Regularly featuring near the very top of the world’s best cities to live, visitors are also going to find plenty of marvelous things to do in Vancouver. Enjoying a stunning setting of a natural harbor and a backdrop of mountains, Vancouver is a Canadian city for any season. A snow sports playground in winter and a beach haven in summer, no one could find fault with Vancouver as a vacation destination. Here are just a few of the things to do in Vancouver.
1 Walk the Capilano Suspension Bridge
When looking for out of the ordinary things to do in Vancouver between May and September, you need look no further than the city’s oldest tourist attraction, the Capilano Suspension Bridge. This amazing 137 meter long, 70 meter high structure is situated directly above the beautiful Capilano River and offers breathtaking views of the canyon below. Once you have braved the bridge you may also enjoy some of the other adventurous activities on offer, such as the Cliff Hanger Walk, which leads the daring ones among us dangerously close to the edge of the canyon.
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2 Chill out on Kitsilano Beach
Kitsilano Beach, which is located on the shores of beautiful English Bay, approximately 4 kilometers from the bustling city centre, is one of most popular coastal places to go in Vancouver. Once at the beach you may choose to swim or play volleyball, skate the promenade or just laze on the huge expanse of golden sand, enjoying the views of the city and the ocean. If the weather is not fitting for sunbathing, take a walk on the beach and pay a visit to the nearby Vancouver Maritime Museum to learn about the maritime history of the Pacific Northwest and Arctic.
3 Visit Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre
Playing host to over 8000 different aquatic and terrestrial species, ranging from whales to three-toed sloths, the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre should definitely be on your list of things to do in Vancouver. The center offers amazing attractions and special feature presentations, meaning that every visit is exciting, different, and guaranteed to keep the children occupied!
4 Browse Vancouver Art Gallery
The Vancouver Art Gallery generally offers a little something to suit all artistic tastes, with everything from historical exhibitions, photography and sculpture to modern cutting edge displays. If there’s nothing in their permanent collection that interests you, however, you may like to check out some of their scheduled events and exhibitions, which range from up and coming local artists, to internationally renowned leaders in their respective artistic fields.
5 Scale Grouse Mountain
If you are interested in getting back to nature, or finding adventurous things to do in Vancouver, you need look no further than Grouse Mountain. Although the mountain was originally a ski getaway, it has slowly developed to incorporate year-round activities such as: cycling; hiking; an endangered wildlife rescue; the Theatre in the Sky, which shows great nature documentaries; and the scenic Skyride gondola, which meanders its way slowly to the mountain’s summit.
6 Explore Granville Island
Anyone looking for scenic places to go in Vancouver will enjoy wandering through the Granville Island region, which is located a mere 3 kilometers from downtown, and is readily accessible via ferry or car. The area’s main drawcard is the Granville Island Public Market, where you can expect to find everything from fresh seafood to stained glass. The market also includes a children’s section, which guarantees hours of fun for the whole family.
7 Relax in Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
If you are interested in cultural activities in Vancouver, which are a little out of the ordinary, you need look no further than the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Although the idea of visiting a garden isn’t on most people’s holiday to do list, this garden is unlike anything found outside of China. A comprehensive tour of the garden, which includes a traditional Chinese tea tasting, will have you appreciating not only the beauty of the garden, but the beauty of traditional Chinese culture.
8 A Night out in Yaletown
For nightlife, Yaletown is definitely one of the hottest places to go in Vancouver. This up and coming party hub, located approximately 2.5 kilometers from the city center, plays hosts to a plethora of great pubs and clubs, ranging from dive bars to super-exclusive lounges. Visitors will also love the area during the day though, as an ever increasing number of fantastic boutique shops and gourmet restaurants call the district home.
This is just a selection of some of the great things to do in Vancouver. The city provides a wealth of wonderful experiences and is a wonderful advert for life in Canada. Who’s been?
