PlanoPlanoVancouver sits at the intersection of ocean, mountain, and rainforest, making it one of the most naturally spectacular cities in the Americas. Things to do in Vancouver range from dim sum in Richmond to kayaking beneath the Lions Gate Bridge, craft brewery crawls, and ski-and-surf days where you can hit the slopes and the beach within hours.
Read the full Vancouver travel guide →4 days
June, July, August
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Canada Place and the waterfront
The sail-roofed convention centre and cruise ship terminal on Burrard Inlet has a public promenade, FlyOver Canada (a virtual-reality flight simulation), and seaplane terminals.
Museum of Anthropology at UBC
Arthur Erickson's concrete-and-glass museum on the UBC campus holds one of the world's finest collections of Northwest Coast First Nations art, including monumental totem poles by Bill Reid.
Vancouver Art Gallery
The downtown gallery in a former courthouse holds the largest collection of Emily Carr paintings and hosts major touring exhibitions, with admission by donation on Tuesday evenings.
Richmond night market and dim sum
The suburb south of Vancouver has the best dim sum outside of Hong Kong, and the seasonal Richmond Night Market (May to October) serves 600 food stalls across a 10-acre site.
Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge and pools
A free alternative to Capilano, the 50-metre-high suspension bridge in North Vancouver leads to a network of rainforest trails and the 30 Foot Pool swimming hole.
Main Street neighbourhood
The 30-block stretch from 2nd Avenue to 33rd Avenue is Vancouver's most diverse commercial strip, with craft breweries, vintage shops, and restaurants spanning Ethiopian to Filipino.
Kitsilano neighbourhood
The beachside neighbourhood south of English Bay has a 137-metre heated saltwater pool, West 4th Avenue's yoga studios and organic grocers, and sunset views of the North Shore mountains.
Bowen Island day trip
A 20-minute ferry from Horseshoe Bay reaches the car-optional island with hiking trails to Killarney Lake, a general store dating to 1938, and waterfront cafes.
Granville Island artisan studios
Beyond the public market, the island houses working studios for glass blowers, potters, and printmakers in converted warehouse spaces, most open for drop-in visits.
Guilt & Co
A subterranean live music venue beneath Gastown's cobblestones with exposed brick, candlelit tables, and nightly acts spanning jazz, folk, and soul.
The best months to enjoy things to do in Vancouver are June, July, August, September. Plan around these months for the best weather and fewer crowds.
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