Best Things to Do in Vancouver That Are Actually Worth It

August 29, 2025 by jordangassner

Planning a trip to Vancouver can feel overwhelming. There are endless lists of “must-sees,” but not all of them live up to the hype. After spending six days exploring the city, from misty suspension bridges to secret gardens and seaside bike rides, I’ve rounded up my favorite experiences into a list to show you the ones that are actually worth your time. Whether you’re chasing views, culture, or a quiet escape, these are the best things to do in Vancouver:

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

With a swaying walkway suspended 450 feet across a misty rainforest canyon, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is what you might call the blockbuster of Vancouver attractions. The swaying bridge here stretches 450 feet across a rainforest canyon, bouncing just enough to make your stomach flip and adrenaline spike. Now, I’d normally dread that much movement underfoot, but here I thought it was actually quite comforting! The bridge is engineered with flexible steel cables that absorb shock, so even back in 2006 when a massive tree once fell onto it, the impact didn’t leave any structural damage. Instead, the tree simply bounced back off and into the canyon below. So for me, the more bounce I felt while scaling this bridge, the better!

Beyond the famous suspension bridge, you’ll find treetop walkways, a cliffside path clinging to the rock face, and cultural displays with First Nations totems. It’s a touristy place, yes, but still a magical outdoor experience, especially in the early morning or during holiday lights!

Best for: First-time visitors who want the iconic Vancouver thrill

Hours: Varies Seasonally (sometimes monthly!)*. Check their website for the latest hours

Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge and Trails

Lynn Canyon is a beloved local spot gives you that same heart-racing, tree-top thrill as Capilano, but without the ticket price or the crowds. The narrow suspension bridge here sways gently above a forested canyon, leading into trails that wind through mossy woods and past waterfalls. A great choice if you’re looking for a more low-key outdoor experience.

Best for: Budget conscious adventurers

Hours: Dawn to Dusk*

VanDusen Botanical Garden

Tucked away in Shaughnessy, VanDusen is a peaceful botanical garden covers 55 acres of themed landscapes. From Japanese maples and rhododendrons to a blooming rose garden and hedge maze, it’s a quiet, colorful contrast to the rugged rainforest scenery around Vancouver. It’s honestly hard to say what the best part of visiting VanDusen is, but the most fun surprise for me was finding a small apple grove and a sign for “Boston Pippin Apples”. I always love a good excuse to make a Lord of the Rings reference!

Best for: Garden lovers and quiet afternoons

Hours: Varies Seasonally (sometimes monthly!)*. Check their website for the latest hours

Lighthouse Park

One of North Vancouver’s best-kept secrets, Lighthouse Park is a short hike through old-growth forest to rocky bluffs overlooking the iconic Point Atkinson Lighthouse. I went on a sunny afternoon and it felt like stumbling onto a movie set, waves crashing against the granite! Just make sure to wear appropriate hiking footwear as the trail can be slippery, weather dependent.

Getting the postcard shot takes a little effort: you’ll want to take the Beacon Lake Trail (the paved trail) down from the parking lot until you reach a picnic area. From there, ignore the signs for the viewpoint and instead take the West Beach Trail which offers unobstructed views of the Lighthouse looking south and past the water toward downtown.

Best for: Hikers and photographers

Hours: 7AM – 10PM daily*

Museum of Anthropology

Home to landmark Northwest Coast Indigenous art, the Museum of Anthropology‘s glass-walled Great Hall is full of monumental totem poles, house posts, bentwood boxes, feast dishes and canoes. I spent the most time with Bill Reid’s The Raven and the First Men, which tells a Haida origin story of Raven coaxing the first people from a clamshell, it is one of the museum’s signature works.

Outside of its Indigenous art collection, the museum also features ethnographic objects and art from around the world.

Best for: Cultural travelers and those seeking substantive engagement with Northwest Coast Indigenous art and history

Hours: 10AM – 5PM most days, with extended hours on Thursdays*

Stanley Park

Yes, it’s famous, but Stanley Park’s vastness still makes it feel like a remote escape! And biking the 5.5 mile seawall loop around the park might just be the most joyful thing you can do in Vancouver. The path hugs the waterfront, giving you views of mountains, beaches, and landmarks like Siwash Rock and the Totem Poles. I rented a bike and found the ride easy, mostly flat, and full of places to stop for photos. Don’t miss detouring onto the forest trails too though! They feel even more like a secret world inside the city and some have steep hills that can get your adrenaline pumping!

Best for: Outdoor lovers of all fitness levels

Hours: 6AM – 10PM*

Granville Island

This artsy, waterfront neighborhood is a feast for the senses. Hit the public market for artisan bread, smoked salmon, and small-batch chocolates, or explore the galleries and local studios. Bonus: it’s also a perfect spot to catch a harbor sunset.

Part farmer’s market, part foodie heaven, Granville Island is one of those places you could spend hours grazing, exploring, and shopping. From salmon chowder at The Stock Market to Pad See Ew Beef at Sen Pad Thai and vegan almond tarts from Laurelle’s Fine Foods, the food hall covers every craving. Outside the market, explore galleries, street performers, and waterfront patios. Don’t leave without peeking into Dragonspace, a fantasy-inspired shop where I picked up my favorite souvenir: a Catdalf t-shirt.

Best for: Foodies, art lovers, and families

Hours: Public Market open daily 9AM – 7PM*

Gastown and The Steam Clock

Gastown’s cobblestone streets, heritage buildings, and indie shops make it one of the best neighborhoods to wander in Vancouver. The Steam Clock, which whistles and puffs on the quarter hour, is the centerpiece. It’s one of six working steam clocks in the world and possibly the second ever made! I also love popping into the vintage, specialty, and quirky stores nearby. Some immediate favorites include Maison Kitsune for clothing, Vinyl Records for records and other music purchases, Makers for local gifts, Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe for sweets, or Cappelleria Bertacchifor custom hats.

Best for: Architecture nerds and window-shoppers

Hours: Shops typically open 10AM – 6PM*, restaurants later

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

In the heart of Chinatown, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is a walled garden feels worlds away from the city outside. Covered walkways wind past koi ponds, jade-green pavilions, and sculpted limestone shipped from China. It’s small but peaceful, and I arrived during a morning concert which made it even more atmospheric. My favorite spot? A little gazebo perched on a hill inside the garden.

Best for: Cultural explorers and slow travelers

Hours: 9:30AM – 4PM most days, Closed on Mondays*

Alley-Oop

Hidden between office buildings downtown, Alley-Oop is one of Vancouver’s quirkiest urban art installations. The narrow laneway is painted in bright pinks and yellows, with geometric designs splashed across the ground and walls like a vibrant basketball court. It’s technically a back alley, so don’t be surprised if you see delivery trucks or graffiti layered on top of the art (it’s part of its charm!). I stopped by on a weekday and managed to snap some fun, colorful photos without too many people around.

Best for: Instagrammers and street art hunters

Hours: Open 24/7, but best during the daytime

Bloedel Conservatory

Perched on a hilltop in Queen Elizabeth Park, Bloedel Conservatory is an unexpected little escape into the tropics. Step inside the glass dome and you’ll find exotic birds perched freely among palm trees, orchids, and tropical plants. I spotted parrots chatting back and forth and cockatoos showing off for visitors, it feels a bit like stumbling into an aviary crossed with a rainforest. The dome is small enough to explore in under an hour, but it’s a fun contrast to Vancouver’s coastal landscapes and a great rainy-day option.

Best for: Families, plant lovers, and anyone needing a quick “tropical getaway”

Hours: Varies Seasonally (sometimes monthly!)*. Check their website for the latest hours

Christ Church Cathedral

Located in the heart of downtown, Christ Church Cathedral is Vancouver’s oldest surviving church and a designated heritage building. Its Gothic Revival architecture stands out among glass towers, with stone walls, stained glass windows, and intricate woodwork inside. When I visited, it felt like a quiet pause from the bustle outside. It’s certainly not a long stop, but worth popping in if you’re exploring Vancouver’s Downtown area. Check the calendar if you’d like to catch one of their choral or organ performances.

Best for: Architecture buffs and peaceful pauses

Hours: Typically 10AM – 4PM on weekdays with services on weekends*

Bonus: Sea to Sky Gondola and Suspension Bridge

The Sea to Sky Gondola is located a bit outside of Vancouver (about an hour north in Squamish), but if you’re craving sweeping mountain views and another high-altitude suspension bridge, this one delivers. Ride the gondola, cross the sky bridge, and take in one of the most spectacular lookouts in British Columbia.

Best for: Scenic day-trippers, hikers, and anyone who wants mountain views without a full climb

Hours: Varies Seasonally (sometimes monthly!)*. Check their website for the latest hours

*At time of writing.