Fun Things to do in Vancouver
Top Attractions

Stanley Park

This enormous park in the heart of downtown is even larger than New York’s Central Park, and is a must-see for any visitor to Vancouver. Parking is just five dollars for the whole day, and you can take the free shuttle around the edges of the park to the most popular attractions. Walking along the Seawall Promenade will give you a gorgeous view of the ocean and the opportunity to see the lesser-known attractions that are hidden away in Stanley Park. Side trails lead in and out of the heart of the forest. Remember your camera, because the scenery and wildlife are worth capturing on film. You can even take a bike through the park to cut down the time it will take.

This You Tube video shows images and features attractions around Stanley Park.

Make sure you see the totem poles and take in some local history and culture. Beaches and a huge pool offer the chance to cool off if you bring a bathing suit. This is definitely a day-long visit for the outdoor enthusiast or amateur photographer, as you can explore the endless trails for as long as you like.

The Vancouver Aquarium, located within the park, is an incredible full-sized aquarium, and you might need to set aside a separate day to visit. Admission prices can be expensive, particularly if you have a large group, but the fee is worth it if you love nature and have a full day to visit. Bring your own food, as the food sold at the concession stands is quite expensive, and be prepared for long lineups and big crowds on weekend afternoons (and sometimes weekday afternoons). It does not have a theme-park feel with trained animals, but rather, more of a natural setting. Each species has a written description near its enclosure for the animal lover to enjoy reading, and the special encounters with beluga whales, otters, and other creatures will please both kids and adults.

English Bay/Denman Street

Near Stanley Park and Granville Island, this gem is a popular destination for everyone in the downtown area of Vancouver. Plan to be here for a sunset and you won’t be disappointed. Outdoor activities from kayaking to swimming abound, and the beach is particularly popular as a spot for a walk after dinner in the summertime.

Any number of restaurants, bars, cafés, and pubs can be found along nearby Denman Street. There are some neat places to shop, too. Probably not worth a trip on its own, but since it’s so close to Stanley Park and English Bay, wind up your trip to one or both of the above places with supper or a snack at a restaurant here!

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens

This is a small but beautiful traditional Asian garden. It’s a real treat to get away from the hustle and bustle of Vancouver sometimes, and just sit and relax in the quiet tranquility of this place. The admission price is a little high unless you take the 45-minute long tour, the price of which is included in admission, and which is well worth the time and money! The tour guides are knowledgeable and passionate. They enjoy explaining the setup of the garden, the symbolism behind everything, and the Chinese world-view in general. Definitely a must-see if you’re interested in Asian culture, and a should-see for anyone else. If you don’t take the tour, stick to the public garden with free admission to save money.

This You Tube video showcases Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens with commentary.

Three -Towns (Gastown, Chinatown, Yaletown)

Vancouver is particularly famous for three similarly named districts: Gastown, Chinatown, and Yaletown.

Gastown contains the infamous Vancouver steam clock, a well-known free tourist trap that’s worth a look if you’re exploring the area. It’s the first of two steam-powered clocks in the world. It chimes every fifteen minutes each day, so wait around to hear it before heading to the interesting shops and restaurants in the tourist-friendly neighbourhood.

Chinatown is worth a special mention because it’s one of the famous Vancouver attractions. It’s important to be aware that, like most attractions, it is over-hyped by most tourism literature. In this neighbourhood, you can find traditional Chinese culture and the oldest architecture in Vancouver, but little in the way of modern attractions or boutiques. The restaurants tend not to be the best Chinese food restaurants in the city, either. For history buffs and fans of traditional Asian culture, Chinatown is worth a visit, however. Remember, both Chinatown and Gastown are close to a seedy Vancouver neighbourhood, so it’s best to visit them only during the daytime. Stick to West Pender Street, and avoid Hastings Street in the Chinatown area (Hastings Street is fine in the rest of its Vancouver route, however).

Yaletown has a distinctly bohemian vibe. This should say everything about the contents of the district -- trendy, artsy, indie, and interesting people are everywhere. The shopping tends to be pricey, but it’s a fun district to window-shop in. Enjoy peeking at the cool furniture, clothing, and other things you can find here. It’s a fairly safe and clean area where you can enjoy a night stroll, too.

Commercial Drive

This is a diverse, truly fascinating neighbourhood that most tourists don’t make it out to, but the locals love. Ethnic cafés abound, and the atmosphere of the area is bohemian and trendy. Between Broadway and Venables are the coolest shops, and you can people-watch all day long from some of the places with their own terraces. For shopping, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Commercial Drive

Map of Fun Places to go Vancouver

Stanley Park English Bay Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gastown Chinatown Yaletown Commercial Drive

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