Vancouver

Challenge the Grouse Grind

An icon of the city’s skyline, Grouse Mountain towers over the north of Vancouver. This mountain has been a popular outdoor adventure spot for years, especially during the winter months. Even when it’s not covered in snow and dominated by skiers and snowboarders, Grouse Mountain is an awesome place to go for a fun day out. If you’re looking to do a little exercise on your trip, challenge yourself by doing the mountain’s famous Grouse Grind. While it’s less than 3 kilometres long, the steep incline of this mountain trail makes it very difficult to complete. Often referred to as ‘Mother Nature’s Stairmaster,’ see if you’re good enough to complete this nature challenge.

Experience island life at Granville Island

This former industrial site is now one of Vancouver's best assets. Located in the middle of False Creek is Granville Island. What used to be covered in factories is now one of the coolest places to eat, drink and explore in Vancouver. Experience the best of this cool corner of the city by spending the day here. Start in the morning by exploring the Granville Island Public Market, where you’ll find fresh produce, food stalls and local crafts. If the weather is warm, rent a kayak and paddle your way around the marina, or spend some time at the Island’s free water park. After a few hours at Granville Island, you’ll understand why the locals love it so much.

Hike around Stanley Park

Nature lovers, this one’s for you. With almost 1000 acres of amazing parkland, get lost exploring Vancouver’s most-loved attraction, Stanley Park. Starting at the Vancouver convention centre and ending at Spanish Banks Beach, walk, cycle or jog around the park’s 32-kilometre-long walking path that hugs Vancouver's waterfront. If you’re keen to take outdoor adventure more seriously, hike or mountain bike through the dense forest of this awesome park. We recommend trying out South Creek Trail, which leads to the lily pad-covered Beaver Lake. Breathe in the fresh air and good vibes of Vancouver’s Stanley Park.

Bum out on the beach

One of the best things about Vancouver is its location. Hugging the Western Coast of Canada, the Vancouver Coastline is one of the city’s best assets. If you’re here in summer, do as the locals do and kick it on the beach. For good vibes and a good time, head straight to Kitsilano. Undoubtedly the city's most popular swim spot, Kitsilano is Vancouver’s equivalent to Venice Beach. Here you'll find locals in-line skating, playing volleyball and blasting music all day long. If you’re after something a little more chill, Spanish Banks Beach might be better for you. Located about 8 kilometres from Downtown Vancouver, it is a little further away than Kitsilano, but at least you won’t have to compete for a spot on the sand.

Go on a liquid diet in Yaletown

If you came to Vancouver to party, head straight to Yaletown. What was once Vancouver’s old warehouse district is now home to the city’s best restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Often compared to New York City’s SoHo district, Yaletown is the place to go to get a taste for the Vancouver nightlife. Our picks for where to go? Start your night with a pint or two at Yaletown Brewing Co., where you can sample some of the city’s boutique beers. Next, turn up the intensity at Pierre's Lounge and Bar None. Located in Downtown Vancouver, get to Yaletown by train or SkyTrain, because you definitely don’t want to have to drive home after a night out here.

Vancouver International Jazz Festival

Music

Happening for 12 days from the end of June to early July, the Vancouver International Jazz Festival is a celebration of this unique music genre. Featuring headliners like Erykah Badu and Tony Bennett, this music festival showcases some of the best jazz musicians in the world. Be sure to book tickets online to attend its concerts and performances.

Vancouver Mural Festival

Art

The city’s biggest public art event, the Vancouver Mural Festival sees some of the best Canadian and International artists create artworks all over the city. Held over one massive week in August, download your festival map online to find where to head to check out these awesome artworks.

Vancouver International Film Festival

Film

Celebrating some of the best filmmakers in the world, Vancouver International Film Festival happens for two weeks between late September and early October. With a program that features seminars, discussions with directors, and of course, screenings all over the city, secure your tickets online to attend this massive film festival.

Vancouver Folk Music Festival

Music

Held for three days over a weekend in July, the Vancouver Folk Music Festival is one of the city’s best summer festivals. Held in Jericho Beach Park in Vancouver, this multi-stage outdoor festival showcases indie and folk musicians from Canada and abroad.

Music Waste

Music, Art & Comedy

Check out the best of the city’s music, art and comedy scenes at the Music Waste Festival. Held over four days in June, this annual festival takes place at multiple venues across the city. Check out its program online to buy tickets to its music concerts, as well as its comedy and art performances.

Science World

Housed in a disco ball building on the harbour, Vancouver’s Science World is just as much fun as it seems. Dedicated to making science and technology fun, it’s hard not to have a good time mucking around with its interactive exhibits. Learn about everything from physics to mining engineering at the Vancouver Science World.

Museum of Vancouver

Focusing on the civic history of Vancouver, the Museum of Vancouver tells the stories of the people and events that made this city great. As well as collections spanning ancient Egyptian, Asian and Indigenous Canadian cultures, make sure you check out the iconic grab sculpture out the front of this history museum.

Museum of Anthropology

If you see only visit one museum in Vancouver, make it this one. The University of British Columbia's Museum of Anthropology has an amazing collection of First Nations and Coast Salish artworks and artefacts. Featuring life-size totems and sculptures, learn about Vancouver’s indigenous peoples at this awesome museum.

Vancouver Art Gallery

Lovers of art, you won’t want to miss the Vancouver Art Gallery. Housed an iconic building in Downtown Vancouver, the Gallery’s collection includes everything from 19th century masters to cutting-edge digital artworks. With a focus on promoting the work of British Columbian artists, like Emily Carr, it’s easy to spend hours walking around this beautiful building.

H. R. MacMillan Space Centre

Sharing a building and an entrance hall with the Museum of Vancouver, the H. R. MacMillian Space Centre is another must-see in Vancouver. This science museum focuses on aerospace history and astronomy. With exhibits explaining the history of the Canadian space program and its own planetarium, learn about the stars at the H. R. MacMillian Space Centre.

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