Vancouver is a city where you can ski in the morning and kayak in the afternoon, or at least look at both from a café window. Mountains rise behind the downtown towers, the Pacific laps at the city's edge and green space is everywhere. It is a relaxed, outdoorsy city, and its geography makes it easy to combine urban exploring with fresh air.
KapitelThe seawall and Stanley Park
Stanley Park, a thousand-acre forest on a peninsula beside downtown, is the heart of the city's outdoor life. The seawall, a paved path of about nine kilometers around the park's edge, is one of the great urban walks and bike rides, with views of mountains, bridges and sea. Along the way you can see totem poles at Brockton Point and cliffs at Prospect Point. Inside, forest trails and Lost Lagoon offer calmer routes.
Draußen aktiv · Stanley Park Seawall, Vancouver
Rent a bike or walk, and allow a half-day if you want to circle the whole park. The seawall continues beyond the park, along English Bay and False Creek, and links many neighborhoods.
KapitelGranville Island and the neighborhoods
Granville Island, a former industrial area, is now a busy market and arts district. The Public Market sells produce, seafood, bread and cheese, and is the best place to assemble a picnic. Small passenger ferries run across False Creek.
Shopping · Granville Island Public Market, Vancouver
Gastown, the old part of the city, has cobbled streets, the famous steam clock and independent shops and bars. Chinatown, nearby, includes the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, a quiet and beautifully designed space. Kitsilano and Main Street have cafés, craft breweries and a young, creative feel.
KapitelMountains close by
The North Shore mountains, a short drive or bus ride away, are the city's backyard. The Capilano Suspension Bridge is the best-known attraction but is commercial and busy. The free Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, in a forested park, is a calmer alternative. Grouse Mountain offers a gondola ride to the top and views of the city, and the famously steep Grouse Grind trail challenges fit hikers. Check the weather and trail conditions before setting out.
Abenteuer & Sport · Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver
KapitelCulture and Indigenous heritage
The city sits on the traditional territory of the Coast Salish peoples, the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. The Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia holds an outstanding collection of Indigenous art, including Haida totem poles and carvings, and is one of Canada's finest museums. Stanley Park's totem poles and Indigenous-led tours offer additional context.
KapitelEating and drinking
Vancouver's food is a highlight. Its Japanese and Chinese restaurants are among the best in North America, and the dim sum in Richmond, a short ride away, is excellent. Fresh Pacific seafood, particularly salmon, is a regional pride. Japadog, a Japanese-style hot dog, is a local street-food curiosity. The city also has a strong coffee culture and a craft beer scene, especially around the Mount Pleasant area.
KapitelGetting around
The SkyTrain and buses are efficient, and a contactless payment or a Compass card works for them. SeaBus ferries cross to North Vancouver, a nice, cheap harbor trip. Cycling is popular, with plenty of bike lanes. Tipping, usually 15 to 20 percent, is expected in restaurants.
KapitelBeyond the city
Whistler, about two hours north along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway, is a world-class ski resort, with hiking and mountain biking in summer. Shannon Falls and the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish are worth a stop. Victoria, on Vancouver Island, is reached by ferry and has the Butchart Gardens and a charming harbor, and you can easily spend a night there.
KapitelWhen to go
Summer, from June to September, is dry, mild and the most popular season, with long days and outdoor festivals. Spring brings cherry blossoms to many streets in April. Autumn is colorful and quieter. From October to March, rain is frequent, but the city stays green, and the nearby mountains offer skiing in winter, so bring a good rain jacket.
Check current details: Destination Vancouver.
