Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in British Columbia

"First established in 1886, and dominating nearly a third of the land that makes up Vancouver’s downtown core, Stanley Park is an oasis of cedar, hemlock and fir trees flanked by the Pacific Ocean. You haven’t been to Vancouver until you’ve taken to the seawall, the 8.8 kilometre stonewall that circumnavigates the park. Join the locals and walk, run, blade or cycle your way around the park and enjoy a picnic lunch (available through in-room dining) at one of the many beaches."

"In fact, you just can’t visit Vancouver without spending time in Stanley Park. One of Vancouver’s most famous landmarks, Stanley Park is a 1000-acre oasis right in the city’s downtown. Stanley Park’s natural playground consists of the rainforest, with towering Douglas fir and Western red cedar trees, and the sea that laps the shores of the park."

"A little further east is Chinatown, the third largest in North America, and home to the tranquil, four-seasons Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Yaletown is also on the downtown peninsula and is a former warehouse district that has since been transformed into a chic residential area. Shopping is a big attraction, but so is the people watching – order a coffee and sit on the sea wall to watch the locals. The West End is a beachside neighbourhood at the foot of Stanley Park, and home to the city’s LGBT community – definitely worth a wander, or head down to English Bay Beach to take a paddle boarding lesson."

"It’s a spot rich in history as it’s the first Chinese garden built outside of China. It’s also National Geographic’s “Top City Garden in the World”. This an extremely celestial outdoor space, providing quiet respite from the bustling city and offering dozens of opportunities to photograph 150-year old miniature trees, a jade green pond, and famous koi fish."

"Surrounded by unassuming low white walls in Vancouver’s Chinatown, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden can be easy to miss. But trust us — you won’t want to. Described as an “urban oasis of tranquility and reflection,” it was named the best city garden in the world by National Geographic in 2011, and that’s an accolade that’s hard to argue."

"It’s not exactly overlooked, but we tend to forget the full scope of what’s offered at QE Park. The locals love it for the tennis and basketball courts, the dog park, the lawn bowling, the disk golf course and the Pitch and Putt, while tourists come to snap views of the city skyline, even if the vegetation is starting to crowd the shot. Stroll the quarry gardens and cross your fingers that the underappreciated Bloedel Conservatory will soon reopen so you can enhance your summer photo album with pics of exotic macaws and finches amid New Zealand tea trees and flamingo lilies."

"Situated in the heart of Vancouver, Queen Elizabeth Park is also the highest point in the city, boasting spectacular views of the downtown skyline. It's one of the best parks in Vancouver for gardens, and the free quarry gardens are in bloom virtually year-round and are truly spectacular. The park is also home to the "dancing fountains" (at its top), the Queen Elizabeth Pitch & Putt, and lots of open, green spaces for playing ball or just laying on the soft grass."

"One of the city’s main tourist attractions, Vancouver Aquarium is home to an array of aquatic animals, exhibits, and ecosystems. Located within the sprawling confines of Stanley Park, the marvelous marine center is a delight to explore due to all its incredible sea creatures both large and small. First opened in 1956, the aquarium now impressively houses over 70,000 animals with seals, sea otters, and penguins on show alongside vast shoals of shimmering fish."

"A collection of more than 50,000 aquatic creatures make Vancouver’s Aquarium the largest in Canada. Located in Stanley Park, the facility features extensive exhibits and displays along with daily dolphin and beluga shows, sea otter feedings, shark dives and “4D” film screenings. You can even book your own personalized Animal Encounters to get up close and personal with some of these amazing creatures."

"I’ve been told the Vancouver Aquarium is pretty impressive as well although that would require entering before the building’s 5pm closing time."

"If you have kids in tow, head to one of Vancouver’s splash-tastic free water parks. Granville Island Water Park, Vancouver's biggest and best water park, is conveniently located near Granville Island's Kids Market, which means you'll have the perfect lure for enticing your sprogs away from the toy shops. There's also a large pond nearby that's often filled with friendly ducks and geese."

"The Granville Island Water And Amusement Park is one of the great amusement parks in Vancouver. The best part is, the entry to this park is absolutely free."

"Some people say the Marine Building may be the most impressive example of Art Deco architecture in Canada. Completed in 1930, its interior and exterior both feature marine symbols in the stonework and brass fixtures. Its exterior, which resembles a tiered wedding cake, was also shown regularly in the hit TV series Smallville,as it symbolized the Daily Planet headquarters."

"Vancouver's most romantic old-school tower block, and also its best art-deco building, the elegant 22-story Marine Building is a tribute to the city's maritime past. Check out its elaborate exterior of seahorses,..."

"While it’s now home to a bunch of offices, nobody is going to stop you from messing around in the lobby for five minutes to get your shot. Where: 355 Burrard Street"

"Surrounding one of Vancouver’s top attractions, Science World, this park is great for small travelers. After exploring the universe in the indoor spaces of the science museum, head outdoors to play on one of the city’s best playgrounds."

"With just a block separating the two, they can be viewed as one wonderful space that creates a thriving neighbourhood feel between Oak and Cambie. This is another place to work your endorfins, accessing the Heather Park’s tennis courts, or playing soccer or baseball or jogging the perimeter path at Douglas Park. A new wood-feature playground including a playhouse and tree platform at Douglas Park only adds to the appeal of this area."

"Canada’s first collaborative model of “nano” breweries co-working on-site, Callister is an incubator and a place to try cask beers (get a flight of beer-in-the-making), as well as hand-crafted sodas and on-tap local cider—and also a spot for the one-of-a-kind artwork of Goldmoss Satellite. Think of it as a lab of sorts—where you’re the happy guinea pig. 1338 Franklin St.,callisterbrewing.com"

"One of Canada's first collaborative brewery, Callister Brewing is not only a great spot for fine craft beers, but is also a hub for young talented micro brewers looking for a way in the industry, having three other in-house brands brewing along side their own house brands, this brewery has an ever changing selection to delight your curiosity and delight your taste buds."

"Callister was hard to qualify on this list, as the brewery itself actively maintains an ongoing contract brewing cycle with a number of new rotating labels. Nevertheless, the focus on creativity (both in the beer, and in the local art showcases) helped propel them into the top ten."

"Celebrating their seventh anniversary this year, Artisan SakeMaker produces small-batch homemade sake year-round. Unlike imported Japanese sake, Artisan’s Osake is proudly produced from B.C.-grown rice as of 2013. The rice is fermented and through the brewing process creates a wine that is typically fruity and sometimes sweet."

"Artisan Sakemaker handcrafts small-batch sake in Vancouver, and they’re actually the first local producer of fresh, premium sake. They use 100% Canadian ingredients in their sake, and you can do tastings at their Granville Island shop!. Why are they on this list of dessert spots in Vancouver?"

"Established in 2013, 33 Acres (15 West 8th Avenue) has grown from a brewery into a dining destination. Known for its brunch and veggie-forward options, the avocado ‘smash’ toast and mint and kale salad might sound hipsterish but the 60-seater dining room is open to all, including (accompanied) children. There are food trucks outside for hungry visitors and it’s an easy walk to SoMa's (South Main's) best restaurants if you need more food."

"33 Acres brews consistently quality beers, and with the addition of 33B, their experimental tap room, they have the ability to add a very creative spin to their core lineup. This was interesting, the public poll ranked 33 Acres quite high on the list, but with our score and the other beer experts average it went from a top ten ranking down at least 10 spots."

"What is it: This local brewery also serves pretty solid brunch fare on the weekends. Why go: Waffles with beer?"

"Mochido is actually the newest name on this list, having only opened earlier this spring!. They’ve already made some waves thanks to their super interesting ‘mochi donut’, which is like a bunch of little interconnected balls. We have to admit, these folks might get the nod for ‘coolest looking’ on our list of best donuts in Vancouver."

"A relatively new name in the city, Mello has opted for a pretty specific type of donut- brioche, and essentially all the filled versions. What that means for us is an array of some delicious flavours, ranging from London Fog to Black Sesame and classic Strawberry. Pro tip- you get a pretty serious discount buying a half-dozen, so maybe take these to your next small dinner party as dessert."

"We’ve got one big reason why we’re looking forward to this new spot so much- the massive patio overlooking English Bay. We’re excited to head down for a nice patio beer on a hot day. Heck, maybe we’ll treat ourselves and grab some wings while we’re at it."

"Nestled among office buildings and hotels, this fourth-floor rooftop patio is smack-dab in the middle of downtown Vancouver – but you wouldn’t know it from the bright, beachy colours that welcome you to the space. Part of the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Reflections offers a tapas-style menu and extensive cocktail list. It’s a hip place to see and be seen, so dust off your dressy sandals and settle in for a fine summer afternoon."

"A post shared by Mr Gustavo Inciarte (@mrgustavoinciarte) on Aug 1, 2018 at 7:54pm PDT. This elegant outdoor lounge, located in the inner courtyard of the Hotel Rosewood Georgia’s fourth floor, is known for its outdoor bar, light tapas-inspired dishes, and magical laid-back vibe. Address: 801 West Georgia Street, VancouverPhone: 604-673-7043"

"A visit to Reflections: The Garden Terrace is like taking a mini vacation from life. This secluded patio on the fourth floor of the Rosewood Hotel Georgia is a real stunner. It's the perfect blend of luxe and relaxing."