4 Unforgettable Hours in Vancouver

Gastown is one of Vancouver’s most vibrant and unique areas. As the first downtown core of the city, the neighbourhood has transitioned into a centre of innovation and truly memorable experiences, for locals and tourists alike, while maintaining a strong connection to its history.

A working steam clock, one of only a few in the world, located in Vancouver's Victorian Gastown. The clock is a key tourists destination in Vancouver. It’s also the near the start and a finish line of the Gastown Grand Prix, a single-day cycling race.

One of Vancouver’s few distinct cultural historic neighbourhoods, Chinatown appeals to locals, tourists, as well as a growing number of emerging chefs, artists, and small business entrepreneurs. Chinatown offers a wide array of stores, including home furnishings, health and wellness, fashion and attire, grocery, and so much more.

Canada Place is an iconic landmark and venue for world-class events and inspirationally Canadian experiences, located in the heart of Vancouver’s waterfront. Canada Place is home port to the Vancouver-Alaska cruises, and houses Vancouver Convention Centre East, Pan Pacific Hotel, FlyOver Canada, World Trade Centre, and Indigo.

An observation deck 168 meters high offering 360° panoramic views of the city, mountains, and ocean.

Despite the fact that Coal Harbour is right downtown, it’s a surprisingly calm little neighbourhood, right on the water’s edge. It’s even more surprising given its industrial history as a former shipyard sitting right next to the railway terminus. The area starts at Canada Place and stretches west to Stanley Park, and is bordered by Burrard Inlet to the north, West Georgia Street to the south. Coal Harbour is a charming mix of business and residential, being home to both the Vancouver Convention Centre as well as condo towers.

The Girl in a Wetsuit Statue is a bronze statue located near the Stanley Park Seawall. The statue depicts a woman in a wetsuit sitting on a rock and gazing out at the water. It's a popular spot for taking photos and enjoying the scenic views.

The Brockton Point Lighthouse is a popular spot for tourists to take photos. The lighthouse was built in 1914 and is still operational today. It's located at the eastern end of Stanley Park and offers stunning views of the city and the harbor

The totem poles in Stanley Park are one of the park's most iconic landmarks. There are nine totem poles in the park, each representing a different First Nations tribe. The totem poles were originally created in the 1920s as a way to showcase Indigenous art and culture.

Explore the 400-hectare natural West Coast rainforest and enjoy scenic views of water, mountains, sky, and majestic trees along Stanley Park's famous Seawall.

Vancouver has the world's longest uninterrupted waterfront path. The 28 km Seaside Greenway is an uninterrupted pathway, including the Stanley Park Seawall, that extends from the Vancouver Convention Centre to Spanish Banks Park. Perfect for a walk, cycle, or jog, it is the most popular recreational spot in the city.

A famous 700–800-year-old Western Red Cedar “hollow tree” that has served as a historic photo stop for over a century.

Prospect Point is the highest point in Stanley Park and offers panoramic views of the park and the city. It's a popular spot for tourists to take photos and enjoy the scenery.

As a Halifax native with an affinity to Canada’s coastline, the A-maz-ing Laughter sculptures at English Bay have become a choice destination after relocating to Vancouver. They are a reminder to me to never take life to seriously, and always create room for laughter.

English Bay Beach, also called First Beach, located along Beach Ave between Gilford St and Bidwell St, is the most populated beach area in Vancouver's downtown area. The Stanley Park Seawall, a popular running and biking route, runs along the east side of the beach.

An Inukshuk in Vancouver Canada is an Inuit sculpture used for navigational purposes. It appears as an abstract human form with outstretched arms.

Engagement Sculpture

Sunset Beach Park, Vancouver, BC
Two giant diamond rings create a playful and romantic public art installation inspired by love and commitment.

Burrard Bridge is an iconic Art Deco–style bridge spanning False Creek, connecting downtown Vancouver with the neighborhoods of Kitsilano and South Vancouver. From the bridge or its pedestrian pathways, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline, Stanley Park, the waterfront, and the North Shore Mountains. It’s a popular spot for photography, sightseeing, and watching boats pass underneath, offering a unique perspective of Vancouver’s urban landscape meeting the natural surroundings.

The charm of Granville Island lies in its unexpected mix of uses. The famous Public Market, open daily from 9 am to 7 pm, is home to more than 50 independent food purveyors and contributes to the Island’s appeal as a renowned culinary destination. In the Net Loft Shops and in the Artisan District, many of Canada’s best artists and designers can be found. Granville Island is home to many cultural venues and hosts numerous performing arts and cultural festivals year-round.

A charming, small passenger ferry offering scenic water transport between Granville Island, Yaletown, Science World, and surrounding waterfront stops.

Robson Street was one of the first streets in Vancouver, and was named in honour of John Robson, Premier of British Columbia from 1889-1892. Its commercial traditions date from 1895 when train tracks were laid along Robson Street to Jervis St. A wide variety of small specialized shops sprang up to serve Vancouver’s rapidly growing population, and Robson become a street of best homes and social activities.

Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver’s horticultural jewel, is a major draw for floral display enthusiasts and view-seekers, and as a popular backdrop for wedding photos. At 125 m above sea level, it’s the highest point in Vancouver and makes for spectacular views of the park, city, and mountains on the North Shore.

Bloedel Conservatory is a domed conservatory located in Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver, Canada. The conservatory is home to over 200 free-flying exotic birds from around the world, as well as thousands of tropical plants and flowers. It was built in 1969 and named after Prentice Bloedel, a Canadian businessman and philanthropist who donated the funds for its construction.

A 55-acre garden featuring themed botanical sections, unique plant collections, a hedge maze, and seasonal displays like Festival of Lights.