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Vancouver Maps & Attractions Guide
Vancouver maps & Attractions - Things to do
in Vancouver
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Vancouver
Attractions - Things to do
1. Stanley Park
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What is it? Pride of Vancouver's network of parks and
gardens, Stanley Park, covering 1,000 acres (405 hectares), is one
of the largest parks in any urban centre in North America. Situated
in the heart of Vancouver's densely populated West End, stretching
out on a peninsula and surrounded on three sides by water, Stanley
Park is both a refuge for visitors seeking a brief escape from the
urban jungle, a showcase for the natural beauty that surrounds the
city, and an entertainment centre. The park is criss-crossed
through its dense rain-forest interior by miles of wide gravel
paths surrounding Beaver Lake and Lost Lagoon. It is home to
hundreds of migratory birds such as Canada geese, swans and ducks,
and large populations of racoons, squirrels, skunks and coyotes. It
is also possible to walk, jog, cycle or rollerblade around the
park's 6.5 mile (10.5km) long seawall that encircles the
perimeter.
Hours of Operation: Open daily
Phone: |
2. Museum of Anthropology
University of British Columbia, 6393 Marine
Drive
www.moa.ubc.ca |
What is it? In the west of Vancouver, at the University
of British Columbia on the cliffs of Point Grey, totem poles mark
the way to the Museum of Anthropology, world-renowned for its
displays of Northwest Coast First Nations art. One of its main
features is the world's largest collection of works by
internationally acclaimed Haida artist, Bill Reid, including his
famous cedar sculpture 'The Raven and the First Men'. In the
museum's unique Visible Storage Galleries more than 15,000 objects
and artefacts from around the world are arranged according to
culture and use. In the grounds of the museum are two Haida houses
to be admired, showing the dramatic beauty of traditional Northwest
Coast architecture.
Hours of Operation: Daily 10am to 5pm, Tuesday until 9pm (summer);
Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 5pm, Tuesday 11am to 9pm
(winter)
Phone:(604) 822 5087 |
3. Chinatown
vancouverchinatown.ca |
What is it? Vancouver's Chinese Quarter is not only a
strong, established ethnic community, but also a popular tourist
attraction and prosperous commercial district. Its bustling streets
are full of colour and commerce; even the pagoda-topped telephone
booths add to the atmosphere. Shop displays spill onto the
pavements, tables groan with the weight of exotic foodstuffs and
the weird wares of the Chinese apothecaries like dried lizard skins
and powdered rhino horn. The Sam Kee Building in Pender Street is
listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as being the narrowest
building in the world, at only six-foot (two metres) wide. This was
the result of a local property owner reacting to the expropriation
of most of his land in 1912 for the widening of the street: Chang
Toy decided to build what he could on the remaining tiny strip.
Another main attraction in Chinatown is the Dr Sun Yat-Sen
Classical Chinese Garden, enclosed behind high walls, that was
built in 1986 at a cost of $5.3-million with the craftsmen and
materials all imported from China. It is a quiet haven of walkways,
pavilions, gnarled trees, water features and natural rock
sculptures. Next door to the Garden is the Chinese Cultural Centre
with its elaborate gated entrance hand-painted in traditional
colours.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
4. Gastown
www.gastown.org |
What is it? The fascinating little historic enclave of
Gastown, in the central core area of Vancouver alongside Chinatown,
transports visitors back in time to envision the city in days of
old, with its cobbled streets, antique gaslights, Victorian
architecture and maze of narrow alleys, courtyards and passages
wherein hide boutiques and restaurants. Gastown was named after
Vancouver's first settler and saloon owner, Jack "Gassy" Deighton,
whose historic hotel was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1886 along
with much of the city. The fire swept through the town in less than
an hour, leaving only two of the 400 or so houses standing. "Gassy"
Jack has been immortalised with a statue in Maple Tree Square in
Gastown. Another point of interest is the Lamplighter Pub in the
Dominion Hotel, which was the first Vancouver inn to serve alcohol
to women. The Europe Hotel was the first fireproof building in
western Canada, having been built just after the fire in 1892.
Gastown keeps time with the world's first steam clock, which plays
the Westminster chimes every 15 minutes on five brass steam
whistles inside its cast bronze case. These and many other
interesting corners of Gastown can be explored on a daily walking
tour, offered at 2pm each day between June and August, which starts
at the Gassy Jack statue and takes 90
minutes.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
5. Grouse Mountain
6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
www.grousemountain.com |
What is it? On Vancouver's north shore, just a 15-minute
drive from the downtown area across the Lions Gate Bridge, is the
year-round mountaintop playground of Grouse Mountain. Ascending the
mountain is part of the adventure in the Super Skyride, a
100-passenger tram that glides up the steep mountain slopes
carrying visitors up 3,700ft (1,100m) above sea level in just eight
minutes. At the top, apart from magical views of the city below, is
the 'Theatre in the Sky', which offers a high-tech presentation
about Vancouver. There is also a cedar longhouse called the Hiwus
Feasthouse that offers the chance to experience native West Coast
culture with displays of dancing, storytelling, chanting and native
cuisine. There are hiking trails up the side of Grouse Mountain and
on the east side one of them features the Grouse Grind, which is
billed as the world's biggest stair-climb. Mountain biking is also
a popular pursuit on the mountainside, as is, of course, skiing and
snowboarding in the winter months.
Hours of Operation: Daily 9am to 10pm
Phone:(604) 984 0661 or (604) 980 9311 |
6. Pacific National Exhibition (PNE)
Corner of Hastings Street and Renfrew Street
www.pne.ca |
What is it? Since 1910, the Pacific National Exhibition
or PNE as it is more commonly known, has been drawing thousands of
visitors who have come to enjoy an enormous variety of shows,
concerts, sports events, exhibitions, amusement park rides and a
PNE staple, the annual Fair in summer. The Fair was originally
begun in order to showcase British Columbia to the rest of Canada
and its focus was on industrial exhibits, but today, an array of
entertainment and family fun is on offer, with circus shows,
musical extravaganzas and the regular and incredibly popular
Superdogs 'canine antics' show. The Playland Amusement Park at the
PNE covers over 15 acres of thrills and spills, including the
Wooden Roller Coaster (built in 1958) and other amusement park
favourites such as a shooting gallery, mazes, the 'Asylum of
Terror' and other fun-filled rides and attractions. The Pacific
Coliseum at the PNE is a favourite venue for live international and
local concerts, and it also plays host to the Vancouver Giants
Junior Ice Hockey League.
Hours of Operation: Opening times vary. Playland is open 14 April to 1
October; the Fair from 19 August to 4 September
Phone:(604) 253 2311 |
7. Queen Elizabeth Park
Due to construction, use East Entrance on 33rd
Avenue
www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/Parks/parks/queenelizabeth |
What is it? Transformed from an ugly stone quarry in the
1950s, the exquisite Queen Elizabeth Park now boasts lush gardens
bursting with flowers, the Bloedel Floral Conservatory, a
restaurant, a Pitch and Putt course and much more. The park
receives about six million visitors annually who come to enjoy a
360° view of Vancouver from its highest point, 505 feet (167m)
above sea level. The Bloedel Floral Conservatory, with its
characteristic geodesic dome, is home to over 100 species of
tropical birds that free-fly in the area, as well as hundreds of
species of exotic plants and flowers. Other highlights of the park
include the Quarry Garden; J. Seward Johnson's sculpture "The Photo
Session," the Lions Clock and the arboretum, with its fine examples
of indigenous trees from across Canada. Spring is an excellent time
to visit the park as it becomes a riot of colour, with white and
pink cherry blossoms and all sorts of flowers displaying their
finest.
Hours of Operation: Park open daily. Bloedel Floral Conservatory: 9am to
8pm weekdays; 10am to 9pm weekends
Phone:(604) 257 8400 (Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation)
or (604) 257 8584 (Bloedel Floral Conservatory) |
8. Granville Island
www.granvilleisland.com |
What is it? What was once a run-down industrial area is
now a thriving entertainment and shopping centre, with a vibrant
market central to the Island's activities, as well as the Emily
Carr Institute of Art and Design, a theatre and brewery. The island
is easily accessible, located in the middle of Vancouver under the
Granville Street Bridge on the south shore of False Creek and
linked by a road to the city, barely seeming like a separate
entity, but a relaxing 'city break' nonetheless. The public market
is a riot of colours, smells and tastes and fresh produce, fresh
meats and fish, flowers, tasty treats, crafts, clothing and
souvenirs are on offer. The separate Kids Market is a must for
children, with toy stores, games and more and the Maritime Market
offers everything from boat-builders, a museum and tours, to
appropriate boating clothing and supplies. Visits to the Granville
Island Brewing Company and taste-tests of their brews are possible,
or for something more cultural, one can catch a show at the
Island's theatre or enjoy a student art show at the Emily Carr
Institute. Perhaps the best way to enjoy the Island, however, is to
grab something to eat from one of the many stalls, choose a table
outside and watch the people go by, or take a self-guided tour,
being sure not to miss the picturesque houseboats docked at the
Island.
Hours of Operation: Public Market: 9am to 7pm daily with tours every
Wednesday and Saturday at 8.30am
Phone:(604) 666 5784 |
9. Lonsdale Quay
123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
www.lonsdalequay.com |
What is it? Situated in North Vancouver, Lonsdale Quay
not only offers spectacular views of downtown Vancouver and its
harbour, as well as the north shore mountains, but a variety of
shops, restaurants and an excellent public market. The best way to
experience the Quay is to catch the SeaBus from Waterfront Station
on Cordova Street in downtown Vancouver, a fifteen minute ride that
allows one to relax and enjoy the view, watch seaplanes land and
see what cruise ships are in the harbour, before embarking on some
retail therapy. The market, though slightly smaller than that of
Granville Island, boasts mouth-watering fresh goods, from seafood
to fresh fruit and vegetables, pastries and sweets and there is a
wide range of foods available, including Mexican, Greek, Japanese,
Indian and more. There are also a variety of stalls selling all
sorts of arts and crafts, souvenirs and clothing and the retail
level boasts plenty of boutiques, a kids play area and specialty
kids stores, topped by the Lonsdale Quay hotel. A climb up the
Quay's signature red tower with its large Q on top is a good way to
work off all the delicious food and to enjoy spectacular views of
the city and mountains.
Hours of Operation: Market: daily 9.30am to 6.30pm; restaurants open
later. Retail level: daily 10am to 6.30pm. Between May and August
both areas close at 7pm
Phone:(604) 985 6261 |
10. Capilano Suspension Bridge
Capilano Road, North Vancouver
www.capbridge.com |
What is it? Built in 1889, the Capilano Suspension Bridge
is one of Vancouver's oldest and most popular tourist attractions,
with plenty of activities and sights in the park for visitors to
enjoy, besides the bridge itself. Stretching 450 feet (137m) across
and perched 230 feet (70m) above the Capilano River, the bridge was
originally made of cedar planks and hemp rope, but is now a more
sturdy construction of reinforced steel and concrete; though still
not for the faint-hearted. A recent addition to the park is the
Treetops Adventure, where elevated suspension bridges allow
visitors a spectacular view of the rainforest, while they walk
above the forest floor between Douglas Fir trees. Other attractions
in the park include a story centre, a First Nations Cultural Centre
where visitors can see carvers, weavers and beaders at work, a
large collection of First Nations Totem Poles, and guided tours of
the rainforest. Admission includes all these sights and activities,
and there are also several food options and a
shop.
Hours of Operation: Times can vary daily, usually between 9am and 7.30pm
but see website for details. Closed Christmas Day
Phone:(604) 985 7474 |
11. Vancouver Art Gallery
750 Hornby Street
www.vanartgallery.bc.ca |
What is it? Established in 1931, the Vancouver Art
Gallery boasts thousands of national and international exhibitions
by a range of artists, sculptors and photographers, housed in a
turn-of-the-century heritage building in the centre of downtown
Vancouver. Perhaps one of the most impressive collections in the
Gallery is that of British Columbian artist Emily Carr. Over 200 of
her pieces, recording the beauty and diversity of British Columbia
and First Nations culture, as well as informative displays on her
career and works can be found here, under the permanent exhibit
entitled Emily Carr: Art, Place, Culture.
National and international touring exhibitions also take place
regularly at the Gallery, from Picasso to Rodin, Andy Warhol and
others. Whether you prefer the Old Masters or more contemporary
artists, the Vancouver Art Gallery is well worth paying a
visit.
Hours of Operation: Monday, Wednesday, Friday to Sunday and holidays 10am
to 5.30pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am to 9pm. Fourth Friday of
every month 10am to 11pm
Phone:(604) 662 4719 |
12. Vancouver Lookout at the Harbour Centre
555 West Hastings Street
www.vancouverlookout.com |
What is it? Perhaps one of the best ways to begin one's
visit to Vancouver is with a trip up the Harbour Centre Tower to
the Lookout, where one can enjoy a 360 degree view of the city,
Greater Vancouver, the North Shore mountains and on a clear day,
even neighbouring Vancouver Island. A 45-second trip in the
glass-fronted Skylift elevator delivers visitors to the Lookout and
informative signs point out key attractions in the city and
surrounds. As tickets are valid for the entire day and evening,
visitors can also enjoy a cup of coffee while watching the sunset
from the Lookout or see the lights of the city begin to twinkle
below. The tower is also home to The Top of Vancouver Revolving
Restaurant, though run separately from the Lookout, and visitors
can enjoy the unique experience of dining above the city while the
restaurant completes a full revolution every hour. The Skylift to
the restaurant is free. The Harbour Centre itself is home to part
of the Simon Fraser University campus, several shops and a food
court.
Hours of Operation: Daily 8.30am to 10.30pm (1 May to 14 October); 9am to
9pm (16 October to 30 April). Last elevator ride 20 minutes before
closing
Phone:(604) 689 0421 |
13. VanDusen Botanical Garden
5251 Oak Street (37th Avenue and Oak)
www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/parks/parks/vandusen/website |
What is it? With 22 hectares (55 acres) and roughly
11,000 different plant species, VanDusen Botanical Garden is a
spectacular showcase of the natural world, right in the heart of
Vancouver. Landscaped gardens are laid out exquisitely and specific
areas are cultivated to demonstrate botanical relationships or
geographical origins, such as the popular Rhododendron Walk or the
Sino Himalayan Garden. One of the most popular events held in the
garden is the annual Festival of Lights, when the beauty of the
flowers is matched by over a million dazzling lights, set up in
order to celebrate the festive season. Choirs and carol singers,
visits with Santa, a Dancing Light display on Lake Island in the
park, the Golden Chain Walk, magicians and tasty treats are all
part of this family favourite, running from 9-31 December each
year. Daily walking and cart tours are available in the garden from
April to October at 2pm and also at 11am on
Wednesdays.
Hours of Operation: 10am to 4pm (January to December); 10am to 5pm (March
and October); 10am to 6pm (April); 10am to 8pm (May); 10am to 9pm
(June to August); 10am to 7pm (September). Festival of Lights: 5pm
to 9pm. Closed Christmas Day
Phone:(604) 878 9274 |
14. Commercial Drive
Commercial Drive (from Venables to Grandview)
www.thedrive.ca |
What is it? Commercial Drive is as non-commercial as it
gets, though it has become one of Vancouver's most eclectic, and
increasingly trendy, neighbourhoods. What started out as a skid
road for the lumber industry in the late 1800s, swiftly became a
neighbourhood of English tradesmen and shopkeepers with the birth
of the interurban railway. World War I brought an influx of
Chinese, Italian and Eastern European immigrants and World War II
saw a vast increase in the Italian population, earning the Drive
the moniker 'Little Italy' for many years. Diversity and energy are
still the hallmarks of this area, and an afternoon is well spent
exploring its various treasures, from all types of food to chic
boutiques, second-hand stores, live music venues and more. Join a
drum circle in Grandview Park, go ice-skating at the Britannia
Community Centre rink, go bowling at the Grandview Lanes, enjoy a
delicious Italian gelato or espresso, or simply grab a table at one
of the may bars or restaurants, and people watch. There are always
plenty of festivals and events going on, too, such as the Parade of
Lost Souls on the Saturday before Halloween, the Drive Festival in
June and the Eastside Culture Crawl in
November.
Hours of Operation:
Phone:(604) 251 2884 (Commercial Drive Business
Society) |
15. Gulf Islands
www.gulfislandsguide.com |
What is it? Tucked in the Strait of Georgia, in between
Vancouver Island and the mainland, are the picturesque Gulf
Islands. More than a dozen of these long, thin islands, and
numerous islets, can be found on Canada's West Coast and each
island has its own character and beauty, making them well worth a
visit. Originally home to the Coast Salish First Nations, the
Spanish and English soon followed, laying claim to the island
chain. Nowadays, the islands are home to artists, writers, retirees
and those seeking a more community-based lifestyle, and many
Vancouverites escape to holiday homes tucked in amongst the
rainforest. Large parts of the islands have been designated as
Marine Parks, preserving the land for the numerous birds and
animals that also call the islands home. Bowen Island is only a
20-minute ferry ride from West Vancouver's Horseshoe Bay and
visitors can enjoy a stroll from Snug Harbour, past the historic
Union Steamship Company store, grab a bite to eat or take a walk in
the Crippen Regional Park. Galiano Island is the second biggest of
the group, and is about the size of Manhattan Island in New York.
Only 50 minutes away on the Tsawassen ferry on the Lower Mainland,
Galiano Island draws all sorts of visitors who come to picnic in
Bellhouse Park; take a walk through the lush rainforest up to
Bluffs Park to enjoy spectacular views of neighbouring Islands;
indulge in a spot of fishing, kayaking or golf; or to visit to one
of the local galleries or shops. Many of the islands host events
and festivals each year where the community spirit and laid-back
atmosphere typical of the Gulf Islands is
evident.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
Vancouver Holidays guide
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Transport -The efficient, integrated Translink public
transport system is good value and includes buses; electric trolley
buses; the computerised Sky Train (light rail) that has four
underground downtown stops as well as an elevated track; West Coast
Express trains (week days only) and SeaBus passenger ferries that
connect downtown to North Vancouver.
More information at the |
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