vVancouver is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. It boasts three world-class mountains within a short drive of downtown, hundreds upon hundreds of parks and campgrounds, thousands of hiking trails and one of the longest seawalls in the world, as well as countless lakes and rivers to explore. Vancouver has a lot to offer, and there is something for everyone. But, you only have so much time in the day. Here is a list of great things to do.
The Museum of Anthropology is open to the public
Vancouver’s stunning geography can be overwhelming. But to really get to know the city, it is important to begin at the beginning. Vancouver, and the Lower Mainland as it is now known, were settled around 10,000 years ago. The Museum of Anthropology, located on the University of British Columbia campus, offers a mosaic of Aboriginal art, both contemporary and ancient, that weave together a unique story for visitors to this wonderful city. This is the best thing to do in Vancouver travils if you want to know more about Vancouver’s history and relationship to the world.
Take a drive up the Sea-to-Sky Highway
The Sea-to-Sky corridor is rated one of the most beautiful drives in the country. It takes you on a 1.5-hour journey from Vancouver to Whistler, a world-class ski resort. You won’t regret this trip. It features stunning scenery, waterfalls, breathtaking cultural centers, and a suspension bridge.
Go to the Grouse Grin
The Grouse Grind is the best way to make honorary Vancouverites (yep that’s what they are called). This is not your typical Sunday walk. The Grind, as it is affectionately called, is located on Vancouver’s North Shore at the foot Grouse Mountain. It takes hikers 850m up through alpine. A panoramic chalet awaits you at the top with ice cold drinks, and stunning views of the city. Once you feel better, take your wobbly legs off the ground and ride the Grouse Gondola down the mountain.
Cycle Around Stanley Park
Votes are in, and the crowd has spoken: Vancouver’s Stanley Park beat out New York’s Central Park and Paris’s Luxembourg Gardens to win Trip Advisor’s World’s Best Park award. Why is this park so special? You won’t find anywhere else where you can cycle through an old forest, see ancient Aboriginal villages, get a tan on the beach, relax in a rose garden, or even meet sea lions or Pacific dolphins. You can rent a bicycle at the Denman Street base. This is the best way to explore the park.
Dim Sum in China Town
It’s possible to see many things in Vancouver in one day. Vancouver’s Chinatown is the largest and oldest Chinese community in Canada. Chinatown is located in the heart of Vancouver’s Downtown Financial District. It also has a variety of shops and markets that are affordable. And, of course, it offers the best Dim Sum restaurants. Sunday is the busiest day of the week for Dim Sum. However, it’s also the best time to have multi-generational families sit down and talk about the week’s events.