The main attractions of Vancouver are able to amaze you with their diversity and beauty. Therefore, before you go on a trip, you should decide what to see in Vancouver should be mandatory, and what – only if you have free time.
What to see in Vancouver first of all
There are several of the most significant and interesting sights that experienced guides in Vancouver will definitely advise you to see. Let’s consider their features:
1. Queen Elizabeth Park
Magnificent park landscape of Queen Elizabeth Park
Luxurious and magnificent – these are the epithets that tourists choose when describing this Vancouver landmark. We started our review with the national park, considering that it offers everything you might need for a comfortable stay. On the territory of more than 50 hectares there are restaurants and cafes, tennis courts and a rose garden, a wedding pavilion and a golf course, a delightful winter garden created from more than 1,500 Plexiglass bubbles. When planning a trip to the Royal National Park, set aside at least one whole day for its inspection.
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2. Stanley Park
The pedestrian promenade in Stanley Park is a place of recreation for citizens and guests of Vancouver
If you are interested in the natural attractions of Vancouver, a trip here should be organized by all means. One of the features of this famous park is that it is the result of many years of evolution of urban and forest space. Many trees are up to two hundred years old. It has its own aquarium, playgrounds, lakes and beaches. For the convenience of hiking, there are paths, paths and a beautiful promenade.
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3. Van Dusen Botanical Garden
The Van Dusen Botanical Garden is a great place to relax Daderot
The main specialization of this Vancouver attraction is to introduce guests to various ornamental plants. The collection of green spaces is really rich, including the rarest specimens. In addition, in cooperation with the Association of Botanical Gardens, the Van Dusen Garden conducts general education programs. If you don’t know what to visit in Vancouver with the whole family, this option will be the best for you.
4. Vancouver Aquarium
Exotic inhabitants of the Vancouver Aquarium
As well as many other Vancouver attractions, this one is located on the territory of Stanley Park. The gigantic modern complex, with an area of over 9 thousand squares, has both outdoor pools and indoor galleries. The number of inhabitants is incredibly large: birds and mammals, reptiles and amphibians, invertebrates and fish, including sea urchins and starfish, octopuses and African penguins, reef sharks and seals, porpoises and dolphins. Add to this well-equipped and open to tourists laboratories and classrooms, a wonderful playground for children and a 4D theater, and you will understand why such interesting places in Vancouver cannot be ignored.
5. Gastown area
Steam clock at the intersection of Water and Kemby Streets in the Gastown area
The history of this ancient city quarter began more than 150 years ago. Any tourist planning to visit Canada and Vancouver should definitely walk through its ancient streets. You can visit the famous Chinatown, Maple Tree Square and the Anglican Church of Christ. Get acquainted with the architectural masterpieces of the Victorian era, and take memorable photos while walking along the paved streets. The shining neon signs of trendy restaurants, boutiques and clubs here successfully coexist with old mansions made of baked bricks. A peculiar symbol of the quarter is the Steam Clock.
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6. Vancouver Art Gallery
Vancouver Art Gallery at Robson Square Wilson Hui
What to see in Vancouver in 1 day? If you are an art fan, the answer is simple: a local gallery with its tens of thousands of paintings, drawings, prints, photos, sculptures and other works of modern Canada. Many of the exhibits presented here are not only rare, but also incredibly valuable. As an example, the creations of Marc Chagall and Jeff Wall can be cited. The collections of the art gallery are based on the works of Emily Carr (more than 150 works of art).
7. Vancouver City Museum
The Crab Fountain in front of the main entrance to the Vancouver Goatling City Museum
It took over a hundred years to collect the collection of this Vancouver landmark. Buy a ticket and you will be able to learn about the many achievements of world culture, the history of the city and the surrounding area. There is also a planetarium and an astronomical exposition of the Macmillan Space Center.
8. Museum of Anthropology
Museum of Anthropology with a collection of indigenous art
If you are passionate about the history of our planet, hundreds of thousands of archaeological and ethnographic artifacts and objects brought to this reputable museum from various parts of the World will interest you more than all other Canadian attractions.
9. Vancouver Maritime Museum
Vancouver Maritime Museum on the territory of “Vanier Park”
In addition to viewing hand-drawn maps, real ships, photographs, artwork, books and artifacts, you can participate in an educational lecture or visit a huge local library accessible to everyone. All exhibits are dedicated to the maritime history of Vancouver and Canada.
10. The Scientific World Center
Night illumination of the Scientific World Center on the Bay in Vancouver
Compiling the list of “the best attractions in Vancouver”, this museum of modern science, located in a ball-shaped building with a dinosaur figure on top, should not be overlooked. You can set up a lot of non-standard experiments: outrun your shadow, launch square soap bubbles or find yourself inside a large-format camera. Now you know what to see in Vancouver will be interesting not only for you, but also for your children. Many people compare this museum to a real city. In six gallery pavilions, each dedicated to its own theme, a person of any age can have fun.
11. The Harbor Center Skyscraper
The Harbor Center skyscraper in the central business district of Vancouver
One of the tallest buildings in the world (over 175 meters). Inside there are business offices, on the roof there is a rotating observation deck with a 360-degree viewing angle, climbing which you can observe the entire panorama of the city, islands, glaciers and mountain peaks, Barrard Bay. Whatever excursions you choose in Vancouver, be sure to include a tour of this skyscraper in your list. A high-speed glass elevator will help you to overcome more than one and a half hundred meters up (it will take you less than one minute to ride it). At one time, the honor of opening the tower was given to Neil Armstrong.
12. Vancouver Public Library
The Central Branch of the Vancouver Public Library at Library Square
A large-scale architectural monument of Canada, erected on Library Square. In addition to a nine-storey library with millions of books, the complex includes an underground parking lot, restaurants, boutiques and a social self-service center, a multi-storey building with offices. All visitors are given the opportunity to download electronic and audio books.
13. Granville Island
Granville Island is a shopping mall with a giant Free Market Sébastien Launay
Let’s return to the conversation about the main attractions of Vancouver, created by the forces of nature. A unique and most suitable place for those who love shopping or want to get acquainted with the national cuisine of the country: You can visit both luxury restaurants and small cafes in the main shopping district. Or buy products at the local market, however, it also offers products of the industrial category. After lunch or dinner, you should take a walk to the bay and enjoy the crystal clear air.
14. Canada Place Complex
Canada Place Complex on Vancouver’s waterfront
One of those places where life does not stop for a minute: exhibitions and business events are held, the best hotels in Vancouver, chain restaurants and business centers operate. Come to this port and you will be able to admire both cruise liners and ships, as well as the original architectural buildings on the pier.
15. BBC Place Stadium
BBC Place Stadium is a multifunctional indoor sports arena
What should sports fans visit in Vancouver? The multifunctional indoor arena has a truly rich history: The Paralympics and the 2010 Winter Olympics were held here. From afar you will see a true illustration of a classic techno-tech building with a huge snow-white dome.
That’s not the end of our list of places to go in Vancouver. We will provide you with other useful recommendations.
What else to visit in Vancouver?
If you read the reviews of experienced tourists, then the following objects can continue the rating of the best memorable places and attractions:
16. Kitsilano Beach
View of downtown Vancouver and the mountains from Kitsilano Beach
The key feature of the beach is the longest heated seawater pool in the country located here (open only in summer). There are sports fields, walking paths and small cafes within walking distance. You can enjoy swimming in the perfectly clear sea or pool against the backdrop of mesmerizing mountain peaks.
17. English Bay Beach
Panorama of English Bay beach and residential area in the West End
The beach is a bay equipped for those who like to ride pleasure boats, swim and sunbathe. All kinds of Vancouver outdoor festivals are also held here, for example, a Fireworks Parade that gathers thousands of vacationers. We recommend coming here at sunset – the sight that opens will not leave you indifferent.
18. Lions Gate Bridge
Night view of the Lions Gate Bridge over Burrard Inlet
A suspension bridge for cars. One of Canada’s most recognizable landmarks connects the city with the northern municipalities, and crosses Burrard Bay. Please note that the passage of cars with studded tires on this bridge with three lanes is prohibited. The total length of the legendary “highway” is 1823 meters.
19. Capilano Suspension Bridge
Capilano suspension Bridge in a picturesque area
The longest suspension bridge attracts the attention of not only tourists, but also local residents. As reliable and durable as possible, it stretches at an altitude of 70 meters above the Capilano River. The entrance is guarded by totem poles in the form of mythical souls of the Squamish tribe and various animals.
20. Grouse Mountain
Amazing view from the top of Grouse Mountain to Vancouver at night and the ocean
If you want to see a gorgeous panorama of the mountain range, climb the mountain located near Lake Capilano (the ascent is carried out in comfortable ski lifts). Here you will also be offered such entertainment as winching on a rope rope (zip line), skiing and snowboarding, paragliding with tools and alone. If you don’t like extreme entertainment, you can relax in cozy cafes (also with panoramic windows) or go skiing on flat slopes.
A trip to Vancouver will bring you a lot of positive emotions, even if your trip is short. In order not to lose sight of the most interesting places, make up your sightseeing route in advance or hire a qualified guide. Read also about the sights of Quebec and be inspired to travel further across Canada.
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