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Top things to do in Vancouver

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The list of things to do in Vancouver runs quite long, with a plethora of activities to indulge in. The mountainscapes of the city are best viewed while soaring through the sky on a zip line. Whale watching tours – where you can spot migrating orcas, humpbacks and other ocean wildlife – are quite popular too. For a day trip, consider driving down the Sea-to-Sky Highway that passes through lush forests and along the picturesque Howe Sound coast.

Proximity to the mountains and ocean is the hallmark of Vancouver tourism. You can go skiing at Grouse Mountain and hiking or camping at the Coast Mountains. Vancouver's North Shore neighbourhood is renowned for its mountain biking trails, while kayaking can be enjoyed at False Creek. If you like fishing, you’ll find both freshwater and saltwater fishing spots off the city’s coast.

On your Vancouver trip, head to the sprawling Stanley Park to explore its landscaped gardens, historical landmarks and First Nations monuments. At Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, you can wander across its bridges and walkways passing through dense vegetation and savour scenic views from tree-top platforms.

The food, wine and beer scene of Vancouver is burgeoning with delectable options. And Granville Island Public Market is a great place to sample everything that the city has to offer – from fresh seafood like sushi to maple syrup-based snacks and treats. A glass of British Columbia’s famous icewine or a mug of local craft beer is the ideal accompaniment to any meal.

Tonight

From $235 per night

Next weekend

From $390 per night

Most popular time to visit October-December
Cheapest time to visit January-March
Local currency CAD 10 = $7.40
Language French
Average weekend price $270 per night
Average weekday price $269 per night
Average stay 2 nights

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Vancouver reviews

What other travelers say about Vancouver

8.0

Vancouver is a relaxing city with a cool climate which...

September 23, 2023

Vancouver is a relaxing city with a cool climate which encourages a lot of going outdoor. Sitting by the beaches or walking / jogging / cycling along the waterfront paths makes for great outdoor exercises and activities.

KIM SENG
KIM SENG Singapore
10

Vancouver is a vibrant and beautiful city full of life and...

September 23, 2023

Vancouver is a vibrant and beautiful city full of life and colour. Plenty to do and see and many amazing attractions. You can do as much or as little as you like. Public Transport is relatively cheap and easy to navigate. Plenty of food options. I loved Grouse Mountain and the bears there, and Stanley Park was a great place to spend an afternoon exploring - could have spent a couple of days there just to see it all. However Vancouver is expensive so make sure you budget for it. I would happily return to spend more time there. We went to see Western Canada and the Rocky Mountains which were breathtakingly beautiful though I just wish we had spent more time in Vancouver. It is well worth it.

Sylvia
Sylvia
8.0

We opted for 48 hours in Vancouver BC, but we live in Oregon...

September 22, 2023

We opted for 48 hours in Vancouver BC, but we live in Oregon and it's only an hour flight from PDX. The other travelers at the B&B (met them at breakfast table) were from Maine, Germany, Australia and England. They were staying longer, renting cars and traveling beyond Vancouver BC.

Marcia
Marcia United States of America
10

Vancouver is a beautiful harbour city, a very diverse...

September 20, 2023

Vancouver is a beautiful harbour city, a very diverse community with great restaurants, shopping and going out. An easy city to walk around with fair priced taxis. A great place to start or end a trip to Canada, great options to travel out on day trips to surrounding sites including Victoria Island via sea plane. A very relaxed feel to the city area. I look forward to returning in the future.

Timothy
Timothy Australia
10

Great food, we ate twice at the Hydra restaurant.

September 19, 2023

Great food, we ate twice at the Hydra restaurant. Very good and easy to use public transport Service very good in hotel, restaurants and on public transport Super day out in Stanley Park including a visit to the Aquarium We caught the Sea Bus from the Waterfront to North Vancouver - very pleasant short trip with great views back across to the city The area we stayed in felt very safe

Elizabeth
Elizabeth United Kingdom
8.0

As Vancouver is my old " Hometown" I may be a bit...

September 18, 2023

As Vancouver is my old " Hometown" I may be a bit biased here!!. Always enjoy visiting and checking out new ( to me) Hotels which to stay at.. Summer rates are usually the highest of the year..This past Summer, seemed to have outrageous prices at ALL the hotels which we stayed at.. Inflation factured in the prices were EXTREMELY HIGH!! As well as transit , meals out, groceries etc, etc.. NOT very affordable vacation for most folks..just sayin'...

Kevan-Jay
Kevan-Jay Canada

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