If you had to pick a perfect spot to build a city, Vancouver wouldn’t be a bad place to start. Vancouver is a modern metropolis nestled between the ocean and mountains, which gives it a unique look and feel: look to your left and marvel as the architectural beauty of its skyscrapers; look to your right and appreciate the luscious vistas of the mountainside or the Pacific Ocean.
Vancouver
Vancouver Aerial
Stanley Park
Vancouver
English Bay
Gastown Clock
Totem Poles, Stanley Park
Gastown
Vancouver
When Vancouver was founded, it was known as ‘Gastown’. Now Gastown is Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood located in the downtown core. The multicultural mix of the local indigenous peoples, Europeans and Chinese settlers exudes a uniquely modern, environment, rich with culture and perfect for any tourist.
Vancouver has its own unique atmosphere. It is an exceptionally clean, modern city and the Chinese influence has introduced a distinctly Asian feel to the city. There is no shortage of things to do and the city has a variety of parks, shops and museums, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of the biggest and most impressive suspension bridges in the world.
Things to do on a Vancouver holiday
When planning your sightseeing itinerary, you could organise it as a series of walks fanning out from the city centre, with a good starting point being the Vancouver Art Gallery. You don’t have to stray far to cover the bases: shopping, great restaurants, beaches and nature are all within easy distance of the city's downtown.
For shopping, head to Robson Street, the city’s most popular shopping destination or try the boutiques of Yaletown. You’ll discover that the ‘real Vancouver’ can be found in its neighbourhoods whether it is in the cool coffee shops of Commercial Drive, the hipster hangouts of SoMa, the leafy streets of the West End, the kaleidoscope of thoroughfares in Chinatown and the historic, re-invigorated cobblestoned streets of Gastown. For many, Vancouver truly offers urban adventures while also offering some of Canada’s most fantastic outdoor attractions, right on its doorstep.
Here are some of our favourite tourist attractions to visit on your Vancouver holiday;
Vancouver Tourist Attractions
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: Since 1989 people have been crossing the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Along with the Cliff Walk and a Treetop Adventure, the Park is a great day out for any family who enjoys getting outside and exploring something new.
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden: This attraction comprises a beautiful traditional Chinese garden and a public park. The park is free to enter and the garden has an admission fee. The garden it is the first of its kind built outside of China and iwas built in order to promote the Chinese culture and to improve the cultural understanding between western and Chinese cultures.
Stanley Park: One of North America's largest urban parks, with over one thousand acres of dense woodland and scenic sea views of Vancouver Harbour and English Bay. While you’re in Stanley Park you can also visit the Vancouver Aquarium, which is located on the south east end of the park. Offering a perfect day out, the park is a tranquil haven for anyone that loves the outdoors, yet it is located right on the edge of Vancouver's downtown.
Museum of Anthropology: Just 20 minutes from downtown, the Museum of Anthropology at UBC houses one of the world's finest displays of Nortwest Coast First Nations arts in a spectacular Arthur Erickson designed building overlooking mountains and sea. On Tuesdays, the Museum of Anthropology offers discounted rates and later opening times, well worth a visit!
Museum of Vancouver: This award-winning museum in Kitsilano aims to inspire a deeper understanding of the city around us through stories, objects, and experiences. Permanent exhibitions include an exhibition on Vancouver’s neon lights and galleries profiling the city from the early 1900s to the 1970s.
Vancouver Art Gallery: Located downtown in what was once a courthouse building, the gallery combines both the traditional and the boundary-pushing all in one space. From indigenous Canadian works to French Impressionists as well as hosting an impressive collection of photographic art, the Vancouver Art Gallery has established a reputation for curating collections well worth seeing. Take a break at the Gallery Café, with its beautiful hidden-gem patio overlooking bustling Robson Street.
Beaty Biodiversity Museum: Identifiable to passing students, staff, and visitors at UBC by Canada’s largest blue whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling. The museum’s permanent exhibitions include 500 displays that celebrate and investigate natural history.
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Vancouver Experiences
We have put together some of the best day trips available from Vancouver - from whale watching to trips on a sea plane to guided tours and more. These are all available on our Canada holidays including Vancouver. Contact our experts to add them on to your holiday.
June to September is the best time to visit Vancouver, with warm weather, lively festivals, and the city’s natural beauty at its peak ideal for hiking, cycling, and enjoying drinks by the waterfront.
What are the best tourist attractions in Vancouver?
From scenic walks along Stanley Park’s seawall to the vibrant food scene at Granville Island, Vancouver is full of must-see experiences. Add in the treetop adventure of Capilano Suspension Bridge and the breathtaking views from Grouse Mountain, and you’ll find picture-perfect moments around every corner.
How long is the flight to Vancouver from the UK?
A direct flight from London to Vancouver takes around 9 to 10 hours plenty of time to relax, watch a few films, and arrive refreshed in beautiful British Columbia.
Is Vancouver a good holiday destination?
Absolutely! Vancouver perfectly blends mountains and ocean, urban energy and natural beauty, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re into world-class dining, outdoor adventures, or cultural experiences, Vancouver has it all.
Is Vancouver a walkable city?
Yes, Vancouver is highly walkable, particularly in the downtown area. You can easily explore shops, parks, beaches, and restaurants on foot, all while enjoying stunning scenery at every turn.
How many days do you need in Vancouver?
A stay of 2 to 4 days is recommended to explore Vancouver’s highlights, with extra time if you plan day trips to places like Whistler or Vancouver Island.
Best places to eat in Vancouver?
There are many places to eat in Vancouver, below are some of our favourites;
Chambar, Beatty Street: This award winning restaurant refers to itself as ‘civilized debauchery’ and it prides itself in providing ‘unpretentious fine dining’.
West, Granville Street: This restaurant has been called the ‘jewel in Vancouver’s culinary crown’, creating exciting, modern dishes that will take your breath away.
Blue Water Cafe, Hamilton Street: This restaurant is consistently awarded “Best Seafood Restaurant” in Vancouver.
How Expensive is Vancouver?
Average meal at an inexpensive restaurant $20.00
A 3 course meal for 2 at a mid-range restaurant $80.00
Taxi starting price $3.35
Taxi per 1km $1.93
Rates are subject to change.
Best places to stay in Vancouver?
Vancouver has an amazing selection of hotels suited to every traveller; this is a few of our Canada expert’s favourites:
How do I get from Vancouver airport to downtown Vancouver?
The Canada Line provides a quick and easy connection from Vancouver International Airport to multiple stops across the city, with journey times of around 30 minutes depending on your destination. There is a stop at Waterfront Station near Canada Place, ideal for cruise connections or access to downtown, where many hotels are within walking distance or a short taxi ride away. Fares start from around $3 per person.
Taxis and Uber are also available directly from the airport, or you can speak to our Canada experts to arrange a private transfer in advance.
