Top 10 Things To Do, Activities 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."

"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."

"This sculpture is one of the many attractions along the Stanley Park Sea Wall. This particular statue reminds of the the Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, and from far away she does look like a mermaid!. The Girl in a wet suit statue is located just off shore of the wall and sits just in front of Vancouver Harbour and the North Shore mountains."

"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."

"Started by three East Van friends who were home brew and craft beer enthusiasts years before they opened their own brewery, these guys create fun and tasty beers. They're not afraid to take some risks and you'll find unique blends here that hit the spot. At the brewery you'll find a mixture of brews that are always available and some seasonal options."

"A massive overhaul to their taproom along with a more dedicated shift in focus to start creating some really inventive beer has Parallel ranking much higher than we would have given them credit for a few years back. They are on fire right now, and having the creative minds of Boombox in-house is just an added bonus."

"Parallel 49 has always been a fan fav with their goofy cartoon branding, large community tables full of laughter and tours through the vat room, so of course their patio would also be hoppy. Where | 1950 Triumph StreetWebsite. View this post on Instagram"

"A post shared by Oyster Bar & Shellfish Market (@fannybayoysters) on Aug 28, 2018 at 2:14pm PDT. You can’t come to Vancouver without devouring some oysters, and this Cambie Street eatery is one of the best places to do that. Head here for tide to table eats for brunch, lunch, dinner (including pre and post sports games at Rogers Arena, which is very close by)."

"A post shared by Oyster Bar & Shellfish Market (@fannybayoysters) on Apr 15, 2019 at 10:51am PDT. This Vancouver tide-to-table oyster bar is sure to give you some of the freshest seafood in the Pacific Northwest. Definitely make sure you head over for their happy hour which runs daily from 3 to 6 pm for some cheap food and drinks."

"What happens when you take the best shellfish farms in BC and combine it with the best shellfish farms in Washington?. An oyster bar downtown that blows the rest out of the water. Buy oysters or toss em back while you’re there at Vans only ‘tide to table’ restaurant."

"This chicken joint located in Chinatown is pumping out the best fried bird in the city. On top of that, the Juke Box that we mentioned above includes a quarter slab of ribs on top of two delicious pieces of fried chicken, so you can get the best of both worlds. The sweet and spicy wings with pickled chili & peanut furikake, and the hot wings are (obviously) also worth ordering."

"If you’re looking for classic fried chicken and ribs, this is the place to be. Juke Fried Chicken also offers an awesome selection of veggie and traditional BBQ sides, along with a killer cocktails program. Little Juke, the brand’s newest outpost, even offers classic rotisserie chicken."

"These Gardens are unique as they are a peaceful oasis within a busy shopping mall, but also draw avid gardeners to learn about plants suitable for their North Shore gardens. There is something of interest for everyone at any time of the year. Learn more about the gardens."

"Perched atop the city’s highest point are the lovely lush gardens and aviary of the Bloedel Conservatory. Located within Queen Elizabeth Park, its huge historic dome is a treat to explore with beautiful exotic plants, trees, and birds. Looking out over the city and its surroundings, the colossal conservatory was founded in 1969 and now contains three separate climatic zones and habitats."

"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."

"I find myself missing the pints of belinis however the food is amazing here. So happy to be living in south van again, will be visiting often More reviews"

"A post shared by Leanne Stevenson (@leanne.stevenson.8) on Oct 17, 2018 at 9:20pm PDT. FAIRY. LIGHTS. EVERYWHERE. Portside Pub is just a chill party place with more than plenty of space to dance. Catch the bartenders downstairs on the long bar and even order some good eats like the Farmhouse Baked Mac and Cheese."

"Opened in 1987, this park is as close as you’ll get to a “secret” waterfront park in Vancouver. It’s a space the citizens of East Vancouver advocated for, beginning in 1982; hence, the acronym-derived name: Create a Real Available Beach. Entering the park, you may notice small signage tacked to blue lampposts."

"This place is known for its music, as it hosts many well-known international DJs. If you have a thing for EDM, then you’re going to have a gala time here. The psychedelic lighting will definitely make you want to put your dancing shoes on."