Choose from 84 Fun Things to Do in British Columbia
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Fitzsimmons Creek
Fitzsimmons Creek flows in the valley that separates Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. It also runs between Whistler and Blackcomb villages, but most people spot it from above. The Peak-to-Peak Gondola, which spans a record-breaking 2.7 miles (4.4 km) from Whistler’s Roundhouse to Blackcomb’s Rendezvous day lodges in only 11 minutes, soars 1,400 feet (436 m) above Fitzsimmons Creek.
Close to town, the creek creates a natural green space, and Rebagliati Park, named after 1998 Olympic snowboarding gold medalist Ross Rebagliati, sits smack dab in the center of it on a small island. The Valley Trail creates a loop, which follows both sides of Fitzsimmons Creek, while a nearby BMX park with dirt jumps rounds out the recreation options found within a few minutes walk of town.
Fitzsimmons Creek also flows into Whistler Village at the trailhead for several backcountry hikes. The Singing Pass trail (7 miles/11.5 km, one way) takes a full day to complete; however, the pass is really just the gateway for multi-day trips in Garibaldi Provincial Park that bring hikers closer to Fitzsimmons Glacier and the eye-popping scenery of the Garibaldi Ranges.
Practical Info
Fitzsimmons Creek originates at the Fitzsimmons Glacier and flows straight through Whistler Village and its surrounding residential areas before reaching Green Lake. Plenty of green spaces line its banks and most are connected via Whistler’s Valley Trail.
Address: Whistler, BC, Canada
From $ 318
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
A mix of styles come together at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, from Asian and Latin American, to contemporary and ethnic artworks.
The gallery exhibits a wide range of sculptures, textiles, prints, paintings and weaving, focusing in particular on Japanese and Canadian works.
An Asian garden surrounds the gallery, underscoring the gallery’s highly prized collection of Asian art inside.
Guided tours, events, classes and educational programs round out the gallery’s cultural calendar.The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is a few streets east of Victoria Harbour.
Buses run here from downtown, or it’s around a 20-minute stroll from the waterfront.
Address: 1,040 Moss Street, Victoria BC V8V 4P1, Canada
Hours: Open daily, closed Easter Monday, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
From $ 31
Craigdarroch Castle
In 1890 Scottish coal baron Robert Dunsmuir built Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria, British Columbia, to showcase his inordinate wealth. This 39-room hilltop mansion is rich with opulent details, including multiple turrets and chimneys, a red slate roof, stained-glass windows, wood carvings, antique furnishings, and gold-framed paintings.
The Basics
A National Historic Site, Craigdarroch Castle is one of the most prominent—and certainly the most eye-catching—of Victoria’s historic houses. Experiencing the castle provides insight into the history of Victoria and the life of turn-of-the-century wealthy industrials in Canada.
You can see the castle during walking, biking, pedicab, and driving tours of the city, which typically include Victoria’s other most well-known attractions, such as Butchart Gardens, Beacon Hill Park, and the Emily Carr House. Some sightseeing tours even include admission to the castle. Once inside, you take a self-guided tour around the property.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Allow at least one hour to properly explore.
- Volunteers are stationed throughout the castle and can answer questions regarding its history.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as there are lots of stairs to navigate.
- Craigdarroch Castle is not accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Craigdarroch Castle is east of the inner harbor, just off Fort Street in the suburbs of Rockland. Take bus line 11, 14, 15, or 22 from downtown Victoria and get off at the Eastbound Fort at Fernwood stop, which is just a block from the castle.
When to Get There
The castle is open year-round. If visiting during the peak period of mid-June to early September, arrive soon after opening (9am) or an hour or two before closing (5pm to 6pm) to beat the crowds.
Trials and Tribulations of the Dunsmuirs
Exhibits in the house reveal more about the tempestuous Dunsmuir family dynamics. Though it was Robert Dunsmuir who ordered Craigdarroch to be built, he himself never got that chance to live in the mansion, as he passed away several months before the building was completed. His family took up residence here in 1890, though Robert’s death—or more specifically, his will—sparked conflict within the family regarding the distribution of his estate. Robert’s first son, Alex, passed away in 1900, and his death ignited yet more tension regarding the distribution of assets and wealth, with Robert’s second son, James, instigating legal action against his own mother, Joan Dunsmuir.
Address: 1050 Joan Crescent, Victoria BC V8S 3L5, Canada
Hours: Open daily 10:00am - 4:30pm, Extended hours from June 15th to Labor day: 9:00am - 7:00pm
Admission: CA$14.25
From $ 31
Cleveland Dam
Built in 1954, the Cleveland Dam was constructed for a number of important reasons. Unlike many other dams though, this one is not used for hydroelectricity. Instead, the original purpose of the dam was to hold back water entering into Burrard Inlet, which used to come in at a heavy pace carrying with it a hearty amount of silt and rocks, as well as a heavy current. Cleveland Dam was also constructed to protect a means of fresh drinking water for the lower mainland of Vancouver. In fact, the lake above Cleveland Dam provides the lower mainland with a whopping 40% of its fresh drinking water.
These days, Cleveland Dam makes up a part of North Vancouver that has quickly become a popular tourism destination and in the area around the dam, there are a number of parks and hiking paths. The dam itself sits in a protected park called Capilano River Regional Park, which also encompasses Capilano Lake, the body of water that the 300-foot spillway of the dam encloses. In the area, visitors can also find attractions such as the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Lynn Canyon Park, and Grouse Mountain.
Practical Info
Cleveland Dam is located in North Vancouver and if you’re heading there by car from the downtown area, is best reached via Stanley Park, the Lion's Gate Bridge and Capilano Road. You can also reach the Dam via public transport by catching bus No. 426 toward Highland. The journey takes about 45 minutes and busses leave around every 30 minutes.
Address: North Vancouver, BC, Canada
From $ 121
FlyOver Canada
This simulated ride takes participants on an exhilarating virtual journey across the country’s most majestic landscapes, from the remote Arctic north to the Rocky Mountains, Niagara Falls, and Canada’s Eastern Seaboard. FlyOver Canada also uses wind, mist, and scents to enhance the sensation of flight.
The Basics
FlyOver Canada is a fun and exhilarating way for Vancouver-based tourists to see more of this expansive country without leaving the city. Tickets can be booked in advance and include access to an immersive preshow. The ride itself surrounds participants with a large spherical screen that displays 3-D vistas of snowcapped mountains, forests, rushing rivers, and glittering cities.
Things to Know Before You Go
- FlyOver Canada is a must for first-time visitors to Canada and for families, who will enjoy the exciting, interactive nature of the ride.
- The ride lasts for just eight minutes, but plan to spend about 30 minutes here to allow for the preshow and the preride briefing.
- The flight simulator ride is relatively gentle and suitable for all ages, providing they are at least 40 inches (102 centimeters) tall.
- Visitors using wheelchairs can transfer to the ride seats independently or with the aid of an assistant, or watch the show from a stationary position on the ride platform.
How to Get There
FlyOver Canada is situated at Canada Place in downtown Vancouver. Ride the SkyTrain to Waterfront Station, and make the 5-minute walk from there.
When to Get There
FlyOver Canada is open from 10am to 9pm daily. Rides take place every 15 to 20 minutes. Save yourself time by purchasing tickets in advance, and then arrive at opening time to get in ahead of the crowds.
What You’ll See at FlyOver Canada
FlyOver Canada showcases the country’s most spectacular terrain. Vistas include dawn in the freezing north near Hudson’s Bay, the floating chunks of white and aquamarine ice of Iceberg Alley in Newfoundland, Toronto’s cityscape at night, the vineyards of Okanagan and the heli-skiers near Bella Coola in British Columbia, kayakers on Quebec’s Rivière-Rouge, and many other epic displays of adventure and raw nature.
Address: 201-999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC, Canada
From $ 27
Fort Street
From historic architecture to contemporary museums, Victoria if filled with plenty for travelers to do, see and experience. But for visitors looking to comb through halls of rare antiques, explore finds at tiny auction houses and finger through Canadian oddities, there’s no place better than the famous Front Street.
This picturesque street is lined with quiet cafes, Asian restaurants, used bookstores and a well-known chocolate shop. A colorful mural of Emily Carr, located on the side of Island Blue Print and Art Supplies pays homage to the city’s most famous female. And Craigdarroch Castle and the Greater Victoria Art Gallery are both within walking distance from Fort Street.
Practical Info
Fort Street is accessible using public transportation. Both the local pus and the regional rail system have multiple stops along this popular destination.
Address: Fort Street, Victoria, BC, Canada, Canada
From $ 36
Cypress Mountain
Attracting skiers and hikers alike, Cypress Mountain is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The title Cypress Mountain is something of a misnomer; there is no peak by this name. It instead refers to a trio of skiable mountains (Black Mountain, Mt. Strachan, and Hollyburn Mountain) that hosted events at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
The Basics
Because of its proximity to downtown Vancouver, Cypress Mountain is often visited on sightseeing tours. During the summer season, many sightseeing tours of Vancouver or the scenic Vancouver area stop at Barrett’s View lookout, which offers far-reaching vistas. The park is most heavily used in winter, when its downhill runs, snowshoe and cross-country ski trails, and snow-tubing course attract locals and visitors.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Cypress Mountain is a must for outdoorsy and active travelers.
- Snowshoes, skis, snowboards, and cross-country skis can all be rented on the mountain. Poles, boots, helmets, jackets, and pants are also available for rent, but be sure to bring your own goggles and gloves.
- Familiarize yourself with bear safety and mountain safety before embarking on a summer hike.
- Cypress Mountain’s Yew Lake trail is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Cypress Mountain is in Cypress Provincial Park on Vancouver’s North Shore, about a 45-minute drive from downtown Vancouver. Car-free travelers or those who don’t want to tackle mountain roads in winter can take seasonal winter shuttle buses from Vancouver to the ski resort area.
When to Get There
In summer, come during the day to fully appreciate the views from the various lookouts. In winter, the resort remains open as late as 10pm, meaning visitors can ski down floodlit runs. The winter season typically lasts from mid-November to mid-April, while hiking is best between June and October.
Hiking on Cypress Mountain
Hikers heading to Cypress Mountain can choose among several trail options. The flat and accessible 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) Yew Lake trail leads through meadows to Yew Lake, whose waters are framed by mountain peaks. A more challenging option is the 5-mile (8.2-kilometer) Eagle Bluff trail, which leads to viewpoints overlooking Howe Sound and Vancouver.
Address: 6000 Cypress Bowl Rd, West Vancouver, British Columbia V0N 1G0, Canada
Admission: Varies
From $ 297
FireRock Lounge
The FireRock Lounge, located in Whistler Westin Resort, uses all sorts of unexpected furnishings such as hickory sticks, river rocks and raw logs to create an intimate atmosphere right at the base of North America’s largest ski resort. And just as its name suggests, there is a massive stone fireplace right at the heart of the restaurant.
Whether it’s kobe beef sliders or a charcuterie and cheese platter, the menu choices bring the lounge’s intimate atmosphere right onto the table; more than half of the food items are recommended to share. Traditional menu items like burgers are given a gourmet twist, with choices like the West Coast, line-caught Coho salmon burger and the more unexpected Korean barbecue sauce-laden Brisket burger.
Even with its focus on creating a cozy atmosphere, the FireRock Lounge doesn't ignore the visiting sports fan. TV screens around the bar show everything from the latest happenings on the NHL ice (this is Canada, after all) to the ESPN X-Games.
Practical Info
The FireRock Lounge is open daily, from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. It is located in the Whistler Westin Resort, which is just a few steps from Skiers Plaza. Reservations are not typically required.
Address: 4091 Whistler Way, Whistler, BC V0N, Canada
Hours: Daily, 11am-1pm
From $ 81
Church & State Wines
To its owners, the name Church and State Wines represents a balance between the varied elements required to produce the highest quality wines. The name suggests a balance between change – each year’s distinct vintage – and tradition – aging wines in French oak barrels.
Church and State Wines puts plenty of focus on its grapes. Its owner’s belief is the best grapes are only produced on the best land, but also requires unwavering attention to detail throughout the planting, growing, and harvesting processes. The best land is also subject to the right grape varietal, so Church and State Wines has two British Columbia locations: Oliver-Osoyoos and Victoria. The former includes 70 acres of Vineyards BC’s dominant wine region, while the latter houses 11 acres of vineyards on the Saanich Peninsula, just minutes from downtown Victoria.
Their mindfulness is paying dividends, too, as they’ve now been awarded Canada’s best red wine on three occasions.
Practical Info
Church and State Wines’ Victoria winery is located at 1445 Benvenuto Ave. It’s tasting bar is open Friday-Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: 1445 Benvenuto Ave., Central Saanich, British Columbia, Canada
Hours: Tasting bar is open Friday-Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
From $ 185
Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites
Perched on a rocky promontory off the southeast coast of Vancouver Island, the red and white tower of the Fisgard Lighthouse is immediately noticeable from the water and makes a popular photo opportunity for visitors cruising the coast from nearby Victoria. The Lighthouse is more than just a navigational landmark, though – Fisgard has been guiding ships into Victoria harbor since 1860, making it Canada's oldest West Coast lighthouse and now an important national historic site.
Looming behind the lighthouse, Fort Rodd Hill is another significant site, dotted with the remains of the 19th and 20th century coastal defenses that once protected Victoria and the neighboring Esquimalt Naval Base. Visitors can explore three artillery batteries, plus the command posts, guardhouses, underground magazines and barracks, where multi-media displays and interactive exhibitions bring the historic site to life.
Practical Info
The Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites are located along the southeastern coast of Vancouver Island, just west of Victoria. The sites are open daily from 10am-5.30pm (9am-4.30pm in winter) and adult admission is C$4 at the time of writing.
Address: 603 Fort Rodd Hill Rd, Victoria BC, Canada
Hours: Open daily from 10am-5.30pm (9am-4.30pm in winter)
Admission: Adults: C$4
From $ 92
Government Street
Running through the heart of Downtown Victoria, Government Street is home to plenty of shopping and local history. Along the Victoria Harbour front, the British Columbia Legislature Buildings and the Fairmont Empress are important historical landmarks, both designed by the untrained British architect Francis Rattenbury. His design for the BC Legislature Buildings, which uses white marble, a massive central dome, and lengthy façade to create an architecturally impressive home for the provincial government, was his first project. This early success led him to be awarded the contract to design the Empress Hotel, which is now one of the oldest hotels in Victoria. Between these two buildings lies the Royal British Columbia Museum, which houses a natural and human history museum and the British Columbia provincial archives.
Heading north from the Empress Hotel, Government Street soon becomes an iconic shopping street. Native artwork, high fashion, and a variety of specialty stores holding everything from handcrafted jewelry to handmade chocolate take up the storefronts. More shopping is found just off Government Street, too, including Trounce Alley, known for its European fashion stores; Bastion Square, where local artisans sell handmade arts and crafts; and Johnson Street, which is a local’s favorite for exclusive design boutiques.
The corner of Government Street and Fisgard runs beneath the Gate of Harmonious Interest and the entrance to Victoria’s Chinatown. Founded in 1858, it’s the oldest Chinatown in Canada and second only to San Francisco in North America.
Practical Info
Government Street runs through Downtown Victoria, between Douglas Street and Dallas Road.
Address: Government Street, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
From $ 48
Brockton Point
Brockton Point is the easternmost peninsula of Vancouver’s Stanley Park and is best known for the good views it offers of the downtown area with its skyscrapers, and the Burrard Inlet ranging from North Vancouver and the Lions Gate Bridge to Coal Harbour. Since there are also several important shipping lanes passing through the inlet, Brockton Point is a favorite among ship spotters for watching big freight vessels heading to and from the port with goods piled high.
The peninsula encompasses several of the park’s well-known landmarks, such as the 9 O’Clock Gun, an old naval cannon that fires a shot every evening at nine; a colorful totem pole display, British Columbia’s most-visited tourist attraction; and a century-old lighthouse. The Brockton Point Lighthouse features a prominent red and white tower, which was built in 1914 after numerous shipwrecks on the treacherous shores of Stanley Park and, in more recent years, has become a favorite among photographers. It is supported by delicate arches, underneath which visitors can stroll through on the shoreline pathway.
The peninsula encompasses several of the park’s well-known landmarks, such as the 9 O’Clock Gun, an old naval cannon that fires a shot every evening at nine; a colorful totem pole display, British Columbia’s most-visited tourist attraction; and a century-old lighthouse. The Brockton Point Lighthouse features a prominent red and white tower, which was built in 1914 after numerous shipwrecks on the treacherous shores of Stanley Park and, in more recent years, has become a favorite among photographers. It is supported by delicate arches, underneath which visitors can stroll through on the shoreline pathway.
Practical Info
Brockton Point within Stanley Park is located in the West End neighborhood and can be reached with bus number 19, which makes stops at Stanley Park Drive and Stanley Park Loop. Apart from hop-on hop-off trolleys and horse-drawn carriages in summer, there is no transit service available within the park, and visitors usually walk or bike the short distances.
Address: Canada
From $ 30
Butchart Gardens
Butchart Gardens, established in 1904, treat visitors to an enchanting floral show that changes with the seasons. Covering 55 acres (22 hectares) on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, the botanical space is intricately laid out into separate themed gardens with landscaping that impresses and inspires gardeners and nature lovers alike.
The Basics
Butchart Gardens are a popular spot to visit from Victoria, Vancouver, and even Seattle, either on a gardens tour or combined with a whale-watching cruise, sightseeing tour, or seaplane flight and three-course dinner in the park. As you make your way through the different garden areas—from rose-covered paths to the dramatic Sunken Garden—you can admire blooming bulbs in springtime, head out on the dahlia walk during summer, admire floral displays in gorgeous fall colors, or take in the Japanese-inspired garden in the winter months.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear clothing suitable for the outdoors: dress for the weather, and bring an umbrella or hooded jacket in the rainy months.
- Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the gardens or eat at one of the several onsite restaurants.
- The gardens are wheelchair and stroller accessible.
- You may visit the gardens independently or with a tour guide.
- Though cameras are encouraged, the use of selfie sticks is prohibited.
- WiFi is available at the coffee shop near the visitor center.
How to Get There
Butchart Gardens are 14 miles (23 kilometers) north of Victoria’s Inner Harbour on Vancouver Island, about 30 minutes away by road. Buses run to the gardens from downtown Victoria and the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal. You can also take a shuttle bus, taxi, or limo from the Fairmont Empress in Victoria to Butchart Gardens.
When to Get There
Butchart Gardens are open every day of the year. During peak season (July through August), the gardens can get quite crowded between 11am and 3pm. Arrive right at 9am when they open, and you’ll be rewarded with thin crowds and beautiful lighting for your photographs. On summer evenings, the gardens are filled with thousands of illuminations, with fireworks displays taking place every Saturday night in July and August (included in your Butchart Gardens admission). In December, the garden’s Waterwheel Square is converted into an outdoor ice-skating rink, complete with Christmas decorations and lights.
Butchart’s Themed Gardens
You can easily spend a full day exploring Butchart’s six themed gardens: the Sunken Garden, the Rose Garden, the Japanese Garden, the Italian Garden, the Concert Lawn Walk, and the Mediterranean Garden. The original Sunken Garden is a must-see, with its deep walls (remnants of the old quarry) cradling beds of annuals, flowering trees, and unique shrubs. Kids will love the hand-carved wooden carousel along the Concert Lawn Walk, just before the rose-laden arches greet visitors on their way into the Rose Garden—be sure to drop a penny in the Wishing Well here. The serene Japanese Garden invites contemplation as you wander along the paths past streams, ponds, and bridges, while the Italian Garden features sculptures and the Frog Fountain, and the small Mediterranean Garden has drought-tolerant plants from areas of the world with climates similar to Victoria’s.
Address: 800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay BC V8M 1J8, Canada
Hours: Varies seasonally
Admission: Varies seasonally
From $ 16
British Columbia Legislature Buildings
Built overlooking Victoria’s Inner Harbor, the British Columbia Legislature Buildings form an impressive architectural and historical landmark within a few steps of downtown.
When the provincial legislature outgrew its former home, the provincial government hosted an architectural competition to build the new legislative buildings. Francis Rattenbury, a then 25-year-old recent arrival from England, won with his three-building neo-baroque style plans, but construction didn’t go without its woes; the project soared beyond its original budget, but the new British Columbia Parliament Buildings did open their doors in 1898.
The white marble, massive central dome, and lengthy façade combined to make an innovative and impressive monument for what, at the time, was a relatively young Canadian province. The building remains equally impressive, today, and a few new landmarks exist on its property. A statue of Queen Victoria stands on the front yard, while a figure of George Vancouver sits atop the central dome. There is also a statue of a soldier to commemorate the province’s fallen heroes from WWI, WWII, and the Korean War.
Practical Info
The British Columbia Legislature Buildings are located at 501 Belleville St in Victoria, B.C. Throughout the summer; they are open daily from 9am to 5pm. Throughout the winter, the buildings are closed on weekends.
Address: 501 Belleville St., Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Hours: Summer daily 9am-5pm; winter M-F
From $ 48
Downtown Vancouver
Surrounded by water on three sides, downtown Vancouver is the place to go for sea views, bright lights, and action. The city’s commercial core, it encompasses several distinct areas including shop-lined Robson Street, the green expanse of Stanley Park, historic Gastown, and one of the largest Chinatowns in North America.
The Basics
With so much to see here, many visitors to Vancouver devote the majority of their time to downtown. Join sightseeing tours of downtown, or delve deeper with walking tours of specific downtown neighborhoods, such as Victorian-era Gastown or the hip waterfront enclave of Yaletown. Downtown biking tours typically follow routes around Stanley Park’s scenic seawall, while many boat tours cruise around Vancouver Harbour, False Creek, and English Bay, offering front-row views of the downtown skyline.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Downtown Vancouver is a must for first-time visitors.
- You’ll never be far from a restaurant in downtown Vancouver, with lots of dining options at all price points, including an abundance of Asian eateries.
- Navigating downtown Vancouver is easy, with an interlinked transit network that includes the SkyTrain, buses, and the SeaBus passenger ferry.
How to Get There
From the airport, take the Canada Line SkyTrain to Yaletown–Roundhouse, Vancouver City Centre, or Waterfront station. Cruise ship passengers disembark at Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal, on downtown Vancouver’s waterfront .
When to Get There
Downtown Vancouver sees the warmest weather from mid-June through mid-September, and this is the best time for outdoor activities such as biking around Stanley Park or kayaking in False Creek. Avoid driving into or out of downtown during rush hours (7am–10am and 4pm–7pm).
Top Sights in Downtown Vancouver
Many of Vancouver’s most recognizable landmarks and well-known attractions are situated in the downtown area. View the city from on high at the Vancouver Lookout observation deck, admire the sail-shaped forms of Canada Place, hear the Gastown steam clock chime, and explore Stanley Park, home to the Brockton Point Totem Poles and the Vancouver Aquarium.
Address: Canada
From $ 30
Dr Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden
The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, in Vancouver’s Chinatown, was the first “scholar’s” garden built outside of China in the Ming Dynasty tradition. This cultural and natural oasis offers a serene break from Vancouver’s hustle and bustle, and the nonprofit organization was named the one of top 10 city gardens in the world by National Geographic.
The Basics
This combination of the free public park and admission fee-based garden comprises winding covered walkways, ancient limestone formations, and 150-year-old miniature trees that serve as a tranquil break from the concrete jungle. The first classical Chinese garden in Canada, the site was created by master craftsmen from China using 14th-century methods: no screws, no glue, and no power tools. On Friday nights in summer, the garden hosts an eclectic repertoire of musical and dance performances that includes classical, Asian, world, gypsy jazz, Slavic soul, and fusion. The garden aims to create cultural understanding between the eastern and western ways of life in British Columbia.
The Chinese garden offers 45-minute guided tours throughout the day and is also a stop on many Vancouver gardens tours, city highlights tours, Vancouver bike tours, and cultural tours of Chinatown.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The garden serves traditional Chinese tea and offers a family-friendly scavenger hunt for kids.
- It is recommend to sign up for guided tours in advance to ensure your desired time.
- Parking in Chinatown can be tricky. Tours with included transportation from area hotels offer an easy solution, as does public transportation.
- The small garden requires little walking and is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
The Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, on Carrall Street in the heart of Vancouver’s Chinatown, is easily accessible via public transportation, and it’s only a few blocks away from the Gastown neighborhood and downtown Vancouver.
When to Get There
The garden is open daily from 10am to 4:30pm from October 1 to April 30 (closed on Mondays from November 1 to April 30), 10am to 6pm May 1 to June 14, and 9:30am to 7pm from June 15 to August 31. Summertime visitors get an added bonus of Friday night cultural performances, held from mid-July through the first weekend in September.
Feng Shui at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden
The ancient Chinese practice of feng shui, or energy alignment between physical spaces and people’s intentions, is evident everywhere in the garden. Notice how dark pebbles are placed next to light ones, how swaying bamboo grows around immovable rocks, and the way in which soft-moving water flows across solid stone. Each item—including the roof tiles, tai hu rocks, and native flora—was placed with a considered purpose to create balance and harmony.
Address: 578 Carrall Street, Vancouver, Canada
Hours: 10am to 4:30pm from October 1 to April 30 (closed on Mondays from November 1 to April 30), 10am to 6pm May 1 to June 14, and 9:30am to 7pm from June 15 to August 31
Admission: Varies
From $ 52
Bowen Island
Calm and free from crowds, this forested island off Vancouver serves as a retreat from the stresses of the city. With hiking trails, kayak-friendly coastline, and sheltered bays, the island offers plenty of opportunities for fun in the fresh air, while a smattering of small villages showcase its vibrant art, craft, and food scenes.
The Basics
Just a 20-minute boat ride from Vancouver, Bowen Island is an ideal day trip. Jet Ski tours of Howe Sound depart from Granville Island and skirt around the scenic coast of Bowen Island, as well as other neighboring islands such as Anvil Island. Some Jet Ski tours make a dinner stop at Bowen Island, allowing participants to disembark and dine at one of Bowen Island’s local restaurants.
While the island is served by a ferry, visitors looking for a little more freedom and flexibility may want to rent a private speedboat instead. Once on the island, while away the hours lounging on sandy beaches, hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, or swimming.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bowen Island is an easy day-trip option for visitors based in Vancouver.
- Most boats dock at Snug Cove on the east coast, where you’ll find restaurants, cafés, art galleries, and a weekend market in summer.
- Private speedboat rentals usually include a boat license, safety briefing, and instructions.
How to Get There
Regular ferry service to Bowen Island departs from Horseshoe Bay terminal. To get to the ferry terminal, ride bus 250 or 257 from downtown Vancouver, a journey of between 40 and 50 minutes. The ferry journey itself takes another 20 minutes or so. For a quicker option, take a water taxi or pilot your own private speedboat from Granville Island.
When to Get There
Bowen Island is best in summer, when warm weather allows for outdoor activities. The summer season also offers more festivals and events, including outdoor climbing sessions and open-air yoga classes.
Wildlife-Watching near Bowen Island
The boat trip over to Bowen Island takes passengers through the heart of Howe Sound, where a host of wildlife species thrive. As you cruise across from the mainland, look out for harbor seals, which can often be seen at Palm Rocks, and bald eagles. Whales, including humpbacks, have been spotted in the waters of Horseshoe Bay. Bowen Island is free from bears and cougars, though deer do roam freely.
Address: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
From $ 41
Brandywine Falls
Brandywine Falls is a spectacular 216-foot waterfall located just a short hop off the Sea-to-Sky Highway between Squamish and Whistler. The falls are also surrounded by Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, which has tripled in size in the past decade.
Measuring 216 feet, the waterfall is nearly 30 percent taller than Niagara Falls, albeit with a fraction of the water volume. A half-mile (1-km) walking trail leads from the parking lot to a viewpoint, and it’s worth venturing a few minutes further down the trail, too, as a second viewpoint offers panoramic views across Daisy Lake.
Both the Lava Lake and Sea-to-Sky trails offer short hiking and mountain biking opportunities within the park. The steeper Swim Lake Trail, which starts just before the railway crossing, doesn’t actually lead to a good swimming hole, as Swim Lake doesn't have a dock or beach. However, the trail is worth exploring because it provides the best opportunity to spot the rare – and endangered – red-legged frog.
Practical Info
Brandywine Falls Provincial Park is open year round, although deep snow makes access difficult in winter. It is located 10.5 miles (17 km) south of Whistler and 25 miles (40 km) north of Squamish on the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99).
Address: Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, BC, Canada
From $ 104
BC Place Stadium
For more than three decades, BC Place Stadium has been the premier venue for British Columbia’s athletics. Originally built for the 1986 World’s Fair, it played a major role in the Vancouver’s hosting of the 2010 Winter Olympics. In preparation for the event it was updated with a retractable roof that became the largest of its kind in the world. The large fabric rooftop is supported by cables, transforming the stadium for whichever weather conditions or event is present. Guests can remain covered during inclement weather, or be open to the sky (which is particularly beautiful on clear night.)
BC Place is home to the city’s two major sports teams, as well as the BC Sports Hall of Fame. The stadium is also host to the city’s largest community events. With over 1,000 digital screens and nearly 55,000 stadium seats, it’s one of the top sports arenas in Canada.
Practical Info
BC Place is located near False Creek in southeastern Vancouver, on Pacific Boulevard. The BC Sports Hall of Fame is located at Gate A and is open from 10 am to 5 pm. To get there via public transportation, buses 15 and 17 and False Creek Ferries drop off closest to the stadium and the Skytrain stop is Stadium/Chinatown. Parking is available nearby at varying costs.
Address: 777 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Canada
Hours: Open daily 10am-5pm
Admission: Free with event; $15 for Hall of Fame
From $ 37
Bloedel Floral Conservatory
Atop a hill in Queen Elizabeth Park, the Bloedel Floral Conservatory—or simply Bloedel Conservatory—overlooks downtown Vancouver and the North Shore Mountains. The domed structure is divided into three climatic zones: tropical, subtropical, and desert. It houses plants and free-flying birds with eye-catching plumage.
The Basics
Purchase tickets for the Bloedel Conservatory in advance and explore the site independently, wandering at your preferred pace. Among the many different species growing here, you’ll find succulents, cacti, banyans, and colorful orchids. Look out for the free-flying birds that inhabit the conservatory, which range from rainbow-colored Gouldian finches to chatty African parrots.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Bloedel Conservatory is an ideal rainy- or cold-day destination for families.
- Pick up a bird-watching checklist from the front desk to help you identify the various species you see.
- The conservatory is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Bloedel Conservatory is in Queen Elizabeth Park, less than 15 minutes’ drive from downtown Vancouver. To get there using public transit, take the SkyTrain (Canada Line) to King Edward Station. From there, it’s 15–20 minutes to the conservatory on foot. Alternatively, ride bus 15 to Cambie Street/West 33rd Avenue.
When to Get There
Though it’s open year-round, the Bloedel Conservatory is a particularly welcome place to while away a cold or wet winter’s day, as the interior is warm and balmy. Weekend afternoons are the busiest time, so come early in the morning or midweek.
What Else to See at Queen Elizabeth Park
While you’re at the conservatory, it’s worth setting aside some time to explore surrounding Queen Elizabeth Park. On warm days, children love splashing around in the jets of the Dancing Waters fountain outside the conservatory, while older visitors will enjoy browsing the artists’ offerings at Painters’ Corner. A stroll around the park may also lead you to the quarry garden, the rose garden, or one of several public artworks, including the bronze sculpture Knife Edge Two Piece by the renowned English sculptor Henry Moore.
Address: 4600 Cambie St., Vancouver, BC, Canada
Admission: Varies
From $ 5