British Columbia is Canada’s supreme adventure and nature destination.
One of the major cities that have the beauty of flawless nature and sky-piercing skylines is Vancouver.
You can find many things to do and places to see in Vancouver. One cannot help but be awed by the city’s sheer influence on people. A city that meets the mountains and the sea. People that hugs heritage and modernity. And nature that co-exists with concrete skylines.
Vancouver has a certain aura that captivates first-time travellers.
The scene here is unlike any other city in Canada. One day you will be navigating through the concrete city. And the next day you will be exploring the pod of Orcas on a whale-watching tour in Vancouver.
While people are cramped up in downtown Canada. It is still said to be one of the most liveable cities in the country. It holds its name for being an ethnically diverse city. Vancouver has the biggest Chinatown in Canada.
Free things to do in Vancouver are beyond, from Stanley Park to Vancouver Harbour. Wait! There’s more, but you need to check out this list to find out. Here are the 10 fun things to do in Vancouver.
Navigate your next destination from the Vancouver Lookout
Amongst the many fun things to do in Vancouver is visiting the lookout. You can get an uninterrupted panoramic view of the cityscape. Coal Harbour on one side and Olympic and North Shore mountain range on the other side.
This observation deck is 168 meters tall. It provides an iconic 360-degree view. It is an essential must-visit attraction in Vancouver. Come here and appreciate the city filled in all its grandeur.
Note: Due to covid restrictions, individual visits are closed. Private pre-booked tours are open for a cost of approx. $200.
Looking for a thrill? Visit the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge
Come to North Vancouver and walk along the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge. One of the Instagram worth attractions in Vancouver. The bridge spans over 140 metres and it is at a height of 70 meters above the Capilano River.
Dare to look down! Your heart will figuratively drop down to your legs. And within the vicinity are other thrill-inducing places. Do not miss the Cliffwalk and Treetops Adventure. Get a spectacular view of the rainforest and go on a tour inside the treetops. While here, make sure to check out the Cleveland Dam and Grouse Mountain. It is situated just around the corner!
Soak in the beauty of the city from Stanley Park
Visiting Stanley Park is one of the best things to do in Vancouver downtown. The beautiful urban park is conveniently located close to the heart of Vancouver. It is perfect for nature lovers and outdoor aficionados.
There are so many things to see in Stanley Park. Like the Totem Poles and Stanley Park Rock Garden. Besides that, it is a refuge for people to come and breathe the fresh air surrounded by trees. Just a few minutes of walking you can also visit Vancouver Aquarium.
Stanley Park is ideal for guided bike tours and to escape the city. Also, you get to see a replica of the Golden Gate Bridge. Except it’s in green colour.
Rent a cycle and ride across the Vancouver Seawall
While exploring Stanley Park, you can rent a cycle and ride along the Vancouver Seawall. It is the world’s longest waterfront path, creating a buzz among travellers. It is also one of the things to do in Vancouver for a weekend. The locals bring their cycles and rollerskates and enjoy the blessings they have.
The scenic route is at a whopping 45KM, covering downtown, Stanley Park Seawall and Spanish Banks Park. Come during the best season to admire the change of colour in leaves and pleasant weather.
Explore a variety of aquatic life at Vancouver Aquarium
Vancouver Aquarium is conveniently located inside Stanley Park. It is one of the major attractions in Vancouver. Ideally, for kids, the aquarium has over 70,000+ species kept in different exhibits. Here, you will even get to see beluga whales and dolphins.
There are several aquatic and land species here. Such as fish, invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles. Vancouver Aquarium is easily one of the best tourist attractions in Vancouver.
Savour Asian cuisine from the largest Chinatown in the world
Food in your mind? Try the different Asian dishes in Chinatown. This is a vibrant neighbourhood with several restaurants and cafes to kill your thirst for food. But there is more than just food in Chinatown, to get an authentic experience you can take a guided tour.
Walk around the neighbourhood and learn about the history of Chinatown. Get familiar with the streets and interact with friendly locals. Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is one of the best places to visit in Vancouver Chinatown.
It is an enchanting garden to stroll through the gardens and admire the design that reflects the Chinese culture.
Get a hair-raising view of the skyline from Coal Harbour
While the city is beautiful during the day, the night is exceptionally brilliant. The view of the city skylines is breathtaking from Coal Harbour. It is one of the best things to do in Vancouver at night. You can cruise and watch the charming ferry sail across the sea. You can also catch the seaplane take off or land from the Coal Harbour.
The harbour connects several tourist hotspots. Like Stanley Park with Downtown and the iconic Gastown Steam Clock. Thus, it has easy access from across the city. There are also ports that mark the departure grounds for North Vancouver.
During the day, if you are lucky, you can see humpback whales from the harbour.
Go to Vancouver Island and explore the Butchart Gardens
From the Tsawwassen Terminal, you can catch a ferry to Vancouver Island, Nanaimo. The island is a must-visit day trip from the mainland. It is an iconic place for history and nature lovers. Butchart Gardens is the main attraction here. It displays a wide variety of flora. From beautiful perennials to bright red roses, lush peonies to dazzling azaleas.
Vancouver Island has two major cities – Nanaimo and Victoria. Some of the unique things to do in Vancouver Island include Emily Carr House. It is a historic site, home to the Canadian painter Emily Carr.
Also, make sure to explore Victoria’s many iconic lighthouses.
Catch a glimpse of graceful Whales
One of the top tourist things to do in Vancouver is Whale watching. It is a favourite activity loved by both locals and travellers. Vancouver is the only place to go for whale watching in Canada. You simply cannot find a better place anywhere else.
The tour will take you across the coast and closer to the gigantic aquatic mammals. Keep your eyes open throughout the tour. One blink is enough to miss a chance to see humpbacks, killers, porpoises and more.
For a more adventurous activity in Vancouver, get on a seaplane for a whale-watching combo tour.
Kayak on the calm water of Vancouver
One of the most demanding activities to do in Vancouver is kayaking. The city’s serenity and calm water allow for a relaxing kayak experience. Sometimes you may come across whales and dolphins while kayaking.
Kayaking is a must required thing to do in Vancouver today. Besides kayaking, you can find several options. Like jet ski and paddleboarding. To experience something different, try the neon-lit kayak at night. It is a worth experience to do during sunset.
Looking for a flight ticket to Canada?
We at Nixtour holidays understand your travel concerns. Especially with the ongoing pandemic scare still at loose.
But luckily tourism is slowly opening its borders. So, if you decide to holiday in Canada 2022 book cheap flights from us.
