Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Surrey

"An oasis of wilderness, beaches and idyllic greenspace in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park is routinely voted best urban park in the world. But there’s much more to do here than just commune with nature. The park is home to the Vancouver Aquarium, the Malkin Bowl Outdoor Theatre, pitch & putt golf course, a number of historic sites and several top-tier restaurants."

"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."

"The Dr. Sun yat-sen classical Chinese garden is the heart of Vancouver. This place reflects the cultural heritage and histories of Chinatown. The garden is at the heart of Chinatown."

"Having the highest point in the city, it is worth the trip to enjoy the view of both the mountains and the Vancouver skyline. Queen Elizabeth Park, a former quarry, has dancing fountains that delight spectators both day and night, plenty of green spaces, tennis courts, the Queen Elizabeth Pitch and Putt , and an off-leash dog area. Queen Elizabeth Park is also home to The Bloedel Conservatory, which has 500 tropical plants and over one hundred exotic birds."

"One of the last relatively unchanged areas of dune and wetland along the Kapiti Coast, this undulating 650-hectare beachside park offers swimming, walking, cycling and picnicking opportunities, as well as a tram museum and horse riding outfit. There are three entrances: off Wellington Rd in Paekakariki, at MacKay's Crossing on SH1, and off the Esplanade in Raumati to the north."

"Built in on a former quarry 500 feet above sea level, the 130-acre Queen Elizabeth Park is the highest vantage point in Vancouver, with extraordinary views that extend to the North Shore Mountains and beyond. But there’s more to Queen E, as locals call it, than just the vistas. With manicured lawns and impeccably groomed flowering plant beds, the gardens are the main draw."

"Jacques Cousteau has said that Vancouver has some of the best underwater wildlife in the world, the only problem is that the waters off the coast can be rather chilly. Not interested in putting on a dry suit and submerging yourself under the frigid waters?. No problem, the Vancouver Aquarium has solved that problem and brought some of British Columbia's most interesting sea creatures inside to inspire and educate visitors."

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

"Take the bus from the café directly to Stanley Park for a bike ride (or walk) along the famous Seawall. I’m a huge fan of large city parks and Stanley Park is no exception. There’s so much to do inside the park itself that you could easily spend an entire day here. Don’t miss the First Nations totem poles, the Hollow Tree, Brockton Point Lighthouse, and the breathtaking views from Prospect Point."

"Beginning just two blocks from our hotel, this famous waterfront walking and cycling path winds 28km around the downtown peninsula, following the shoreline of False Creek and English Bay all the way to Kitsilano. Popular with fitness buffs and sightseers alike, a stroll along the seawall is one of the best ways to take in the city’s scenery."

"One of the best views of Vancouver can be found right here in Stanley Park. The Vancouver Sea Wall boasts incredible views of the North Shore and Vancouver Harbour and Burrard Inlet. This is one of the best pedestrian and bike trails to take through the park as many of the main sights and attractions are located along the way."

"Home to the Jericho Sailing Centre a great spot for a cheap lunch with an amazing view —and Jericho Park, this beautiful beach is ideal for sailing, walking and biking along the park's pathways, and playing tennis. It's the perfect place for a sunset stroll. Jericho Beach is also the venue for July's annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival."

"My all-time favourite place to photograph families in Vancouver. Jericho Beach gets truly beautiful light and has multiple places we can photograph until the sun is almost down, at which point we can move to the beach. Jericho is located on Vancouver’s west side, just west of Kitsilano and a short drive from downtown."

"Located just west of Kitsilano, Jericho Beach is a well-used sandy beach and grassy park in Vancouver. It's a great place for a picnic overlooking the water and watching sail boats in the waters of English Bay from the local Sailing Centre. The beach is named after Jeremiah Rogers who ran a logging camp… read more »"

"A quiet place to unwind and enjoy nature and the most iconic aspects of Vancouver’s skyline, including BC place, Hinge Park in Olympic Village is perfect for packing a picnic and staying awhile. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Darlene (@darfunkel)"

"Photo: https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/2016/07/09/ history-of-metro-vancouver-city-hall-1936/. Since I live in Fairview, every time that I have to take the skytrain, I have to pass right in front of this marvelous Art Deco building that serves as city hall; its massive white structure is visible from all over Vancouver and it is still used today as the city’s council home. Located on 12th Avenue, the building was ordered by the Vancouver Civic Building Committee and designed by architect Fred Townley."

"At last, our final day in Vancouver was spent in Grouse Mountain – The Peak of Vancouver. Here, Landon experienced snow for the first time. We spend a couple of hours here walking through soft snow, played around, and went snow sliding. What was supposed to be a simple, quick visit, lasted hours and created unforgettable memories!"

"Grouse Mountain: A peak with a large variety of outdoor activities such as ziplining, a gondola, and more. Best combined with Capilano (visit when the skies are clear)."

"Find it: 1399 Commercial Drive, liviasweets.com, @liviasweets. The lowdown: Baker and pastry chef Claire Livia Lassam opened her East Vancouver bakery-café to much anticipation in spring 2019, and the cozy-chic interior has been packed ever since. Must-order: Anything on their organic sourdough bread is a winner, such as their grown-up eggs and soldiers with beets and crème fraiche."

"There’s no better place to relax at than Livia Sweets on Commercial. This charming Insta-worthy bakery and cafe offers guests a super cute 16-seat patio which has taken its popularity to the next level. Serving up artisan baguettes, potato buns, and other seasonal creations, this is a must-stop for any and everyone."

"On a bright corner of Commercial Drive, Livia is the life’s work of a baker and a bartender, inspired by the kind of cafes we visited in Europe and New York."

"A post shared by Jeremy Pue (@jeremypue) on Jun 4, 2019 at 11:03pm PDT. Showcasing beautiful rustic interior designs, casual ambiance, and great people, it is always a party at The Bourbon. The Bourbon is known for being one of the oldest yet most successful bars in the city."

"H Tasting Lounge (1601 Bayshore Dr., Vancouver) at the Westin Bayshore Hotel is a beautiful, seaside restaurant with creative cocktails complemented by tasting plates inspired by the Vancouver’s seafood scene. One must-try experience is H Tasting Lounge’sWinterlust (available for a limited time during the winter season). Cozy up with your sweetheart in these stylishly outfitted snow globes allow guests to stay warm while indulging in warm libations and alpine-inspired dishes."

"With the newly designed, and whopping 1,765-square-foot patio, Coal Harbour H Tasting Lounge is all set to offer guests yet more memorable dining experiences. The 50-seat space boasts chic lounge furniture, a fireplace that runs the length of the patio, and of course classic cocktails and cuisine. Start off with some Truffle Fries, or go classic with a fresh Caesar Salad."

"A visit to this Main Street bakery will have you licking your lips in anticipation as you eye all the baked good treasures on offer. Lovingly handmade in small batches, the The Last Crumb serves Ginger Molasses, Oatmeal and Cranberry, and a gluten-free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip cookie, in addition to a range of scrumptious cookie sandwiches, like the Chocolate Chip Pecan with a vanilla bean buttercream. Cookies are priced at $2.95 each and $3.95 for the sandwich variety."

"Vancouver’s croissant-centric bakery Angus T opened back in 2018, and now the much-loved purveyor is gearing up for a second location. Address: Park Royal, West Vancouver"

"I love having this after a heavy meal — they have a variety of desserts but my favourite is the durian and mango with sago. A lot of people don’t like durian but as a fellow Singaporean, I love it!"

"If you ask for directions to John Hendry Park, you’ll get blank stares—it’s known to locals as "Trout Lake Park" after the body of water that's its centerpiece and focal point of this 67-acre former peat bog. The lake has a lovely freshwater beach; swimming is allowed, and from May to September there are lifeguards on duty. In winter, if the lake freezes solid enough to skate on—this has happened once in the past 20 years—it doubles as an outdoor rink."

"Home to one of Vancouver’s biggest farmers' markets every Saturday in summer, John Hendry Park buzzes with a local East Vancouver crowd. A walkway circles tranquil Trout Lake – a natural lake fronted by a small beach at the center of the park – and expansive grass fields provide the perfect park setting for outdoor concerts. Activities abound at the Trout Lake Community Centre, a civic-spirited, light-filled facility just west of the lakeshore."

"Home to a robust farmers’ market on Saturdays, a small lake for swimming on one end and canine shenanigans on the other, tennis courts, a still-closed indoor ice rink and activity center, it’s got a healthy tie-dye/kilt/pierced body parts quotient and the air is often freshly scented with BC bud. People-watch and get ideas for your next—or first—tattoo, even if it’s a temporary decal."

"Situated off Commercial Drive in the heart of East Van, this park has long had a permanent pot cloud over it. Accept it or head to nearby Victoria Park where you can watch Italian old-timers play bocce. Don’t limit yourself to the park itself."

"This gem, tucked behind the PNE/Playland grounds offers plenty to do even as the roller coasters within view remain silent. It’s got four beach volleyball courts, a soccer field with a surrounding track, ping pong tables, a parkour course, a bike skills area, an accessible playground, perimeter biking and walking paths and a skateboard hangout. Something for everyone."