Best Things to Do in Vancouver, British Columbia

Will you be visiting Vancouver, Canada soon? Here are some insider tips for the best things to do in Vancouver, British Columbia. The first place I take a visitor from out of town is to The Inukshuk statue (Vancouver’s Olympic logo) on English Bay at sunset – a great walk along the sea wall and stunning views of the city, Stanley Park and the ocean.

When I want to eat typical Vancouver cuisine, I turn to Sushi!  With some of the best authentic and dynamic Japanese restaurants outside of Japan and access to incredibly fresh seafood, sushi truly is the taste of Vancouver.

To escape work  go tubing on Seymour Mountain in the winter. In the summer  go to outdoor big-screen movies at Stanley Park. During a recent visit I walked Granville and Robson Streets and found this great Marimba band.

 

 

For complete quiet, hide away at Third Beach in Stanley Park.

If you come to Vancouver, Canada, get your picture taken by the Lions Gate Bridge in Stanley Park.

My favorite thing to order at Cibo Restaurant is the Black Pepper Tagliatelle with Golden Chanterelles. I had dinner at Cibo during a September visit. I can see why it was awarded Best Restaurant in Canada by Enroute Magazine.

 

Vancouver is one of the best places to eat salmon. Nearby, Haida Gwaii is a mecca for fishermen and women from around the world.  Head to West Coast Fishing Club to guarantee the best catch on the coast! I promise that you will not regret a fishing trip to WCFC – the food, lodge, scenery and fishing are spectacular.

When I’m low on cash, I go to Roaming Dragon – a streetcar serving amazing pan-Asian cuisine from $5.

For a huge splurge, I go to Miku Restaurant– they offer a unique style of Aburi-Style sushi and get daily seafood shipments from Tskiji Fish Market in Japan.

Photo opportunities in Vancouver include Spanish Banks, a silky white sand beach with the city in the backdrop and Granville Island Market for organic vegetables and quirky shop attendants.

The best vantage points are taken by walking to the top of Grouse Mountain – the Grouse Grind is an impressive work out and the views of the city from the top are well-worth the effort.

 

The most random thing about Vancouver is the Annual Celebration of Light Fireworks display during July.

In Vancouver, an active day outdoors could be kayaking in English Bay or exploring the seashore at Whytecliff Park, or hiking to the top of The Lions.

Looking to stretch your legs will you discover Vancouver? My favorite walking route is the Sea Wall – from the cobbled streets of Gastown to the sandy beaches of Jericho and Spanish Banks, it’s a great introduction to this BC city.

Vancouver’s best museum is Museum of Anthropology.

Looking to shake your booty? For a night of dancing, go to Republic or Pop Opera – world-class beats and a stylish crowd.

The Red Card Sports Bar + Eatery  is the spot for late night dining. They serve delicious, authentic Italian pizza until 1am.

To find out what’s going on a night or on weekends, read Georgia Straight or Westender.

Are you a hockey fan? You can tell a lot about Vancouver from watching the Vancouver Canucks – the city is intense during the hockey play offs!

 

If you are visiting during the spring you should see Van Dusen Gardens for spring blooms.

In the summer you might want to check out car free festivals on Commercial Drive.

In the fall, visit Rogers Arena to watch the Vancouver Canucks in action.

For outdoor adventure in the winter go skiing or snow-boarding just moments from the city at Grouse Mountain.

There are so many great places to eat in Vancouver. A hidden gem in Vancouver is China Town – for unique restaurants, night markets and a real taste of China!

For a super breakfast or to grad a coffee, go to the Caffé Artigiano.

Just outside of Vancouver you can visit Whistler, just over an hour away on the breathe-taking Sea to Sky Highway.  Dine at Bearfoot Bistro.

The best way to see Vancouver is to walk.  The sea wall is a must for residents and holiday-makers alike!

Will you be traveling with kids? Don’t miss the Vancouver Aquarium.

What are your favorite things to do in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada?

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For more information on the Best Things to Do in Vancouver, British Columbia visit Destination Vancouver. Thanks to Marisa Marsden and Hawksworth Communications for assistance with this post. Article, YouTube video and photos by Nancy D. Brown. Vancouver Cityscape photo courtesy of Peter Andersen. Inukshuk statue courtesy of Tourism Vancouver and John Sinal.