City: Vancouver
Top Things to do in Vancouver
What to do and see in Vancouver, Canada: The Best Free 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 Seawall
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5,058 reviews
Reviewed By zohrashahalimi - Vancouver, Canada
its a beautiful walk - being hugged by the nature on one side and the sea on the other - perfect combination!
2. Stanley Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28,724 reviews
North America's third-largest park draws eight million visitors per year, many of whom may skate or walk past you on the Seawall, a scenic, 5.5-mile path running along the water on the park's perimeter. It's just one of many trails among the park's 1,000 acres, which also house an aquarium, nature center and other recreational facilities.
Reviewed By nycshine1
Rented bikes from Spokes and spent 6-7 hours here. Thoroughly enjoyed it all, including biking along the seawall/causeway and interior paths, exploring the woods, visiting the Aquarium, and having a leisurely meal at Prospect Point with its great views of Lions Gate Bridge. Signage in the park is not always clear. Sometimes it is difficult to discern whether a path/trail is open to bicycles, and finding certain points of interest isn't always straightforward. I had to backtrack on various occasions, but that is part of the fun of exploring. I highly recommend spending several hours to enjoy and uncover the various sites and scenes.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Pacific Spirit Regional Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 316 reviews
Beautiful forest laced with well-marked trails for hiking and running.
Reviewed By JoelK382 - Vancouver, Canada
What a nice hike on the Lilly of the Valley Hike and other side hikes in the Pacific Spirit Regional Park. It was a great afternoon.
6. Queen Elizabeth Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,325 reviews
Situated on Little Mountain - the highest point in Vancouver proper - this former rock quarry has been converted into a beautiful city park with flower gardens, public art, grassy knolls, and panoramic views over the city.
Reviewed By DrTM8 - Vancouver, Canada
The Queen Elizabeth Park is a 52-hectare park, located 152 metres above sea level. It’s the highest point in Vancouver and makes for spectacular views of the park, city, and mountains on the North Shore. It is also home to the stunning Bloedel Conservatory. There is also a gorgeously landscaped quarry garden, the arboretum with its collection of exotic and native trees, sculptures including one by internationally renowned artist Henry Moore, and diverse recreational offerings such as tennis, lawn bowling and pitch & putt. The park is also the perfect setting for fine dining at Seasons in the Park, a picnic or stargazing!
7. 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
8. 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.
9. 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
10. Kitsilano Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 777 reviews
This is one of Vancouver's most popular beaches offering panoramic views of downtown Vancouver, Burrard Inlet, and the North Shore Mountains. Surrounded by park land, restaurants, and beautiful people, it's the quintessential Vancouver beach experience.
Reviewed By 690sf - Vancouver, Canada
Kits Beach has just been ranked by Lonely Planet as one of Canada’s top ten beaches, and one of B.C’s top three beaches. Chesterman Beach, Tofino, on Vancouver Island, gets best surfing beach, another up island for most remote and Vancouver’s Kits Beach as best urban beach. Kits Beach, a nice stretch of beach easily accessible to a good number of neighborhoods, as well as to downtown Vancouver, also has a lot going for it around it. Public tennis courts, public basketball courts and beach volleyball. It also has good parking; it is close to the cycling path and the seawall route. It also offers a great view across the inlet to the mountains, still heavily capped in snow. In addition, there is Kits Boathouse, very close to the beach to pop in for a meal or a beverage to warm up with on these chilly April days. I did just that this first Sunday of April. Under the management of GM, Doug, and his assistants, Dave and Ed, one gets good welcome from all, from hosts, to bartending and serving staff, as well as fine plating and food from its kitchen. I was welcomed by veteran bartender, Britney, who also serves the lounge area. I was delighted by a great dessert of molten chocolate lava cake with a special raspberry and caramel sauce instead of it usual ice-cream, as it was just too chilly for this cool day in its patio area, the only place restaurants are able to seat people with the new restrictions. BH chef, Cush, kindly made that adjustment for me. As the photo below shows, it was well-combined. And as the other photo shows, one can get a great view of the highly-rated Kits beach from the BH patio. Other bartenders — Donna, Emma, Adam, and Heather, also give good service and warm welcome. It is open seven days a week, as is Kits Beach, of course Posted by S Fuller
