Stanley Park
Stanley Park is truly a walker's paradise right in the heart of the city. It's one of the largest urban parks in North America, with 400 hectares (1000 acres) of woodlands, gardens, flowers, trails, lakes, beaches and wildlife.
Circumnavigate the park via the seawall (a brisk 2-hour walk) or take the road less traveled around Lost Lagoon or Beaver Lake to view the resident geese, swans and raccoons. Stanley Park is home to the Vancouver Aquarium as well as a children's farmyard, tennis courts, pitch and putt golf course which makes it a great family outing.
http://vancouver.ca/parks/parks/stanley/
Granville Island
Known for its public markets, fresh bakeries and unique stores, you can spend an entire day exploring all that this area has to offer. After checking out all the wonderful foods and fares of the market, navigate your way through the narrow roads and lanes of Granville Island, stopping to go through book stores, art exhibits, the Kids Only centre and head to the walking paths along the water. Going East, you can walk the beautiful False Creak Walk, continue to Science World, or even further to Yaletown.
Heading West you pass the marinas of Granville Island, more enviable waterfront condominiums with views across False Creek to downtown Vancouver, and eventually cross under the Burrard Bridge. Continuing along the water and following the pathways eventually leads you to Vanier Park, which is where the summer Bard on the Beach Shakespeare festival and Children's Festivals are held each year. The Vancouver Museum and H.R. MacMillan Space Centre are also located in this area, so if your feet need a rest, stop in at these attractions.
http://www.granvilleisland.com/en/home
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Naturally thrilling since 1889, Capilano Suspension Bridge is breathtakingly suspended 450 feet (135m) across and 230 feet (70m) above Capilano River. Cross over to Treetops Adventure and walk from one magnificent Douglas fir to another via a series of seven elevated suspension bridges, some reaching as high as 100 feet (30m) above the forest floor. A complete West Coast experience just minutes from Downtown.
www.capbridge.com
Vancouver Aquarium
Come to face-to-fin with over 70,000 animals including beluga whales, Steller sea lions, dolphins, seals and more! Enjoy the dolphin and whale shows, sea otter feeds, and shark dives. Free-roaming animals abound in our popular Amazon Gallery and be sure to stop by our newest gallery that's full of interactive exhibits and a children's play learning area. For a unique hands-on adventure, ask about our Animal Encounters program. Open 365 days of the year. For more info, call 604.659.FISH or visit:
www.vanaqua.org
VanDusen Botanical Garden
A living museum of plant collections from around the world, this spectacular 55-acre botanical garden is beautiful in every season. Highlights: Spring - Rhododendron and Laburnum Walks, ornamental cherry trees; Summer - Perennial and Water Lily Gardens; Autumn - brilliant autumn colour display; Winter - witchhazels, viburnums, hellebores. The Garden is home to 65 species of birds. Free parking, convenient access by public transportation, wheelchair accessible. Gift shop and restaurant.
www.vandusengarden.org
Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada
Experience British Columbia as it was over 150 years ago at this HBC trading post! Watch our blacksmith bend steel, pan for gold, see the homes the First Nations women sustained, or help the cooper shape a barrel. Daily tours, cultural exhibits, and costumed guides, open year round! For more info call 604.513.4777 or visit:
www.pc.gc.ca/fortlangley
Vancouver Museum
Overlooking spectacular English Bay, the Vancouver Museum holds an eclectic collection of this city’s rich cultural heritage. Permanent exhibits tell Vancouver’s stories from the early 1900s to the late ‘70s complemented by ground-breaking feature exhibits.
www.vanmuseum.bc.ca
Grouse Mountain, The Peak of Vancouver
Grouse Mountain has over 80 years of experience in bringing winter sport to Vancouver, with the finest in local skiing and snowboarding. Floodlit runs open until 10pm nightly fit everyone’s schedule. Additional activities include snowshoeing, ice skating, sleigh rides, and award-wining dining, all in the backyard of the city. For more information, contact 604.980.9311 or visit us online:
www.grousemountain.com
Science World British Columbia
This exciting exhibition showcases the history of ground, air and water transportation as seen through the eyes of LEGO builders. From the days of the Titanic ship to the days of spaceships, this is an innovative and interactive exploration of how changing technology has expanded our reach. On now!
www.telusworldofscience.com/vancouver
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Whether the sun is shining or the rain is falling, the Garden is a perfect place to visit year-round. Our covered walkways provide shelter so that our beautiful vistas can be appreciated in any weather. Chinatown and the Garden are easily accessible by car or transit and a pleasant walk from downtown Vancouver. Don't forget to join us for one of our concerts or events like Chinese New Year's Day or Mid Autumn Moon Festival.
www.vancouverchinesegarden.com
Vancouver Art Gallery
Visit Western Canada’s largest art museum! Open 365 days a year and located just steps from vibrant Robson Street in downtown Vancouver, the Vancouver Art Gallery offers the city’s top cultural experience. Current exhibitions include: How Soon Is Now (February 7 - May 3), an exhibition that looks at some of the most compelling artists working in the region. The exhibition comprises a survey of new work currently being produced by artists in BC, drawing from the breadth of artistic practice and concerns that motivate artists today.
Call 604.662.4719 or visit:
www.vanartgallery.bc.ca
Vancouver Maritime Museum
Immerse yourself in history and discover rich maritime traditions of the Pacific Coast. Step back in time to 1944 on board St Roch, Canada’s celebrated RCMP schooner. Young at heart can explore Alcan Children’s Maritime Discovery Centre and visit historic vessels in Heritage Harbour. Minutes from downtown at south end of Burrard Street Bridge close to Granville Island. Call: 604 257-8300 or visit:
www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com