Top 10 Things To Do, Activities 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."

"George Wainborn Park in Yaletown brings together Vancouver’s beautiful nature and it’s urban architecture in close proximity, delivering space to lounge around and bring a picnic, juxtaposed against the hustle and bustle of the city. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Won Kang (@urbansketcherwest)"

"Scope out the cool architecture (such as that of the Vancouver Public Library), check out the Vancouver Art Gallery or window shop on Robson Street (Vancouver’s version of Rodeo Drive). End your walk at Trees Organic Coffee on the edge of Gastown. It’s a great place to people watch, especially because it’s conveniently located next to an Instagrammable pink street. Not only do you get to watch people take cheesy photos, but you can take some of your own as well."

"Just as New York has its Madison Avenue and London has its Knightsbridge, Vancouver has Robson Street, the best shopping district in British Colombia. Named after a provincial premier, Robson Street has been attracting shoppers like honey draws flies since the late 1800s. Robson Street has more than just fashionable shops and upscale boutiques."

"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 Kitsilano spa has swept up a variety of awards over the years for its skin-specialized treatments. Try one of their body scrub and showers or a massage for full-on relaxation, or opt for a facial or microdermabrasion to freshen up your face. You can also get a spray tan or sunless tan here for a little bronze glow during greyer months."

"A little different than your usual spa fare, floating allows you to be suspended in a sensory deprivation tank filled with water saturated with Epsom salts, which lets you float effortlessly. The weightlessness combined with silence and body-temperature water surrounding you provides a stress-free environment where you can quiet your mind, rest your body and heighten your senses. Locations in Gastown, Kitsilano, Surrey and Langley let you visit the one that’s convenient for you."

"Nicli Antica Pizzeria honours the culinary traditions from four generations of the Nicli family. Our menu highlights the season’s freshest, local ingredients alongside a robust beverage program. An experience at Nicli Antica Pizzeria will bring to mind the touchstones of Italian culture — family,...See more"

"Get down on one knee surrounded by the beautiful blossoming flowers in the VanDusen Botanical Garden. This is the perfect option for a nature lover as the garden covers an impressive 55 acres of land and is outfitted with flowers from all over the world. If you’d prefer an indoor venue, the Bloedel Conservatory (4600 Cambie Street) is just a hop, skip and a jump away and is equally gorgeous."

"The third sight-seeing location was Lighthouse Park along the coast and displayed Vancouver city in the distance. 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."

"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."