With its mountain background and urban beaches, Vancouver has the rightfully deserved distinction of being one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Vancouver's downtown is picturesquely positioned on a peninsula in the Strait of Georgia, with the Coast Mountains rising in the background. One of the city's top attractions is the location.

Outdoor activities are high on the list of things to do in Vancouver because of its wide parks and pleasant environment, which keeps temperatures temperate throughout the year. Yet it also has a vibrant cultural scene, wonderful food, and fantastic shopping. When this beautiful city, along with neighboring Whistler, hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics, it was shown to the entire globe.

Using our guide to Vancouver's sights and activities, you can navigate the city.

1. Take a stroll through Stanley Park

A verdant peninsula with large trees, Stanley Park is located next to Downtown Vancouver. This is the ideal location in Vancouver to go if you want to spend some time outside and in nature. The grassy park is surrounded by a cemented seawall path, making it a great place to explore on foot or by bicycle.

The park's interior is filled with activities, and you could easily fill an entire day taking in sights like the Vancouver Aquarium or the totem poles at Brockton Point. Breathtaking views of the city, the ocean, or both are typical throughout the park.

The rhododendrons and cherry trees lead the park's gardens and bushes in a rainbow of vibrant hues that bloom in the spring.

An outdoor pool is open during the summertime just on the water's edge. The heated, softly sloped entry of this 80-meter pool makes it a favorite among families.

2. Shop a Little on Granville Island

Granville Island, which was formerly primarily industrial, is today a bustling hub with a unique and laid-back ambiance. Houseboats, theaters, galleries, and restaurants have all relocated inside repurposed warehouses alongside artists and retailers.

One of the most well-known destinations is the Granville Island Public Market, which offers fresh produce, seafood, a wide range of other delicacies, and ready-to-eat foods. The arts cluster is not technically an island; it is connected to residential neighborhoods to the south by a road and footbridges and to the Downtown peninsula (across False Creek) by a ferry.

3. See the Totem Sticks at Brockton Point

When visiting Stanley Park, be sure to see the Brockton Point totem poles. One of British Columbia's most popular tourist destinations are these artistically carved poles. In the 1920s, the totem poles were initially erected in the park at a different location. As the collection grew over time, it was finally transferred to Brockton Point.

Nine red cedar totem poles and three gateway gates are still there today. The vibrant totem poles are positioned back against towering evergreen trees along a broad walkway. A visitor center nearby offers more information about the history of the First Nations and the totem poles themselves.

4. Grouse Mountain Ski

When the weather is clear, Grouse Mountain provides an unparalleled view both in the winter and the summer. It holds true especially at nighttime when the city lights are on.

A gondola runs daily from the ground level to the peak, where mountaintop adventurers can find year-round food, entertainment, and wildlife.

Skiing: When the snow falls, Grouse Mountain transforms into a winter wonderland with some of the best skiing and snowboarding close to Vancouver, as well as outdoor ice skating and snowshoeing. Grouse Mountain is a pleasant destination for families because the ski runs are not particularly challenging. It's a fantastic location for ski instruction as well.

Summertime hikers will find Grouse Mountain to be a delight, complete with paths like the renowned Grouse Grind, also known as Mother Nature's StairMaster.

If you are staying in the city, think about taking this tour: Grouse Mountain and the Capilano Suspension Bridge are both accessible day trips from Vancouver. On this 6.5-hour tour, you'll hit two of the biggest sights on the North Shore.

5. Go to the Aquarium in Vancouver

For most people, a vacation to Stanley Park with the family would be incomplete without going to the Vancouver Aquarium. This fantastic facility educates people of all ages about the ocean's treasures and how to preserve them.

Experiences: A cold-water touch tank, a wildlife rescue area with a Burmese tortoise, Penguin Cove, full of adorable animals, and the nonstop activity of sea otters in their environment are all enjoyable and fascinating experiences. A must-see is the 4D Theatre Experience, which features unique seating, special effects, and a big screen that give you the impression that you are a part of what you are experiencing.

The aquarium's exhibits inform guests about the distinctive environments of the Amazon, the tropics, and BC's Wild Coast.

The aquarium once included belugas and whale shows, however those creatures have since passed away and either been relocated or have died and not been replaced.

6. Go to the Anthropology Museum

The Museum of Anthropology, a division of the University of British Columbia, examines civilizations from all over the world with a focus on the First Nations of British Columbia.

Large totem poles are among the native art exhibits in the Great Hall. Other presentations examine artifacts from the South Pacific, the Americas, Africa, and Europe that are anthropological and archaeological in nature.

The intriguing structure was formerly a fort during World War II, but local architect Arthur Erickson converted the interiors into a top-notch museum.

Wreck Beach, which has no dress code, the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, which focuses on natural history, and the expansive UBC Botanical Garden with its delicate Nitobe Japanese Garden are some of the other attractions on the university campus.

7. Unwind at Kitsilano Beach.

The Kitsilano Beach sands embody the carefree, enjoyable Vancouver way of life. Locals go there to socialize or to swim in the outdoor heated seawater pool. In the summer, sunbathers enjoy this area's large beach.

Fantastic views of the city center may be had from Kitsilano. A bustling commercial district can be found a few blocks south on West Fourth Avenue, and the neighborhood also features a variety of cafés and walking trails in addition to the beach and seafront.

Vanier Park, home to the Vancouver Maritime Museum and wide-open spaces, is only a short trek to the east of Kitsilano. From these piers, take a little Aquabus to Granville Island or downtown Vancouver.

8. Take in Gastown

Gastown, the city's historic district, is home to a number of eateries, art galleries, and retail establishments housed in lovingly preserved Victorian structures. Historic structures, cobblestone streets, and iron lampposts give the region its characteristic feel. Canada Place is a short stroll from Gastown.

When a man named John Deighton arrived on the scene in 1867, Gastown was born. Due to his propensity for starting long stories, Deighton quickly earned the moniker "Gassy Jack." As a result, the area was given the names "Gastown" or "Gassy's Town."

In Maple Tree Square, a statue of the owner now guards the area. Visitors love to visit the neighboring Steam Clock, which blasts steam-powered chimes every 15 minutes, as well as to stop for pictures with Gassy Jack.

9. Visit the Canada Place

Your journey begins in Canada Place if you arrive in Vancouver by cruise ship. The distinctive roof structure gives the appearance of a big sailing vessel. The impressively designed building serves as a cruise ship terminal, meeting center, hotel, and central hub for sightseeing bus trips.

Panorama views and the Flyover Canada attraction, a flying simulator that assaults your senses while teaching you about Canadian geography, are located at the end of the pier. Ferries leave from Waterfront Station, another neighboring transportation center, for the open-air market at Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver.

Right after leaving the building, a beautiful waterfront promenade leading to Stanley Park begins. Along the trip, you'll watch the seaplanes take off and land, and enormous seagoing container ships heading out to sea.

10. Explore Chinatown's Culture

Outside the elaborate Millennium Gate that serves as its entry, Vancouver's diverse and fascinating Chinatown has both newer structures and a large number of ancient ones that date back to the Victorian era.

In East Pender, Keefer, and Main streets—the main commercial areas—signs at stores and restaurants are frequently written in Chinese characters. The attractive walled Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, based on a typical garden from the Ming Dynasty, is one of the local attractions.

The Sam Kee Building, which at just two meters wide claims to be the world's smallest office building, is very interesting to visit. A boisterous parade is held every year to mark Chinese New Year.

11. Take a stroll along the oceanfront in English Bay 

English Bay concentrates around one of the city's nicest and busiest beaches. English Bay, a part of the West End district, is a well-liked outdoor space where people go to walk, bike, rollerblade, and hang out with the public art pieces. It also includes shops and upscale eateries.

A seaside trail connects Stanley Park and English Bay, which are both nearby. Large tree trunks that line the beach create ideal backrests for people sunbathing.

Festival of Light is one of the major summertime gatherings. The amazing fireworks are usually set to music and take place around the last week of July. The New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim, where tough swimmers plunge into the freezing Pacific waters, is another well-liked occasion.

12. Move over Capilano Suspension Bridge.

The Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver's first tourist destination, has been enthralling tourists with its swinging bridge over a descending canyon ever since it first opened in 1889. The footbridge crosses a river canyon that is 70 meters deep and leads to an activity park with forest trails and a treetop hike amid enormous old-growth trees. The Cliffwalk, a transparent suspended platform, and a group of totem poles are also present.

Vancouver is one of Canada’s most loved cities. While the city can be quite expensive, a limited budget should not keep you from wandering around the capital city of British Columbia. Just check out these free and affordable things to do in Vancouver.https://t.co/YdvM6erPVa pic.twitter.com/DzuXqjBJcI

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The Vancouver City Tour that includes the Capilano Suspension Bridge is a great choice if you are staying in Vancouver and are seeking for a quick way to visit the bridge and see some city sights. This excursion includes a cliff walk experience, a half-day tour of Vancouver, and a stop at the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Visit the Capilano Salmon Hatchery, which is located across Capilano Road, if you want to see flashing salmon trying to swim upstream (particularly in the fall). Cleveland Dam's fish ladder, which consists of a succession of staggered pools, allows fish to cross through. Look through the underwater windows to get a close-up view of their work.

13. Travel the Aquabus

Fortunately, one of the most affordable views of Vancouver has one of the nicest views. Get on the tiny Aquabus, and while enjoying the breathtaking views, bob your way across and around False Creek. Eight pickup locations spread out along the downtown waterfront make boarding simple.

Every 15 minutes, one of the 13 Aquabuses will arrive to pick you up, so you'll never have to wait for very long. The boats can accommodate wheelchairs and are pet and bicycle friendly. If you're going around downtown and want to stop at Granville Island for lunch or a little shopping, the Aquabus is quite useful.

14 Robson Street shops

The main draw of Robson Street is shopping. Besides from major multinational brands, it serves as the backdrop for a variety of creative Vancouver events.

back Burrard and Jarvis Streets, Robson Street's major center of activity is located. There are more than 150 shops and restaurants spread across these three blocks. Go up and down the street and try to get a spot on the patio to do some real people watching.

A stop at Robson Street can easily be paired with a visit to the Vancouver Art Gallery or the nearby Robson Plaza because it is in the middle of several of the city's main attractions.

15. Discover history at the Vancouver Museum

The Museum of Vancouver is a sizable establishment devoted to all things Vancouver and is located in Vanier Park next to Burrard Bridge. From the earliest Coast Salish communities to Kitsilano's hippy era and urban expansion, it covers the history of the city.

The HR MacMillan Space Centre, which includes a planetarium, an observatory, and a waterfront maritime museum with stunning views of English Bay and the North Shore mountains beyond, is housed in the same structure.

If you're staying in the city center, take the Aquabus to Vanier Park across False Creek and get out at the Maritime Museum Ferry pier.

16. Queen Elizabeth Park

Vancouver's highest point, Little Mountain in Queen Elizabeth Park, offers spectacular views of both the city's core and the mountains to the north due to its lofty location.

Pitch & putt golf, tennis, disc golf, and touring the sizable outdoor arboretum are among the activities available in the park. Escape to the tropical setting of the Bloedel Conservatory on a cool and cloudy day.

Seasons in the Park is a fantastic restaurant located in Queen Elizabeth Park. After a mid-morning stroll in the park, stop in for lunch and take in the breathtaking views of Vancouver's downtown.

On a warm summer day, taking a stroll through the submerged Quarry Garden is delightful. In the beds that represent different regions and species, the VanDusen Botanical Garden, a few blocks to the west, offers additional horticultural adventures. There is usually something in flower there.

17. Bring your children to Science World

A kid-friendly discovery center with 12 interactive exhibits and demonstrations is housed in Science World's futuristic sphere-like structure. Water, air, mobility, and creation are among the themes.

Exhibit visits are frequently fascinating and a component of global tours. The building, a recognizable landmark on Vancouver's waterfront, was initially constructed for Expo 86, a World's Fair.

18. Take in Richmond's sights

Richmond, which is located south of Vancouver, is the city's second Chinatown, hence many of the stores there have Chinese characters on their signs. You have come to the perfect place if you are craving real Chinese food. The streets are lined with hundreds of restaurants that serve delectable food.

A renowned Buddhist temple and the lovely former fishing community of Steveston, where you can discover waterfront restaurants and stores in renovated old boatsheds, are just two of the many sightseeing attractions in Richmond. The Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, one of Richmond's most historic locations, is situated in the latter and tells the story of the West Coast fishing industry.

When you've had your fill of seeing tourist sights, visit the malls to find a variety of items, including imported Asian goods. Come down in the evening during the warmer months when there are lively night markets that are comparable to those in Hong Kong.

19. Observe whales

Whale watching is highly recommended in the Salish Sea, which is the area off the coast of Vancouver. Orcas, minke, and gray whales of various sizes, as well as humpback whales, swim in these waters.

From March to October is the primary whale-watching season. There are many ways to observe the whales, including from a float plane, Zodiac boats, or larger tour boats for those who want a more steady viewing platform. If you are lucky, you might even sight a few whales from the BC boats that transit between Vancouver and Victoria.

The distance that boats can travel from whales is strictly regulated. In Vancouver's downtown, a well-liked alternative departs from in front of the Westin Hotel. On the Salish Sea Dream, an 80-foot double decked catamaran, you go on the Half-Day Whale Watching Excursion from Vancouver. There is some fascinating comments along the way. At one of the several viewing decks, there is a good chance you may see a whale.

20. VanDusen Botanical Garden 

The VanDusen Botanical Garden is the best spot to witness the magnificent floral displays that the British Columbian climate is known for creating. The garden is conveniently situated on Oak Street, close to the aforementioned Queen Elizabeth Park, just outside of downtown.

No matter when you arrive, there is always something blooming in the garden, making it a delightful area to walk. Check out the bloom guide that the gardens post on their website prior to each season to get the most out of your visit.

The cherry trees that burst into color in the spring, followed by the rhododendrons and laburnums, then the roses and hydrangeas putting on their show in the summer, are highlights of any visit. When fall arrives, the Japanese maples, ginkgo trees, and rudbeckia stand out and contribute to the overall aesthetic.

21. Vancouver Art Gallery

The city's foremost arts institution, the Vancouver Art Gallery, is situated in Downtown Vancouver. The gallery hosts cutting-edge, top-notch shows all year long that alternately feature the creations of regional and international artists. The gallery's collection includes works by renowned British Columbian painter Emily Carr (1871–1955) as well as more recent pieces by artists from the Asia–Pacific region and First Nations.

A winter ice skating rink and law courts may be found in Robson Square, a fascinating public space created by Arthur Erickson, which is visible from the building's façade.

A well-liked gathering place and demonstration venue for whatever causes are in the news are the stairs with their carved lions in front of the gallery. The Vancouver Art Gallery is close to Robson Street on Hornby Street, making it simple to visit both.

22. A day trip to the Gulf Islands or Whistler

The drive to Whistler along the Sea-to-Sky Highway is one of the most well-liked day outings. Visit Shannon Falls and Squamish along the trip if you want to take in some local culture. After that, spend the afternoon exploring Whistler Village, where you can discover cafes, boutiques, and picturesque views around every turn. Plan a day of skiing here if you enjoy skiing and you're here during the winter.

Visits to some of the Gulf Islands, such as Salt Spring Island, and riding a ferry all the way to Victoria on Vancouver Island are two more common day trips from Vancouver. Victoria may be reached by ferry in just over an hour, and it runs often.