Vancouver, Canada’s top 10 tourist attractions.
Vancouver, Canada. A place of grandeur and natural beauty, of spectacular coastlines and majestic peaks of the Coast Mountains, a city teeming with history and culture, and the heart of an exciting and vibrant West Coast lifestyle. With so much to explore, it can be difficult to narrow down your must-see spots, so today we’ve collected a list of the top 10 tourist attractions in Vancouver that are sure to captivate, entertain and leave you with a lifetime of memories.
1. Stanley Park
Boasting beautiful beaches, lush landscape, an array of plant and wildlife, and some of the best views of the city and mountains, Stanley Park is the jewel of Vancouver. You can explore the park’s trails by foot or bike, take a seawall walk, or hop a signature horse-drawn carriage ride around the Park’s perimeter. Don’t miss the iconic 9 O’Clock Gun, the Totem Poles, the Siwash Rock and the beautiful Rose Garden.
2. Grouse Mountain
Get away from it all and explore nature steps from the city. At an altitude of 1250 meters, Grouse Mountain offers spectacular views of the city, ocean and mountains below. Take a thrilling Sky ride gondola up the mountain and explore the trails, view the grizzly bears, or ski and snowboard in the winter months. Cap off your day with dinner at the The Observatory restaurant overlooking the twinkling city lights below.
3. Granville Island
Home to an incredible mix of arts, culture, food and fun, Granville Island is the perfect spot to spend a sunny summer afternoon. Toast to delicious local artisanal beer at the Granville Island Brewery, sign up for a cooking class at Edible Canada, grab a bite to eat and some fresh produce from the Public Market, go shopping, take in some live street performance or simply sit back and watch the antics of the resident sea lions frolicking in False Creek.
4. Vancouver Aquarium
Located in Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium is home to thousands of amazing creatures from around the world. See majestic beluga whales, graceful dolphins, majestic wolves, playful otters and many other species in naturalistic habitats. Get up close to a wide variety of Pacific Northwest marine life and learn about conservation, research and preservation.
5. Vancouver Lookout
Take a ride up to the observation deck on the iconic Harbour Centre Tower, sitting 553 feet above street level. Get your bearings, appreciate the city’s layout, as well as take in stunning views of the harbour and beyond, with 360-degree sightlines of up to 11 miles away, on a good day.
6. Canada Place
Step back in time and explore the heritage of this iconic landmark. Now home to the Vancouver Convention Centre, the area behind Canada Place is a great spot to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy views of the harbour and city. Don’t forget to take a peek at the Sails of Light, one of Vancouver’s best-loved attractions.
7. Capilano Suspension Bridge
An adventure of a lifetime, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is an exhilarating way to explore the surrounding rainforest. Cross the swaying bridge 140 feet above the Capilano River and discover the nature trails and hiking trails, or take a guided tour for more in-depth information about the ecological wonders of the area.
8. Vancouver Art Gallery
Immerse yourself in the diverse and dynamic art culture of Vancouver at the Vancouver Art Gallery. With a collection of over 10,000 works of art from around the world, the Gallery offers a wide array of exhibitions and events that explore the visual arts in all its forms.
9. Chinatown
Discover the vibrant and lively culture of Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood. Explore the streets and discover Chinese culture with specialty shops, herbalists, delicious dim sum, and bustling markets. Don’t miss the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Gardens, a true symbol of Chinese Canadian history.
10. Sea to Sky Gondola
Experience the best of the Coast Mountains with a one-of-a-kind view of Howe Sound. Take the Sea to Sky Gondola up 885 meters and explore the unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape, with easy access to hikes, mountain biking trails and the spectacular Summit Lodge.
From the buzz and excitement of the city, to the tranquility and beauty of nature, Vancouver has something to captivate and delight every traveler. Whether you’re in Vancouver for a weekend or a fortnight, these top 10 tourist attractions will set the stage for an unforgettable experience.
