Quick answer
Cycle or walk the Stanley Park seawall, browse Granville Island’s Public Market, cross a suspension bridge (Capilano for the big attraction, Lynn Canyon for free), climb the Grouse Grind or ride the Skyride, and visit the Museum of Anthropology at UBC. Add Gastown, English Bay at sunset and the view from Queen Elizabeth Park.
1. Stanley Park and the seawall
Stanley Park covers about 400 hectares (1,000 acres) next to downtown, per the Vancouver Park Board. The seawall loop around the park is about 9 km, so it’s an easy bike ride or a long walk. Sections occasionally close for repairs, so check the City of Vancouver before you go.
2. Granville Island
The Public Market is open daily 9 am to 6 pm (closed some Mondays in January), with food stalls, artisans and theatres nearby. Granville Island is managed by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (Granville Island).
3. Capilano or Lynn Canyon suspension bridge?
| Capilano Suspension Bridge Park | Lynn Canyon Park | |
|---|---|---|
| Bridge | 137 m long, 70 m above the river | 50 m above Lynn Creek |
| Cost | Paid admission (see official site) | Free |
| History | Long-running paid attraction | Park opened in 1912 |
Lynn Canyon details from the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre (District of North Vancouver). Be careful near the water: the canyon’s pools and cliffs are dangerous.
4. Grouse Mountain and the Grouse Grind
The Grouse Grind is a steep 2.5 km trail with about 800 m of elevation gain and 2,830 steps. Most hikers ride the Skyride gondola down, for which Grouse Mountain lists a $20 adult download fare. The trail is seasonal; check whether it’s open.
5. Museum of Anthropology at UBC
Known for its Northwest Coast Indigenous art. Adult admission is $26. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday 10 am to 5 pm (Thursdays until 9 pm) and closed Mondays from October 15 to May 15 (MOA).
6. Gastown
Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood. The famous steam clock was built in 1977 by Raymond Saunders.
7. Queen Elizabeth Park
At about 125 m, it’s the highest point in Vancouver, with city and mountain views and gardens.
8. English Bay and the beaches
Watch the sunset at English Bay or Sunset Beach, or head to Kitsilano Beach in summer.
9. Vancouver Aquarium
In Stanley Park. Check vanaqua.org for current hours and prices.
Prices change
Prices were checked in November 2026. Confirm on official sites before you go.
Travel rules, prices and product details change. Check official government, airline and manufacturer sources before you book or buy.
