Vancouver is known for its densely populated city and majestic surrounding forests and waterways. It’s also known for its rich diversity, cultural experiences, and exciting attractions. Here are a few places worth visiting on your next trip to Vancouver.
Stanley Park
Known for its stunning forest, the park is home to over half a million trees that are hundreds of years old with some towering 300 feet high. Wander through the forest or walk along the seawall, taking in all that the beautiful park has to offer visitors. Along the seawall, you’ll encounter many favourite locations such as the totem poles at Brockton Point, the Lions Gate Bridge, and Lost Lagoon. Stanley Park is also home to the Vancouver Aquarium, which has thousands of animals and species of Pacific sea life, not to mention more than 20 entertaining and educational shows a day.
Vancouver Island
Sixty miles off the coast, take a ferry to visit Vancouver Island. Known for its wide ranging wilderness, animal life, ocean views, and outdoor activities, this destination is a photographer’s dream come true. Tofino, a small district on the island, was originally inhabited by the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations and offers a unique cultural experience. Activities include surfing, hiking, camping, whale watching, fishing, or simply take in the fantastic views and animal life. If you love chocolate then stop by Nanaimo to try their famous Nanaimo Bar made with nuts, custard, and other delectable ingredients.
English Bay
A short distance from Stanley Park sits English Bay, which is part of the West End neighbourhood and features some of the most beautiful and frequently visited beaches in the area. Residents and visitors alike come here to shop, dine, walk around the public art installations, or bike along the trails. Visitors in the summer should make a point to attend the Celebration of Light held in late July. If you prefer visiting in the winter, then consider plunging into the brisk Pacific waters for the annual New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim. Those thinking about making their stay more permanent should look into Vancouver homes for sale in and around the bay area.
Chinatown
Known for having some of the most delicious Chinese food in the world, Vancouver’s Chinatown is the second largest in North America. Beginning in the late 19th century, Chinese migrants originally came to the area to help build the Canadian Pacific Railway. Today the region is home to shops, restaurants, and a number of cultural attractions and art galleries. Be sure to visit the Chinese Cultural Centre and the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden, which was the first and currently one of the largest Ming era-style Chinese gardens outside of China.
Grouse Mountain
This fantastic scenic destination is a great place to visit any time of the year. Whether summer or winter, the mountain offers breathtaking views made even more spectacular in the evenings when the city lights are on. Come to dine, discover the wildlife, or experience the many outdoor activities including skiing, ice skating, and snowshoeing in the winter months.
Museum of Anthropology
MOA is located at the University of British Columbia and focuses on cultures and arts from around the world, with particular focus on the First Nations peoples of British Columbia, Canada. You’ll find totem poles, native art, and other exhibits representing the various cultural communities of the region.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
This thrilling experience opened in 1889 and is actually Vancouver’s first tourist attraction. Originally constructed from hemp rope and cedar planks, the footbridge was later replaced by a wire cable bridge. Though it’s a lot sturdier these days, crossing the bridge is still a daring feat for thrill seekers and adventurers alike.
These are just a few of the many places worth visiting in Vancouver. Extend your stay to make sure you have a chance to experience as much as possible.
