Vancouver Attractions Guidebook
Nearby Cities
Bowen Island is an idyllic destination in the middle of Howe Sound, just a 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver. Ideal for a day getaway.
71 locals recommend
Bowen Island
Bowen Island is an idyllic destination in the middle of Howe Sound, just a 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver. Ideal for a day getaway.
Canada’s best and most famous world-class ski resort, 2 hours away up the Sea to Sky Highway.
409 locals recommend
Whistler
Canada’s best and most famous world-class ski resort, 2 hours away up the Sea to Sky Highway.
Neighbourhoods
The historic old quarter of downtown Vancouver with excellent bars, restaurants and touristy souvenir stores.
1068 locals recommend
Gastown
The historic old quarter of downtown Vancouver with excellent bars, restaurants and touristy souvenir stores.
A trendy and popular urban area of downtown close to False Creek. Recommended for bars and restaurants, take advantage of the sunny patios or pop by on the evening during it's busy hours.
483 locals recommend
Yaletown
A trendy and popular urban area of downtown close to False Creek. Recommended for bars and restaurants, take advantage of the sunny patios or pop by on the evening during it's busy hours.
Kitsilano is a laid-back residential area known for the huge saltwater Kitsilano Pool and mountain views from Kitsilano Beach. Stores selling yoga wear, outdoor gear and fashionable clothes line West 4th Avenue, the main drag, and dining options range from waterside seafood spots to long-standing vegetarian eateries. Cultural attractions include the Vancouver Maritime Museum and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre.
190 locals recommend
Kitsilano
Kitsilano is a laid-back residential area known for the huge saltwater Kitsilano Pool and mountain views from Kitsilano Beach. Stores selling yoga wear, outdoor gear and fashionable clothes line West 4th Avenue, the main drag, and dining options range from waterside seafood spots to long-standing vegetarian eateries. Cultural attractions include the Vancouver Maritime Museum and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre.
A picturesque seaside town and fishing community, complete with the requisite pubs, museums, and a fish market! Part of the suburb of Richmond, Steveston sits at the mouth of the Fraser River and was once the largest fishing port and cannery centre on the West Coast. Today, the canneries are no longer in operation, but it is still home to the largest salmon run in North America and to the largest fleet of commercial fishing vessels on the BC coast.
91 locals recommend
Steveston
A picturesque seaside town and fishing community, complete with the requisite pubs, museums, and a fish market! Part of the suburb of Richmond, Steveston sits at the mouth of the Fraser River and was once the largest fishing port and cannery centre on the West Coast. Today, the canneries are no longer in operation, but it is still home to the largest salmon run in North America and to the largest fleet of commercial fishing vessels on the BC coast.
A rebuilt replica of the original Hudson’s Bay Company fort. Is a cute small neighborhood, offering cute shops and restaurants.
84 locals recommend
Fort Langley
A rebuilt replica of the original Hudson’s Bay Company fort. Is a cute small neighborhood, offering cute shops and restaurants.
One of the largest Chinatowns in North America and home to Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.
171 locals recommend
Chinatown
One of the largest Chinatowns in North America and home to Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.
Lower Lonsdale’s waterfront has been transformed into a unique, interactive, year-round destination that includes over 85,000 square feet of commercial and community amenity space. The Shipyards features restaurants, cafes, shops and services, a boutique hotel, space for community events, concerts and markets, plus the region’s largest outdoor skating rink in the winter and a splash park in the summer.
48 locals recommend
Lower Lonsdale
Lower Lonsdale’s waterfront has been transformed into a unique, interactive, year-round destination that includes over 85,000 square feet of commercial and community amenity space. The Shipyards features restaurants, cafes, shops and services, a boutique hotel, space for community events, concerts and markets, plus the region’s largest outdoor skating rink in the winter and a splash park in the summer.
A picturesque small seaside village and a perfect place to kayak, paddle board and admire the scenery. Hiking Quarry Rock is recommended while you're there.
337 locals recommend
Deep Cove
4322 Gallant AveA picturesque small seaside village and a perfect place to kayak, paddle board and admire the scenery. Hiking Quarry Rock is recommended while you're there.
Day or evening, The Drive offers 22 full blocks to explore with over 300 distinct merchants, including quaint boutiques, an eclectic collection of restaurants, a vibrant live music and bar scene, dinner and dancing, theatres, coffee houses, specialty food stores and bakeries.
296 locals recommend
Commercial Drive
Commercial DriveDay or evening, The Drive offers 22 full blocks to explore with over 300 distinct merchants, including quaint boutiques, an eclectic collection of restaurants, a vibrant live music and bar scene, dinner and dancing, theatres, coffee houses, specialty food stores and bakeries.
Indoor Attractions
Vancouver’s most recognizable buildings with a great OMNIMAX Theatre and lots of cool science stuff to see, making it a “best educational” and entertaining place for young children.
837 locals recommend
Science World at TELUS World of Science
1455 Quebec StVancouver’s most recognizable buildings with a great OMNIMAX Theatre and lots of cool science stuff to see, making it a “best educational” and entertaining place for young children.
Host of Vancouver’s planetarium and a good place for families with children.
60 locals recommend
HR MacMillan Space Centre
1100 Chestnut StHost of Vancouver’s planetarium and a good place for families with children.
A glass-domed garden at the top of Queen Elizabeth Park. More than 120 free-flying exotic birds, 500 exotic plants and flowers thrive within its temperature-controlled environment.
80 locals recommend
Bloedel Conservatory
4600 Cambie StA glass-domed garden at the top of Queen Elizabeth Park. More than 120 free-flying exotic birds, 500 exotic plants and flowers thrive within its temperature-controlled environment.
MOA offers a mix of Indigenous art and artifacts from around the world with a special emphasis on works from the Northwest Coast, both historic and contemporary. Make sure to see the Great Hall with the giant totem poles; the Bill Reid Rotunda, which highlights the legendary carver’s breathtaking The Raven and the First Men; and the multiversity galleries, which house masks, weavings, carvings, jewelry and more. Also take a free tour if time allows, and hit the gift shop, which offers an abundance of items by local Indigenous artists.
502 locals recommend
Museum of Anthropology
6393 NW Marine DrMOA offers a mix of Indigenous art and artifacts from around the world with a special emphasis on works from the Northwest Coast, both historic and contemporary. Make sure to see the Great Hall with the giant totem poles; the Bill Reid Rotunda, which highlights the legendary carver’s breathtaking The Raven and the First Men; and the multiversity galleries, which house masks, weavings, carvings, jewelry and more. Also take a free tour if time allows, and hit the gift shop, which offers an abundance of items by local Indigenous artists.
It has an expansive collection of more than 12,000 artworks ranging from historical masterworks to visionary contemporary pieces, photography by Diane Arbus, Eadweard Muybridge, and Henri Cartier-Bresson, plus Vancouver School photo-conceptualists such as Stan Douglas, Jeff Wall, Ian Wallace, and Roy Arden. Pop art by Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol are also in the mix.
1154 locals recommend
Vancouver Art Gallery
750 Hornby StIt has an expansive collection of more than 12,000 artworks ranging from historical masterworks to visionary contemporary pieces, photography by Diane Arbus, Eadweard Muybridge, and Henri Cartier-Bresson, plus Vancouver School photo-conceptualists such as Stan Douglas, Jeff Wall, Ian Wallace, and Roy Arden. Pop art by Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol are also in the mix.
Polygon boasts floor-to-ceiling glass windows that amplify the jaw-dropping views on the entry level. Soaring ceilings and natural light give the exhibition areas an open, breezy feel. The sawtooth roofline references the nearby shipyards, which have been a mainstay on the North Vancouver shoreline for more than a century.
25 locals recommend
The Polygon Gallery
101 Carrie Cates CtPolygon boasts floor-to-ceiling glass windows that amplify the jaw-dropping views on the entry level. Soaring ceilings and natural light give the exhibition areas an open, breezy feel. The sawtooth roofline references the nearby shipyards, which have been a mainstay on the North Vancouver shoreline for more than a century.
The full FlyOver Canada experience lasts for about half an hour and includes a short pre-show film. After seeing the first short show guests walk to the next stage, where they sit down and buckle up in a row, ready for the main film or films to begin.
In addition to the regular multi-dimensional film experience about Canada, the attraction sometimes features additional shows too.
189 locals recommend
FlyOver Canada
999 Canada PlaceThe full FlyOver Canada experience lasts for about half an hour and includes a short pre-show film. After seeing the first short show guests walk to the next stage, where they sit down and buckle up in a row, ready for the main film or films to begin.
In addition to the regular multi-dimensional film experience about Canada, the attraction sometimes features additional shows too.
River Rock Casino Resort is Western Canada's only 4-Diamond Casino Resort located in British Columbia.
112 locals recommend
River Rock Casino Resort
8811 River RdRiver Rock Casino Resort is Western Canada's only 4-Diamond Casino Resort located in British Columbia.
A world-class casino on downtown Vancouver, featuring the most current slots, table games, live poker action, VIP Salons, premier dining and much more.
21 locals recommend
Parq Casino
39 Smithe StA world-class casino on downtown Vancouver, featuring the most current slots, table games, live poker action, VIP Salons, premier dining and much more.
Outdoor Attractions
One of Metro Vancouver’s most visited tourist attractions, located in North Vancouver. Free shuttles available. A bit pricy but is worth the visit for some.
1150 locals recommend
Capilano Suspension Bridge
3735 Capilano RdOne of Metro Vancouver’s most visited tourist attractions, located in North Vancouver. Free shuttles available. A bit pricy but is worth the visit for some.
The highest ski hill with the most terrain, lifts and vertical drop in Metro Vancouver (so one of the very best places for snow sports in winter). In the summer enjoy hiking trails a lots of mountain biking.
370 locals recommend
Cypress Mountain Ski Area
6000 Cypress Bowl RdThe highest ski hill with the most terrain, lifts and vertical drop in Metro Vancouver (so one of the very best places for snow sports in winter). In the summer enjoy hiking trails a lots of mountain biking.
Mount Seymour is most commonly identified for its ski area of the same name, and as a popular hiking area.
190 locals recommend
Mt Seymour
Mount Seymour is most commonly identified for its ski area of the same name, and as a popular hiking area.
The best year-round mountain attraction with its winter skiing, tram rides up the hill, movie theatre, restaurants, grizzly bear habitat and summer Lumberjack and Birds in Motion shows. It’s also home to the world-famous but gruelling Grouse Grind hiking trail.
1038 locals recommend
Grouse Mountain
6400 Nancy Greene WayThe best year-round mountain attraction with its winter skiing, tram rides up the hill, movie theatre, restaurants, grizzly bear habitat and summer Lumberjack and Birds in Motion shows. It’s also home to the world-famous but gruelling Grouse Grind hiking trail.
The best mountain for climbing and hiking, located in Squamish 45 minutes north of Vancouver.
132 locals recommend
Stawamus Chief
The best mountain for climbing and hiking, located in Squamish 45 minutes north of Vancouver.
Views! Dramatic gondola over Howe Sound, plus cafes, hiking trails, lodges & a suspension bridge.
387 locals recommend
Sea to Sky Highway
36800 British Columbia 99Views! Dramatic gondola over Howe Sound, plus cafes, hiking trails, lodges & a suspension bridge.
Explore the 400-hectare natural West Coast rainforest and enjoy scenic views of water, mountains, sky, and majestic trees along Stanley Park's famous Seawall. Discover kilometres of trails, beautiful beaches, local wildlife, great eats, natural, cultural and historical landmarks, along with many other adventures.
2658 locals recommend
Stanley Park
610 Pipeline RdExplore the 400-hectare natural West Coast rainforest and enjoy scenic views of water, mountains, sky, and majestic trees along Stanley Park's famous Seawall. Discover kilometres of trails, beautiful beaches, local wildlife, great eats, natural, cultural and historical landmarks, along with many other adventures.
A 55-acre oasis in the heart of Vancouver with over 8,000 plant species and varieties from around the world!
321 locals recommend
VanDusen Botanical Garden
5251 Oak StA 55-acre oasis in the heart of Vancouver with over 8,000 plant species and varieties from around the world!
Queen Elizabeth Park
4600 Cambie StA beautiful park on a hill overlooking the city.
One of Metro Vancouver’s most popular summer events, the Shipyards Night Market is a FREE, easily accessible, outdoor community celebration that draws 10,000 visitors (and their four-legged friends) every Friday night to The Shipyards in North Vancouver. The night market features an array of entertainment for the whole family including food trucks, live music, a beer garden, artisan vendors and more.
71 locals recommend
Shipyards Night Market
19 Wallace MewsOne of Metro Vancouver’s most popular summer events, the Shipyards Night Market is a FREE, easily accessible, outdoor community celebration that draws 10,000 visitors (and their four-legged friends) every Friday night to The Shipyards in North Vancouver. The night market features an array of entertainment for the whole family including food trucks, live music, a beer garden, artisan vendors and more.
Great attraction, but especially for shopping, East Asian culture and Oriental festival-style foods. It’s the closest thing to an authentic Asian night market outside Asia, and highly recommended (unless you don’t like crowds or Asian food).
191 locals recommend
Richmond Night Market
8351 River RdGreat attraction, but especially for shopping, East Asian culture and Oriental festival-style foods. It’s the closest thing to an authentic Asian night market outside Asia, and highly recommended (unless you don’t like crowds or Asian food).
One of Vancouver’s most popular places to visit with art studios, an indoor public market and theatres.
1659 locals recommend
Granville Island
One of Vancouver’s most popular places to visit with art studios, an indoor public market and theatres.
A rugged, spectacular and lesser-known waterfront park in West Vancouver.
236 locals recommend
Lighthouse Park | West Vancouver
4902 Beacon LnA rugged, spectacular and lesser-known waterfront park in West Vancouver.
The park itself is huge, at 27 hectares, with Trout Lake being the main draw. The park itself offers soccer fields, baseball diamonds, basketball and tennis courts, concession stands, public washrooms, picnic areas, dog parks, trails and a dedicated swimming area in Trout Lake, along with lots of trees, lush grassy areas and to top it off, mountain views.
192 locals recommend
Trout Lake Beach
The park itself is huge, at 27 hectares, with Trout Lake being the main draw. The park itself offers soccer fields, baseball diamonds, basketball and tennis courts, concession stands, public washrooms, picnic areas, dog parks, trails and a dedicated swimming area in Trout Lake, along with lots of trees, lush grassy areas and to top it off, mountain views.
Breweries
A local favorite Brewpub serving house craft beer, cocktails & whiskey, with board & arcade games & local art.
17 locals recommend
BREWHALL
97 E 2nd AveA local favorite Brewpub serving house craft beer, cocktails & whiskey, with board & arcade games & local art.
R&B is a mainstay with a brewery and taproom. They tend toward the beer styles of Belgium and Germany, while delivering some complex seasonals and limited releases.
They make some really good pizza.
53 locals recommend
R&B Ale & Pizza House
1-54 E 4th AveR&B is a mainstay with a brewery and taproom. They tend toward the beer styles of Belgium and Germany, while delivering some complex seasonals and limited releases.
They make some really good pizza.
33 Acres Brewing Company is a small, stylish, and hip brewery in the heart of Vancouver’s Brewery Creek district within Mount Pleasant.
Stay inside or grab a 6-pack and take it to Jonathan Rogers Park where food trucks & cafes line the park for watching the sun set behind the skyline & mountains.
307 locals recommend
33 Acres Brewing Company
15 W 8th Ave33 Acres Brewing Company is a small, stylish, and hip brewery in the heart of Vancouver’s Brewery Creek district within Mount Pleasant.
Stay inside or grab a 6-pack and take it to Jonathan Rogers Park where food trucks & cafes line the park for watching the sun set behind the skyline & mountains.
Parallel 49 is one of the most popular breweries in Vancouver, and they offer a stellar bunch of innovative beers that are available at most liquor stores and restaurants around the city.
130 locals recommend
Parallel 49 Brewing Company
1950 Triumph StParallel 49 is one of the most popular breweries in Vancouver, and they offer a stellar bunch of innovative beers that are available at most liquor stores and restaurants around the city.
Red Truck is another very popular brewery in Vancouver’s craft beer scene. They have a casual tasting room, restaurant and patio for guests. Not to mention, in the summer they offer an outdoor concert series too!
60 locals recommend
Red Truck Beer Company
295 E 1st AveRed Truck is another very popular brewery in Vancouver’s craft beer scene. They have a casual tasting room, restaurant and patio for guests. Not to mention, in the summer they offer an outdoor concert series too!
Play some pitch and putt then go grab a beer in the park. Every beer brewed by Stanley Park Brewing is inspired by the park, whether it be from windstorms to day trips to sunsets. It is designed to be a break from the every day, an experience to be explored and savored.
24 locals recommend
Stanley Park Pitch & Putt
2099 Beach AvePlay some pitch and putt then go grab a beer in the park. Every beer brewed by Stanley Park Brewing is inspired by the park, whether it be from windstorms to day trips to sunsets. It is designed to be a break from the every day, an experience to be explored and savored.
Storm Brewing is Vancouver’s longest-running craft brewery, and its founder, Brewer James Walton, is regarded as a pioneer in the industry. Not to mention, their highly regarded beer is unfiltered and produced without the use of chemical treatments.
61 locals recommend
Storm Brewing LTD.
310 Commercial DriveStorm Brewing is Vancouver’s longest-running craft brewery, and its founder, Brewer James Walton, is regarded as a pioneer in the industry. Not to mention, their highly regarded beer is unfiltered and produced without the use of chemical treatments.
Craft brewery featuring a chill, rustic tasting room with draft beer, plus a shop for growler fills.
289 locals recommend
Brassneck Brewery
2148 Main StCraft brewery featuring a chill, rustic tasting room with draft beer, plus a shop for growler fills.
Shopping
Designer Outlet Vancouver is an outlet mall on Sea Island in Richmond. It is located in close proximity to Vancouver International Airport. It currently has around 80 retailers over 340,000 square feet
190 locals recommend
McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Vancouver Airport
7899 Templeton Station RdDesigner Outlet Vancouver is an outlet mall on Sea Island in Richmond. It is located in close proximity to Vancouver International Airport. It currently has around 80 retailers over 340,000 square feet
A new, recently built shopping district for the Metro Vancouver area.
89 locals recommend
Brentwood Town Centre
4567 Lougheed Hwy.A new, recently built shopping district for the Metro Vancouver area.
The region’s largest mall and a best place for shopping, with close to 400 stores.
306 locals recommend
Metrotown
The region’s largest mall and a best place for shopping, with close to 400 stores.
One of Vancouver’s trendiest shopping districts. Right in downtown Vancouver.
789 locals recommend
Robson Street
1155 Robson StOne of Vancouver’s trendiest shopping districts. Right in downtown Vancouver.
Sports!
The Vancouver Canadians is the NWL minor league baseball team that plays at Nat Bailey Stadium from June to September during its regular season home games. Is a great social summer activity.
83 locals recommend
Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club
4601 Ontario StThe Vancouver Canadians is the NWL minor league baseball team that plays at Nat Bailey Stadium from June to September during its regular season home games. Is a great social summer activity.
Home field to the BC Lions football team and Vancouver Whitecaps soccer team, so the best place to see major events and professional sports other than hockey. It’s also where you’ll find the BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum.
418 locals recommend
BC Place
777 Pacific BlvdHome field to the BC Lions football team and Vancouver Whitecaps soccer team, so the best place to see major events and professional sports other than hockey. It’s also where you’ll find the BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum.
Rogers Arena is the home of the Vancouver Canucks hockey team, as well as venue for some of the biggest concerts and shows in the city.
408 locals recommend
Rogers Arena
800 Griffiths WayRogers Arena is the home of the Vancouver Canucks hockey team, as well as venue for some of the biggest concerts and shows in the city.