters in size.
Every year, this region celebrates Chinese New Year with an exotic procession.
Inspired by a traditional Chinese garden from the Ming Dynasty, the highlight of this place is the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.
Click here to know more. Adjacent to the garden is a lush park where one can find peace among the unique rock formations and water lilies. This is where Chinese culture can best be explored.
10. English Bay
Situated at the West End’s Denman Street’s end, English Bay has an array of exclusive eateries and shopping complexes.
It hosts the biggest event in the summer—the Celebration of Lights festival, where the crowd gathers to watch three nights of magical fireworks set to impeccable music.
The New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim is the most popular winter event, where swimmers dip into the freezing Pacific waters.
It is also a popular area for outdoor activities like rollerblading, kayaking, rafting, and biking.
11. Queen Elizabeth Park
Hidden in the shadows of Stanley Park and famous for its recreational activities, this majestic park offers an impeccable view of the city and the beautiful mountains surrounding it.
One hundred thirty acres long, it has ample space for sports like tennis, disc golf, pitch and putt golf, and structures like the huge outdoor arboretum and the popular enclosed Bloedel Conservatory.
Further to the west of the park is the VanDusen Botanical Garden, where numerous regions and various plants and flowers are exhibited, making the region an ideal tourist spot for every season.
12. Robson Street
Most notably known for shopping, the stores on Robson Street go back to the post-WWII era.
To the west of the street is the coliseum-like library called Vancouver Public Library, which is the central library of the region. Further west is the famous Vancouver Art Gallery.
Facing Robson Square, also designed by the local architect Arthur Erickson, the gallery is home to the exclusive artwork of Emily Carr and is internationally acclaimed.
13. Museum of Vancouver
This museum is concerned with everything in Vancouver. It is conveniently accessible from Burrard Bridge and is close to Burrard Bridge.
It exhibits a rabid collection of artwork ranging from the first Coast Salish communities’ history and lifestyle to contemporary times.
Covering the cultures of the Haida and Musqueam people, the tourists get an opportunity to explore everything about the city. The area also includes other famous museums, like the waterfront Maritime Museum, within a short distance.
To find out more, click here.
14. Science World
A paradise for science enthusiasts, now officially known as the Telus World of Science, this pioneering institution displays hundreds of hands-on exhibits covering various themes like air, motion, invention, and water.
The institution is also home to various permanent as well as transitory displays.
It also has an impressive IMAX screen theatre that can fascinate anybody with even the slightest niche for science. More recreational events inside the institution include live science shows and puzzles.
Thus, the demonstrations are also kid-friendly and a treat for the curious mind, attracting the largest number of tourists in the region.
Visit the official website to know more.
15. Yaletown
Situated two miles southeast of Stanley Park, Yaletown is considered Vancouver’s most popular late-night hotspot. It is home to several hotels and restaurants offering a wide array of options and price ranges to choose from.
The top hotels include Pierre’s Lounge, Bar None, OPUS Vancouver, and Yaletown Brewing Co. This area is often equated with New York City’s SoHo neighbourhood.
Closing Thoughts
Hopefully, we will help you plan for that perfect gateway. Now, if you are not satisfied we the above list, here are the ones you most love to visit.
It includes; Vancouver Aquarium, Vancouver’s north shore, Vancouver Island, Vancouver maritime museum, Vancouver convention center, Capilano suspension bridge park, north shore mountains, and Richmond night market.
Which are the best places to visit in Vancouver? How many of these places have you already been to? Let us know below, and read more from us here.
Suggested Read:-
Telus World Of Science: A Journey to Excitement and Learning
Last Updated on by Priyanshi Sharma
