Choose from 84 Fun Things to Do in British Columbia
ShowingFilter 61-80 of 84 listings.
Victoria Beacon Hill Park
Sheer natural beauty is just the start of the appeal of of Beacon Hill Park, which sprawls across the southern edge of Victoria, British Columbia. It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, with a petting zoo, splash parks, playgrounds, sports fields, seemingly endless footpaths, and one of the tallest totem poles in the world.
The Basics
At 200 acres (75 hectares), this massive green space is an important part of the Victorian landscape, stretching almost from the Inner Harbour all the way to the Strait of San Juan de Fuca. It is full of places to play and explore, or just to sit and relax in the tranquil garden areas.
To maximize your time and orient yourself in the expansive park, a tour that includes a stop at Beacon Hill Park is the best way to visit. Many visitors love the charm of a horse-drawn carriage ride, or the pleasure of a bike tour or pedicab ride, all of which enable you see more of the area in less time than walking. City tours of Victoria generally make time to give visitors a chance to experience this lovely urban escape.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Beacon Hill Park is perfect for families with kids, gardening enthusiasts, and anyone who loves the outdoors.
- The park is generally accessible for wheelchair users, with paved pathways and accessible bathrooms.
- Pack swimsuits for the kids—if it’s hot they’ll want to splash in the water parks.
How to Get There
Just south of the Inner Harbour and near the Royal British Columbia Museum, Beacon Hill Park is an easy walk from downtown and the harbor attractions. Buses 2, 3, and 7 all stop near the park. If driving, park along the roadways in the park.
When to Get There
With Victoria’s mild climate, you can visit the park year-round. Peak season is in summer, when the flowers are in bloom and all the attractions are open. In the cooler months the water features are closed and the blooms are dormant, although a winter walk or ride through the park is still enjoyable.
Sightseeing in Beacon Hill Park
A frolic in the park is always nice, but its sightseeing attractions are what make Beacon Hill Park outstanding. Most popular sights include the 126-foot (38-meter) totem pole that is a tribute to the indigenous people of Victoria, the Mile 0 marker of the Trans-Canada Highway, and the touching monument to young Canadian hero Terry Fox.
Address: Douglas Street, Victoria V8V 4Z8, Canada
Admission: Free
From $ 31
VanDusen Botanical Garden
Meandering paths weave through this tranquil green retreat in the heart of Vancouver, where more than 7,500 plant varieties grow in themed displays, ranging from a Canadian heritage garden and a Japanese garden to a formal rose garden. Wildlife species, including blue herons, ducks, and turtles, live within the garden limits.
The Basics
Purchase tickets for the garden in advance and make your own way to the garden or join a garden tour of Vancouver, which combines visits to the VanDusen Botanical Garden with other floral highlights such as the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and Queen Elizabeth Park.
Once there, embark on a self-guided tour of the garden. Follow routes mapped out on leaflets, which are available at the information desk in the garden’s orchid-shaped visitor center. The theme of these self-guided routes changes monthly. Alternatively, wander at will. Find your way out of the Elizabethan maze, examine sculptures from artists including Bill Reid and David Marshall, and admire the panoramas from the stone garden, the second-highest vantage point in Vancouver.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The gardens are made for strolling so wear comfortable walking shoes. Bikes, skateboards, and roller skates are not allowed.
- Do not feed wildlife in the gardens.
- The gardens are wheelchair accessible with paved paths.
How to Get There
The VanDusen Botanical Garden is situated in the Shaughnessy neighborhood of Vancouver, just west of Queen Elizabeth Park. Bus 17 connects downtown Vancouver with the gardens. Get off at West 37th Avenue and you’ll find the park entrance across the street.
When to Get There
The garden is open year-round, but closes earlier in December, January, and February. Go in spring to see cherry blossoms and blooming camellias, in summer for roses and lilies, in fall to see the colorful foliage of Eastern North American and gingko trees, and in winter for winter berries and winter-flowering jasmine. Several festivals, notably the Festival of Lights in December and the Sakura Days Japan Fair in spring, take place throughout the year.
Visit the Bloedel Conservatory
Just a short stroll east of the garden in Queen Elizabeth Park sits a greenery-filled delight: the Bloedel Conservatory. Another hit among flora fanatics, this balmy domed conservatory is packed with tropical plants and birds and makes an ideal complementary attraction to the VanDusen Botanical Garden.
Address: 5251 Oak St, Vancouver, British Colombia V6M 4H1, Canada
Admission: Varies
From $ 5
Vancouver Art Gallery
Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, the Vancouver Art Gallery is one of the most impressive collections of both historical and contemporary works in Canada. This extensive gallery contains over 10,000 different pieces of art and has a great focus on the local and regional artists, many of whom are of aboriginal decent. Among the most famous artists on display are Vancouver locals such as Jeff Wall and Rodney Graham. Moreover, the gallery also contains a substantial collection of the works of Emily Carr – perhaps British Columbia's most famous artist.
Like Emily Carr's work, most of the Vancouver Art Gallery's collection is geared towards art that has been inspired by the indigenous life style and culture in the Canadian Pacific Northwest. That said, there is also a significant collection of international works as well, including a series of important art from 17th-century Dutch artist Jan van Ravenstyn.
The Vancouver Art Gallery building itself is a piece of history within the otherwise relatively young city. While the collection has been around for over 80 years, it hasn't always remained in the same location. Today, the gallery is housed in a beautiful building that was built in 1906 and once served as the provincial courthouse.
Practical Info
The Vancouver Art Gallery is located on Hornsby Street and is accessible via the Granville or Burrard SkyTrain stations. The gallery is open daily from 10am to 5pm with the exception being Tuesday, when the doors are open until 9pm.
Address: 750 Hornby St, Vancouver, Canada
Admission: Varies by exhibit
From $ 18
Victoria Butterfly Gardens
Fluttering butterflies and moths flit amid a rainforest environment at the popular Victoria Butterfly Gardens.
The indoor butterfly house is a tranquil tropical retreat for butterflies and visitors alike, with a waterfall and stream, exotic plants and warm humid atmosphere.
Around 75 species of butterflies and moths live here, and you can even see the young butterflies fluttering into life in the nursery.
The tropical orchid gardens here are also justifiably famous, with ponds filled with golden carp and tropical birds like parrots and flamingos in residence.
Practical Info
The Victoria Butterfly Gardens are 20 km (14 miles) north of downtown Victoria, on the Saanich Peninsula. The Butchart Gardens are just five minutes away.
It’s a 30-minute drive from Victoria if you’re driving. Buses run here from downtown Victoria, as well as from the Swartz Bay ferry terminal.
Why not combine two of Victoria’s major highlights on an organized tour taking in both the Butterfly Gardens and the Butchart Gardens?
Address: 1461 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay BC V8M 1J5, Canada
Hours: Open daily
Admission: CA$12.50
From $ 185
Yaletown
Pedestrian-friendly Yaletown is Vancouver’s "little SoHo", a former red-brick rail terminal turned into a warehouse district lined with swanky New York-style lofts and chichi boutiques. The focal point of the modern-day yuppie enclave exudes a hip and inviting atmosphere - especially at night, when its sophisticated drink and dine spots are packed to the rafters with the city’s beautiful people checking each other out.
Walking along Yaletown streets provides a bounty of attractions. The neighborhood has plenty of pricey boutiques to window shops, art galleries to linger in, and lots of places to stop for lunch, coffee or a splurge-worth dinner. Some of the best seafood restaurants are here, as is Yaletown Brewing Company, where you can sample its home-brewed beer.
If you’re curious about the area’s almost-forgotten rough-and-ready past, follow the old rail lines embedded in many of the streets and amble over to the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre. You’ll find a mothballed steam train that recalls the area’s original raison d’etre.
Practical Info
Yaletown, located on the east end of downtown Vancouver, is roughly bordered by Nelson Street, Homer Street, Drake Street, and Pacific Boulevard. Hamilton and Mainland streets are the trendiest arteries through the neighborhood. Yaletown is easily accessible via public transportation and within walking distance to downtown attractions.
Address: Downtown, Vancouver, Canada
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 12
Victoria Inner Harbour
Victoria Inner Harbour is perhaps best known as a picturesque port frequented by more than a two hundred cruise ships each year, pouring a quarter of a million passengers, charmed I'm sure, onto shore. Their first view of the pretty city is dominated by the Olympic mountain range in the distance, and 1908 Fairmont Empress Hotel in the foreground, overlooking the magnificent yachts moored in the marina. Reflected in the crashing Pacific, this romantically lit Victorian masterpiece is famed for its afternoon high tea.
Though it's hard to top the bay's natural beauty, the dramatic coastline is aptly framed with more delightful Victorian homes, watched over by winsome Craigdarroch Castle, completed in 1890 by a Scottish coal billionaire with a taste for luxury. There's plenty of culture (and even more tourist claptrap, including a wax museum, aquarium, IMAX theater…you get the idea) to keep you busy. Consider strolling vividly landscaped Buchart Gardens, or taking a whale watching (April through October) cruise, then finishing your day with a meal in Victoria's vibrant Chinatown.
Though it's hard to top the bay's natural beauty, the dramatic coastline is aptly framed with more delightful Victorian homes, watched over by winsome Craigdarroch Castle, completed in 1890 by a Scottish coal billionaire with a taste for luxury. There's plenty of culture (and even more tourist claptrap, including a wax museum, aquarium, IMAX theater…you get the idea) to keep you busy. Consider strolling vividly landscaped Buchart Gardens, or taking a whale watching (April through October) cruise, then finishing your day with a meal in Victoria's vibrant Chinatown.
Practical Info
Enormous Vancouver Island (about the size of the Netherlands) is an impossibly scenic spot and the gateway to its spectacular snow-capped fjords and pristine beaches is the city of Victoria. You'll probably arrive here on the southern tip of the island by sea: a cruise ship, private vessel, or public ferry (two lines cross the Straight of Georgia to Vancouver; five serve Washington State in the USA.
Though the Pacific Northwest is notably rainy, Victoria is generally sunny and dry, in summer at least. It gets chilly and wet in winter, but temperatures rarely drop below freezing.
There's a useful tourist bureau InfoCentre with maps and brochures galore on the inner harbor; you can download a free phone app with maps and information at their official website.
Though the Pacific Northwest is notably rainy, Victoria is generally sunny and dry, in summer at least. It gets chilly and wet in winter, but temperatures rarely drop below freezing.
There's a useful tourist bureau InfoCentre with maps and brochures galore on the inner harbor; you can download a free phone app with maps and information at their official website.
Address: British Columbia, 100km (62mi) south of Vancouver, Canada
Hours: Open daily
From $ 12
Vancouver Chinatown
Established in the 1890s by migrant workers, this Vancouver neighborhood is now among the biggest and most vibrant Chinatowns in North America. It’s packed with Asian grocers, Chinese herbalists, dim sum restaurants, trinket stores, and meat shops filled with tempting displays of hanging char siu and roast ducks.
The Basics
Vancouver Chinatown is one of Vancouver’s most distinctive and fascinating neighborhoods, one that’s a rewarding place to eat, shop, and wander. Explore as part of food tours, which not only show off key landmarks such as the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, but also include tastings of barbecue meats, dim sum, tea, and other Chinese delicacies. Many walking tours and bike tours pass through Chinatown and neighboring Gastown; hop-on hop-off buses and sightseeing coach tours also make stops here.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Vancouver Chinatown is a must for foodies and history buffs.
- Arrive hungry; there are myriad excellent bakeries, restaurants, and cafés in Chinatown.
- Some attractions, such as the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Gardens, are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Chinatown is situated in East Vancouver, next to the downtown neighborhoods of Gastown and Yaletown. The main thoroughfares are Main, Pender, and Keefer. To get there using public transport, ride the SkyTrain to the Main Street–Science World station.
When to Get There
Vancouver Chinatown is at its most atmospheric during the annual Chinese New Year celebrations, which typically fall between late January and late February. Celebrations usually include a parade complete with lion dancers and marching bands.
Chinatown’s Must-See Sights
Probably the most photographed landmark in Vancouver’s Chinatown is the Chinatown Millennium Gate, a lion-guarded gate that marks the entrance to the district. And although it’s small, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and adjacent park, which includes a pagoda and koi pond, serves as a peaceful sanctum—the perfect hideaway from the busy streets.
Address: Keefer and Pender Streets, Vancouver, Canada
Admission: Free
From $ 23
Strait of Juan de Fuca
The stunning, 95-mile long Strait of Juan de Fuca is divided distinctly in half; the international border between Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, Canada, and the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, USA, is drawn down its center.
In 2008, Chemainus First Nation in Canada proposed the name be changed to Salish Sea. Initially met with a positive public response, the request went through a lengthy bureaucratic process that involved different government departments in both the USA and Canada. Eventually, it was decided the Strait of Juan de Fuca would keep its name; however, the Salish Sea would be used to describe the entire area, which stretches from Desolation Sound south through the Strait of Georgia and Puget Sound to Hammersley Inlet.
Practical Info
On the Canadian side, the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail stretches 47 kilometers between China and Botanical Beaches. Aside from stunning coastal scenery, this entire hike is lined with plenty of beaches that offer outstanding – albeit, absolutely freezing – surf breaks. Pods of resident Orcas call the strait home, so whale-watching is popular from April to October. Along with killer whales, it’s common to see humpback, minke, and grey whales, seals, sea lions and porpoises, depending on the season.
Address: Victoria, Canada
From $ 88
Victoria Cruise Port
Arriving in Victoria by ship is a fantastic introduction to the British Columbian capital city. The cruise ship terminal is at Ogden Point, not far from downtown and Inner Harbour attractions. With growing passenger traffic in recent years, the Victoria Cruise Port is now the busiest cruise ship port-of-call in all of Canada.
The Basics
Victoria’s mild climate and concentration of top attractions along the Inner Harbour and downtown make the city a great spot to explore on foot or by bike. To maximize your time in port, join a tour that hits the points you want to see, be it the Edwardian architecture of the provincial Parliament Buildings or the Fairmont Empress hotel, the lavish gardens of the perpetually green city, or the city’s top foodie haunts via bicycle. Alternatively, temporarily swap your cruise ship with a smaller vessel and head out on a whale-watching expedition.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tours generally depart from downtown Victoria, not the cruise port.
- Dockside you will find gift shops, a currency exchange, and pay phones.
- The climate in Victoria is mild but tends to be rainy. Bring an umbrella or rain jacket.
- Butchart Gardens, a Victoria highlight, requires a tour or taxi to get there, as it is about a 20-minute drive.
How to Get to Victoria from the Victoria Cruise Port
It is simple to get to downtown Victoria from the terminal, as taxis, buses, shuttles, and even pedicabs and horse-drawn carriages are readily available dockside. To stretch your legs and enjoy more of the seaside city, walk about 20 minutes on wide paved sidewalks to the center of town.
Port Information
The currency is the Canadian dollar, although some stores accept US dollars (change will be given in Canadian dollars.) Major credit cards and bank debit cards are generally accepted. Sales tax is added at the register. Canada’s official languages are French and English, but in Victoria signage and communication are typically only in English.
Address: Ogden Point, Victoria, BC, Canada
From $ 39
Vancouver Maritime Museum
Set on the seafront overlooking English Bay, the Vancouver Maritime Museum charts Canada’s connections to the Pacific and Arctic oceans. Collections include maritime art, model ships, the Children's Maritime Discovery Centre, and St. Roch, a 1928-built Royal Canadian Mounted Police schooner that once trawled the icy Arctic.
The Basics
The Vancouver Maritime Museum is devoted to all things nautical, with exhibits chronicling Canadian seafaring in the Pacific and Arctic oceans. The main attraction is the St. Roch, the first ship to sail through the Northwest Passage from west to east. Explore the ship’s cabins, wander the decks, and tour the living quarters. Children will enjoy the interactive exhibits at the Maritime Discovery Centre, where they can try and drive their own tug and play pirate for the day.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Vancouver Maritime Museum is a must for maritime enthusiasts and families.
- There is no café or food vendor inside the museum, but the gift shop sells model ship kits, souvenirs, and books.
- All exhibits are wheelchair accessible, with the exception of the St. Roch.
How to Get There
The Vancouver Maritime Museum is situated in Vanier Park in Kitsilano. To get here, take the False Creek Ferry to the Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum Ferry Dock. From Granville Island, walk along the seafront and you’ll reach the museum in about 20 minutes.
When to Get There
The Vancouver Maritime Museum is mostly inside, making it a great cold- or rainy-day diversion. The museum is busiest in the afternoon, so arrive in the morning to get in ahead of the crowds.
Other Nautical Highlights
Situated in front of the museum is the yellow-and-white Ben Franklin submarine, a vessel designed by Swiss explorer Jacques Piccard. Originally used by research teams to monitor and map the Gulf Stream, the submersible was also of interest to NASA, which used it to observe the effects of living in close confinement.
Address: 1905 Ogden Ave, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Canada
Admission: Varies
From $ 27
Thompson River
As the Fraser River’s largest tributary, the Thompson River is the adrenaline vein of south central British Columbia. Beginning within the town of Kamloops, where the North Thompson and South Thompson rivers flow west into Kamloops Lake, the river continues for nearly 300 miles until it meets with the flowing Fraser. Within the city limits of Kamloops, tubing, canoeing, and floating the river are popular summer pursuits, where the calm conditions and cool waters make for leisurely, long summer days. Farther down the river, however, between the towns of Ashcroft and Lytton, the river descends steeply into a canyon and froths with whitewater and rapids. This is the heart of rafting country in south central British Columbia, where seemingly every type of whitewater watercraft is splashing through roiling rapids. Grab a paddle and help navigate your group through the scenic, steep-walled canyon, or hang on tight on a powered raft while attempting to not fall in. Aside from the rafting, tubing, and sightseeing, the fishing along the Thompson River also borders on legendary. Anglers converge on Spences Bridge for summer runs of salmon, and the steelhead fishing throughout the fall is some of Canada’s best.
Practical Info
Since the Thompson River is paralleled by the Trans-Canada Highway, towns and stops along the river are easily accessible by car. Lytton is approximately three hours from Vancouver and two hours from Kamloops, and is also accessible by the Canadian Pacific and Canadian National Railways. While the river is accessible during all times of year, late summer and early fall are the best for commercial rafting.
Address: British Columbia, Canada, Canada
From $ 114
Vancouver Aquarium
Vancouver Aquarium is one of the city’s most popular family-friendly attractions, with many visitors coming as part of a day out in Stanley Park. More than 50,000 living creatures—from sharks to sea otters to sea stars—dart, dive, and splash around the nonprofit aquarium, the largest in Canada. As well as marine life exhibits, the aquarium also stages shows, feedings, animal encounters, and trainer talks.
The Basics
Time-tight travelers can pre-book tickets for fast entry. It’s also possible to combine admission to the aquarium with a hop-on hop-off bus tour of the city. Daily shows, including 4D experiences in its theater, trainer talks, touch pool sessions, a BC Waters Dive (during which a scuba diver helps introduce visitors to the inhabitants of British Columbia’s waters), and dolphin training sessions, are included in the price of admission. Additional feels apply for encounters with creatures such as penguins, stingrays, dolphins, and sea turtles.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The aquarium is particularly well-suited for families, with engaging and informative kid-friendly displays.
- Allow 2.5 to three hours to properly explore the facility.
- Bottled water is not sold at the aquarium. Bring along a reusable water bottle to fill at stations around the site.
- The aquarium facilities are accessible to wheelchair-users.
How to Get There
Vancouver Aquarium is located in Stanley Park in the city of Vancouver. Ride the 19 bus to the park; the aquarium is just a 2-minute walk away.
When to Get There
The aquarium is open year-round and a wide array of shows and talks take place daily. Mornings are quietest. In summer, consider bringing along a picnic to enjoy after strolling along the seawall at Stanley Park.
Amazing Animals in the Aquarium
The aquarium is split into zones that focus on different marine habitats. The Tropic Zone hosts blacktip reef sharks, endangered seahorses, and pajama cardinal fish, while Penguin Point is home to a colony of waddling African penguins. Treasures of the B.C. Coast highlights the diversity of British Columbia’s coastal habitats, the Pacific Canada Pavilion showcases life in the Strait of Georgia, while Canada's Arctic gallery focuses on the cold waters of the frozen north. The Graham Amazon Gallery—a recreated rain forest habitat where simulated thunderstorms occur hourly—not only houses marine life but also sloths and scarlet ibises.
Address: 845 Avison Way, Vancouver, British Columbia V6G 3E2, Canada
Hours: Daily 10am - 5pm
Admission: Adults: $39, youth/seniors/students: $30, children: $22
From $ 30
Alexander Falls
Located in the Callaghan Valley, the 141-foot Alexander Falls make for a beautiful day trip destination from Whistler Village. Just be sure to bring a picnic, as it's a favorite lunch spot for locals and visitors alike. Picnic tables are surrounded by thick forest, and the crashing waterfall adds atmosphere to this wilderness setting that makes it easy to forget it's only 30 minutes back to the hustle of a major tourist resort.
Alexander Falls is only minutes from Whistler Olympic Park and its cross-country ski trails, built for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, which are open throughout the winter. In the summer, the trails double as walking paths and bike trails. Hiking trails that lead further into Callaghan Valley Provincial Park offer access to more pristine nature, while campsites at Callaghan and Madeley Lake provide a beautiful"“ and absolutely free"“place to spend the night.
The Callaghan Valley access road is one of the best places to spot wildlife in the Whistler area, too, including both black and grizzly bears.
Practical Info
Alexander Falls is located 30 minutes south of Whistler Village and just minutes from Whistler Olympic Park, where the 2010 Winter Olympic ski jumping and cross-country skiing events took place.
Address: Whistler, BC, Canada
From $ 160
Whistler-Blackcomb Mountains
North America’s major ski resort focuses on Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, attracting up to two million winter and summertime visitors a year.
Linked by the groundbreaking Peak 2 Peak Gondola, the two mountains peer over the pretty alpine town of Whistler Village.
The official skiing venue for the 2010 Olympic winter games, the Whistler and Blackcomb resorts merged in 1997 and together have a total of 38 ski lifts and more than 200 ski runs.
In summer the ski runs transform into mountain-bike trails for nail-biting thrills, and the alpine meadows are crossed by hikers and nature lovers.Practical Info
The Whistler-Blackcomb resort is a two-hour drive north from Vancouver, a distance of 115 km (70 miles).
One of the most scenic ways to travel to Whistler is aboard the Sea to Sky Climb train, a stupendous three-hour rail journey from Vancouver.
Whistler Mountain measures 2,182 meters (7,160 feet), while Blackcomb is 2,284 meters (7,349 feet). The longest ski run zooms for 11 km (7 miles).
Address: Blackcomb Way, Whistler BC V0N 1B4, Canada
From $ 39
Callaghan Lake Provincial Park
British Columbia's Callaghan Valley is a noted backcountry recreation area, so much so that it was home to the 2010 Winter Olympics for biathlon, cross-country skiing, ski jumping, and Nordic skiing. Though the provincial park is famous mainly for winter sports (the average annual snowpack can yield up to 150 days of skiing), the area is just as gorgeous in the summertime. Callaghan Lake is one of the most beautiful and convenient places to camp near Whistler, and the relatively undisturbed wilderness and rugged mountain terrain provide a stunning backdrop to outdoor adventures at any time of the year. Hanging valleys, talus slopes, and waterfalls are just some of the natural sights the park has to offer.
Canoeing, fishing, boating, and hunting go hand-in-hand with rustic lakeside camping and hiking around the numerous wetlands and small lakes found throughout the park (especially in the southern and eastern areas). The main camping area at Callaghan Lake is quite nice, but for a really spectacular place to pitch your tent, try checking out one of the little islands in the lake that can only be accessed by canoe or boat. Boat launches, campfires, picnic areas, toilets, and vehicle-accessible camping are all available at the park.
Practical Info
The park is easily accessed in summer from Highway 99, 43 miles (70 km) north of Vancouver or 12 miles (20 km) south of Whistler. Turn north off the highway onto the paved Callaghan Valley Road for 5 miles (8 km), then turn left following a rough, gravel Forest Service road (Callaghan FSR 01) for another 5 miles (8 km). High-clearance vehicles are recommended. The Forest Service road is not plowed in winter and instead becomes a groomed cross-country ski trail. The closest community, town or city is Whistler, approximately 12 miles (20 km) away. There are no garbage facilities, so always pack out what you pack in.
Address: Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
From $ 160
Vancouver Lookout
Perched atop a downtown high-rise, this circular observation platform yields panoramic views of glassy skyscrapers, Vancouver Harbour, and the magnificent peaks of the North Shore and Olympic ranges. A glass-enclosed elevator zooms up to the platform so that street scenes seem to shrink before visitors’ very eyes.
The Basics
The Vancouver Lookout is an excellent place to familiarize yourself with the city, as most of Vancouver’s main attractions—from Stanley Park to the Harbour Centre to Grouse Mountain—are visible from the deck. Information plaques beneath each window reveal more about the prominent sights within view. Visitors can purchase an admission ticket to use when they choose, or join a sightseeing tour that includes access to the Vancouver Lookout.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Vancouver Lookout is a must for first-time visitors to Vancouver.
- Bring a camera to capture the far-reaching views.
- Vancouver Lookout is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Vancouver Lookout is in the Harbour Centre in downtown Vancouver, within walking distance of Gastown and Canada Place. Take the SkyTrain Expo Line or Canada Line to Waterfront Station. The SeaBus passenger ferry also stops here.
When to Get There
Admission tickets are valid all day, so you can scope out the daylight views and return at dusk to witness the city come alight. Though the lookout is usually busier in the evenings, it’s well worth braving the crowds for sunset views.
Where to Watch the Sunset in Vancouver
Part of the beauty of Vancouver is its near-to-nature setting, with the mountain peaks, forests, and sparkling waters that surround it making sunsets truly spectacular. One of the best places to watch the sun sink in the sky is the Vancouver Lookout. Kitsilano Beach and Grouse Mountain are also popular sunset-watching spots.
Address: 555 W Hastings St, Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 4N6, Canada
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
Callaghan Valley
Full of ancient forest and surrounded by Pacific Coastal mountains 56 miles (90 km) north of Vancouver, Callaghan Valley is real BC backcountry. In summer, the valley is home to backpackers and hikers looking for a wilderness experience, while in winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing is popular, with over 45 miles (70 km) of cross-country trails and six miles (10 km) of snowshoe trails to explore.
Home to the 2010 Winter Olympics' Nordic events, the wall of mountains that surrounds the valley creates a unique climate that sees some of the deepest snowfall in the whole of Canada. The ski season is often 150 days long, running right into mid-April.
In spring and summer, Callaghan Valley is all wildflower meadows and wetlands, where you can go lakeside camping, canoeing, boating, fishing and hiking. The 6,590-acre (2,667-hectare) park is also prime wildlife-spotting territory. Look out for bobcats and squirrels, black-tailed deer and moose, black and grizzly bears.
Practical Info
Forty-four miles (70 km) north of Vancouver and 12 miles (20 km) south of Whistler on Highway 99, Callaghan Valley is best reached by car, shuttle or taxi ($40 one way ) from Whistler, which is the closest town to the valley.
Address: British Columbia V0N 1B1, Canada
From $ 160
Victoria Chinatown
Although the gold was nowhere close to Victoria, the city was the defacto supply center for the 1858 gold rush on the Fraser River. Thousands of gold miners headed north from San Francisco towards new gold strike claims along the Fraser River, including many Chinese. Soon Victoria grew to become both British Columbia’s biggest city and the home base to Canada’s largest Chinese community.
When Chinatown was founded, in 1858, it was the first in Canada and second in North America, behind the former gold-rush community in San Francisco. Today, it remains a vibrant part of Victoria’s downtown area, even if the local Chinese-Canadian population is considered small compared to many other cities. The impressive Gate of Harmonious Interest marks the entrance to Chinatown and the community reveals itself along Fisgard St.
The recently reopened Dragon Alley, the Chinese Public School and all the many colorful shops will all draw considerable attention, but self-guided visitors shouldn’t miss the opportunity to walk through Fan Tan Alley, which is undoubtedly the most famous part of Victoria’s Chinatown, if not the city itself.
Practical Info
The main entrance to Victoria’s Chinatown is located at the corner of Government and Fisgard Streets.
Address: Government and Fisgard Streets, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
From $ 11
Vancouver Cruise Port
Vancouver serves as the home port for Alaska-bound cruise ships, as well as for vessels traveling south to locations along the Pacific Coast and to Hawaii. Located on the Vancouver Harbour waterfront, the Canada Place Cruise Terminal is right in the heart of the city, providing easy access to downtown and to the North Shore Mountains.
The Basics
Cruise ship passengers in Vancouver can choose between a range of shore excursions. Those with limited time can take shorter tours, exploring neighborhoods such as Granville Island or Chinatown with a guide. Half-day sightseeing tours usually check off highlights, such as Gastown, Stanley Park, and the Vancouver Lookout observation platform, while full-day tours often venture out of town to destinations such as the North Shore, Sea to Sky Highway, or Fraser Valley wine region.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most shore excursions include round-trip transport to and from the cruise port. Pre- or post-cruise tours include pickup and drop-off at downtown hotels.
- Full-day tours to out-of-town destinations usually require more travel time, though many North Vancouver attractions, such as Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge, are less than 30 minutes from the city.
- Though you can use taxis or public transit to tour downtown Vancouver and the North Shore, a shore excursion with round-trip transport is the best way to maximize your time.
How to Get to Vancouver From the Vancouver Cruise Port
Cruise ships in Vancouver dock at Canada Place Cruise Terminal in downtown Vancouver. The terminal is near Waterfront Station, which is serviced by the SkyTrain, local buses, the SeaBus passenger ferry, and the West Coast Express commuter train.
Port Information
Taxis and car rentals are available at the cruise port. The port also offers luggage storage facilities, and wheelchair and mobility scooter rentals. Restaurants and cafés can be found within easy walking distance.
Address: Canada Place & Ballantyne Pier, Vancouver, BC, Canada, Canada
From $ 54
Whistler Village
Depending on the season, Whistler Village is either located at the base of North America’s biggest ski resort or mountain bike park. No matter the season, it’s the heart of Whistler, British Columbia, and it’s bustling with people looking to enjoy the area’s vibrant mountain culture.
Built around a pedestrian street called the Village Stroll, Whistler Village is bookended by a pair of public squares. Skiers Plaza, from which both the Whistler and Blackcomb gondolas depart, doubles as an outdoor sound stage during the World Ski and Snowboard Festival, transforms into a spectator-friendly finishing area for the gravity defying Crankworx Festival and acts as a general meeting point for locals setting out for a night on the town. The Olympic rings still stand in Olympic Plaza, which lies on the opposite end of the village, where medal ceremonies for all Whistler-based sports during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics took place.
Between the two plazas, patio restaurants and cafes are mixed intermittently with shops selling the latest fashions in both haute couture and high mountain culture. Hotels are mixed in, too, making it easy to stay close to the resort’s famous nightlife; after dark, Whistler Village’s party scene comes to life and a number of pumping nightclubs and ski-town pubs keep their doors open until the wee hours of morning.
Practical Info
Whistler, British Columbia is located 147 km north of the Vancouver International Airport on the Sea-to-Sky Highway. Public transport is available with the Perimeter Express, YVR Whistler SkyLynx shuttle and Whistler Limousine.
Address: Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
From $ 80