A complete guide to Vancouver, Canada, where mountains meet the Pacific Ocean. Covers Stanley Park, Granville Island, diverse neighborhoods, outdoor adventures, and the remarkable Asian food scene that rivals any city in North America.
A 10-km paved path circling Stanley Park along the waterfront, with views of the mountains, harbor, and Lions Gate Bridge. Rent a bike near the park entrance for CAD 8-15 per hour. Walking takes about 3 hours, cycling about 1 hour. Go counterclockwise (the designated direction for cyclists). The totem poles at Brockton Point are a highlight along the route.
See the totem poles at Brockton Point
Stop at Third Beach for mountain views
Explore the trails inside Stanley Park
Beyond the Seawall, the park has an interior network of forested trails through old-growth western red cedar and Douglas fir. The Hollow Tree, Beaver Lake, and the Rose Garden are interior highlights. The Vancouver Aquarium is inside the park (CAD 42). The entire park covers 405 hectares, larger than New York's Central Park.
Cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge
A 137-meter bridge swaying 70 meters above the Capilano River in North Vancouver. The park also includes treetop walkways (Treetops Adventure) and a cliff walk. Admission CAD 62.95, which can feel steep, but the experience is memorable. Free shuttle buses run from downtown. The Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge nearby is a free alternative, though less dramatic.
Walk the Treetops Adventure canopy walkways
Try the Cliffwalk along the granite cliff face
Hike the Grouse Grind
Known as Mother Nature's Stairmaster, this steep 2.9-km trail climbs 853 meters to the top of Grouse Mountain. The average time is 1.5 hours. Alternatively, take the Skyride gondola (CAD 65 round trip) to the top. The summit has a wildlife refuge (grizzly bears), zip lines, and panoramic views of the city and ocean.
City Highlights
Visit Granville Island
A former industrial site now home to the Public Market (over 50 food vendors), artisan studios, breweries, and a kids' market. The Public Market sells fresh produce, seafood, baked goods, and prepared foods. Go early on weekdays to avoid crowds. Take the tiny Aquabus or False Creek Ferries (CAD 4) from downtown for a scenic crossing.
Browse the Public Market for food and crafts
Take the Aquabus mini ferry
Explore Gastown
Vancouver's oldest neighborhood, centered on the steam-powered clock at Water and Cambie Streets. Cobblestone streets lined with Victorian buildings now house upscale restaurants, boutiques, and cocktail bars. The Gastown area is walkable in 30 minutes but has enough shops and restaurants to fill an afternoon. Revolver and Timbertrain are excellent coffee spots.
See the Steam Clock
Browse the shops and galleries
Walk through Chinatown
One of the largest Chinatowns in North America, with the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden (CAD 14), one of the first authentic Chinese gardens built outside China. The Millennium Gate marks the entrance. The neighborhood is also home to some of Vancouver's best Chinese restaurants and bakeries. Keefer Street has emerged as a cocktail bar destination.
Relax at English Bay and Kitsilano Beach
English Bay (in the West End) and Kitsilano Beach (across False Creek) are Vancouver's most popular urban beaches. Kits Beach has a heated outdoor saltwater pool (CAD 7). Both offer sunset views with mountains behind and freighters anchored in the bay. English Bay hosts the annual Celebration of Light fireworks competition in July-August.
Food and Culture
Eat Asian food in Richmond and Vancouver
Vancouver has some of the best Asian food outside of Asia. Richmond (20 minutes south on the Canada Line) has massive Asian food courts and restaurants rivaling Hong Kong. In the city, try sushi on Robson Street, ramen on Main Street, and dim sum in Chinatown. Kissa Tanto and Bao Bei are acclaimed fusion spots. The diversity of cuisines is staggering.
Eat sushi or ramen in the West End
Visit Richmond's Asian food courts
Explore the Main Street and Mount Pleasant area
Vancouver's independent food, coffee, and craft beer hub. Dozens of craft breweries cluster in the Brewery Creek area (Main and 2nd-7th). Restaurants like Sun Sui Wah, Burdock, and Toshi Sushi draw foodies. The murals and street art around Main and Broadway reflect the neighborhood's creative community.
Visit the Museum of Anthropology at UBC
A world-class museum of Indigenous art and global ethnography, housed in a stunning Arthur Erickson building overlooking the ocean. The Great Hall's towering First Nations totem poles and carved figures are extraordinary. Located at UBC, about 30 minutes from downtown by bus. Admission CAD 18. Free on Thursday evenings (5-9 PM).
Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery
Housed in a neoclassical courthouse building downtown, with strong collections of Emily Carr paintings and contemporary Pacific Northwest art. Rotating exhibitions bring international work. Admission CAD 24, with pay-what-you-can evenings on Tuesdays (5-9 PM). The gallery steps facing Robson Square are a popular gathering spot.
Outdoor Adventures
Ski or snowboard at Grouse, Cypress, or Seymour
Three mountains are within 30 minutes of downtown, making Vancouver one of the few cities where you can ski and surf in the same day. Grouse Mountain is closest and has night skiing. Cypress hosted 2010 Olympic events. Day passes cost CAD 60-85. The season runs December through April, sometimes into May.
Kayak in False Creek or Deep Cove
Paddle under the Burrard Bridge and around False Creek for city skyline views, or head to Deep Cove (30 minutes north) for calm Pacific inlet paddling with mountain scenery. Rentals cost CAD 40-60 for 2 hours. Deep Cove Kayak Centre and Ecomarine in Granville Island are reputable operators. Sunset paddles are especially popular.
Drive the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler
One of the world's most scenic drives, winding 120 km from Vancouver to Whistler along Howe Sound and past Shannon Falls. Stop at the Sea-to-Sky Gondola (CAD 51) in Squamish for aerial views. Whistler itself is a world-class resort town with hiking, biking, and dining year-round. The drive takes about 2 hours without stops.
Stop at Shannon Falls (third tallest in BC)
Ride the Sea-to-Sky Gondola in Squamish
Walk the seawall from False Creek to Science World
The extended seawall path runs from Stanley Park along the entire waterfront. The section from Granville Island through Olympic Village to Science World (the geodesic dome landmark) passes modern architecture, waterfront parks, and craft breweries. Science World (CAD 30) has interactive exhibits popular with families. The walk takes about an hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need in Vancouver?
Three to four days covers the main attractions including Stanley Park, Granville Island, neighborhoods, and at least one North Shore excursion. Add a day for a Whistler trip or extensive outdoor activities. Two days works for the highlights but misses the food scene and outdoor adventures that define Vancouver. A week allows for everything at a relaxed pace.
When is the best time to visit Vancouver?
July through September offers the best weather (20-25°C), long days, and minimal rain. June can be unpredictable (locals call it Juneuary). April and May are pleasant with cherry blossoms. October brings fall colors. Winter (November-March) is rainy but mild (5-10°C) by Canadian standards, and the ski season makes it attractive for outdoor enthusiasts.
Is Vancouver expensive?
Vancouver is one of Canada's most expensive cities. Budget CAD 15-30 for a meal, CAD 3.10 for a transit fare, and CAD 150-300 for mid-range hotels. Save money with ethnic food (Richmond dim sum, Davie Street ramen), free attractions (Stanley Park, beaches, Gastown), and transit day passes (CAD 11). The Compass Card covers all transit including SkyTrain and SeaBus.
Do I need a car in Vancouver?
No, for the city itself. Vancouver's SkyTrain, buses, SeaBus (North Shore ferry), and Aquabus cover most tourist areas. The SkyTrain connects the airport to downtown in 25 minutes. However, a car is recommended for the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler, Deep Cove, and day trips. Uber and Lyft operate throughout the metro area.