TL;DR Travels

Take a Walk on the Wild Side to Explore Stanley Park

Number one on the list has to be Stanley Park – Stanley Park has my heart. For those of you who love a sprawling urban Park, such as NYC’s Central Park, then you absolutely should check out Stanley Park (which is also larger than the former).

You could truthfully split up your visit to the park over a few days if you are staying in the area; there really is THAT much to see. Plan for a leisurely stroll around the seawall or wander through the many different trails. If walking and biking around aren’t your speed, there are also horse-drawn carriage tours offered at certain seasons throughout the year. Or, you can check out some of the various attractions within the park, such as the Aquarium, Botanical Garden, and Totem Pole Park.

Read more about Stanley Park here!

Back to top

Walk (or Bike) it Out Around Downtown

One of the most popular activities for tourists in Vancouver is biking. There are several bike rental shops located in the downtown area (and some hotels offer bike rentals and biking tours as well), making it easy to schedule and pick-up your rental. While it does cost a little bit of money, it is definitely a cheaper day time activity for when you are visiting the city.

Although biking is beloved, I personally prefer just wandering around on foot. The downtown area and Harbour waterfront are very easy to navigate – and are beautiful. There are so many cafes, eateries, and small parks to check out around the city. As a very important side note – everything, and I mean everything, I have eaten in downtown Vancouver was delicious.

Related: A Guide to Shopping in Vancouver

Back to top

Enjoy the View from a Suspension Bridge

Almost everyone who has traveled to Vancouver will recommend checking out a suspension bridge. The two you will hear about most are Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Lynn Canyon Regional. The most important differences, in my opinion, between the two are cost and what kind of experience you’re looking to get. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park has a fee to get in, but offers several other features, a gift shop, and several food options. Lynn Canyon is free (aside from parking) and has several trails and waterfalls to check-out, making it a bit more of a wilderness experience. Both are also accessible via public transportation, which you can learn more about on their websites. I LOVE both and highly recommend adding at least one to your travel plans.

Check out a more in-depth guide of both Suspension Bridge Parks here.

Back to top

Explore a Foodie’s Paradise on Granville Island

Granville Island is a must-see when you are visiting Vancouver. It often gets compared to Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington, but I think it has its own distinct charm. When I think back to wandering around the peninsula and checking out the local produce, the words vibrant and bustling come to mind. Definitely a more crowded place than a few other things in this list, Granville island is a hub of activity, from several live performances, to boat rentals, to local vendors. It’s a great place to stroll around for a few hours, grab some food, and enjoy False Creek Harbour. Just keep in mind that you may bump into some larger crowds (which also means some inpatient drivers, if you choose to drive your own vehicle).

Back to top

Get Your Team Spirit on at a Local Game

If you love checking out local sports games, there are a few professional arenas in the City of Vancouver. Compared to the other items on this list, this one will definitely cost a bit more and will depend largely on the season. Although there are a few different stadiums, below I’ve listed out two large ones to check out when planning your next trip:

• For lacrosse and hockey, check out Roger’s Arena.
• For football, soccer, and Rugby, look at BC Place.

Back to top

Stop and Smell the Roses at Queen Elizabeth Park

Queen Elizabeth Park is a cheap and relaxing way to spend a few hours. The only thing you have to pay for is parking unless you walk or use public transit (entrance to the Bloedel Conservatory will also cost a few dollars). Queen Elizabeth Park is filled with flourishing gardens, easy walking trails, and some of the best views of the city.

Back to top

Catch a Ride to a Nearby Mountain Resort

While there is so much to do within the Vancouver area, you may want to consider venturing outside the city for a quick day trip. British Columbia has a few wonderful mountain resorts with skiing, hiking, and breathtaking views for anyone willing to explore more of the land’s natural beauty. Two popular options are Grouse Mountain (around 15 – 30 minutes driving from Downtown) and Whistler (around 1.5 to 2 hours from Downtown). And while you are able to drive to both resorts, just be sure to check the weather or season in advance and see if you’ll need snow tires.

Grouse Mountain’s peak was reportedly first reached in 1894. Since then, it has become quite the travel destination, both in Summer and Winter. In the Summer, there is a free Shuttle for anyone who pays for an admission ticket. Otherwise, someone can take public transportation or drive.

Another fantastic option is Whistler. In addition to welcoming millions of visitors annually, Whistler also was the home mountain resort to the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games. While many people visit to snowboard and ski, Whistler Village is friendly to travelers of all kinds, with several spas, shops, and museums. The Whistler tourism association has also put out an app for anyone looking to take a self-guided tour around a few key historic places with special tour guides for anyone who would like to learn more about the First Nations or Olympic sites. To get to Whistler, you can book a (paid) seat on a shuttle, or explore a few other public transportation options here.

Back to top