Stanley Park · downtown
Walk or bike the seawall
A flat path right around Stanley Park with water on one side and forest on the other. Rent bikes near the park entrance, including bikes for kids.
Free time
Things to do
For the hours between group events. Most of these are a short trip from downtown. Check opening hours and prices before you go.
Granville Island
Granville Island Public Market
A covered market full of food stalls, bakeries and local makers. Take the little Aquabus ferry across False Creek to get there.
North Vancouver
Lynn Canyon suspension bridge
A swaying bridge over a rainforest canyon, with trails and swimming holes below. Unlike the bigger bridge nearby, this one costs nothing.
North Vancouver
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
The famous one: a long, high bridge plus treetop walkways and a cliffside path. Paid entry, and there's a free shuttle from downtown.
North Vancouver
Grouse Mountain
Ride the gondola up for views over the whole city. In summer there's a wildlife refuge and shows at the top. In winter, it's a ski hill.
Stanley Park
Vancouver Aquarium
Sea otters, jellyfish and a big tank of Pacific sea life. An easy pick for a wet afternoon with kids.
Downtown · False Creek
Science World
Hands-on science museum in the silver geodesic dome. Built for kids, still fun for adults.
Downtown
Gastown and the steam clock
Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood: cobblestone streets, restaurants, and a clock that whistles steam every 15 minutes.
Canada Place
FlyOver Canada
A flight-ride across the country on a big dome screen, with wind and mist. About half an hour, so it fits in anywhere.
UBC campus
Museum of Anthropology
Totem poles and Northwest Coast art in a glass hall overlooking the water. One of the best museums in the country.
English Bay · Kitsilano
Beaches at sunset
English Bay and Kits Beach are the two easy ones. Bring takeout and watch the sun go down over the water.
Squamish · about 1 hour north
Sea to Sky Gondola
One of the most scenic drives in Canada, ending at a gondola with a suspension bridge at the top. Go on a clear day.
Whistler · about 2 hours north
Whistler Village
The ski town, open all year. Walk the village, ride the Peak 2 Peak gondola, or just have lunch with a view.
Money and phones
Canadian dollars
Prices are in Canadian dollars. Tap-to-pay cards work almost everywhere, so you rarely need cash. A card with no foreign transaction fee saves you money.
Tax is added at the register
Like most US states, the price on the shelf doesn't include tax. Expect about 5 to 12% to be added.
Tipping
About the same as at home: 18 to 20% at restaurants, and a small tip for taxis and hotel staff.
Your phone
Check your plan before you leave. Many US plans include Canada, but some charge daily roaming. A travel eSIM is a cheap fix.