Vancouver is a vibrant and lively city surrounded by nature. Whether you love adventurous hikes in the great outdoors or trendy cafés and boutique shops, Vancouver has it all. A fun fact: the city consistently ranks high on lists of the most livable cities in the world. Plenty of reasons to visit Vancouver!

There’s plenty to do in Vancouver to keep you entertained for a few days. We recommend planning at least three full days to explore the city.

Stanley Park is a massive urban park, even larger than Central Park in New York. Historically, this area was home to many Indigenous peoples. One of the best ways to explore the park is by bike. There are several bike rental shops around the park, such as Yescycle, where you can easily rent a bike for the day. The Seawall route, a popular 10-kilometer (6.2 miles) bike and walking path, takes you through the park and offers stunning views of the water and the city.

Stanley Park also features beaches, ponds, forests, playgrounds, restaurants, and even an aquarium, making it a place where you can easily spend an entire day. Don’t miss the Totem Poles, which represent the culture and stories of the First Nations who once lived in this area. You’ll find them along the Seawall route. Here’s a handy map of Stanley Park to guide you.

Yaletown is a vibrant, trendy neighborhood in Vancouver. It was once an industrial area with warehouses and factories. In the 80s and 90s, the area was revitalized, and the old warehouses and factories were transformed into cozy cafés, boutiques, and galleries. Yaletown is a great place to enjoy a meal in the evening.

Quayside Marina is the harbor of Vancouver, where several luxury yachts dock. From the marina, you have a view of the towering buildings. It's a pleasant place to walk along the water and enjoy the scenic views.

Looking for some nature and adventure? The swaying Capilano Suspension Bridge spans 137 meters (449 feet) in length and hangs 70 meters (230 feet) above a canyon with the Capilano River flowing below. Don’t worry—the bridge can easily support the weight of 75 adult elephants.

Beyond the bridge, you can also enjoy a Treetop Adventure, where you’ll walk 33 meters (108 feet) above the ground among the trees. The bridges and treehouses are crafted from recycled wood. Still craving more? Check out the spectacular Cliffwalk, where you’ll have breathtaking views of the Capilano River Canyon.

Tip: You can purchase tickets in advance through their website!

About 1.5 hours’ drive from Vancouver, you’ll find Harrison Beach. This white sand beach on Harrison Lake offers views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a great place to relax for the day and leave the city’s hustle behind. You can also enjoy the Harrison Hot Springs, where you can unwind. The hot springs are located at a resort, but you can buy separate tickets for a visit to the hot springs.

Tip: Only go if the weather is sunny.

The Vancouver Public Library (VPL) is located in the heart of Vancouver, and its building resembles a modern colosseum. The library has an extensive collection of books, and many people come here daily to study. On the roof, there is a rooftop garden where you can relax and enjoy views over the city.

Gastown is the oldest neighborhood in Vancouver, where you can still find many old streets and buildings. Don't forget to walk past the Gastown Steam Clock. This clock releases steam every quarter hour while showing the time. The neighborhood also has an abundance of cozy restaurants and cafés. Additionally, there are often markets and art exhibitions.

Queen Elizabeth Park is located just outside Vancouver, and you can get there in about 15 minutes by public transport. The park features several flower gardens. The Quarry Garden is a former quarry that has now become a peaceful oasis with ponds, trees, and bridges. The park is also an ideal place for sports, with tennis courts and plenty of space for running and cycling.

Want to admire Vancouver from above? Then the Vancouver Lookout Tower is a great recommendation. Take a glass elevator to the top of the 168-meter (551 feet) tall tower. From here, you’ll have panoramic views of the city, including great views of Stanley Park and Gastown. You can buy tickets through this website.

Vancouver's Chinatown is the largest in all of Canada. It's nice to stroll through the neighborhood and browse the shops. The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is a popular spot and a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Mill Lake Park is a great park if you're in the Abbotsford area. You can take a walk of about 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) around the lake, and there's a nice playground for children. It's located a bit outside the city, so you'll mostly be walking among locals and won't see many tourists.