City: Central
Top Things to do in Central
What to do and see in Central, Canada: The Best Things to do
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. Canada Place
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,706 reviews
Waterfront complex containing hotels, a cruise ship terminal and an IMAX theater.
Reviewed By diannes40
We came into this area from our cruise ship and found it to be huge but not crowded despite the number of people moving about. We were delighted that we didn't even need to go outside with our luggage since we were staying at the Pan Pacific in part of the complex. There are great views and lots of activity and restaurants and it is close to the convention center (with its grass on top of the roof) and the waterfront walkway.
3. English Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,795 reviews
Beautiful vibrant beach that comes alive when it's sunny and warm out. Various activities such as scuba diving, kayaking and others.
Reviewed By PookyCake - Victoria, Canada
I was initially a little hesitant to write reviews for “English Bay” and “English Bay Beach,” thinking of both as one and the same, but I suppose on a technical level they’re different. For example, one could say that the latter is but a small component of the former. A beach versus the general area. It’s kind of like “Inner Harbour” and “Victoria Pier” in, well, Victoria. The Victoria Pier is but a small segment of the beautiful Inner Harbour. Thus, this review won’t focus so much on the beach (that’s a separate review) and instead will comment upon the general area known as English Bay. What we know as English Bay basically consists of the south side of Burrard Inlet, extending from Point Grey to Prospect Point. Vancouver’s Best Places puts this within the context of nice, flowery language when they say English Bay is “the body of water where the shores of Vancouver meet the Pacific Ocean.” Beautiful! But did you ever wonder where “English Bay” gets its name? Well, the name harkens back to the days of the British Empire and celebrates the “meeting” of captains Vancouver, Galiano and Valdes in the area (1792). I’m actually surprised there’s been no social movement, or discussion at the city level (that I’m aware of, anyway), to have the “colonial” name changed to something more reflective of this place and space. But then, time has to take its time ;) Even though English Bay is very much an urban setting, it remains one of my favourite places in the city. With its picturesque views, palm trees, lovely beach and desirable amenities, there’s plenty to keep you coming back for more. Indeed, as part of Vancouver’s West End (see my earlier review), it is home to a literal mosaic of people and restaurants – cultural diversity at its best. For my part, I’ll readily admit that English Bay Beach, while lovely, has never really been my focus whenever I’ve visited this area. Instead, I’ve been more interested in the shops and restaurants. There’s Cactus Club on the beach; Three Quarters Full in bustling Denman Place Mall; the newly opened and fantastically named Chicken World; good eats in the historic Sylvia Hotel and a whole host of others. I’m still sad that the Boathouse Restaurant – their flagship location at the time – closed up shop in the Fall of 2018. Many a beautiful sunset, meal and memory were had there. Beyond good eats, English Bay has much culture and art to offer us. As you walk along the Seawall from Stanley Park, you’ll inevitably come upon the Expo ’86 Inukshuk and, a short distance further, Oppenheim’s interesting “Engagement” sculpture. Just across the street from English Bay Beach, in Morton Park, you’ll come across Minjun’s “A-maze-ing Laughter” sculpture which is sure to make you smile . . . before you “awake” to its more serious message and undertone. For much of November, you can also experience the lovely Lumiere at night. The installations help to provide moments of “light” in these challenging times. My personal favourite from this year’s exhibit was the “Eugenia” tree. I’m sure “Davie” the grizzly would’ve been impressive, but he wasn’t lit during the two evenings I visited (boo). There’s also the Celebration of Light fireworks in July and August . . . In short, English Bay is so much more than a popular beach. It’s a place rife with history and culture. In many respects, I’d say it demonstrates – along with the West End – some of Vancouver’s best qualities.
4. 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!
5. 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.
6. English Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 513 reviews
Conveniently located near downtown, this beach is a popular place for sunbathing.
Reviewed By dlmerrill55
Start at the Sylvia Hotel ...walk west on the sea wall .! Notice the many languages around you ....very good people and dog watching ... Cut north and walk around the pond ...then east to Denman Street.. Walk down Denman st back to the Sylvia ...Enjoy a breakfast , brunch and snack in their beautiful restaurant or lounge with the best view
7. 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!
8. 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.
9. Vancouver Lookout
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,335 reviews
Your Vancouver sightseeing experience starts at the Vancouver Lookout!!! Where else can you enjoy a 360-degree aerial view of Vancouver, "the most beautiful city in the world"? Your adventure starts with a 40-second glass elevator ride, whisking you 170metres (450ft) skyward to our panoramic observation deck. Enjoy views of cosmopolitan Vancouver, historic Gastown and bustling Coal Harbour. Past. Present. Future. Our multi-lingual team provide complimentary guided tours with fascinating facts about Vancouver's history, infrastructure, local community, current trends and future expansion. Our iconic Vancouver attraction tops the Harbour Centre complex, a recognizable landmark in the heart of downtown.
Reviewed By Sami473 - Kuwait, null
Vancouver look out is almost 550 ft high observation tower right in the heart of the Downtown. Ists location is fantastic as it is near coal harbour in the old Gas town. The humming sound of downtown you can feel while coming from Robson street to port side. The journey starts from the elevator and you go up to observe a 360 degree view of the city. More you can enjoy to go more up in the revolving restaurant and enjoy meal revolving and seeing the beautiful city.
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.
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