Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in West Vancouver

"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 first official green space, Stanley Park, is a massive and stunning spot just north of the downtown area. Almost entirely surrounded by the sea, it’s one of the best places to see in Vancouver if you fancy a more relaxing time exploring the city. The whole coastal route around the park and the inner trails are totally stunning."

"North of Vancouver's CBD is Stanley Park, a vast area of green that's almost an island. As well as fun outdoor activities and beautiful scenery, the park offers an opportunity to understand the First Nations people, the original inhabitants of Vancouver."

"Vancouver's Chinatown has a couple of notable parks to visit. The neighborhood's Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden charges admission, but right next door is the free-entry Dr Sun Yat-Sen Park that echoes the same ancient horticultural ideals. The paid attraction is more ornate and has guided tours, but its freebie sibling includes a similar turtle-rippled lily pond and terracotta-topped perimeter walls."

"Wander around Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Chinatown Head up the Harbour Centre Tower for a final view of the city, harbour and mountains"

"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."

"Home to the Bloedel Conservatory and Seasons in the Park, Queen Elizabeth Park in the Shaughnessy/Cambie area is a major Vancouver tourist attraction. And for that reason, isn’t my favourite place to photograph. It tends to be very busy through spring, fall and summer, especially on weekends and evenings."

"Queen Elizabeth Park and Gardens: A gorgeous place for a leisurely stroll, particularly during springtime. Cherry blossom hunting: Come to Vancouver in the springtime to catch beautiful blooms all over the city. There’s even a handy map."

"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)."

"Be sure to also check out the Vancouver Aquarium, the famous Stanley Park, and the VanDusen Botanical Gardens. 20 Day 2: take a ferry over to Vancouver Island"

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

"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."

"At the north end of Main Street, and just after Gastown turns into Railtown, we have a bridge to the port. This area boasts distinctive views of the city from an eastern viewpoint. Generally, tourists don’t flock as heavily to the east side so this a great option for those looking for photos of locations that aren’t as readily seen in an instagram feed."

"Lined with logs for the sun spectators, this is the place to reflect on the day and take a few photos of some of the most vibrant sunsets you’ll probably ever see in your life. Sunset Beach Park is also home to an interesting art piece called Engagement, a 30 foot sculpture of two wedding rings. These were created by world famous artist Dennis Oppenheim, as part of the Vancouver Biennale."

"Sunset Beach is a popular destination, especially in the summer, but the green space behind the beach is equally as popular with locals looking for a place to play a game of soccer, meet friends and soak up the sunshine. Grab a drink from the concession stand and spread out on the grass - on a very hot day you might see someone bringing a slip N slide for everyone to slide down the hill."

"Sunset Beach Park does not put its name to shame, and the stunning sunsets you’ll see here while chatting with a friend over a few bites or brews will be worth the wait. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Kritsada Akkhapracha (@fedexfc)"

"Set just fifteen minutes’ drive to the west of town are the scenic and serene sands of Spanish Banks Beach. Lying alongside the shores of English Bay, it has an outstanding array of outdoor activities, as well as epic views over both the nearby coastline and Vancouver in the distance. Aside from lounging on the beach and swimming in the sea, visitors can play volleyball or soccer, and there are cycle paths, picnic areas and park benches dotted about."

"Located on Northwest Marine Drive about 8 km west of downtown Vancouver, Spanish Banks is possibly the most beautiful sandy beaches in the area. The beach is sandwiched between Locarno Beach and the University of BC and a cycling/walking trail connects them. It has three distinct areas: east, west and extension."

"If you’re in the mood for Japanese, Ebisu is a great choice. And they just so happen to have a patio. So you can enjoy your favorite Japanese eats by yourself or with some friends in the fresh air of the West End."

"Inspired by our South East Asian roots, we aim to breathe new life into traditional classics; while maintaining the integrity and spirit that embodies our traditional cuisine. Popular dishes include the Yellow Curry, Mee Goreng, and Pad Thai."

"Once open, the new Nemesis coffee might take the cake for the coolest location in Vancouver. Not because it’s on Great Northern Way, but because it’s inside that stunning red flower-looking building that was designed by Perkins + Will. Plus, they’re going to start roasting their own beans in there."

"A true hidden gem in the sense that you’ve got to be looking for Coho Coffee in order to find it. This cafe lives in the front space of Coho Collective’s newest commissary location, and it offers unreal lattes and often has drool-worthy experimental baked goods up for order. Address: 1370 East Georgia Street, Vancouver"

"Coho has been lurking around the coffee scene for a few years now, as the creators of A Brunch Affair. So I was particularly excited when they said they were opening a coffee shop. But this one has a major difference to it: All the food here is cooked in the enormous commissary kitchen in the back."