FreeStanley Park
Open daily, 24 hours
The best place to be in summer, Stanley Park is Vancouver's 1,000-acre public park, surrounded by the waters of Burrard Inlet and English Bay. Rent a bike or take a stroll to the Seawall for world-class views of the ocean, the mountains, and our favorite urban forest.
outdoorsbikingiconicView
FreeGranville Island
Fri–Sun 9 am – 7 pm
Explore the vibrant waterfront district known for its famous public market, artisan shops, galleries, theaters, and lively food scene set among former industrial buildings.
foodmarketfamily-friendlyView
FreeGastown
Always open; shops roughly 10 am – 6 pm
Cobblestones, indie shops, and the famous steam clock. The city's oldest neighborhood is best explored on foot.
walkingshoppinghistoricExplore Gastown
FreeNorth Vancouver
Open daily, daylight hours
A free suspension bridge over a rainforest canyon, with swimming holes and easy trails 20 minutes from downtown.
outdoorshikingfreeTrail info
FreeKitsilano
Open daily; sunset around 8:50 pm on the wedding weekend
Logs on the sand, volleyball courts, and the best sunset view in the city. Bring a blanket and stay late.
beachsunsetchillBeach info
Granville Island
Daily departures in season; book ahead
Granville Island's original whale watching company. Head out on the Salish Sea looking for orcas, humpbacks, seals, and bald eagles; $2 from every ticket goes to conservation.
whale watchingwildlifeon the waterBook a tour
Featured$$$$Coal Harbour
Flame-seared aburi sushi with a harbour view. The salmon oshi sushi is the dish everyone crosses the city for.
sushijapanesewaterfrontReserve a table
Featured$$$Downtown
Belgian-Moroccan icon known for moules frites and one of the best cocktail lists downtown.
belgianmoules fritescocktailsReserve a table
Featured$$$$Yaletown
Yaletown's seafood institution, with a raw bar and West Coast fish in a converted warehouse.
seafoodraw bardate nightReserve a table
Featured$$$Cambie Village
Vikram Vij's legendary Indian kitchen. The lamb popsicles have earned every bit of their reputation.
indianlegendarylamb popsiclesReserve a table
Featured$$$Railtown
Tiny room, handmade pasta, big line. It's the kind of neighborhood Italian spot every city wishes it had.
italianpastacozyReserve a table
Featured$$Downtown
The brunch of record: Belgian waffles, tagines, and lavender lattes. Book ahead; the line is famous for a reason.
brunchwafflescoffeeReserve a table
$$$$Cambie Village
Chinese — recognized with one MICHELIN Star in the MICHELIN Guide.
chinesemichelin starMichelin Guide
$$$$West End
Japanese — recognized with one MICHELIN Star in the MICHELIN Guide.
japanesemichelin starMichelin Guide
$$$$Fraserhood
Japanese — recognized with one MICHELIN Star in the MICHELIN Guide.
japanesemichelin starMichelin Guide
$$$$Chinatown
Japanese-Italian fusion — recognized with one MICHELIN Star in the MICHELIN Guide.
japanese-italian fusionmichelin starMichelin Guide
$$$Mount Pleasant
Contemporary — recognized with one MICHELIN Star in the MICHELIN Guide.
contemporarymichelin starMichelin Guide
$$$$Yaletown
Japanese — recognized with one MICHELIN Star in the MICHELIN Guide.
japanesemichelin starMichelin Guide
$$$$Mount Pleasant
Contemporary — recognized with one MICHELIN Star in the MICHELIN Guide.
contemporarymichelin starMichelin Guide
$$$$Kitsilano
Contemporary — recognized with one MICHELIN Star in the MICHELIN Guide.
contemporarymichelin starMichelin Guide
$$$$Mount Pleasant
Japanese charcoal grill — recognized with one MICHELIN Star in the MICHELIN Guide.
japanese charcoal grillmichelin starMichelin Guide
$$$$Railtown
French — recognized with one MICHELIN Star in the MICHELIN Guide.
frenchmichelin starMichelin Guide
Featured$Gastown
Gastown's cult coffee bar, pulling a rotating lineup of the best roasters on the continent. Worth the line.
coffeecafegastownView
From ~$45Stanley Park
Daily 10 am – 5 pm
Sarah's pick! Say hello to the rescued sea otters and immerse yourself in the wonders of the Pacific Northwest's underwater world. One of the top aquariums in the world.
aquariumfamily-friendlysarah's pickGet tickets
From ~$35Olympic Village
Daily 10 am – 5 pm
The geodesic dome on False Creek, with hands-on galleries, OMNIMAX films, and the best building on the skyline.
museumsciencefamily-friendlyGet tickets
From ~$25UBC
Fri–Sun 10 am – 5 pm
Marvel at the breathtaking totem poles and world-renowned First Nations art housed in one of the city's most iconic architectural landmarks. Widely considered one of Vancouver's most essential cultural landmarks.
museumartfirst nationsGet tickets
From ~$29Downtown
Fri 10 am – 8 pm · Sat–Sun 10 am – 5 pm
Rotating international exhibitions plus the definitive Emily Carr collection, right on Robson Square.
artgallerydowntownGet tickets
From ~$67North Vancouver
Daily 8:30 am – 8 pm
Test your fear of heights and find your inner adventurer among the towering evergreens and swaying bridges in the heart of Vancouver's lush rainforest. Avoid if you have a fear of heights or poor balance (the bridge sways).
outdoorsviewsbucket listGet tickets
Chinatown
Fri–Sun 9:30 am – 7 pm
This is the first Chinese garden built outside of Asia! Vancouver's Chinatown is one of North America's largest and oldest (est. 1885). A vibrant, historic neighborhood blending traditional Asian culture with modern, trendy restaurants, shops, and other attractions.
gardenhistoricchinatownGet tickets
Shaughnessy
Daily 9 am – 7 pm (last entry 6:30 pm)
Get lost in the Elizabethan hedge maze or take a tranquil stroll through 55 acres of rare blooms. A stunning and peaceful oasis in the summer.
gardenhedge mazepeacefulGet tickets
From ~$75North Vancouver
Daily 9 am – 9 pm
Ride the Skyride gondola up for alpine views, resident grizzlies, and the lumberjack show.
mountaingondolaviewsGet tickets
From ~$29Aldergrove
Daily 9 am – 6 pm (last entry 5 pm)
120 acres of wildlife a short drive from the city. A full-day outing for the whole crew.
zoofamily-friendlyday tripGet tickets
Varies by showDowntown
Showtimes vary; check the calendar
The city's storied live-music room since 1929. Check the calendar for who's playing that weekend.
live musicnightlifehistoricSee shows & tickets
Varies by showDowntown
Showtimes vary; check the calendar
A night with the VSO under the Orpheum's gilded ceiling, in the most beautiful room in the city.
symphonytheatrenight outSee concerts & tickets
Nothing up yet.
Say you're going to suggest something or vote.