When it comes to the best things to do in Vancouver, anyone who has visited will tell you all about its breathtaking natural beauty, from mountain escapes to the whale watching. They might be less likely, then, to mention that the city is also filled with incredible food, a diverse array of cultures, and (although this is perhaps not Canada’s most-walkable city) many neighborhoods and pockets that are best explored on foot. But that doesn’t make these all any less true: Vancouver is one of the rare places where you can grab some of the world’s best dim sum for brunch, take in some art in the afternoon at a world class gallery, and top it off with some night skiing—all by barely leaving the city’s limits. Vancouver’s natural treasures might shine the most, but this is a city with balance. It also happens to be great for family travel thanks to kid-friendly activities like an aquarium, public market, and iconic suspension bridge. There’s no shortage of things to do in Vancouver—British Columbia’s largest city. Here’s how to plot them out.
Read our complete Vancouver travel guide here, which includes:
How we choose the best things to do in Vancouver
Every review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that activity. When choosing things to do, our editors consider landmarks and experiences that offer an insider’s view of a destination, keeping authenticity, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind.