Mar 9, 20224 min read

Why Vancouver is a Great Place to Visit

If you have never been to Vancouver, you are in for a surprise. It offers something for everyone. Foodies, hikers, bikers, nature lovers, and culture seekers, Vancouver has it all. One of the most livable cities in the world, Vancouver is a breath of fresh air - literally. With the incredible North Shore Mountains as its backdrop, you are sure to be in awe of the majesty of this magical place. Here are the top 9 things to do in Vancouver as a first-timer. But don't stop here there is so much more to do!

1. Capilano Suspension Bridge

An Amazing white-knuckle experience. If you have an adventurer's spirit, you'll certainly want to explore one of Vancouver's suspension bridges! The most well-known is Capilano Suspension Bridge, a 460-foot bridge crossing the Capilano River in North Vancouver. Climb through the trees walking along bridges and take in the view. For a more local's experience, venture to Lynn Canyon Park and walk across the bridge. Unlike Capilano, Lynn Canyon Park is a public park and therefore completely free to visit.

Granville Island offers so much, stop by to see it all — Public Market at Granville Island

2. Granville Island

The Public Market on Granville Island is a foodie paradise. Open seven days a week, the indoor market is home to over 50 vendors selling cheese, charcuterie, bread, seafood, and fresh produce, not to mention dozens of prepared food options from pierogies to tacos! A fun way to get to the market is by one of the adorable mini-tugboat ferries that criss-cross False Creek. Of course, you can drive in as well. Another fun market is Lonsdale Quay Market in North Vancouver. Take the ferry from the Waterfront Station to Lonsdale Quay as you take in the great views of Vancouver's skyline.

The food, the city, the shopping, don't miss Chinatown. — Chinatown Vancouver

3. Explore one of North America's oldest Chinatowns

One of the largest and oldest Chinatowns in North America, Vancouver Chinatown is a cultural and historic wonderland. Established in the 1890s, this neighborhood is one of the best places in the city to slurp delicious noodles and find rare and ancient remedies at an apothecary. Stop by the Don't miss the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, a beautiful and calm oasis with lily ponds, 150-year-old miniature trees, and graceful pavilions.

Check out one of the many breweries in the Yaletown section of Vancouver — Yaletown

4. Visit a local brewery

Vancouver's booming craft beer scene means plenty of local breweries producing fantastic ales, lagers, stouts, and pilsners. Many of the city's craft breweries are close to downtown and within easy walking distance of each other - meaning a pub crawl isn't out of the question. You'll also find a handful of breweries in the historic brewery neighborhood of East Van. If you're not into pub crawls, visit a brewpub like Yaletown Brewing Company or CRAFT Beer Market or try the Stanley Park Brewery..

Stop by and see the Steam Clock in historic Gastown in Vancouver — Historic Gastown

5. Gastown

See where the city began in the historic neighborhood of Gastown. In 1867, Captain John “Gassy Jack” Deighton became one of Vancouver's first settlers and his statue on Water Street stands to this day. After paying your respects, head over to the famous Gastown Steam Clock, one of the very few functioning steam-powered clocks in the world. Despite its Victorian look and feel, the clock was built in 1977 as part of a city revitalization project. Snap a pick by the clock for sure.

6. Kitsilano Beach

Bask in the sun on Kitsilano Beach. There might be no better place to spend a warm, sunny day in Vancouver than Kitsilano Beach, known as "Kits" Beach to locals. Located in the fashionable neighborhood of Kitsilano, this beach is a popular place to swim in the cold Pacific water, play a game of volleyball and enjoy a picnic. It also has superb views of Stanley Park and Vancouver's skyline!

7. Stanley Park

Stanley Park is one of the world's greatest urban parks and a must-see when you visit Vancouver. Boasting miles of trails, beaches, Canada's largest aquarium, and the biggest Canadian geese this blogger has ever seen. This 1,000-acre park is perhaps best explored on two wheels. Rent a bike from one of the many bike-share stations and get riding! You could also choose to stroll the 17-mile Seawall - the world's longest uninterrupted waterfront path! This park is amazing any time of year. From different points, enjoy spectacular views of Lions Gate Bridge, English Bay, the North Shore Mountains, and the Burrard Inlet.

8. Take a day trip to Whistler on the Sea to Sky Highway

Just two hours north of Vancouver is the year-round resort city of Whistler, home to the largest ski resort in North America. You'll take the Sea-to-Sky highway (video above) and relish in the most amazing views from snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, and islands protruding from the Pacific Ocean. Whistler is one of the world's top skiing and snowboarding destinations and offers wonderful views in the summer. Even if you're not visiting during winter, there is still plenty to enjoy including scenic hiking trails, ziplining, shopping, spas, and museums.

There is plenty to do here for a long weekend from museums, to hiking, spas, whale watching, and people watching. — Butchart Gardens

9 Take a day trip to Vancouver Island

Why not take a day and take a beautiful ferry ride over to Vancouver Island. Stop by Butchart Gardens to see the beautiful displays or drive to Victoria and have a cocktail at the harbor while watching the seaplanes fly in. Add a bucket list activity and have afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel. There is plenty to do here for a long weekend from museums, to hiking, spas, whale watching, and people watching.

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