Vancouver Attractions

Vancouver's food scene is undoubtedly a true attraction in itself. Diverse and multicultural, our community of food establishments, restaurants and stores make dining or shopping in Vancouver a delightful and delicious experience. But beyond food, the Greater Vancouver area offers a wide range of exciting things to see and do. For both visitors and locals alike, this page contains some useful links to start exploring the many attractions Vancouver has to offer. Vancouver is a city where mountains meet ocean, and lush forests are only minutes away from bustling city streets. While you're here, be sure to take advantage of the spectacular natural environment that surrounds and envelops Vancouver.

Day Trips / Events around Vancouver

Granville Island

An amazing spot so close to the city center. There are activities such as a public market, arts and entertainment, shopping, recreation, things for the kids to do and much more. The food at the market is one of the biggest highlights, from the fresh fruit and vegetables to the decadent donuts. When sitting outside with your meal be careful of the seagulls.

Link: http://www.granvilleisland.com

Stanley Park

An area that covers over 400 hectares (1,000 acres) close to the hustle and bustle of Vancouver's downtown. Natural flora and fauna are found everywhere in the park and there are tours provided by the Lost Lagoon staff to guide you through the park. Other things to do and see in the park are to play pitch and putt golf, take advantage of the tennis courts, or walk through the various gardens. For the children there is the farmyard, the Vancouver Aquarium, and the miniature railway.

Link: http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/parks/parks/stanley/

Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge

The Suspension Bridge located in North Vancouver is the one of the best attractions the city has to offer. If you are afraid of heights this journey is not for you. However if you do make it over the bridge, there are various hikes to water pools and water falls. Rain or shine it is a great time. Remember to be pack properly for any hike, and be prepared.

Link: http://www.dnv.org/ecology/

Lonsdale Quay

From downtown take the Sea Bus over to Lonsdale Quay for great shopping and a wide culinary selection to eat in or take home. The view of the Vancouver harbor from the Quay is breathtaking regardless of the time of day.

Link: http://www.lonsdalequay.com/

Grouse Mountain

Located in North Vancouver, Grouse Mountain is now famous for the "Grouse Grind". It's a hike that starts to the right of the main parking lot and it is an extremely steep hike up to the gondola station. For those experienced hikers it is an awesome adventure, but for those new to hiking I wouldn't recommend it. At the top of Grouse you will see panoramic views of Vancouver. Remember to be pack properly for any hike and be prepared.

For the rest of us, who want to enjoy the good views without the strenuous hike, you can take a gondola from the base of the mountain to the top, where there is a mountain-top restaurant with a wonderful view.

Link: http://www.grousemountain.com/

Steveston

This quaint fishing village is 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver. Shopping and amazing fish and chips and beautiful views are the main highlights. Also if it is a windy day you will see numerous kite flyers situated in the park behind the fishery.

Link: http://www.steveston.bc.ca/

Gastown

Home to the famous steam clock and cobblestone streets. A tourist destination with great shopping and numerous places to eat. Other highlights include Storyeum and the annual Vancouver International Jazz Festival.

Link: http://www.gastown.org/

Shopping on Robson Street

Best place to spend money shopping in Vancouver. All the top brand names and designers have stores, and there is also excellent dining to be found.

Link: http://www.robsonstreet.ca/

Getaways from Vancouver:

Salt Spring Island
Harrison Hot Springs
Whistler
Victoria
Tofino
Okanagan
Kelowna
Kamloops
Penticton

Maps:

• Map of Vancouver on Google Maps

Visitors and tourists:

• Tourism Vancouver

For more information about the Greater Vancouver area:

• Vancouver
• Burnaby
• Richmond
• West Vancouver (a separate municipality from Vancouver)
• City of North Vancouver (a separate municipality from Vancouver)
• District of North Vancouver (a separate municipality from Vancouver)
• Bowen Island
• Port Moody
• Belcarra
• Anmore
• New Westminster
• Coquitlam
• Port Coquitlam
• Delta
• Surrey
• White Rock
• Langley
• Pitt Meadows
• Maple Ridge