16 Must Do Things in Vancouver
(2025 Guide)
Vancouver is a very unique city in that it literally has something for everyone. From coastline, to hiking, to skiing to city life to breweries – I could go on. But what are the must do things when visiting? Here are my top 16!
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How to get to Vancouver?
Vancouver has its main airport Vancouver International Airport (YVR) where most international flights land and Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) which is located a little outside of Vancouver and has mostly domestic flights.
Vancouver International Airport to Vancouver city centre
The cheapest way to get into the city centre is via the Canada line, part of Vancouver’s rapid transit rail system. Cost of the journey will depend on zones crossed (e.g. 4.65CAD for airport zone 2 to central zone 1 ~ 30 minutes) and there is a 5CAD airport fee that gets added if your journey starts at the airport. You can use a contactless payment card to pay, buy tickets at the station or get a refillable Compass Card.
You could also get a taxi, I would recommend using apps such as Uber or Lyft for the best prices. The journey takes around 30 minutes too, more if it is rush hour. Average cost is 30-50CAD.
Finally, if you are planning a road trip or wanting to have more flexibility, you will likely be renting a car (check here for best deals). Don’t forget to check parking for your accommodation as this can quickly get very expensive in downtown Vancouver.
Vancouver International Airport to Vancouver city centre
Abbotsford International unfortunately does not really have public transport from the airport, it does however have it from Abbotsford city centre (Bus 66 for 5CAD) if you can get a cheap taxi there. The most affordable way to get to Vancouver from the airport is via Poparide, a ride sharing system where trips start around 12CAD. They do seem to have a few each day so it is worth checking out.
There are a few buses that go from Abbotsford airport to Vancouver centre, Ebus at 47CAD, Rider Express at 43CAD and Reliable Bus at 35CAD (temporarily suspended).
Uber and Lyft are also a viable option if you are several people (or able to make friends at the airport to share a ride with) starting at 70CAD-180CAD.
Check out Abbotsford Airport’s transport website for more information and options.
Where to stay in Vancouver?
Vancouver is a pretty expensive city when it comes to accommodation due to its popularity. I would recommend booking hotels as early as possible to get the best deals and more options. While downtown is a great area to stay in for sightseeing, it is not my favourite as I have felt unsafe there at times. Kitsilano, East Vancouver, North Vancouver and any of the areas a little more outside are great alternatives, especially if you have a car – check AirBnB for great finds.
Best hostels in Vancouver for backpackers:
The only two hostels I would recommend in Vancouver are the two HI hostels: HI Downtown and HI Jericho Beach, I have stayed at both before. Jericho Beach is a little outside of town but located in a beautiful area near the beach and is a little cheaper. The downtown one is right in central Vancouver though in an area that I didn’t love at night. It does have some great events and smaller dorms.
Best hotels in Vancouver:
$ YWCA hotel – This hotel is a great budget-friendly option right in central Vancouver. They have single rooms which is great for solo-travellers and your stay supports local community programs.
$$-$$$ Opus Vancouver – A beautiful boutique hotel in downtown Vancouver with stellar reviews. Depending on time of year and room availability prices go from mid-range to luxury.
$$-$$$ Times Square Suites Hotel Vancouver – These suites include a kitchen, bathroom, washing machine and even a fire place. Costing on the higher end of mid-range, it is situated right by Stanley Park.
$$-$$$ Paradox Vancouver –Known for impeccable service and its central location, Paradox offers stunning rooms and all the amenities. Prices do vary a lot depending on season, but you can snatch some deals in the off-season.
How to get around Vancouver using public transport?
Vancouver has a pretty extensive public transport system consisting of three SkyTrain routes (rapid rail system) and a lot of buses. I find Google Maps the best way to navigate, though bus timings when it comes to delays aren’t always accurate. All bus rides are 3.20CAD, the rest depends on the zones travelled. You can pay with contactless payment card, Compass Card or cash on buses (exact fare).
Top things to do in Vancouver
1. Explore Downtown Vancouver
The best way to start your trip in Vancouver is by heading to Downtown and just exploring the streets. It’s a fascinating mix of business and touristy, with skyscrapers, local shops, cafes, retailers and more. I always find walking tours are a great way to get to know a new city from the perspective of a local.
If you fancy some 360-degree views of the city, head to the 168 meters tall Vancouver Lookout (grab your ticket here).
2. Relive history in Gastown
Since 2009, Gastown is officially a National Historic Site of Canada. The most well-known landmark of the area is the Steam Clock, which is one of only six functioning steam clocks in the world. It is now powered electrically, but still has puffs of steam coming out of it and you can see the original mechanism through the glass panels.
Within the beautiful brick buildings of Gastown, you fill find many boutique shops, artist galleries and cocktail bars.
3. Go for a bike ride around Stanley Park Seawall
Head up to Vancouver West End to witness the fascinating transition from city to sea to forest all within a few blocks for yourself. Up here you will find some gorgeous beaches like English Bay Beach as well as the famous Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world.
Stanley Park is a beautiful mix of beaches, forest, trails and a the 10-kilometre seawall around the park’s perimeter which features walking and bike paths. The best way to explore this is by renting a bike and riding around the seawall, which takes around 40 minutes – 1 hour with photo stops.
There are quite a few bike rental shops or you can grab a Mobi bike which has stations right by Stanley park (29c per minute or 38c for e-bike so around 15CAD for the ride).
You could also join a bike tour through the park and learn more about the area:
4. Try the food at at Granville Island Market
One of my favourite areas of Vancouver is Granville Island, it feels like stepping into a Wes Anderson film.
It is home to Granville Island Public market which is a farmer’s market that sells local produce, delicacies and delicious food. The bakeries here are incredible and there are so many amazing lunch options.
You can even get here via ferry, check out the Aqua Bus or False Creek Ferries to see Vancouver from a totally different angle.
5. Check out the artists of Granville Island
But Granville Island isn’t just the market. It is also home to some incredible local artists and studios, as well as a brewery, shops selling local delicacies and if you’re lucky, a whole bunch of ducklings. So, make time to wander the streets and explore every corner!
6. Enjoy stunning views over Vancouver at to Kitsilano or Jericho Beach
One of the special things about Vancouver is it’s skyline, which features the sea, its skyscrapers and snow-decked mountains on a clear day.
Seeing Vancouver from Kitsilano Beach/Elsje Point or Jericho Beach is worth the journey. At sunset, the skyline gets tinted in an orange glow with the calm waters before it. You can also often spot otters here and occasionally even whales.
7. Say hi to the bunnies in Jericho Beach Park
If you do head to Jericho Beach, make sure to walk through the nearby park and say hi to the hundreds of bunnies that live there. Keep your distance though! Vancouver city themselves have warned that interaction could cause harm to you and the animals.
The rabbits are an invasive species that comes from either escaped domestic pets or intentionally released rabbits. It keeps exploding in population and is hence becoming a problem to natural habitat there. Still, they are cute to see if you’re in the area.
8. Join a brewery tour
Craft beer is a crucial part of Vancouver and its history, dating back to the late 1800s. There is even a creek in Vancouver named Brewery Creek, as it was where many of the first breweries opened, using the creek’s water for their operations. A brewery tour is a great way to learn more about this history while tasting some local favourites.
9. Head to Whistler or Squamish for an outdoorsy daytrip
Vancouver and Whistler connect via the beautiful Sea-to-Sky Highway which is worth the trip in itself for the stunning views you get over the sea and Vancouver Island. Along this road are also countless stunning hikes and stops, including Squamish and the Sea to Sky Gondola, Shannon Falls, Garibaldi Lakes and more.
There are some great tours starting from Vancouver if you don’t have a car:
10. Visit Richmond Night Market
If you are coming to Vancouver between Apr 25 – Oct 13, you should visit Richmond Night market. Inspired by the vibrant night markets of Asia, this is a summer highlight in the Vancouver area.
There are 70 food and 100 retail stalls on offer as well as a new zipline over the market – what more could you want 🙂
11. Learn about Indigenous history and culture at the Museum of Anthropology
Located a little outside of central Vancouver by the University of British Columbia, this museum houses a collection of thousands of years of Indigenous Art from Canada but also around the world. Indigenous history and culture is incredibly important in Canada and learning about it is key to treating the land and its people with respect.
12. Go on a daytrip to Bowen Island
Bowen Island is the perfect day trip from Vancouver and you can even do it without a car. Head to Horseshoe Bay Ferry terminal (car or bus 257) and take the 20-minute ferry for 11.95CAD.
When arriving there is a small kiosk with maps of all the walks on the island – Dorman Point Look-out and Killarney Lake are two of the most popular ones. If you don’t feel like a hike, they also have lots of local shops, art and delicious food.
13. Walk over the stunning Capilano Suspension Bridge
The 137m long bridge is part of a big park with three main attractions: Capilano Suspension Bridge, Treetops Adventure and a new Cliffwalk. It’s a gorgeous adventure no matter the time of year and must-visit while in Vancouver,
Tickets during the day are $78.00 or $58.50 for the evening ticket from 5pm.
You can get to the bridge via bus, line 246 for example heads directly there. Alternatively, you could combine the bridge with the beautiful Grouse Mountain on a day tour:
14. Visit Deep Cove and hike Quarry Rock
Deep Cove is a short 30-minute drive from central Vancouver or about 1 hour on the bus, and well worth a visit. Deep Cove is a small, sheltered harbour with stunning views over Vancouver and the coast. There are some great, local food options here and you can even rent a kayak to explore the area from the water.
This is also where you find the popular Quarry Rock Hike, which is an easy 3.8 km trail to the top of Quarry Rock where you are rewarded with breath-taking vistas of Deep Cove and the Vancouver coastline.
15. Go on a whale watching tour
If you are headed to Vancouver between April and October, you should join a whale-watching tour. It is truly one of those experiences that you remember for a lifetime.
You can spot a big variety of whales too, such as humpback, orcas, grey and minke whales. Most tour operators also guarantee a whale sighting, meaning you get a free extra tour if you don’t spot any whales on your first one.
16. Go to a hockey game
My first experience at a Canadian hockey game is something I’ll never forget, it was so loud, chaotic and just pure entertainment. Even if you don’t quite understand what’s going on on the field (I didn’t), there are so many other things happening at the same time. From bands playing to competitions to fights, I wasn’t bored for even a second during the game.
The local team is the Vancouver Canucks and you can find the home games schedule here.
How many days in Vancouver is enough?
While you can see the downtown area and its sights in 1-2 days, I would recommend at least 3-5 days to fit in a couple of daytrips and activities, like the whale watching or the trip to Bowen Island.
Is Vancouver very expensive?
Vancouver, and Canada in general, is definitely quite an expensive place. Accommodation especially, even hostels, tend to be more than most other destinations I’ve been to. I still think it is an incredible place to visit and you should do a Canadian roadtrip at least once in your life, but be prepared budget-wise!
Hi, I'm Bell
I’m a solo traveller, writer and designer. I created my blog to share the many different ways to travel the world. Learn more about me here!
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Travel Off Script contains affiliate links to support the running of the blog. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you.
