Must-sees and hidden gems: what to see and do in Vancouver?
1. Wander through Stanley Park
You can’t talk about Vancouver without mentioning Stanley Park, the city’s true green lung. Its 5.5-mile loop along the ocean is perfect for walking or biking, with the Pacific surf and the cries of seagulls in the background. Along the way, the totem poles at Brockton Point share the stories and heritage of the First Nations. Then comes the quiet of Beaver Lake, the century-old Douglas firs, and, on the horizon, the majestic Coast Mountains rising in the distance. A pocket of nature just steps from downtown and a great place to spot raccoons.
2. Explore Granville Island and its market
Dotted with artisan workshops, galleries, and welcoming patios, Granville Island is a creative, food-loving hideaway. Its beating heart? The Public Market, where you can sample juicy berries, aged cheeses, or silky smoked salmon. Music drifts through the air, a stall overflows with colorful ceramics: this is a place to experience as much as visit. It’s ideal for a morning outing before heading back out by kayak on False Creek.
3. Climb Grouse Mountain
About 35 minutes from downtown, Grouse Mountain offers fresh air and sweeping views. In summer, hike up the mountain via the famous Grouse Grind, a steep, shaded 1.8-mile trail locals affectionately call “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster.” At the top, reward yourself with hot chocolate on a panoramic terrace overlooking Vancouver’s glittering skyline. In winter, the mountain transforms with ski runs and snowshoe trails.
4. Get lost in the streets of Gastown
With its cobblestones, old-fashioned streetlights, and famous steam clock, Gastown feels a little like a movie set. But this historic neighborhood is also home to sharp, stylish spots: local designer boutiques, thoughtfully designed cafés, and emerging art galleries. In the evening, the atmosphere warms up with lively patios, inventive cocktails, and live jazz in cozy wood-paneled venues. A stroll through Gastown is a dive into Vancouver’s past and future, all in one breath.
5. Paddle through English Bay
To see Vancouver from the water, nothing beats setting out by kayak or paddleboard from English Bay, especially at sunrise or sunset. Far from the bustle, the gentle lapping of the water sets the rhythm. Seals watch from nearby, fish dart beneath your paddle, and in the distance, the outlines of the harbor and mountains create a moving postcard. It’s a low-impact, peaceful way to explore the wilder beaches toward Jericho Beach.
6. Discover Indigenous culture at the Museum of Anthropology (MOA)
The Museum of Anthropology (MOA), located on the University of British Columbia (UBC) campus, holds one of the richest collections dedicated to the First Nations cultures of the West Coast. Carved longhouses, monumental totem poles, transformation masks: each piece speaks to a worldview shaped by the elements, by cycles, and by spirituality. The museum’s clean-lined architecture lets in natural light, like an extension of the surrounding landscape of forest, cliffs, and ocean. It's a meaningful immersion into the roots of this land.
7. Find a world within the city in Richmond
Twenty minutes from Vancouver, Richmond feels like a world within the city. With its strong Asian influences, this dynamic area draws you in with its energy and kaleidoscope of cultures. At night, the night markets glow with lanterns and fill the air with the scent of steamed dumplings, grilled skewers, and bubble tea. Several Buddhist temples, including Ling Yen Mountain Temple, also welcome visitors for a more reflective experience. It’s the perfect detour to treat your taste buds and discover another side of Vancouver.
8. Embrace the thrill at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Imagine a bridge suspended 230 feet above an emerald-green canyon, leading into a still, deep forest. Capilano Suspension Bridge offers this one-of-a-kind crossing, balancing height, silence, and the rustle of old-growth trees. The site also features treetop walkways and the Cliffwalk. Popular during the day, it takes a different kind of magic at nightfall, when the walkways glow softly among the spruces.
9. Let Commercial Drive surprise you
Bohemian, multicultural, and full of life, “The Drive,” as locals call it, is one of those neighborhoods you visit without a plan, just to feel the pulse of the city. Independent bookstores, murals, pizzerias, and vegan cafés: it's a joyful patchwork with a strong sense of community. Settle in for a soccer game at a bar, a lively brunch, or simply wander from corner to corner, between poetry and street art.
10. Slow down at VanDusen Botanical Garden
For a peaceful break from the city’s buzz, head to VanDusen Botanical Garden. This expansive botanical garden delights with landscapes that shift through the seasons: fiery maples in fall, vibrant blooms in spring, and Japanese-inspired plays of light and shadow in summer. A hedge maze entertains kids and adults alike, while curious visitors can lose themselves among rare plant collections. Come here to slow down, breathe in the scent of an heirloom peony, and, above all, feel restored.
Stop in Vancouver on a tailor-made Canada trip
With Evaneos, you can travel with peace of mind: we connect you directly with a local, English-speaking expert based in Canada. Passionate, attentive, and deeply familiar with the region, they’ll help you create a fully tailor-made itinerary based on your interests, pace, and budget.
From Vancouver to the Atlantic coast, through the Rockies or the boreal forests, your local expert opens the door to an authentic Canada, far from the usual routes. With their guidance, every stop has meaning, and your trip becomes a true encounter with the country.
