Things to do in Vancouver

Vancouver is a city where you can spend a morning at the beach, an afternoon in a museum, and an evening at a live show.

Neighborhoods

Vancouver is a city where you can spend a morning at the beach, an afternoon in a museum, and an evening at a live show. The options are broad, from big-ticket attractions like Science World and Stanley Park to smaller neighborhood spots. Food and drink dominate the scene, with hundreds of restaurants, markets, and bars to explore. Here's a practical look at what to do in Vancouver, BC.

For outdoor time, Stanley Park has beaches, trails, and a seawall, while Queen Elizabeth Park features gardens and a conservatory. Families have plenty of options, including the Granville Island Water Park and the Kids Market, both on Granville Island. For a rainy day, Science World's interactive exhibits are a hit. The city's cultural side shines at the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Orpheum, home to the Vancouver Symphony. Sports fans can catch a game at BC Place or Rogers Arena.

Frequently asked questions about Vancouver

What are the best outdoor activities in Vancouver?

Stanley Park is the go-to for a full outdoor day, with its seawall, beaches, and trails. Queen Elizabeth Park has manicured gardens and a conservatory, and it's dog-friendly. For a smaller, relaxed spot, David Lam Park has playgrounds and grassy areas with skyline views.

What can families with kids do in Vancouver?

Science World is a top pick for interactive exhibits that appeal to toddlers through early teens. On Granville Island, the Kids Market is a kid-centric shopping mall with a play area and arcade, and the Granville Island Water Park has a splash pad and slide. Playland Amusement Park offers seasonal rides.

Where can I experience arts and culture in Vancouver?

The Vancouver Art Gallery showcases touring exhibits and local artists like Emily Carr. For performing arts, the Orpheum is a beautiful 1927 theatre home to the Vancouver Symphony, while the Queen Elizabeth Theatre hosts Ballet BC and the opera. The Rio Theatre mixes first-run films with cult classics and live entertainment.

What are some good places to eat and drink in Vancouver?

With over 180 food and drink listings, the choice is huge. Granville Island Public Market has gourmet food stalls and cafes. For a nicer meal, Black+Blue is a steakhouse with dry-aged cuts, and Miku Vancouver serves sushi with water views. CRAFT Beer Market False Creek has a large draft list in a historic building.

What are some unique attractions to see in Vancouver?

The Gastown Steam Clock, built in 1977, is a popular photo stop. The Totem Poles at Stanley Park are a collection of nine poles from around BC. Canada Place, designed to look like a ship, houses a convention centre and ferry terminal. The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden offers a serene space in Chinatown.

Things to do in Vancouver

Steak HousePhoto of Hy's Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar — Steak Housevia Google Maps

Hy's Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar

Long-time posh spot for Canadian steaks & cocktails in a traditional wood-paneled setting.

Vancouver, BC|5
Book StorePhoto of Indigo — Book Storevia Google Maps

Indigo

Vancouver, BC|5
Italian RestaurantPhoto of Ask For Luigi Restaurant — Italian Restaurantvia Google Maps

Ask For Luigi Restaurant

Cozy eatery serving large, refined Italian dishes meant for sharing, with gluten-free choices.

Vancouver, BC|5
Seafood RestaurantPhoto of The Vancouver Fish Company — Seafood Restaurant

The Vancouver Fish Company

Airy, harbourside seafood eatery with soaring ceilings, patio seating & craft beers on tap.

Vancouver, BC|4
RestaurantPhoto of Rogue Kitchen & Wetbar — Restaurantvia Google Maps

Rogue Kitchen & Wetbar

Chic, airy setting for inventive comfort food & classic dishes plus cocktails & 30 beers on tap.

Vancouver, BC|4
Scenic SpotPhoto of Prospect Point Lookout — Scenic Spotvia Google Maps

Prospect Point Lookout

Park's scenic observation point for bikers & hikers with bridge & harbor views & a café.

Vancouver, BC|5
StadiumPhoto of Pacific Coliseum — Stadiumvia Google Maps

Pacific Coliseum

Large indoor stadium offering over 15,000 seats for concerts, events & junior hockey games.

Vancouver, BC|4
GastropubPhoto of St. Augustine's — Gastropubvia Google Maps

St. Augustine's

Relaxed tavern offering Canadian pub grub, a rotating selection of local microbrews & a patio.

Vancouver, BC|4
ParkPhoto of Creekside Park — Park

Creekside Park

Waterfront recreational spot offering grassy lawns & a playground, plus summer events & festivals.

Vancouver, BC|5
Live Music VenuePhoto of Vogue Theatre — Live Music Venue

Vogue Theatre

Long-standing theatre with seating for over 1,000 for a variety of live music & events.

Vancouver, BC|4
Steak HousePhoto of Gotham Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar — Steak Housevia Google Maps

Gotham Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar

High-end steaks & an extensive wine list are offered in a snazzy art deco setting with a lounge.

Vancouver, BC|5
StadiumPhoto of Nat Bailey Stadium — Stadium

Nat Bailey Stadium

Venerable baseball stadium with a manual scoreboard, home to the Class A Vancouver Canadians team.

Vancouver, BC|5
Amusement CenterPhoto of Kids Market — Amusement Center

Kids Market

Warehouse-style, kid-centric shopping mall with a caboose, play area & an arcade, plus a bistro.

Vancouver, BC|4
Movie TheaterPhoto of Cineplex Cinemas Marine Gateway and VIP — Movie Theatervia Google Maps

Cineplex Cinemas Marine Gateway and VIP

Modern multiplex cinema chain screening the latest Hollywood films, plus new independent releases.

Vancouver, BC|4
Scenic SpotPhoto of Vancouver Seawall — Scenic Spot

Vancouver Seawall

Stone wall to prevent erosion with a waterfront path on top for walking, jogging, cycling & skating.

Vancouver, BC|5
FloristPhoto of Canada Flowers | Vancouver Flower Delivery — Floristvia Google Maps

Canada Flowers | Vancouver Flower Delivery

Vancouver, BC|5
RestaurantPhoto of The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - Yaletown — Restaurantvia Google Maps

The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - Yaletown

Classic steak & seafood dishes are the mainstays at this stylish yet casual chain restaurant.

Vancouver, BC|4
RestaurantPhoto of The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - Dunsmuir — Restaurantvia Google Maps

The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - Dunsmuir

Classic steak & seafood dishes are the mainstays at this stylish yet casual chain restaurant.

Vancouver, BC|4
Movie TheaterPhoto of Rio Theatre — Movie Theatervia Google Maps

Rio Theatre

Venerable cinema featuring 1st-run Hollywood fare, late-night cult classics & live entertainment.

Vancouver, BC|5
PubPhoto of Score on Davie — Pubvia Google Maps

Score on Davie

Neighbourhood hangout serving Canadian pub fare, local wines & tap craft beers plus weekend brunch.

Vancouver, BC|4