Nic’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Welcome to Stanley Park, Vancouver's first, largest, and most beloved urban park!
Stanley Park is a magnificent green oasis in the midst of the urban landscape of Vancouver.
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. The park offers a wide range of unforgettable experiences for all ages and interests, including Canada’s largest aquarium.
Stanley Park
610 Pipeline RdSEASONAL so check for dates.
Play land is a great place for kids and adults. It has all kinds of rides including two roller coasters, with one being a 50+ year-old wooden antique.
At Playland there is also the Flume (log chute), AtmosFear and Drop Zone (the last of which is kind of like bungee-jumping, except that they shoot you up through the air). There are also all kinds of rides for tiny folk.
Playland is a great place – it’s not modern and fancy like Disneyland, but still tons of fun.
Think of Playland kind of like a large fancy midway carnival that comes to your town once a year and sets up in a parking lot – with the usual Tilt-a-Whirl, Scrambler and Ferris Wheel. Playland has some fancier rides too though, like the giant Wave Swinger, the Beast and Hellevator. It’s impressive and kids love the place!
174 locals recommend
Playland at the PNE
2901 E Hastings StSEASONAL so check for dates.
Play land is a great place for kids and adults. It has all kinds of rides including two roller coasters, with one being a 50+ year-old wooden antique.
At Playland there is also the Flume (log chute), AtmosFear and Drop Zone (the last of which is kind of like bungee-jumping, except that they shoot you up through the air). There are also all kinds of rides for tiny folk.
Playland is a great place – it’s not modern and fancy like Disneyland, but still tons of fun.
Think of Playland kind of like a large fancy midway carnival that comes to your town once a year and sets up in a parking lot – with the usual Tilt-a-Whirl, Scrambler and Ferris Wheel. Playland has some fancier rides too though, like the giant Wave Swinger, the Beast and Hellevator. It’s impressive and kids love the place!
In the early 1900s, Granville Island was home to factories, plants and sawmills. Things are a little different today—Granville Island is both a locals’ favorite and a huge draw for visitors. Technically a sandspit and not an island, the neighbourhood sits just south of the downtown peninsula, right under the Granville Bridge. The Granville Island Public Market acts as a hub of activity, but it’s also one of the city’s most important cultural districts with theatres, artisan workshops and craft studios.
Aquabus
Photo: TOTORORO.RORO / Flickr
Seeing and Doing
One of the best ways to get to Granville Island is one of the adorable mini-tugboat ferries that criss-cross False Creek – they’re favourites among young and old! Once you’re there, the biggest attraction on Granville Island is the Public Market. Housed indoors, there are endless rows of stalls that feature fresh produce, gourmet foods, baked goods, and seafood. For the food-focused, a walking tour of the market can be a great way to get an insider’s insight. Outside of the market, catch a show at one of the many theatres on the island, browse an art gallery show, or appeal to your outdoorsy side with a kayaking or paddleboarding tour.
Sandbar Restaurant Granville Island
Eating and Drinking
The market itself is often described as a “food lover’s paradise,” and an impromptu picnic is easily picked up between vendors offering cheese, charcuterie, bread and fresh produce. If you’re looking for something casual but already put together, try the popular food court at the end of the market building. If a restaurant is more your style, there are some great seafood offerings down here, and there’s nothing like dining by the waterfront. Don’t forget to fill your glass while you’re down here! The area is home to an artisan sake maker (the first in Canada), a spirits distillery, and two breweries.
Granville Island Carving Area
Shopping and Souvenirs
With a mix of unique crafts, skilled artisans, outdoor outfitters and deluxe gourmet stores, Granville Island is one of the best places in the city to purchase souvenirs for back home. The public market is a great place to start; pick up smoked salmon, exclusive teas, and other gourmet goodies. Check out the stores in the Net Loft building for First Nations artworks, B.C. wines, and other unique gifts. Take a stroll along Railspur Alley and the far end of the island to peek into artisan studios where glassblowers, potters, jewellers and even a broom maker ply their crafts.
For more information, visit Granville Island online.
1659 locals recommend
Granville Island
In the early 1900s, Granville Island was home to factories, plants and sawmills. Things are a little different today—Granville Island is both a locals’ favorite and a huge draw for visitors. Technically a sandspit and not an island, the neighbourhood sits just south of the downtown peninsula, right under the Granville Bridge. The Granville Island Public Market acts as a hub of activity, but it’s also one of the city’s most important cultural districts with theatres, artisan workshops and craft studios.
Aquabus
Photo: TOTORORO.RORO / Flickr
Seeing and Doing
One of the best ways to get to Granville Island is one of the adorable mini-tugboat ferries that criss-cross False Creek – they’re favourites among young and old! Once you’re there, the biggest attraction on Granville Island is the Public Market. Housed indoors, there are endless rows of stalls that feature fresh produce, gourmet foods, baked goods, and seafood. For the food-focused, a walking tour of the market can be a great way to get an insider’s insight. Outside of the market, catch a show at one of the many theatres on the island, browse an art gallery show, or appeal to your outdoorsy side with a kayaking or paddleboarding tour.
Sandbar Restaurant Granville Island
Eating and Drinking
The market itself is often described as a “food lover’s paradise,” and an impromptu picnic is easily picked up between vendors offering cheese, charcuterie, bread and fresh produce. If you’re looking for something casual but already put together, try the popular food court at the end of the market building. If a restaurant is more your style, there are some great seafood offerings down here, and there’s nothing like dining by the waterfront. Don’t forget to fill your glass while you’re down here! The area is home to an artisan sake maker (the first in Canada), a spirits distillery, and two breweries.
Granville Island Carving Area
Shopping and Souvenirs
With a mix of unique crafts, skilled artisans, outdoor outfitters and deluxe gourmet stores, Granville Island is one of the best places in the city to purchase souvenirs for back home. The public market is a great place to start; pick up smoked salmon, exclusive teas, and other gourmet goodies. Check out the stores in the Net Loft building for First Nations artworks, B.C. wines, and other unique gifts. Take a stroll along Railspur Alley and the far end of the island to peek into artisan studios where glassblowers, potters, jewellers and even a broom maker ply their crafts.
For more information, visit Granville Island online.
Departing from Granville Island in downtown Vancouver, the Wild Whales experience allows you to observe whales and the diverse wildlife of the Pacific Coast in their natural habitat. It is an unforgettable, trip of a lifetime! Board one of our four vessels at Vancouver’s unique and historic Granville Island. Keep your cameras ready as you travel down False Creek and into English Bay, where the views of Vancouver, the Coast Mountains and Stanley Park are unparalleled. From English Bay, we pass the Fraser River estuary into the Strait of Georgia. Every trip, every day is different as we explore the Canadian Gulf Islands, the US San Juan Islands and beyond in search of our killer whales, humpbacks, and all of the other wildlife along the way. Sightings guaranteed or your next trip is free! Our trips vary greatly in length, from 3-6 hours. We are often asked why we have such variation in our schedule. The answer? The wildlife we are looking for is unpredictable. Whales are always moving and searching for food, we cannot say where they will be from one day to the next. However, we want to give all of our guests the opportunity to experience these amazing mammals. We will therefore travel those extra miles on days when the whales are further away from Vancouver.
Departures
We offer daily departures from downtown Vancouver beginning April until the end of October. Reservations are always recommended and we ask you to arrive at our office 45 minutes before your scheduled departure. Trips can last anywhere from 3-6 hours depending where the whales are found.
6 locals recommend
Wild Whales Vancouver
1806 Mast Tower LnDeparting from Granville Island in downtown Vancouver, the Wild Whales experience allows you to observe whales and the diverse wildlife of the Pacific Coast in their natural habitat. It is an unforgettable, trip of a lifetime! Board one of our four vessels at Vancouver’s unique and historic Granville Island. Keep your cameras ready as you travel down False Creek and into English Bay, where the views of Vancouver, the Coast Mountains and Stanley Park are unparalleled. From English Bay, we pass the Fraser River estuary into the Strait of Georgia. Every trip, every day is different as we explore the Canadian Gulf Islands, the US San Juan Islands and beyond in search of our killer whales, humpbacks, and all of the other wildlife along the way. Sightings guaranteed or your next trip is free! Our trips vary greatly in length, from 3-6 hours. We are often asked why we have such variation in our schedule. The answer? The wildlife we are looking for is unpredictable. Whales are always moving and searching for food, we cannot say where they will be from one day to the next. However, we want to give all of our guests the opportunity to experience these amazing mammals. We will therefore travel those extra miles on days when the whales are further away from Vancouver.
Departures
We offer daily departures from downtown Vancouver beginning April until the end of October. Reservations are always recommended and we ask you to arrive at our office 45 minutes before your scheduled departure. Trips can last anywhere from 3-6 hours depending where the whales are found.
Walk across the magnificent Capilano Suspension Bridge
Try out the new Cliffwalk and have unobstructed views of the canyon
Explore the temperate rainforest through the eyes of a squirrel on the Treetops Adventure
Take a complimentary guided history or nature walk
Free shuttle between downtown Vancouver and Capilano Suspension Bridge
1150 locals recommend
Capilano Suspension Bridge
3735 Capilano RdWalk across the magnificent Capilano Suspension Bridge
Try out the new Cliffwalk and have unobstructed views of the canyon
Explore the temperate rainforest through the eyes of a squirrel on the Treetops Adventure
Take a complimentary guided history or nature walk
Free shuttle between downtown Vancouver and Capilano Suspension Bridge
Guarantee your ride on the Sea to Sky Gondola with this day trip
See some of the best views of the coastal rain forest and Howe Sound from up in the air
Explore all Whistler has to offer at your own pace
387 locals recommend
Sea to Sky Highway
36800 British Columbia 99Guarantee your ride on the Sea to Sky Gondola with this day trip
See some of the best views of the coastal rain forest and Howe Sound from up in the air
Explore all Whistler has to offer at your own pace
It’s easy to be dazzled by Vancouver’s geographical splendor, but to properly get acquainted with this city, you have to start at the beginning, the very beginning. Vancouver and what is known as the Lower Mainland was peopled some 10,000 years ago. Overlooking the Burrard Inlet, on campus at the University of British Columbia, the Museum of Anthropology offers up a mosaic of Aboriginal works, both ancient and contemporary, all weaving together a story that is rarely told to visitors of this great city. If you really want to learn about the city’s roots, and its relationship with the global community, this is one of the most important things to do in Vancouver.
502 locals recommend
Museum of Anthropology
6393 NW Marine DrIt’s easy to be dazzled by Vancouver’s geographical splendor, but to properly get acquainted with this city, you have to start at the beginning, the very beginning. Vancouver and what is known as the Lower Mainland was peopled some 10,000 years ago. Overlooking the Burrard Inlet, on campus at the University of British Columbia, the Museum of Anthropology offers up a mosaic of Aboriginal works, both ancient and contemporary, all weaving together a story that is rarely told to visitors of this great city. If you really want to learn about the city’s roots, and its relationship with the global community, this is one of the most important things to do in Vancouver.
If getting up close and personal with mother nature is your idea of the perfect day out, ocean kayaking is one of the most popular things to do in Vancouver, and Deep Cove is one of the best and safest places to do it in Canada. A tranquil paddle up Indian Arm, a picturesque fjord where the forests creatures come down to the water’s edge to greet you with curiosity.
139 locals recommend
Deep Cove Kayak Centre
2156 Banbury RdIf getting up close and personal with mother nature is your idea of the perfect day out, ocean kayaking is one of the most popular things to do in Vancouver, and Deep Cove is one of the best and safest places to do it in Canada. A tranquil paddle up Indian Arm, a picturesque fjord where the forests creatures come down to the water’s edge to greet you with curiosity.
You don't have to love hockey or even sports to love watching a live game with our world famous hockey team!
18 locals recommend
Vancouver Canucks
800 Griffiths WayYou don't have to love hockey or even sports to love watching a live game with our world famous hockey team!
If you’ve ever wanted to get up close and personal with what lies beneath the frigid waters of the Pacific Ocean, or what’s living above in canopies of the Brazilian Amazon, the Vancouver Aquarium gives you that opportunity. One of North Americas largest aquariums, and conveniently located in the heart of Stanley Park, this attraction is one of the most popular things to do in Vancouver. There is lot’s to see, and as the Aquarium sees a regular rotation of unique exhibits, you may want to give yourself at least a day to come nose-to-nose with Belugas and learn about how essential the salmon is here in the Coastal ecosystem.
663 locals recommend
Vancouver Aquarium
845 Avison WayIf you’ve ever wanted to get up close and personal with what lies beneath the frigid waters of the Pacific Ocean, or what’s living above in canopies of the Brazilian Amazon, the Vancouver Aquarium gives you that opportunity. One of North Americas largest aquariums, and conveniently located in the heart of Stanley Park, this attraction is one of the most popular things to do in Vancouver. There is lot’s to see, and as the Aquarium sees a regular rotation of unique exhibits, you may want to give yourself at least a day to come nose-to-nose with Belugas and learn about how essential the salmon is here in the Coastal ecosystem.
Robson Street
1155 Robson StShop until you drop.
Neighborhoods
Chinatown is known for its buzzing food scene, which includes traditional Asian bakeries, dim sum restaurants and hip cocktail bars. Jars of ginseng and dried fish line the shelves of old-school apothecaries, while Chinese groceries stocked with live seafood and exotic vegetables share the streets with indie fashion shops. Nearby, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden has tranquil paths and pavilions.
Lively Gastown is known for its whistling Steam Clock and mix of souvenir shops, indie art galleries and decor stores in Victorian buildings. A trendy food and drink scene includes chic cocktail lounges and restaurants serving everything from gourmet sandwiches to local seafood. Hip eateries also dot the neighboring Downtown Eastside area, while the up-and-coming Railtown district is home to edgy fashion studios.
1068 locals recommend
Gastown
Lively Gastown is known for its whistling Steam Clock and mix of souvenir shops, indie art galleries and decor stores in Victorian buildings. A trendy food and drink scene includes chic cocktail lounges and restaurants serving everything from gourmet sandwiches to local seafood. Hip eateries also dot the neighboring Downtown Eastside area, while the up-and-coming Railtown district is home to edgy fashion studios.
Chinatown is known for its buzzing food scene, which includes traditional Asian bakeries, dim sum restaurants and hip cocktail bars. Jars of ginseng and dried fish line the shelves of old-school apothecaries, while Chinese groceries stocked with live seafood and exotic vegetables share the streets with indie fashion shops. Nearby, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden has tranquil paths and pavilions.
171 locals recommend
Chinatown
Chinatown is known for its buzzing food scene, which includes traditional Asian bakeries, dim sum restaurants and hip cocktail bars. Jars of ginseng and dried fish line the shelves of old-school apothecaries, while Chinese groceries stocked with live seafood and exotic vegetables share the streets with indie fashion shops. Nearby, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden has tranquil paths and pavilions.
Food scene
Reminiscent of the all-night shopping extravaganzas seen across Asia, the Richmond Night Market offers a food and retail experience unmatched anywhere else in Canada. 74.1 per cent of Richmond’s population claims Asian heritage, so it’s no surprise the Richmond Night Market showcases an impressive cross-section of cultures and cuisine—over 100 food stalls and over 200 retail vendors.
191 locals recommend
Richmond Night Market
8351 River RdReminiscent of the all-night shopping extravaganzas seen across Asia, the Richmond Night Market offers a food and retail experience unmatched anywhere else in Canada. 74.1 per cent of Richmond’s population claims Asian heritage, so it’s no surprise the Richmond Night Market showcases an impressive cross-section of cultures and cuisine—over 100 food stalls and over 200 retail vendors.