City: Vancouver
Top Things to do in Vancouver
10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Vancouver That You Shouldn't Miss
Vancouver was founded as “Gastown” by an Englishman with a penchant for beer and storytelling. Today Gastown is a historic section of the Canadian metropolis, and the lively pubs still reflect the area’s former status as a sort of community drinking center. The city’s forests, grand parks, and impressive suspension bridge beckon travelers to explore them, as do the city’s shops and museums. Relive the glory of the 2010 Winter Games with visits to Olympic venues and the marvelous Olympic Cauldron.
Restaurants in Vancouver
1. Vancouver Public Library (Central Library Branch)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,283 reviews
A striking modern building contains over 130 photo albums on the history of the city.
Reviewed By PookyCake - Victoria, Canada
The Vancouver Public Library (Central Branch) is an architectural marvel. Completed in 1995, this snazzy postmodern structure represents everything a good book emporium should be: It is stylish yet practical in design and execution; it is well maintained by the on-site staff; it is well stocked in books and reference materials (1.3 million texts and counting); it is multi purpose; and it is pleasing to both the eye and the soul. Moshe Safdie’s unique design is surely the first thing that catches everybody’s eye. Designed to resemble the Colosseum in Rome, the Vancouver Public Library (VPL) is able to bring together classical and contemporary elements into a beautiful architectural gestalt. The building’s exterior harkens back to the ancients while its interior – part of Library Square – looks towards the moderns and the future. In this way, the VPL is able to function as an important emporium of knowledge while always being cognizant of the fact that the future is fluid, always moving. The VPL’s internal glass façade exemplifies this in a very apt way. It is lively, yes, but it also allows for vita contemplativa. It is only once you enter the actual library that you realize the leviathan you’ve stepped into. At 9 levels and well over a million books and resources, the VPL is a definite monolith of knowledge. It is also one that I’ve made use of a fair amount over the years. When I was doing my Masters Degree research, the VPL infrequently figured into my research time. I’d use the computer room, access the library stacks, sit, read and take notes. Later, even after I’d finished my degree, I’d still visit the VPL to calm and relax my mind. There’s been more than one occasion where I’ve come in during late morning, found a classic book (Robertson Davies’ “Question Time” or Robin Mathews’ “Air 7,” for example), and read it from cover to cover before leaving. I’ve just found the VPL to be an oasis of calm in the heart of our bustling City of Glass. Of course, the VPL is much more than just a library. It is a multi-purpose venue. Here, you can hold meetings, chat with friends, browse the web, borrow musical instruments, partake in artistic modes of expression in Library Square, dine and, yes, even enjoy the cityscape of Vancouver amongst the plants on the VPL’s rooftop garden (opened in 2018). While I’ve only visited the garden once, it proved to be a serene space that offered beautiful contrasts: Urban and rural; traditional and postmodern. Taken together, each of these elements make for an experience just as unique as the city itself. Architecture, history, technology, and the arts combine to show us why the Vancouver Public Library (Central Branch) is more than the sum of its parts. It also demonstrates why I, and many others, return time and again.
2. Vancouver Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,444 reviews
With over 60,000 amazing aquatic creatures at the Vancouver Aquarium, what will you see today? Stop by and say hi to the adorable sea otters, or come see the mesmerizing jellyfish. Enjoy daily sea lion, otter and penguin experiences, as well as the free-roaming animals found in the popular Amazon gallery. And make sure to visit the Treasures of the BC Coast gallery to discover the unique and breath-taking animals that live in BC’s local waters, including ‘Ceph Rogen’, the Pacific Octopus. You can also immerse yourself in the 4D Experience Theatre, which combines the high-definition excitement of a 3D film with thrilling sensory effects! The Vancouver Aquarium is an Ocean Wise initiative, a non-profit society dedicated to the conservation of aquatic life. Your visit to the Aquarium directly contributes to its conservation, education and research programs. Find out for yourself why the Vancouver Aquarium is one of the world’s favourite aquariums!
Reviewed By TravelinSuz - Chandler, United States
Despite the ticket price this is a wonderful aquarium. They are constantly updating and expanding exhibits. The beluga whales and otters are my favorites.
3. Museum of Anthropology
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,773 reviews
Explore traditional and contemporary art from Northwest Coast First Nations and other cultures across the world. See magnificent Indigenous carvings, weavings and contemporary artworks in a spectacular building overlooking mountains and sea. Admire the world’s largest collection of works by acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid, including his famous cedar sculpture The Raven and the First Men. Explore the Museum’s Multiversity Galleries where more than 10,000 objects from around the world are displayed. Stroll the Museum Grounds, where monumental Haida houses, poles and Musqueam house posts capture the dramatic beauty of traditional Northwest Coast architecture and design. Enjoy a wide range of special exhibitions and public programs, including free guided gallery walks. Visit the MOA Shop and relax in Cafe MOA. MOA is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam people.
Reviewed By backpacker31 - Boynton Beach, United States
After visiting the Bill Reid Gallery I was told that to understand and appreciate First Nation’s history and culture I should go to the MOA. The museum is huge (and architecturally impressive) and features roughly a dozen galleries. Here, you will find totem poles, historical and contemporary Indigenous art, a 600-piece ceramics collection from the 16th-19th centuries, thousands of objects from around the world, an enormous and stunning Bill Reid sculpture housed in a former gun turret, two Haida houses, Musqueam posts and so much more. The staff is approachable and very knowledgeable, answering several questions I had. I happened to visit while a Diwali festival was taking place featuring dancing, henna painting, tea and sweets and more. There is a small cafe on the premises offering coffee/tea, soups, sandwiches, baked goods, etc. Price of admission is reasonable (adult is $17) considering the size and substance of the museum’s collection. I spent over three hours here.
4. Granville Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19,545 reviews
Former industrial site has been transformed into an artsy, posh neighborhood with quaint shops, cafes and bookstores.
Reviewed By 643darenr - Burnham-On-Sea, United Kingdom
This was somewhere where we wanted to visit on our last trip but never made it. But glad we took the time on this trip and spend a very sunny Sunday afternoon on the Island. The public market is amazing, the sights, smells and colours are breathtaking selling everything from fruit and veg (all expertly displayed), to flowers, soaps, local crafts and the dessert counters WOW AMAZING. The food court area did get extremely busy but we were able to find a seat - the Chinese food counter was our preferred meal option and it was delicious, with us opting for the Lemon Chicken and the Honey Garlic pork. The food was that good that we actually visited again the following week. There are lots of other places to visit around the market, with shops and amazing houseboats + I believe there was a childrens play area. We then used one of the aqua buses to get a different view of the area back to Plaza of Nations. I would highly recommend Granville Market if you are in Vancouver
5. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 193 reviews
This downtown gothic-style cathedral is known for its beautiful set of bells.
Reviewed By almeidaalex - Sao Paulo, Brazil
The church is near of Granville Station, a beautiful building and a peaceful place to connect with God!
6. Christ Church Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
This gothic-style cathedral has 29 beautiful stained glass windows.
Reviewed By ian_dempster - Wigan, United Kingdom
This cathedral was built by shipbuilders and the roof inside looks like the hull of a ship. Cathedral as some beautiful stained glass windows.
7. Roedde House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Welcome to the Roedde family's home. Gustav and Matilda Roedde settled in Vancouver in 1888. Gustav opened the first bookbinding business in Vancouver and by 1893 was successful enough to afford to build a house in the new West End neighbourhood. Roedde House, attributed to famed architect Francis Rattenbury, is a City of Vancouver-designated Class A Heritage House. Since 1980, the Roedde House Preservation Society has taken painstaking care to renovate and furnish the house to reflect the ambience of late Victorian family life. Feel free to walk into every room; you will even be invited to touch some artefacts. Come in and experience life in the late 19th century for yourself.
Reviewed By SeanF222
Jen was a great tour guide and the history of the family was amazing. The house was beautifully restored and full of interesting artefacts. My wife and I couldn’t recommend it more
8. Tourism Vancouver Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 340 reviews
The Visitor Centre is your one stop shop. Our professional, multilingual, highly trained staff can help you make the most of your Vancouver experience and plan your journeys into British Columbia and beyond. We are open year-round via email, live chat, and over the phone.
Reviewed By beegal - Iowa City, United States
The staff is incredibly helpful with supplying maps, brochures, suggestions, transportation hints and more (discount tickets to various sites, including the Vancouver Lookout). We spent at least 45 minutes getting the information we needed for our 6-day visit. Highly recommend stopping here!
9. B.C. Place Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 564 reviews
BC Place is the largest sports, exhibition and entertainment venue of its kind in British Columbia, hosting the province’s most notable events including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. An all-new BC Place reopened in September 2011 after completing a major revitalization that included the installation of the largest cable-supported retractable roof of its kind in the world. BC Place has a seating capacity of 54,500. Today, BC Place is home to Vancouver Whitecaps FC, the BC Lions Football Club and the BC Sports Hall of Fame. BC Place is an important generator of economic activity in British Columbia, hosting world-class entertainment events, professional and amateur sport, community gatherings and exhibitions.
Reviewed By KeithR75 - Greendale, United States
We were fortunate enough to attend the HSBC World Series of Rugby at the BC Place Stadium. The event was outstanding and a pleasant mixture of sport and festival. It was like attending the World Cup and Mardi Gras in one weekend.
10. Orpheum Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 298 reviews
Best known as the home of internationally renowned Vancouver Symphony Orchestra – the largest performing arts organization in Western Canada – the Orpheum also features regular performances by some of the city’s finest choirs, as well as performing artists visiting from around the world.
Reviewed By GayanLovesToTravel - Vancouver, Canada
As far as I know, this is one of the oldest and most ornate theatres in Vancouver. Being a young city, we are eclipsed by the historic buildings of much older cities, but the Orpheum takes you back to a time of grandeur that you won’t see in its contemporary counterparts.. As the home of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO), there are events taking place at the Orpheum year-round. If you’re a lover of the orchestra, stop by the box office to try your luck at scoring rush tickets to an event happening on the same day. If you prefer to make plans, book your tickets online or join the VSO mailing list to find out what they have coming up.
