8 Incredible Things to do in Vancouver, Canada

Aug. 23, 2013 by Matt van Vuuren

These are my 8 best places to visit in Vancouver ranging from the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Gastown to Stanley Park and Granville Island. Vancouver is a tiny city which you can easily explore within 2 days.

Tips & Advice

Why: Canada's most nature rich city!
When: Spring & summer
Best Hotels: Stay near Coal Harbor, downtown (Booking.com)
Best Attractions: Stanley Park and Capilano Suspension Bridge
Book Now: Vancouver Bus Tour for just $50 USD

Buy Tickets for Vancouver

Recovering from a memorable night in Tokyo, I found myself en route back to Canada with a brief layover in the stunning city of Vancouver, a pleasant interlude on my journey to Toronto.

Map

Best Places for Travel in Vancouver

1. Robson Street
The main shopping artery of Vancouver
2. Sandbar
Seafood hot spot under the Granville Island bridge
3. Capilano Suspension Bridge
One of the most popular Vancouver tourism attractions in British Columbia
4. Stanley Park
1,001-acre public park that borders the downtown of Vancouver
5. Chinatown
One of the largest historic Chinatowns in North America
6. Gastown
Gastown is a mix of hip contemporary fashion and interior furnishing boutiques

With just three days to soak in Vancouver's charm, I was determined to make every moment count, fortunate to be greeted by bright, sunny weather. Here's a rundown of my whirlwind tour:

7. Granville Island
Make sure to visit the farmers market and day vendors offering local Vancouver goods
8. Yaletown
Upscale districts with lots of great restaurants and bars

exploring Vancouver on the west coast of Canada

1. Arrival: My first stop after landing was the Le Soleil Hotel in downtown Vancouver. The hotel impressed me with its elegance, notably featuring one of the most comfortable beds I've ever experienced.

2. Exploration Begins: Post-nap, I ventured out to Robson Street for a bit of shopping and brunch. A souvenir shop caught my eye with a stylish Vancouver-themed shirt.

beautiful house on Stanley Park

3. City Tour: I stumbled upon the Vancouver Trolley Company, offering city-wide tours. Eager to explore, I grabbed a ticket and hopped aboard.

4. Stanley Park: The trolley's first significant stop was Stanley Park, a sprawling 1,001-acre oasis nestled against the Pacific Ocean. It's a historical landmark and a staple of Vancouver’s urban landscape.

grilled salmon on rice at the SandBar on Granville Island, Vancouver

5. Culinary Delights: For brunch, I ferried over to Granville Island and indulged in exquisite salmon at the Sandbar restaurant. The Granville Island Public Market was a feast for the senses, bustling with local farmers, artisans, and an array of culinary treats.

6. Urban Journey: Back on the trolley, I traveled through the vibrant neighborhoods of Yaletown and Chinatown, passing by the Canucks Stadium and the historic Gastown.

view of Vancouver from Stanley Park

7. Seaside Wonders: My final daytime adventure led me to the cruise ship docks, where I marveled at the immense Zuiderdam of the Holland America Line, poised for voyages to Alaska and the Arctic.