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Discovering Vancouver: The Ultimate Bucket List 

Discovering Vancouver The Ultimate Bucket List 

Welcome to the vibrant city of Vancouver, where urban adventures and natural wonders await. Needless to say, there’s an exciting blend of activities in store for you in Rain City.

Whether you’re a local wanting to get more acquainted with the city or a visitor eager to discover what belongs on their bucket list, we have it all here – from public markets with numerous vendors to the biggest aquarium in the country, and even mind-enriching excursions!

You can’t say you’ve truly experienced Vancouver until you’ve explored these iconic destinations.

1. Granville Island

Website: https://granvilleisland.com

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/35F4eGLscRz3fxSg9

Granville Island is a renowned Vancouver location, attracting tourists and locals alike for its artistic charm, rich cultural offerings, and the most popular one – the bustling public market. 

In fact, if you were to ask almost any other local where to go in the city to experience an exciting mix of Vancouver’s delights, they’ll most likely point you in the direction of Granville Island. 

Prepare for a dazzling feast of activities that include watching local theatre performances, playing at the water park, whale watching, and many more. The opportunities to have fun on Granville Island are endless. 

2. Stanley Park 

– Media credit: @cbcvancouver

Website: https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/stanley-park.aspx

Address: Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4, Canada

Contact details: +1 604-681-6728

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM 

Stanley Park is Vancouver’s brightest jewel in the crown of open verdant spaces. Considered the largest urban park in the city, this 405-hectare location offers a delightful nature retreat for anyone who wishes it. 

Additionally, people can indulge in its massive assortment of activity offerings, inviting everyone to an opportunity to appreciate the natural wonders in an urban landscape. 

Here, you can discover beaches, wildlife, trails, cultural landmarks, and even restaurants. 

Get to know the tamer side of Vancouver by giving this remarkable location a visit. 

3. Grouse Mountain

Website: https://www.grousemountain.com

Address: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4K9, Canada

Contact details: +1 604-980-9311

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 9:30 PM 

Those who are thirsty for outdoor adventures shouldn’t miss out on the Grouse Mountain while they’re in Vancouver. This awesome ski resort gained its much-deserved recognition for its striking city views and assortment of year-round activities. 

Yes, you heard the latter one right. Contrary to what one usually expects, Grouse Mountain offers an equally fun time during the summer. 

During this time, people can go on nature walks, go on a mountain rope adventure, hop on a gondola ride, and many more. Race you there! 

5. The Shipyards

Website: http://theshipyards.net

Address: 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver, BC V7L 0B3, Canada

Operating hours: Open 24 hours

Is your Vancouver trip really complete without a visit to The Shipyards? Spoiler alert: It’s definitely not. 

This hotspot offers a multitude of Vancouver’s best including scenic views, delicious eateries, charming cafes, and more. It’s extremely popular for the former, especially for those looking to indulge in the Vancouver skyline without costing them a loonie. 

Of course, that’s if you don’t try out the establishments around. However, it’s a shame if you don’t! 

During the summer, it’s recommended you check out the market on Fridays and Saturdays for an eclectic mix of vendors. To add to your delight, there’s also an artisanal market all year round. 

6. VanDusen Botanical Garden 

Website: https://vandusengarden.org

Address: 5251 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6M 4H1, Canada

Contact details: +1 604-257-8463

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 2 PM 

If you can’t get enough of the city’s offerings of natural wonders in the midst of its urban landscape, a visit to VanDusen Botanical Garden might just satisfy your need for a lovely outdoor escape.

This mesmerizing location opens up to a world filled with lush green spaces and well-maintained landscapes, with the added allure of a relaxing setting. 

During the winter, you should check out the enchanting light illumination. While it can get busy during that time of year, it’s worth seeing at least once! 

7. Queen Elizabeth Park 

– Media credit: @milocarbol

Website: https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/queen-elizabeth-park.aspx

Address: 4600 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2Z1, Canada

Contact details: +1 604-873-7000

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 10 PM 

The Queen Elizabeth Park boasts a huge space spanning 130 acres filled with gorgeous green space. It serves as a fantastic stage for those looking for a quick escape from all the city’s buzz. 

Considered the highest point of the city, it also takes the crown of being one of the coveted viewpoints of the charming city skyline. 

The park is also home to other exciting attractions including the Bloedel Conservatory famed for its artistic facade and interesting wildlife discoveries.  

8. Science World 

Website: https://www.scienceworld.ca

Address: 1455 Quebec St, Vancouver, BC V6A 3Z7, Canada

Contact details: +1 604-443-7440

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM 

Discover a beautiful blend of education and entertainment at Science World – a fascinating science museum that adds a unique touch to Vancouver’s skyline with its globe-shaped structure. 

It houses some of the city’s finest interactive displays, immersing its visitors through video games, movies, animation, and more. 

If you’re in the city with youngins in tow, you know what to add to your itinerary next. 

However, this isn’t to say that adults won’t enjoy their visit. We know we did! 

9. FlyOver Canada

Website: https://www.flyovercanada.com

Address: 999 Canada Pl #201, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1, Canada

Contact details: +1 855-463-4822

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 7 PM 
  • Friday and Saturday – 10 AM to 8 PM 
  • Sunday – 10 AM to 7 PM 

Looking for a thrilling, immersive sensation that transports you to beautiful sights and landmarks across the globe without even leaving your seat?

This flying theatre simulation boasts a wide spherical screen that you can enjoy while your toes hover in the air. Other than the magnificent visual feast, the experience also includes sounds and scents to add to the immersive experience. 

The place being showcased changes every now and then, so we suggest visiting their website while you plan your visit. As of the moment, visitors have the opportunity to explore Taiwan and Windborne. 

10. Vancouver Art Gallery 

Website: https://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca

Address: 750 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2H7, Canada

Contact details: +1 604-662-4700

Operating hours:

  • Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday – closed
  • Thursday and Friday – 10 AM to 8 PM 

Located right in the middle of the energetic downtown, Vancouver Art Gallery has its doors wide open for anyone keen to know more about contemporary and historical art. 

They feature works from artists around the globe, making their collection rich and diverse. Their current exhibitions boast an exciting variety of woven art, sculpture, painting, and such. 

Want to immerse yourself in a learning opportunity far beyond the walls adorned with art pieces? 

They also have a library and archive section filled with 50,000 books and exhibition catalogs, along with a few journal subscriptions and 5,000 documents about different art mediums. 

11. Vancouver Aquarium

Website: https://www.vanaqua.org

Address:  845 Avison Way, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2, Canada

Contact details: +1 778-655-9554

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM

Being the largest of its kind in all of Canada, going to the Vancouver Aquarium is a must if you find yourself in the city, especially if discovering the secrets of aquatic life fascinates you. 

Expect to see animals like sea otters, golden poison frogs, harbour seals, green anacondas, and many more. 

Other than being a massive aquarium, it also stands as a hub for ocean literacy education, conservation, climate activism, research, and rehabilitation. 

12. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park 

Website: https://www.capbridge.com

Address: 3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4J1, Canada

Contact details: +1 604-985-7474

Operating hours:

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday – 10 AM to 8 PM 
  • Wednesday – 10 AM to 9 PM 

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park stands out as an enticing destination where one can enjoy the wonders of natural landscapes. 

Being 70 meters above ground, this might not be for those who have a fear of high places. However, mustering enough courage will ensure you of a mesmerizing scenic treat. 

Visit during the holidays if you want to see the bridge in all its full illuminated glory. 

13. The Museum of Anthropology

Website: https://moa.ubc.ca

Address: 6393 NW Marine Dr, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2, Canada

Contact details: +1 604-827-5932

At The Museum of Anthropology, visitors are given the chance to explore the past through traditional and contemporary indigenous art, as well as intriguing artifacts from around the globe.

Aside from being a renowned attraction, it’s also considered a hub for research and teaching. Enthusiasts can enroll themselves in classes about conservation, archaeology, anthropology, art, and museums!

Additionally, this concrete and glass structure is also a fascinating sight to behold, making it well worth the visit even if you don’t enter the premises. 

An important thing to note is the museum is currently undergoing renovations and is scheduled to reopen in June 2024. 

14. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

Website: https://vancouverchinesegarden.com

Address: 578 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5K2, Canada

Contact details: +1 604-662-3207

Operating Hours:

  • Monday and Tuesday – closed
  • Wednesday and Thursday – 9:30 AM to 4 PM 
  • Friday – 9 AM to 2 PM 
  • Saturday and Sunday – 9:30 AM to 4 PM 

Who would have thought you could experience the unique landscapes of China right here in Vancouver? Yes, you heard that right!

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is a popular destination for visitors seeking an immersive experience in Chinese culture. Here, you can bask in the harmonious beauty, reflect and meditate, and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. 

It’s a great location to squeeze into your busy and fast-paced itinerary, allowing you to remember that it’s okay to take a breather and surround yourself with the healing properties of nature. 

And here’s an interesting tidbit you might enjoy: it’s the first of its kind built outside Asia! 

15. Vancouver Lookout

Website: https://vancouverlookout.com

Address: 555 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 4N6, Canada

Contact number: +1 604-689-0421

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM 
  • Friday – 12 PM to 6 PM 

For those who want to appreciate the beautiful landscape of Vancouver, an unhindered panoramic view is one of the best ways to do it. Enter Vancouver Lookout, an observation deck that will indulge you in the captivating metropolis sights. 

Oh, and did we mention that the elevator going up is made up of glass? Even ascending 168 meters up is guaranteed to be phenomenal!