7 Fun Things To Do In Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver is a great place to visit at all times of the year. Whether you're wanting to explore the coast in summer months or hit the slopes in the winter, there are tons of activities to experience and fun ways to get to know this beautiful city. We visited in August and loved our 5 days on the west coast of Canada! Here are some tips which should help you have a fun filled trip to Vancouver.
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1. Rent bikes and cycle around Stanley Park
Stanley Park is 1000 acres of forest and green space, surrounded by water and stunning views out to sea. There are extensive bike trails throughout the park, and there are several bike rental shops in nearby areas. Cycling through the park is relaxed and comfortable, since the trails are mostly flat. We visited Vancouver in August and the weather was perfect, we spent the best part of a day exploring the park on our bikes and walking through foresty areas. Cycling is the best way to experience the nature and culture of this amazing park.
It will cost around 25 CAD for 6 hours to rent a bike, with extras like insurance and bike locks.
Tip: There aren't loads of places to eat at the park, so it's a good idea to bring a picnic!
Photo by Gabriel Santiago
2. Go up Grouse Mountain
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Overlooking Vancouver, Grouse Mountain is a great spot for Skiing and Snowboarding in winter, and hiking in the summer. It's easily accessed by large chairlift rides which run 26 times a day, and ascend up the mountain providing views over greater Vancouver. We visited in August and spent the day in the nature park at the top. There are several fun things to take part in, including an amazing birds of prey show, lumberjack show, hiking and the opportunity to see a bear up close!
Tip: The temperature can drop the higher you get up, so bring an extra layer just in case.
For more info visit https://www.grousemountain.com
3. Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge
The Capilano Suspension Bridge crosses the Capilano river, and is one of the busiest tourist attractions in Vancouver. The bridge is made from wire cable and is 140 metres long, 70 metres high. It's great fun to walk over the bridge but be warned, the bridge is shaky and not always completely stable under the weight of all of the visitors! The park surrounding the bridge is steeped in culture and natural beauty, and is home to several gardens and nature trails.
Other park activities include the Treetop Adventure, a fun trail of small bridges going through the forest, and also the Cliff Walk which is a narrow bridge above the trees - not for the faint of heart!
For tickets and more info visit https://www.capbridge.com
Photo by Nick Scheerbart
4. See a Cannucks Game
When in Canada it's a good idea to get involved with the local sports, most importantly Ice Hockey, Basketball and Baseball. The Vancouver Ice Hockey team play at Rogers Arena in downtown Vancouver, and it's well worth checking out a game if you're in Vancouver between October and June.
Tip: Get into the spirit by buying some team merchandise and fit in with the locals!
For tickets visit https://www.nhl.com/canucks
Photo by Andy Hall
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Also, check out our favourite Vancouver Travel Guide!
5. Visit Granville Island
You can catch a boat from various locations in downtown Vancouver to Granville Island for shopping, food and art. The island features a marina and large market selling everything from hand crafted housewares to fresh fruit and vegetables at the farmers market. Visiting Granville Island is a great way to soak up some of Vancouver's culture, hear live music and get acquainted with some of the city's local artists.
For more information visit https://granvilleisland.com
Photo by Gabriel Santiago
6. Relax at Kitsilano Beach
Located in the Kitsilano neighbourhood, Kitsilano Beach (or 'Kits Beach) is one of Vancouver's hotspots. In summer months the beach is full with tourists and locals soaking up rays and taking advantage of the beaches many activities. Visitors to Kits Beach can swim in the outdoor pool, play tennis, basketball and other sports, walk along the seawall and take part in various water sports including windsurfing and skim boarding.
7. Check out Vancouver Aquarium
The Aquarium is located in Stanley Park so if you're visiting the park it's a must see. The facility is home to hundreds of mammals, fish and amphibians including dolphins, whales and otters. There is also an extensive schedule of shows, events and exhibits. Click here for the Aquarium schedule.
For more posts about Canada click here, and check out our Adventure section for more travel tips!
Photo by Matt Helbig
Planning a trip to Canada? Find out how to save hundreds on your travels with our Travel Savings Toolkit.
Also, check out our favourite Vancouver Travel Guide!
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The header photo is by Aditya Chinchure on Unsplash.
