What's up guys! We're here in Vancouver, one of Canada's most beautiful cities,
and in this video we're going to show you our top things to do here. So hope you enjoy it!
Vancouver is located on the west coast of British Columbia in Canada. Nestled between
the Pacific Ocean and the Coastal Mountains, this city has stunning natural surroundings
and a vibrant urban scene. But Vancouver is also renowned for its diverse culture and multicultural
neighborhoods offering a rich tapestry of cuisines, festivals, and arts. So whether
you seek adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, this city has it all. In this video,
we highlight 12 awesome things to do in and around Vancouver. Make sure to watch
until the end because we also share some day trip options as well as travel tips. Now let's dive in!
We are Zac and Ine. We make helpful videos about
destinations around the world so you can easily plan your own adventures.
Located to the northeast of downtown Vancouver, Gastown is the oldest neighborhood in the city.
The area is known for its iconic steam clock, cobblestone streets, Victorian-era buildings,
and charming atmosphere. The district is also home to a vibrant food and drink scene,
offering a wide variety of restaurants and bars that cater to every taste,
including many delicious international cuisines. However, don't limit yourself
to just Gastown. Vancouver has numerous other great culinary zones,
such as Yaletown and Commercial Drive. We have a blog post and Google Map with a number of great
places to eat and drink. You can find a link to the blog in the description below the video.
Situated in North Vancouver, Grouse Mountain provides a serene getaway from the bustling
city below. You can get to the mountain by either taking the gondola or hiking the
challenging Grouse Grind Trail, which is a short but steep trail with an elevation
gain of 800 meters or 2,624 feet. We decided to take the gondola, which was a scenic and
relaxing ride. Once you reach the top, there's a range of activities for all ages and interests,
such as viewpoints, zip lines, demonstrations, the peak chairlift ride, and the grizzly bear habitat.
There are currently two grizzly bears here at the top. And if you're lucky,
you can actually see them from the second chairlift that goes up to the peak,
because their habitat is right underneath it.
Located to the south of downtown Vancouver, Kitsilano Beach is a favorite among locals
and tourists alike. This sandy beach stretches for miles along English Bay, boasting a stunning view
of the downtown skyline. Adjacent to the beach is Vanier Park, a spacious waterfront park known for
its lush greenery and beautiful views. The park is also home to the fascinating Maritime Museum.
Located on the highest point of the city, Queen Elizabeth Park offers panoramic views of
Vancouver. Spanning 130 acres, this urban oasis is a great escape from the the hustle and bustle. The
park features manicured gardens, vibrant flower beds, and rolling lawns, making it a perfect
destination for a leisurely stroll. There's also a conservatory with many exotic plants and birds.
For breathtaking views of downtown Vancouver, head to the Vancouver Lookout tower or Cypress
Mountain. Both locations provide panoramic vistas that will leave you mesmerized. Cypress
Mountain is a 30-minute drive from the city center and the viewpoint is located on the
second switchback of Cypress Bowl Road in West Vancouver. It's one of the best
and most accessible places in Vancouver for panoramic views, and above all, it's free.
Vancouver is a great place for whale watching. This is because the area's diverse
marine ecosystem attracts a wide variety of whale species. From the comfort of a boat, it's possible
to witness humpback whales, sea lions, orcas, and many other animals in their natural habitat. Most
whale watching tours depart from Granville Island and last about 5 hours. We opted for a larger boat
with both outdoor and indoor seating to keep us warm. There was a limited number of passengers
on board making for a more relaxed experience and also making it easier to understand all of
the naturalists on the ship. We left a link to the tour we booked in the description below the video.
The captain just spotted a couple of humpback whales in the distance here,
so we're going to check them out now.
The Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is situated in North Vancouver, which is a short drive away
from the downtown area. The main attraction is of course the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge itself,
which Towers 50 meters or 164 feet above the water. But there are also beautiful waterfalls,
scenic viewpoints, and popular swimming holes. The best way to explore this area
is by hiking the short loop trail. Although you do have to pay a small fee for parking,
the park itself has no admission fee, making it an affordable alternative
to the nearby Capilano Suspension Bridge, which is larger but more commercialized.
Downtown Vancouver is the heartbeat of the city, boasting an array of attractions and entertainment
options. You can explore the renowned Vancouver Art Gallery, go shopping along Robson Street,
or sample a variety of cuisines. But if you want to delve deeper into the history
and culture of Vancouver, we recommend going on a free walking tour. We joined a 3-hour guided tour,
which allowed us to see the highlights of the city, such as the Waterfront Station,
Robson Square, and the Vancouver Public Library. We also learned about the indigenous heritage,
gaining a deeper appreciation for the region's diverse culture. Find a link to
the tour we joined in the description below the video. And if you have time during your
lunch break of the tour, we highly recommend trying a famous Japadog on Robson Street.
Situated beneath the Granville Street Bridge, Granville Island is a formal industrial area
that is transformed into a thriving cultural hub. One of it its highlights is the Public Market,
a haven for food lovers. Here, you can find fresh produce, gourmet foods, local treats,
and a variety of international cuisine. Apart from the market, this neighborhood is also
home to many art galleries, souvenir shops, restaurants, and Grandville Island Brewing.
Nestled along the shores of the Indian Arm in North Vancouver,
Deep Cove is a quaint waterfront village. It's home to a small cove, a beach, charming shops,
cafés, and restaurants. But above all, it's the starting point of a popular trail: the Quarry Rock
hike. This 4 kilometers or 2.5 miles out-and-back trail winds through a lush forest to a stunning
viewpoint overlooking the Indian Arm. It takes about 1.5 hours to do the hike, so there's plenty
of time to check out the town after.
Situated at the northwestern edge of the downtown area, Stanley Park is Vancouver's first, largest,
and most beautiful urban park. Boasting beaches, evergreen forests, lush gardens,
and cultural landmarks, Stanley Park provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational
opportunities. The best way to discover the park is by biking the scenic Seawall,
spanning 9 kilometers or 5.5 miles. You can rent bikes at one of the many
shops near the entrance of Stanley Park. We rented ours for 3 hours,
which was more than enough time to make stops in the park and soak in the surroundings.
Finally, don't miss the opportunity to embark on a day trip to Vancouver's nearby Provincial
Parks or mountain towns. There's so much to explore outside the city, from the Shannon
Falls and the Sea-to-Sky Gondola in Squamish, to the stunning landscapes of Whistler, Lions Bay,
and Golden Ears. Our favorite hiking areas are the Garibaldi and Joffre Lakes Provincial Parks.
These excursions will leave you in awe of BC's natural beauty. If you don't have access to a car,
it is possible to join one of the many guided day tours from Vancouver.
As we promised at the beginning of the video,
we'll now share a few travel tips for Vancouver. Vancouver is generally a safe city,
but there are some neighborhoods and streets that you should avoid because of high crime
rate and homelessness. This includes Downtown Eastside, which borders Gastown. We left a link
to an article that highlights all of those areas in the description below the video.
Second, Vancouver has an efficient public transportation system which includes buses
and the SkyTrain. They're easy to use as you can just tap your credit card when
you get on. We recommend using Google Maps to navigate the public transit routes effectively.
Finally, Vancouver is an expensive city, especially considering accommodation, food,
drinks, and activities. So take advantage of the city's public transportation system
to save costs. Also consider staying in a hostel or a place outside the city center,
close to one of the major SkyTrain lines like the Canada Line. That way, you still have easy
access to the city center. We included some great budget options in the description below the video.
If you're planning your Vancouver trip, we recommend keeping things organized with
our interactive travel planner. Find a discount code in the description below. We also included
other important links in the description that will help you with your trip, such as
an interactive map to get to each place that we mentioned. We'll catch you on the next adventure!