If you’re visiting Vancouver, Canada, there are plenty of attractions for you to enjoy. With a thriving art scene, mountains, and a bustling west coast seaport, there’s something for everyone. These attractions will ensure that you have a truly memorable trip after your Cathay Pacific experience as you fly into Vancouver.
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is one of the best and most popular parks in Vancouver, and it has a lot of interesting attractions to see. This park has two beaches, trails and a lot of outdoor fun. It’s also very easy to get to. The park is right in the middle of Vancouver, surrounded by the water of English Bay and Burrard Inlet. There are plenty of free activities to do in the park, but there are also a few attractions to pay for.
One of the more popular paid attractions in the park is the Stanley Park Train. This narrow-gauge miniature train follows a two-kilometer loop track. You can ride it for 15 minutes. Before you board, you can snap a photo of yourself riding it.
Another popular paid attraction is the Vancouver Aquarium. You can learn about the different types of marine life in the aquarium, as well as view many aquatic displays. Some of the exhibits are devoted to the tropics, while others focus on the arctic.
Also in the Vancouver Aquarium is the Discover Rays Touch Pool, which is an interactive display of underwater creatures. Visitors can also watch a frog feeding.
Other attractions include the First Nations Totem Poles at Brockton Point. These nine totems are a tribute to the First Nations art in Canada.
False Creek
False Creek is one of the most beautiful and scenic areas of Vancouver. There are many things to do and see in this vibrant and exciting area. You can watch boats sail, enjoy the scenery and enjoy the natural beauty of the city.
False Creek is a great place for kayaking. You can also rent a boat and take a cruise around the waters. There are a number of marinas in the area. In addition, there are several paddling clubs, which can be found on the waterfront.
Aside from kayaking, you can also get a fantastic view of the city by taking a ferry. The ferries are convenient and affordable. Many local commuters choose this mode of transportation because it offers a great perspective on the city.
If you would prefer to explore on foot, you can take a walk along the waterfront. False Creek has two separated paths for cyclists and runners. On the north side, you’ll find a peaceful area where you can stop and rest.
Another great place to visit is Granville Island. This island has become an extremely popular destination. It is easily accessible via car or bus, and offers a variety of dining options. Visitors can also catch a show at the Omnimax Theatre, which is the world’s largest domed movie screen.
Granville Island Brewing
Granville Island Brewing (GIB) is a Canadian microbrewery, located in the heart of Vancouver’s historic and popular Granville Island. The brewery produces award winning craft beers and offers tours of the facility.
With a brewing heritage dating back to 1984, Granville Island Brewing is one of the most established breweries in Canada. In addition to a variety of craft beers, the brewery also offers ales at their Dockside Restaurant.
Granville Island is an island in False Creek, just east of the downtown core. It is a popular destination for visitors to Vancouver and its surrounding areas. During the summer months, cruise ships bring a hefty number of tourists to the area. During the off season, the amount of business is considerably lower.
The Granville Island Brewing facility includes a tasting room and a bar. This brewery is known for its signature lager, Island Lager.
A brewery tour is a must-do when visiting the area. These tours are fun, informative and give a firsthand view of the beer-making process. Tours take place daily and include a flight of beers and a history of the brewery.
If you want to purchase a bottle of beer, there are numerous locations in and around Vancouver that sell GIB beers. However, the brewery does not export their beers to other countries.
VanDusen Botanical Garden
The VanDusen Botanical Garden is a 55-acre oasis in the heart of Vancouver. It features a hedge maze, stone sculptures, a formal rose garden, a Japanese garden, and more. This living museum of plants contains more than 7,500 species and is considered one of the top ten public gardens in North America.
The park is free to enter. Visitors can also purchase tickets in advance. There are special rates for schoolchildren during the spring break. If you want to see the whole garden, you’ll need to plan on spending several hours.
One of the most popular spots is Laburnum Walk. This area is highlighted by a chain-like bloom of yellow flowers. You can also visit the forest centre, the pond, or the Japanese garden.
The VanDusen Gardens have a wonderful cafe. They also have a gift shop. Visiting the garden during the fall season is especially beautiful. In the winter, there are special events such as the Festival of Lights and the Christmas lights.
You can find out all you need to know about VanDusen Botanical Garden by visiting its official website. Here, you can learn about the events taking place at the garden. Also, you can browse the bloom calendar to check the current stage of the various plants.
Gastown
One of the most popular places to visit in Vancouver is Gastown. This historic neighbourhood is filled with charming cobblestone streets and quaint cafes. It’s also home to some of the city’s best restaurants. You’ll find unique keepsakes and a lively cocktail scene here.
You can also take a guided tour of Gastown. This is a great way to learn more about the history of this neighborhood. The tour includes some of the city’s most famous sites, as well as some of its darkest moments.
Another fun thing to do in Gastown is to check out the old steam clock. This is a famous landmark in the neighborhood, and it’s one of only a few steam clocks left in the world.
A steam powered clock isn’t a very common sight in Canada, but this one is worth a visit. And it even whistles on time!
You can also visit the Museum of Vancouver, which has some of the most impressive animal specimens in the city. You can browse through the exhibits, which range from ancient artifacts to First Nations art.
If you’re looking to shop, you’ll find some of the best shopping in Vancouver in Gastown. There are a wide variety of clothing, jewelry, and furniture stores in the area.
Sea to Sky Gondola
The Sea to Sky Gondola is one of Vancouver’s most popular tourist attractions. This scenic 45-minute drive north of Vancouver takes you to the vantage point of this breathtaking viewpoint. It offers stunning views of the coastal rainforest and Howe Sound. You will also get to enjoy a variety of hiking trails and outdoor activities.
The Sea to Sky Gondola is located on the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99) in Squamish, just 2 km south of the city centre. It is open year-round, with seasonal hours.
The ride up the gondola takes approximately 10 minutes to reach the top at 885 metres. As you make your way up the gondola, you will be treated to stunning views of the fjords of Howe Sound. There is a cafeteria and a restaurant at the summit station. If you wish to purchase a ticket for the gondola, you can do so online.
There are also guided tours of the gondola. With your admission, you will receive a free 45-minute tour. They will talk about the history of the gondola, as well as local sights.
You can also take a stroll along the Panorama Trail, which is a 1.6 km long loop that gives you an unparalleled view of the surrounding mountains and valley. At the end of the trail, you will arrive at a viewing platform overlooking Stawamus Chief Mountain.