Top 10 Things to Do in Vancouver: 2025 Travel Guide

Vancouver is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you're into history, art, nature, or food, you'll find a variety of exciting things to do. If you're planning a trip to this coastal city, we've got you covered with our top 10 things to do in Vancouver. From sightseeing to unique experiences, this guide will give you the best of what Vancouver has to offer.

1. Explore Gastown

Gastown is Vancouver's oldest neighborhood and one of the most charming areas to explore. This historic district is full of cobbled streets, Victorian-style homes, and heritage buildings. It was named after “Gassy Jack” Deighton, one of Vancouver's early settlers. Although his statue has recently been removed, the neighborhood keeps its historical character alive.

Take your time walking through Gastown. There are plenty of boutique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and cafes to explore. If you're into iconic landmarks, check out the world-famous Steam Clock, powered by steam and whistling every 15 minutes.

2. Ride Unique Transportation

Forget the usual bus or train. In Vancouver, you can enjoy the sights while taking a ride on the colorful Aquabus. This little ferry service zigzags across False Creek and offers great views of the waterfront while connecting you to Granville Island.

For something a bit bigger, you can hop aboard the SeaBus, which connects Downtown Vancouver with North Vancouver. You can even book a harbor cruise with dinner or, for the more adventurous, take a ride in a seaplane. Bonus: there's whale watching too!

3. Visit Science World

Science World is where adults and kids become equally fascinated. Once built for the Expo 86 World Fair, this dome-shaped building has become a landmark. Located at the edge of False Creek, it offers interactive exhibits and hands-on learning experiences that cover everything from physics to biology.

It’s a perfect destination to spend a rainy day, and it’s great whether you're traveling solo, or with family.

4. Cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge

Take a deep breath and step onto the Capilano Suspension Bridge. At 450 feet long and 230 feet above the Capilano River, you'll be treated to breathtaking views (and maybe a little adrenaline). The surrounding park isn't just about the bridge—it also features tree-top adventures and an incredible Cliffwalk for more amazing views of the canyon below.

If you’re visiting between November and January, the park hosts the stunning Canyon Lights display, transforming the place into a twinkling wonderland.

5. Get a Taste of Chinatown

Vancouver’s Chinatown is one of the largest and oldest in North America, with deep roots in the city’s history. Chinese immigrants first arrived in Vancouver in the 1800s to work on the railroads, and since then, their community has flourished.

While you’re here, immerse yourself in the culture. Grab some dim sum, stroll through herbal medicine shops, or visit the beautiful Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Full of history, this is a neighborhood that honors its past while embracing the present.

6. Visit the Vancouver Aquarium

If you love marine life, the Vancouver Aquarium is a must. Founded in 1956, the aquarium hosts thousands of species and attracts over a million visitors annually. It's not just an aquarium—it’s also a center for marine biology research and animal rehabilitation.

Be sure to check out their 4D theater, watch the sea lions in action, and learn about their rescue efforts. A visit here brings out the inner child in everyone and leaves you with a newfound love for the ocean.

7. Explore the Vancouver Maritime Museum

Set sail through history at the Vancouver Maritime Museum. This museum focuses on the rich maritime history of the Pacific Northwest and Arctic regions. The highlight is St. Roch, an Arctic vessel that completed a groundbreaking voyage through the Northwest Passage in the 1940s. You can climb aboard and explore it yourself.

And don’t forget to check out the quirky Ben Franklin submarine outside. This yellow sub was used for a 30-day study in the Gulf Stream in 1969.

8. Visit Vancouver Lookout

For one of the best views in the city, head to the Vancouver Lookout. Situated at the top of Harbour Centre, it rises 553 feet above the city, giving you 360-degree panoramic views of downtown Vancouver, the ocean, and the mountains beyond.

Take the glass elevator ride up and spend some time on the observation deck. If you're feeling fancy, check out the revolving restaurant at the top for a unique dining experience.

9. Spend Time in Stanley Park

Stanley Park isn’t just your average green space—it’s Vancouver’s first and largest urban park, covering 1,000 acres. Nature lovers can enjoy miles of forest trails, the Vancouver Seawall (the longest uninterrupted waterfront path in the world), and peaceful spots like the Lost Lagoon.

This national historic site has been a part of the area long before Vancouver became a city, first inhabited by Indigenous peoples. Now, it’s home to beaches, the Rose Garden, and the Vancouver Aquarium. Stanley Park is a must-visit, whether you're going for an afternoon or an entire day.

10. Explore Granville Island

Once an industrial wasteland, now a cultural hotspot, Granville Island is full of life. It’s home to hundreds of artists, businesses, and a bustling public market with fresh seafood, local produce, and artisan treats.

Whether you’re into food or art, this place has it all. You can browse through galleries, watch a live theater performance, or grab a drink at one of Canada’s original microbreweries. Don’t miss the chance to wander around and discover something new in every corner of this vibrant mini peninsula.

Bonus: Skiing Adventures

Here’s a bonus for you: Did you know that some of the best skiing in North America is just a short drive from Vancouver? Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain, and Mt. Seymour are less than an hour away from downtown, making it easy to hit the slopes without staying in a ski town.

If you’re in Vancouver during the winter, hop on a ski bus from downtown, or take a drive up to Whistler Blackcomb, one of the top ski resorts in the world. Even in summer, these mountains hold fantastic hiking and outdoor adventures. Vancouver’s proximity to such natural beauty is part of what makes it so special.

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From bustling neighborhoods to serene parks, Vancouver truly has it all. Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, there’s always something new to discover in this Pacific gem. Whether you’re a foodie, nature-lover, history buff, or adventurer, Vancouver won’t disappoint. Ready to start exploring? What's the first thing on your Vancouver to-do list? Let us know in the comments!