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Amazing Things to Do in B.C

An immense playground where the ocean meets the mountains on Canada’s west coast, British Columbia will never run out of amazing outdoor adventures, unique cultural experiences and stylish cosmopolitan cities to explore.

Our temperate climate means Greater Vancouver does see a bit of drizzle, but that only adds to the beauty of this landscape and its lush temperate rainforest areas. And when the skies break, our clear, sunny days and comfortable seasonal temperatures can’t be beat, any time of the year.

For a complete list of things to do and see in the Greater Vancouver area, from Whistler Mountain to the farmlands of the Fraser Valley, click here.

Fun Things to Do in Greater Vancouver

There is much too much to do in Vancouver and the surrounding area that we simply can’t list it all! Click here for an overview of what the Greater Vancouver area has in store for you, and take a look at these top attractions right here in downtown Vancouver, North Vancouver, and Vancouver Island to get you started.

Downtown Vancouver, B.C. Attractions

Stanley Park:

Welcome to 400-hectares of pristine rainforest just steps from downtown Vancouver. This National Historic site always seems to weather the storms and gives locals and tourists alike a unique opportunity to lounge on a beach, enjoy a good meal, and take in the beauty of this city with a stroll along the Sea Wall path that circumnavigates the park. The park is also home to the world-renowned Vancouver Aquarium.

Science World at Telus World of Science:

You can’t miss the big silver globe of Science World at False Creek! With intriguing permanent and rotating exhibitions and a large OMNIMAX Theatre, this fun and interactive centre will bring out the inner scientist in anyone.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden:

The first of its kind outside of China, this tranquil space incorporates imported weathered limestone rocks, jade green water features, mystical plants and stunning architecture. Surrender to the natural rhythms of nature ideal for both lifting your energy and finding quiet moments of contemplation.

Granville Island:

So, it’s not quite an island but it’s definitely in a league of its own. As the headquarters for Vancouver’s arts community, this funky area under the Granville Street Bridge has a vibrant public market, world-class restaurants, a live theatre house, boutique galleries and shops and a super cool Kids Market with a large water park (water park operates only in summer).

Canada Place:

The five white sails of Canada Place are perhaps the most recognizable feature of downtown Vancouver’s skyline. A mixed-use facility home to Vancouver’s cruise ship terminal and Vancouver Convention Centre East, Canada Place is a must-see for any Vancouver visitor.

Historic Gastown:

Located along Vancouver’s downtown waterfront, Gastown is the city’s oldest neighbourhood and in recent years was named the fourth most stylish neighbourhood in the world. Check out Gastown’s working Steam Clock, thriving fashion district, hip night life, culinary hot spots and one-of-a-kind boutique shops.

Vancouver Art Gallery:

This iconic building houses impressive exhibits featuring local, national and international artists. After wandering the halls, you can enjoy the outdoor patio at the Gallery Café, serving up tasty soups and salads, elegant entrées and mouth-watering desserts.

North Vancouver, B.C. Attractions

The ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and fans of fresh mountain air, North Vancouver sits on the north side of Vancouver Harbour and connects to the city of Vancouver via the historic Lions Gate Bridge, the Second Narrows Iron Workers Memorial Bridge, or the SeaBus public transportation service. Some of this district’s main attractions include:

Lonsdale Quay:

A charming ocean-side market with more than 80 food vendors, fresh markets, and unique retail shops, Lonsdale Quay is a fun gathering place and true community fixture in North Vancouver. This is also where you can catch the SeaBus across the water to downtown Vancouver.

The North Shore Mountains:

Take your pick - all three of the North Shore mountains have awesome local skiing and snow sports in the winter and exceptional mountain biking and hiking during the rest of the year.

Check out Seymour Mountain, Grouse Mountain and Cypress Mountain to plan your alpine adventure.

Capilano River Regional Park:

Go take a hike on the Capilano River Walk or the Cleveland Dam Loop, and learn more about the West Coast’s salmon runs at the Capilano Salmon Hatchery.

Capilano Suspension Bridge:

A favourite among tourists and locals, take the breath-taking crossing over the Capilano River to fully appreciate this region’s beauty. The park also has an amazing Cliff Walk and a Tree Tops Adventure path in the canopy of 1,300-year-old Old Growth Douglas Fir trees.

Lynn Canyon:

Explore another suspension bridge in North Vancouver - except this one is free. The Lynn Canyon Park & Suspension Bridge features remarkable trails, picnic tables, a cozy coffee shop and the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre.

Fun Things to Do on Vancouver Island

Home to B.C.’s capital city (Victoria) and stunning landscapes and steeped in West Coast Canadian history, Vancouver Island is a must-see North American destination. Breath taking scenery, ancient rain forests, unique marine life, and bustling cosmopolitan cities are all just a short ferry or plane ride away from mainland Canada and the United States.

Victoria, B.C. Attractions

Teeming with boutique shops, excellent restaurants, impressive museums and gorgeous city parks, Victoria is a world-class destination for business and leisure travellers. Here are a few suggestions for your activities list:

Butchart Gardens:

A flower-ful feast for the eye in any season, the world-renowned Butchart Gardens features a Rose Carousel and Children’s Play Pavilion, fantastic dining and afternoon tea service, a Seed & Gift Shop and seasonal displays.

Royal British Columbia Museum:

Through realistic immersive settings, find out where we’ve been, and where we’re going. Take a stroll through Old Town’s wood-cobbled streets, check out Wooly Mammoth in his icy world, and explore the HMS Discovery at the world-class museum.

Fisherman’s Wharf:

Just around the corner from the Inner Harbour, this hidden treasure is a working marina that offers marine-inspired kiosks and shops and seafood sales fresh off the boat. Several of Victoria’s whale-watching and eco-tour companies also depart from Fisherman’s Wharf.

Robert Bateman Centre:

Get to know and understand one of Canada’s most celebrated artists at the Robert Bateman Centre in downtown Victoria. Explore seven decades of his inspiring work painting Canada’s natural landscape.

Beacon Hill Park:

This inter-urban green space is Victoria’s crowning jewel, with both manicured and natural features, a children’s petting zoo and numerous playgrounds, a cricket pitch and lawn bowling club, sports fields and the Cameron Bandshell.

Nanaimo, B.C. Attractions

This oceanside city sits between the Strait of Georgia and the jaw-dropping Vancouver Island landscape of peaks, valleys and natural coastal forests. Find that perfect balance of urban delights (dining, shopping, entertainment, festivals and galleries) and outdoor recreation (hiking, biking, golf, fishing, Ziplining and Bungee Jumping) right here in Nanaimo.

A few remarkable activities and attractions to take in include:

Sink or Swim Scuba:

Vancouver Island is ranked among the world’s top 10 destinations for cold water diving, and Nanaimo’s underwater landscape includes amazing natural and artificial reefs.

WildPlay Elements Park Nanaimo:

Get in touch with your inner adrenalin junkie with aerial adventures, Ziplines, Bungee Jumping and Primal Swings in the canopy of Vancouver Island's gorgeous natural forest.

Cultural Heritage & Arts:

Check out these art galleries, museums and heritage sites to gain insight into Nanaimo’s history, people and culture.