Choose from 84 Fun Things to Do in British Columbia
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
- To quell any fears of heights, it helps to remember that the bridge's thick steel cables used for grip are securely embedded in huge concrete blocks on either side of the canyon.
- While strollers, wheelchairs, and crutches are not allowed on the bridge, visitors with wheelchairs receive free entrance to the park and can take part in other activities.
- Dogs are permitted in the park, as long as they stay on-leash.
- The site features a gift shop.
Olympic Cauldron
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Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife
- Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife is a must for wildlife enthusiasts.
- There are dining options at the mountain; the yurt-style Grizzly Lookout Cafe offers the best views of the grizzly bear habitat.
- The Skyride is accessible to wheelchair users, as is the refuge, which can be accessed via paved pathways.
Fairmont Empress Hotel
The grand lady of Victoria, the Fairmont Empress Hotel was built in over-the-top French chateau style by the Canadian Pacific Railway company, opening in 1908.
Victoria’s first hotel is still the grandest, and one of the most highly awarded hotels in the country. Over the last 100 years, all manner of famous people have stayed here, including Edward Prince of Wales, Queen Elizabeth and Shirley Temple.
Taking afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel is an experience not to be missed, complete with Edwardian style service, clotted cream, scones and pots of tea. Bookings are essential.
The style is more subcontinental colonial in the Bengal Lounge restaurant, where the menu features a curry buffet.Practical Info
The Fairmont Empress Hotel has a grandstand location on Government Street smack bang in the city center, with front-seat views of the inner harbor.
Kitsilano Beach
- Kitsilano Beach is a must for families and sun worshippers.
- Lifeguards are on duty from late May to early September.
- Public restrooms can be found at the beach.
- Mobi-Mats provide access to the beach for wheelchair users. Water wheelchairs can be reserved in advance.
Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
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Garibaldi Park
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Old Town Victoria
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False Creek
- A False Creek bike ride, walk, or cruise is a must for first-time visitors to Vancouver.
- False Creek is not suitable for swimming, though it is possible to use kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and dragon boats on the waterway.
- The seawall is wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair-accessible ferries and boats also venture out into False Creek.
Queen Elizabeth Park
- Queen Elizabeth Park is a must for families and flora enthusiasts.
- Book tickets for the Bloedel Conservatory in advance to avoid waiting in line.
- The park is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with paved pathways leading through the quarry garden and to the Bloedel Conservatory.
Grouse Mountain
- Grouse Mountain is family-friendly, with special events for kids.
- Local wildlife such as bears, wolves, owls, and other birds are common sights.
- The Grouse Grind is a fairly difficult, steep hike and includes 2,830 steps. The trail goes only one way (up!), so be prepared with sturdy shoes and water, and check ahead for weather-related trail closures.
- Most activities are included in the price of admission.
Emily Carr House
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Prospect Point
Since the arrival of the Cleveland Dam, the inlet has become safer for ship passage, and Prospect Point has shifted from a functional location to one of leisure. Today, people flock to Prospect Point for the famous café and some of the best views in the city.
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Granville Island
- Plan to spend at least several hours exploring Granville Island, whether you’re visiting independently or taking a walking tour.
- Wear layers—there’s almost always a cool ocean breeze. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must.
- The public market is phasing out plastic shopping bags, so bring a reusable bag if you plan to purchase any souvenirs or marketplace treats.
- Visitor amenities include accessible restrooms, parking lots, water fountains, and ATMs. There are also two playgrounds and a water park on the island.
English Bay
- Public amenities, including restrooms and restaurants can be found at English Bay Beach, Kitsilano Beach, and Stanley Park.
- Lifeguards are stationed at both English Bay Beach and Kitsilano Beach from late May to early September.
- Both beaches are equipped with Mobi-Mats (portable pathways that provide access to the sand) and water wheelchairs, which can be booked in advance.
- The waters of English Bay are suitable for swimming.
Olympic Village
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Gastown
- Gastown is a must-visit for history buffs, foodies, and shoppers.
- Wear comfortable shoes; Gastown rewards those who explore on foot.
- Water, Hastings, and Carrall streets are the main thoroughfares in the neighborhood, which is best explored on foot.
- Though there are some mild inclines and uneven surfaces, Gastown is mostly wheelchair accessible.
Capilano Salmon Hatchery
- Capilano Salmon Hatchery is a must for families and natural-history enthusiasts.
- Wear hiking boots so you can explore trails in the surrounding Capilano River Regional Park.
- The hatchery is wheelchair accessible.
Canada Place
One of the best places to orient yourself, especially if this is your first trip to Vancouver, is Canada Place. Built for Expo '86, this iconic, postcard-friendly landmark is hard to miss: its five tall Teflon sails that jut into the sky over Burrard Inlet resemble a giant sailing ship. Now a cruise-ship terminal and convention center, it's also a pier where you can stroll out over the waterfront, watch the splashing floatplanes, and catch some spectacular sea-to-mountain views.
Around the perimeter of Canada Place is a promenade, where you can gaze out at the North Shore mountains standing tall across Burrard Inlet. You can also see nearby Stanley Park and its famous Seawall Promenade. Walk to the other end of the promenade and you’ll be rewarded with great city views, including the historic low-rise tops of Gastown, where Vancouver was first settled. Inside the building is FlyOver Canada, a cool simulated flight attraction that takes you across Canada, from the Atlantic Coast and Arctic peaks to the Rocky Mountains and Northern lights.
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Canada Place is located on the northeast edge of downtown Vancouver. It’s easily accessible by public transportation, and the Sky Train, which is one block away. Nearby attractions are Gastown, the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Art, Vancouver Art Gallery, and Robson Street. Tourism Vancouver Touristinfo Centre is right across the street.