Looking to spend a vacation in Vancouver? The city offers a variety of activities for a truly memorable experience.

Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or an avid foodie, there is plenty of places to keep you busy. Below are some of the things you can’t miss during your stay in Vancouver.

Make a trip to Granville Island

Granville Island is Vancouver’s hub for arts and entertainment. Not only is the district filled with galleries, it is home to TheatreSports League, and a company that runs a series of comedy shows throughout the week.

While you’re at Granville Island, make sure to hit the Granville Island Public Market. It is a popular place to pick up some healthy snacks, local produce, and Vancouver staples.

For those looking for romantic things to do in Vancouver, hop on an Aquabus for a scenic tour around False Creek. The city views are incomparable and promise to impress!

Hike up Grouse Mountain

Grouse Mountain offers unparallel panorama in both winter and summer. The Skyride gondola will take you to the summit in a mere 8 minutes!

For more experienced outdoor enthusiasts, the Grouse Grind hike is a thrill unlike any other. The 2.9 km trail has an average grade of 30 degrees and will make your legs burn, but skyline views at the top are totally worth the pain!

Walk across Capilano Suspension Bridge

30 mins outside downtown Vancouver is the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. The 140-m long swaging bridge, hanging 70 m above the river, will sure give you goosebumps!

Besides the bridge, the park also offers many other adrenaline-pumping activities like cliff walk and treetops adventure, as well as guided nature tours for visitors to learn more about the natural landscape!

Spend an afternoon in Stanley Park

Spanning 1000 acres, Stanley Park is Vancouver’s famous landmark right next to the downtown area, frequented by both tourists and local residents. The urban park is mostly made up of forests, but it also contains a lake, a lagoon, flower gardens, and beaches.

Most of the attractions in Stanley Park are along the Seawall loop, which is a 10-km trail that runs along the waterfront. It is paved and flat, perfect for jogging, walking and rollerblading. The best (and fastest) way to get around is by bike. You can find several rental shops on Denman Street near the park entrance.

Explore the historic Gastown

Gastown is the oldest district of Vancouver city with cobbled streets and restored Victorian buildings, many of which house trendy restaurants, galleries, and boutique shops.

It is the place to shop for souvenirs. Many shops sell Canadian first nations art, sculptures and jewelry. Several Canadian brands have storefronts set up in the area as well, including the shoe shop, John Fluevog, and the backpack brand, Herschel Supply Co.

Watch the sunset at English Bay

English Bay is the city’s busiest oceanfront area. This West End neighborhood is where the locals go for a leisure stroll, a casual bike ride, or a picnic. In the summer, sunbathers and volleyball players occupy the beach.

Make sure to stay for sunset and watch the water flickering under the light.

Grab dinner at Yaletown

When it comes to fine dining, Yaletown is the go-to spot. This trendy neighborhood is where celebrity chefs set up shops. It has some of the most acclaimed restaurants in the city, including Blue Water Café, Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill and The Flying Pig.

So, if you’d like to treat yourself to something fancy, Yaletown is the place to be!