12 Things to Do in Vancouver for First Time Visitors

17 places in this vlog

In the order they appear. Tap a time to play it here, or ↗ to open YouTube at that second.

1. 0:40

   Canada Place

   🏢 Landmark · Downtown

   On a clear day there are views across to North Vancouver and of float planes coming in.

2. 0:48

   Robson Street

   🛍️ Shopping · Downtown · brief mention

3. 1:13

   Stanley Park

   🌳 Park · West End

   Has more than half a million trees.

4. 1:39

   Stanley Park Seawall

   🚡 Activity · Stanley Park · brief mention

5. 1:44

   Lions Gate Bridge

   🏢 Landmark · Stanley Park · brief mention

6. 1:50

   Vancouver Aquarium

   🏛️ Museum · Stanley Park

   Opened in 1956.

7. 2:17

   Granville Island

   🏘️ Neighborhood · Granville Island

8. 2:28

   Granville Island Public Market

   🛒 Market · Granville Island · brief mention

9. 2:38

   Queen Elizabeth Park

   🌳 Park · Little Mountain

   At 125 m above sea level it's the highest point in Vancouver.

10. 3:02

    Bloedel Conservatory

    🌳 Park · Little Mountain

    A good family escape on cold, chilly days; the colourful birds are the highlight.

11. 3:38

    VanDusen Botanical Garden

    🌳 Park · Shaughnessy

    In early spring many flowers aren't blooming yet; late spring, summer or fall should be more spectacular.

12. 4:22

    Sunset Beach

    🌳 Park · West End

    Recommended as the liveliest city beach and a great spot to watch the sunset.

13. 4:35

    Kitsilano Beach

    🌳 Park · Kitsilano · brief mention

14. 5:09

    Gastown

    🏘️ Neighborhood · Gastown

15. 5:27

    Gastown Steam Clock

    🏢 Landmark · Gastown · brief mention

16. 5:35

    Museum of Anthropology at UBC

    🏛️ Museum · Point Grey

    The totem poles are the standout; it was closed for renovations until late 2023.

17. 6:00

    Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

    🚡 Activity · North Vancouver

    Also has a cliff walk and a treetop adventure.