Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Vancouver

"Known as the Central Park of Vancouver (but much larger), Stanley Park stuns visitors with its scenic waterfront, dense woodland and nature trails that sprawl through 400 hectares of coastal forest. Located on the traditional, unceded territories of the Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh (Squamish), and Səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, Vancouver’s largest city park shines with cultural pride. The rich history of this low-lying headland is revealed by the totem poles that stand tall at the park’s edge, and a guided First Nations-led tour with Talaysay Tours is the perfect starting point for a day out in Stanley Park."

"Bordered by the English Bay and the Vancouver Harbor, Stanley Park is completely surrounded by water and has some of the city’s most beautiful views. This lush green forest is full of plants found only in the area and can be viewed from the many paths and trails that run through the park, including the Seawall, a stone wall that surrounds the park and runs along the water’s edge. The park is also home to Vancouver’s Aquarium and several restaurants and snack bars to make spending the day in the woods easy."

"Vancouver’s Chinatown is quite small compared to many I’ve seen worldwide, but it’s home to the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, which is well worth a visit, time permitting. READ NEXT:The Ultimate Puerto Rico Road Trip"

"The center of Queen Elizabeth Park, Little Mountain, marks the highest point in Vancouver, and its elevated position affords excellent views of the city center and the mountains to the north. Things to do in the park include pitch-and-putt golf, tennis, disc golf, and visiting the extensive outdoor arboretum. If the day is grey and cool, escape to the tropical environment of the Bloedel Conservatory."

"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."

"Queen Elizabeth Park is Vancouver’s highest point, clocking in at 410ft (125m) above sea level. Thanks to its central location, the park has some of the best views of the city’s impressive skyline, with a stunning backdrop of the North Vancouver mountains. The park is a popular picnic spot, with plenty of green space to relax with family or friends."

"Yes, this is a bit of a tourist-y option, but don’t knock it off your list of potential proposal spots without giving it a shot. The Vancouver Aquarium is an underwater oasis with amazing sights to see - and stunning places to propose. Word to the wise: if you do end up going this route, consider planning your marriage proposal for a weekday when the place isn’t crawling with families (that might take away from the ambiance)."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user SoftwareSimian used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Enjoy a few hours of fun with your partner checking out the wildlife at the Vancouver Aquarium. Featuring a total of over 50,000 animals spread across 30 exhibits, you’re sure to meet some creatures you haven’t heard of before, or learn something new about your favorite ocean dwellers."

"Located in the Kitsilano neighborhood, Vanier Park is the permanent home to four attractions: the Museum of Vancouver, The H.R. MacMillan Space Sciences Centre, the Vancouver Maritime Museum, and the City of Vancouver Archives. In summer, it’s also where two well-attended annual outdoor events take place: the Children’s Festival and Bard on the Beach, which hosts Shakespearean plays in a giant tent. This is a relatively flat park with wheelchair access, and the attractions are within easy walking distance of each other."

"Kitsilano's Vanier Park is a large expanse of waterfront grass (and beach) that is home to attractions such as the Museum of Vancouver, H.R. MacMillan Space Centre and events such as Bard on the Beach and the International Children's Festival."

"Vanier Park is another underrated favourite, with lots of space to lay and get lost in the clouds, or to sit and chat with friends while watching the sun go down behind the artwork."

"If you’re after city panorama, then you can’t beat a trip to the top of the lofty Vancouver Lookout. Towering 550 feet above street level, its futuristic viewing deck offers unrivaled 360-degree vistas of the city, surrounding mountains and the sea. Located atop the soaring Harbour Centre skyscraper, the lookout lies in the centre of Downtown Vancouver, just a stone’s throw from the waterfront."

"Vancouver Lookout, constructed in 1977, is the defining feature of Vancouver’s skyline, and its flying saucer design offers sightseers 360-degree views of the city. The lookout lights up at night and becomes a Christmas tree during the holidays. It’s a part of the Harbour Centre, which includes 28 floors of offices."

"Vancouver Lookout offers 360-degree views of Vancouver and beyond. Its observation deck is 169m (553ft) above Vancouver. The lookout’s UFO-shaped design is the main feature of Vancouver’s skyline."

"At last, our final, spur of the moment location was a view of BC Place (Vancouver’s Whitecap’s Stadium). We walked around Vancouver and ended up overlooking a gorgeous nighttime view of the cityscape. Most of Day 2 was spent with our friends, taking photos and playing tourist throughout Vancouver."

"While their newest venture, Sorella, might be a bit more buzzworthy, it is La Buca that gets the nod for their enduring, intimate dining experience. Seriously, this spot is a true hidden gem in the city, and another one that doesn’t need us to hype it up. Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 5PM-9:30PM and Friday/Saturday, 5PM-10PMWhere: 4025 MacDonald Street"

"We tried their special take out for 2 dinner menu during the April 2021 indoor dining shut down and we were pretty impressed.What was different about La ..."

"This “dignified spaghetti joint” offers big portions of homestyle Italian cooking in a friendly atmosphere on Robson Street. All the classics are present, from bruschetta and spaghetti al ragu to chicken parm. A great place for large groups, Zefferelli’s has tailored menus that make ordering easy."

"This spot has a menu full of delicious pizza and pasta among other things. And of course, they have an amazing patio that is perfect for outdoor dining. So if you live downtown or need a spot to check out after work, this might just be it."

"The weather may be warming up but that won’t stop me from having hot pot 🔥 — Featured: 🍂 Beef Hotpot ($14.42) – Napa, vermicelli, sliced beef, enoki mushrooms, tomatoes, tofu, tempura, corn, pork meat ball, fish cake, fried tofu skin, imitation crab stick, green onion and cilantro 🐮 🍃 Milk Cream Curry Hotpot ($14.29) – Napa, vermicelli, sliced pork, enoki mushroom, imitation crab stick, fish ball, fried tofu skin, corn, tempura, mountain yam, cheese string bean, and sea salt cream 🐷 — One of my favourite cheap eats has to be @boilingpointgroup 🍜 Not only are their dishes delicious but it also comes with a complimentary green/black tea during lunch 🍵. A post shared by Sylvia | Foodie | YYZ:YVR Eats (@food.thyme) on Apr 24, 2019 at 9:03pm PDT. Recommended by: Sylvia (@food.thyme)"

"Another gem in Vancouver’s crown of great eateries is Cafe Gloucester. Offering a delightful menu of Hong Kong-style dishes, as well as amazing comfort food options, this is a popular spot for those who love variety and a good solid meal. Try their Pan Fried Minced Pork and String Beans, the Stir Fried Seafood and Vegetables, the Szechuan Style Hot and Spicy Chicken, or a heaping plate of Chicken Chow Mein."

"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."

"Lovingly referred to as Trout Park by locals due to the beautiful lake in the center of the park, John Hendry Park was originally the location of one of Vancouver’s first lumbering operations that ran during the 19th century. Now, the park is a vast green oasis with a wonderful community center and an expansive ice rink left over from the 2010 Winter Olympics. John Hendry Park, Kensington-Cedar Cottage, Vancouver, BC, Canada"

"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."

"Located in the Kitsilano neighborhood, Vanier Park is the permanent home to four attractions: the Museum of Vancouver, The H.R. MacMillan Space Sciences Centre, the Vancouver Maritime Museum, and the City of Vancouver Archives. In summer, it’s also where two well-attended annual outdoor events take place: the Children’s Festival and Bard on the Beach, which hosts Shakespearean plays in a giant tent. This is a relatively flat park with wheelchair access, and the attractions are within easy walking distance of each other."

"Kitsilano's Vanier Park is a large expanse of waterfront grass (and beach) that is home to attractions such as the Museum of Vancouver, H.R. MacMillan Space Centre and events such as Bard on the Beach and the International Children's Festival."

"Vanier Park is another underrated favourite, with lots of space to lay and get lost in the clouds, or to sit and chat with friends while watching the sun go down behind the artwork."

"Known as the Central Park of Vancouver (but much larger), Stanley Park stuns visitors with its scenic waterfront, dense woodland and nature trails that sprawl through 400 hectares of coastal forest. Located on the traditional, unceded territories of the Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh (Squamish), and Səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, Vancouver’s largest city park shines with cultural pride. The rich history of this low-lying headland is revealed by the totem poles that stand tall at the park’s edge, and a guided First Nations-led tour with Talaysay Tours is the perfect starting point for a day out in Stanley Park."

"Bordered by the English Bay and the Vancouver Harbor, Stanley Park is completely surrounded by water and has some of the city’s most beautiful views. This lush green forest is full of plants found only in the area and can be viewed from the many paths and trails that run through the park, including the Seawall, a stone wall that surrounds the park and runs along the water’s edge. The park is also home to Vancouver’s Aquarium and several restaurants and snack bars to make spending the day in the woods easy."