12 Best Things To Do In Vancouver: Embrace The Outdoors

Vancouver is gifted with places where you can enjoy unforgettable outdoor adventures. Like other popular cities in Canada, say Toronto or Québec City, the Rain City has a lot of terrific spots that will keep tourists busy. With so many things to do in Vancouver, you will find yourself treated to the most incredible stuff. 

This city in Canada’s British Columbia province is known for its natural beauty, beyond its urban offerings. It is hailed as one of the most livable cities in the world for a reason. 

This destination, which is also the biggest metropolis in the entire British Columbia, sits on waters, framed by mountains and surrounded by trees, so exploring the outdoors is perfect here. You can cycle, swim, and ski within a day, to be honest. And, with its mild climate year-round, you will be able to enjoy four seasons of outdoor escapes. Yet, there are even more. Let’s go ahead and check out the best things to do in Vancouver. 

Find Out The Best Things To Do In Vancouver

Without further ado, let’s uncover the best things to do in Vancouver, a city in Canada’s British Columbia. 

1. Experience The City’s Seascape – Swim, Kayak, And More

Vancouver’s seascape is probably among the best in the world, if not the best. Or in fact, it could well be the best. This place is the ultimate seafront city, so it is just normal to find yourself engaged in water activities as you go about enjoying the things to do in Vancouver. 

So, many travelers to Vancouver have soaking up the city’s seascape on top of their list. There are a lot of aquatic adventures for everybody, from swimming and kayaking, to paddleboarding and ferry rides, and everything is accessible directly from downtown. 

For kayaking and paddleboarding adventures, believe it or not, the activities are right here in this bustling city. Visit Granville Island, False Creek, Jericho Beach, Yaletown, or Stanley Park. Feel like you can do more? You can venture further toward Deep Cove, situated on Vancouver’s North Shore. 

Other water activities include riding a power boat, enjoying some barbecue on the water while taking in the sights around, and boarding a ferry that can take you between Granville Island and some of the city’s best waterfront spots. Or, you can go for the classic. For swimming, visit Kits Beach or Second Beach where you can take a dip in the Pacific Ocean. You will learn more about the beach later on.

2. Listen To The Stories Of The Indigenous People Who First Called This Land Home

The indigenous people, or those who first called this land home, are treated in Vancouver like treasures, making this destination a great place to connect and listen to their stories and experiences. Be sure not to forget this on your things to do in Vancouver itinerary. 

Moreover, Vancouver is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations, brewing fun, educational, and emotional experiences with the people, places, and cultures that shaped what you know today as Vancouver.  

You can take a walking “Talking Trees” tour and learn about the local plants harvested by Vancouver’s indigenous people, visit the Bill Reid Gallery to find artworks created by these people, or indulge in Indigenous cuisine, particularly at Salmon n’ Bannock, the only indigenous-owned and -operated restaurant in the city. Truly an uplifting experience. 

3. Cycle Around Stanley Park’s Seawall

Leading the list of Vancouver’s best parks, Stanley Park is home to some of the city’s favorite and most visited attractions. As a matter of fact, it is so vast that you can spend even more than a day and still not see everything that this urban oasis has to offer. 

Often referred to as the Central Park of Vancouver, this place has an outdoor public pool, various playgrounds, winding trails through a dense woodland, dining spots, and even sandy beaches. But beyond these, perhaps one of the best things to do in Vancouver while you are here is cycling around the park’s seawall. Should you wish to take in the city’s best nature spots, be sure to have this on your things to do in Vancouver itinerary. 

Having fun with the things to do in Vancouver? Don’t forget to take snapshots! To be guided, visit our story here about the best photography spots in Vancouver. 

4. Spot A Killer Whale 

Being one of the world’s greatest seafront cities, Vancouver often has a pandemonium within its waters. So, if you are after something unique and wonderful, you can go ahead and try whale watching to spot humpback whales or even killer whales jumping out from the waters. Whale watching is one of the city’s biggest draws. You won’t find it hard to begin as there are several operators offering this experience around downtown and on Granville Island, from three-hour tours to full-day excursions. This is one of the things to do in Vancouver that your whole family will love. 

5. Feel The Thrill At The Capilano Suspension Bridge, And Witness Salmons Leaping Up The River

After seeing whales, you might want to go further enjoying the things to do in Vancouver to see salmons this time leaping up the river to their annual spawning beds. This happens at the Capilano Salmon Hatchery, which is the first stop of this tour. 

Then, you’ll also be able to trek along the Capilano Suspension Bridge where you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the forest. You’ve learned Vancouver is filled with spaces for outdoor adventures. There are those which are relaxing, then there are those that will literally get your heart racing, such as this experience. Trekking along the Capilano Suspension Bridge is not for those with fear of heights, as the bridge is way, way up from the ground. 

Afterward, you’ll be able to see the surroundings from the top of the mountain via the Grouse Mountain Skyride, the largest aerial tramway in North America.

6. Soar High Above Vancouver Through This Seaplane Tour

Sure, you may have done helicopter flying or riding a hot air balloon hovering above touristy places, but perhaps not yet aboard a seaplane. A seaplane is an aircraft with floats instead of the usual wheels, designed to land on and take off from water.

Here in this city, there are operators that offer seaplane tours where you will hop aboard this aircraft, leave the crowds of Vancouver behind, glide above the city’s stupefying skyline, and soar high above. If you want the best views ever, be sure to tick this off on your things to do in Vancouver list. You will never forget it. 

Loving the things to do in Vancouver? If you are, continue your journey exploring more cities in Canada, such as Toronto. 

7. Embark On A Trek Through Treetops

That sounds like what the vampires in the “Twilight” movie do, doesn’t it? Well aside from the fact that Vancouver was used as multiple filming locations for the movie, you can feel like a vampire yourself trekking through treetops. 

Vancouver is packed with tree-lined hiking trails, making way for above-ground treks through the trees as some of the loveliest things to do in Vancouver. You’ve learned about Capilano Suspension Bridge earlier, the most popular choice for the treks. But crowds can get so thick here. 

If you wish to trek the treetops with smaller crowds, you can instead head to the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, which hangs 160 feet above the canyon and connects to a wide array of hiking trails. This place is also home to the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre, as well as a quaint coffee shop where you can grab some coffee after you’ve completed your trek. 

8. Relax On The Sands In The Vancouver’s Most Popular Swim Spot, Kitsilano Beach

You’ve learned that Vancouver is the perfect destination all year round. While there are skiing venues during the winter season, there are also beaches to explore during the summer season. One of the best beaches in the city is the Kitsilano “Kits” Beach. There are so many things to do in Vancouver while you’re here. 

Kitsilano Beach is often compared to the Venice Beach of Los Angeles. This most popular swim spot in Vancouver is a beach for all, as it offers beach mats on-site and even free water wheelchairs you can borrow. 

If you are looking for things to do in Vancouver here aside from relaxing on the sand or admiring the views of the skyline, there are also areas here for in-line skating, volleyball, and tennis courts. Plus, there is also a playground for the kids. 

When you need to take a break and grab something to drink, the place has several concession stands and even a formal dining room at The Boathouse Restaurant.

As you read through this “things to do in Vancouver” guide, you’ll realize it’s mostly about the great outdoors. Looking for more outdoor adventures? Head over to Reykjavik in Iceland. Here’s a guide.

9. See Totem Poles In-Person

Totem poles are monumental carvings scattered not just around western Canada but also around the northwestern United States. These poles are a type of Northwest Coast art, consisting of pillars carved with symbols or figures. You may have seen totem poles in your school books, and while you are here enjoying the things to do in Vancouver, you can finally see them up close and personal.

While these totem poles are anywhere in Canada, the University of British Columbia’s Museum of Anthropology has done the hard work to gather many of them in one place. Plan to spend at least half a day here, and aside from totem poles, you can also see tribal masks, textiles, and paintings. Learn more about the indigenous culture.

10. Ski Like There’s No Tomorrow

Vancouver is also the perfect place to visit during the winter season, and we know what you’re probably thinking – skiing! From early December to mid-March, skiers and snowboards climb the city’s mountains in droves for slopeside adventures. And did we tell you these landscapes are accessible in just 30 minutes or less from downtown? 

The most popular local ski hill for these things to do in Vancouver is one which you learned about a while ago, Grouse Mountain, known as the “Peak of Vancouver.” But there are certainly more, such as the Cypress Mountain Resort, the largest of the city’s three local mountains. When the snow melts here, you can even take an exhilarating ride down the Eagle Coaster, the longest mountain roller coaster in Canada.

Then, there’s the Mt Seymour Ski Resort, which may be smaller and more laid-back, but is the best place for its fresh powder and scenic snowshoeing trails.

11. Take Your Kids To A Shopping Center Built For Them 

Admit it or not, most shopping districts around the world, like Fifth Avenue in New York or Mong Kok in Hong Kong, are designed for adults. Kids won’t appreciate the walks and the seemingly endless bargaining. But take Vancouver differently. In the city’s Granville Island, there’s a market designed for kids.

That has to be Kids Market, a three-story, and kid-centric shopping and activity center on Granville Island, which is touted as the biggest draw for families visiting Vancouver. 

But aside from Kids Market, Granville Island, one of the best neighborhoods in the city, also offers more. Art enthusiasts can find hidden studios and hands-on workshops in every corner. Foodies can head to Lee’s Donuts – a favorite among celebrities – fine dining spots like the Sandbar, and the Granville Island Public Market, an indoor food market. Indulge. 

12. Mingle With Plants And Wildlife At Queen Elizabeth Park

Canada is part of the British Commonwealth, which it joined into in 1931. So it is just usual to find tourist spots in places like Vancouver named after British monarchs, such as the Queen Elizabeth Park. 

Second only to Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park is one of the most popular outdoor spaces in Vancouver. Spread out across nearly 130 acres, this park has a rose garden, a meticulously manicured quarry garden, and an arboretum consisting of around over a thousand native and exotic trees. 

But that’s not all. Those who wish to see some wildlife aside from the flora must head inside the Bloedel Conservatory where they can find more than a hundred free-flying exotic birds. Visiting Queen Elizabeth Park is certainly one of the not-to-miss things to do in Vancouver. 

Vancouver is one of the most visited seafront cities in the world. So aside from this “things to do in Vancouver” guide, you might also want to explore another amazing seafront city, Miami. Click here for the guide. 

More Things To Do In Vancouver: Enjoy These Outdoor Adventures While You’re In The City!

Vancouver is the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures. You know why? This Canadian city is filled with mountainous areas that comprise rugged bedrock ridges and peaks, as well as intervening steep-walled valleys. Meanwhile, Vancouver’s larger valleys have thick modern and Ice Age sediments, and you can also find large lakes and streams. 

Looking for more things to do in Vancouver? Who don’t you go ahead and try exploring the outdoors? You’ve learned about some of the best outdoor adventures in the city on the list earlier. Here are more.

• Ski and snowboard at Cypress Mountain
• Skate at Grouse Mountain’s ice skating pond
• Walk the Capilano Suspension Bridge
• Kayak at Deep Cove
• Mountain bike at Mount Fromme
• Swim at Kitsilano Beach
• Go whitewater rafting down Squamish River
• Hike and bike through Stanley Park
• Stroll around the VanDusen Botanical Garden

#LoveVancouver

Vancouver is one of the best seafront cities in the world – sparring with Sydney, Miami, and Los Angeles, to name a few – filled with snow-fuzzed peaks, beautiful beaches, and not to mention a world-class eco footprint. So many things to do in Vancouver. These outdoor spaces coexist with its playful urban landscape dotted with restaurants, bars, and hotels, just as good as anywhere in North America.

But its real charm is about the great outdoors. You can do what the locals do, literally hiking one of the summits, cycling in a city park, or immersing yourself in snow activities before heading to their offices. Vancouver’s rush hour involves crowds heading to areas where to kayak or paddleboard. This is a city where you’ll want to try every activity. 

As you part ways with this coastal gem, you will be reminded that in Vancouver, the journey is as enchanting as the destination itself.