Vancouver Attractions Guide

From Shakespeare on the beach to theatre underground, from world-class ballet to the world’s greatest suspension bridge: the top 50 things to see and do in lotus land.

Even by North American standards, Vancouver is a young city. We have a few prized heritage sites, but glassy condo towers, fresh as unwrapped sticks of gum, lean more heavily into view than bricks and marble. Maybe this is why Vancouverites like to show off the mountains and forests to visiting guests, and also why we’re eager to take them to performances by our creative luminaries: we’re determined to instill awe by whatever means necessary. Fortunately there’s more than enough local substance to impress. In the absence of centuries of inertia, culture and geography in Vancouver can pas de deux or slamdance at will. Singletrack mountain bike racing and Japanese Butoh dance companies may seem unrelated, but like the many other attractions in the following section, they hint at Vancouver’s elusive, still-forming character. The point, of course, is the fun you’ll have discovering it.

Arts & Culture

Punjabi Market
The authentic epicentre of Punjabi shopping. Find saris, spices, jewellery, trinkets galore and buffets serving up saag paneer and traditional desserts like laddoos and gulab jamun.
Main and 49th streets.

Bard On The Beach
Two giant tents are erected on the Vanier Park waterfront from June through September for staging of old Will’s classics as well as more unusual fare. The mainstage tent is openended, so actors perform (on clear days, anyway) against a backdrop of mountains and ocean.
Vanier Park | 604-739-0559.

Vancouver Aquarium
Swimming with the sharks at lunchtime might be familiar to anyone corporate, but divers at the Vancouver Aquarium perform a more elegant version with blacktip reef sharks on Wednesdays and Sundays at 1:30. Visitors aren’t allowed to participate, but the Aquarium does offer visitors a chance to get hands-on with less formidable creatures like horseshoe crabs, sea stars and even nonaquatic residents like corn snakes and a red-tail hawk. Open seven days a week year-round, its 166 displays feature over 70,000 animals, from West Coast mammals (sea lions, sea otters and harbour seals, among others) to exotic species like Amazonian caimans and electric eels. For a fee you can go behind the scenes on a Trainer Tour ($35-$50 for one adult-and-child pair) to interact with sea otters or Steller’s sea lions, or help train a whale on a Beluga Encounter ($150/person, $210 per adult and child). It also offers a unique “Sleepovers” program: after-hours adventures that put a new spin on the mobster expression “sleeping with fishes.”
Stanley Park | 604-659-3400.

Chan Centre For The Performing Arts
Designed as a kind of gigantic cello and outfitted with a 37-tonne chandelier-like acoustic canopy system, the Chan is one of the choicest venues in town for theatre, opera and classical music performances.
UBC Campus | 604-822-2697.

Ballet British Columbia
Before taking over as Ballet British Columbia’s artistic director, John Alleyne was warned by friends in Toronto that Vancouver was too beautiful a city to inspire worthwhile art. But in the 13 years since Alleyne took the job, the company has managed to impress and startle audiences worldwide with performances of commissioned works by Alleyne and acclaimed Canadian choreographers like James Kudelka and Serge Bennathan. The 14-member company was established in 1986 with the covert intention of overthrowing any vestiges of Vancouver’s reputation as a cultural lightweight, and it has succeeded with gusto. Innovative and uncompromising productions of such works as The Don Juan Variations and The Faerie Queen have wowed critics from Tokyo to New York City and attracted attention to Alleyne’s collaborative approach to choreography. Now a confirmed Vancouverite, Alleyne still appreciates working with an intimate core of artists: “When there are only 14 dancers in a company, there is no place to hide.”
604-732-5003.

TheatreSports
Begun in 1980, Theatre-Sports has managed to keep its shtick fresh for more than 200,000 audience members a year (Ryan Stiles of TV’s Whose Line Is It Anyway? is just one of TheatreSports’ famous alumni). In addition to competitive improv, there’s usually a funny riff on some current TV phenomenon (CSI and The Apprentice are recent victims).
Granville Island | 604-738-7013.

Kokoro Dance
Performing the beautiful, scary and amazing dance known as “Butoh,” rooted in post-Second World War Japanese forms, the company appears in various venues throughout the year, including an annual performance at Wreck Beach.
604-662-7441.

Vancouver Maritime Museum
The best part of the museum is the St. Roch, an RCMP schooner that patrolled the Canadian Arctic in the ’30s and ’40s, but there’s plenty more in the way of pirates, warships and shipwrecks. Kids can get hands-on at the Alcan Children’s Maritime Discovery Centre.
Vanier Park | 604-257-8300.

Vancouver Art Gallery
Even if the featured exhibits at one of the continent’s leading contemporary-art venues don’t ring your bell, the ongoing display of significant works by Emily Carr justifies the $15 admission alone.
750 Hornby Street | 604-662-4719.

Science World
Hundreds of “teachable moment” interactive displays that are actually fun, including optical illusions, virtual musical instruments and OMNIMAX films on a five-storey dome screen.
1455 Quebec Street | 604-443-7443.

Storyeum
Theatre under the cars: at Storyeum, descend into the depths below Gastown to see western Canadian history come alive in a huge underground theatrical venue (seven stages in an area the size of six hockey rinks).
142 Water Street | 604-687-8142.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
The Chinese characters inscribed on the plaque near the entrance to the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden are translated as “Yi Yuan” or “Garden of Ease.” This authentic recreation of a Ming-dynasty-era (1368-1644) scholar’s garden was the first to be built outside its cultural homeland. The serene retreat of trickling waterfalls and traditional architecture lives up to the calligraphy: the prevailing tranquillity evokes another time and place, making it a magnet for poets, painters and residents of the surrounding Chinatown district. Named for the revolutionary who overthrew the Qing dynasty, the garden was built in the mid-’80s by 52 master artisans from Suzhou who eschewed the use of nails, screws and power tools in favour of 16th-century methods. The result is a sanctuary laden with Taoist symbolism and intricate landscaping, as well as a venue for ongoing cultural events like pottery and painting exhibitions, classical music performances and traditional seasonal festivals.
578 Carrall Street | 604-662-3207.

BC Sports Hall Of Fame and Museum
The only place in town where you can find out how many goals Frank Patrick scored in 1910 to set a defenceman’s record. Find 20,000 square feet of B.C. athletes like Terry Fox and Rick Hansen making sports history.
777 Pacific Boulevard | 604-687-5520.

H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
Thankfully planetariums and laser light shows didn’t disappear along with rollerskating rinks, because listening to Pink Floyd while staring at galaxies and pattern effects is as good now as it was when you were 16. Next door is an observatory with a half-metre Cassegrain telescope for some glimpses beyond the Vancouver metro region.
1100 Chestnut Street | 604-738-7827.

Vancouver Museum
Museum holdings include everything from an Egyptian mummy to First Nations’ artifacts, while feature exhibits have explored less traditional territory like local hippie culture (with original footage of the Stanley Park Be-In) and skateboard design.
Vanier Park | 604-736-4431.

UBC Museum Of Anthropology
The informal founder of the Museum of Anthropology was a Scottish immigrant named Frank Burnett who, some might say, couldn’t resist souvenirs. Between 1898 and 1920 he travelled throughout the South Pacific accumulating over a thousand artifacts, most of which he donated to UBC in 1927. This first endowment snowballed into the Museum of Anthropology’s present collection of 535,000 ethnological and archaeological pieces from around the world, with special focus on B.C.’s First Nations. In 1976 the collection was moved from the basement of the Main Library to its current home, a 38,000-square-foot space designed by renowned Canadian architect Arthur Erickson. The Great Hall’s postand- beam architecture opens up to 15-metre glass walls to accommodate totem poles from Nisga’a, Haida and other First Nations; the rotunda displays Bill Reid’s famous sculpture “The Raven and the First Men,” carved from a massive block of yellow cedar formed of 106 planks. Unique “visible storage” areas allow viewing of masks, basketry, weapons and thousands of other objects.
6393 N.W. Marine Drive | 604-822-3825.

UBC Botanical Garden
is a window into the fascinating world of plants. With more than 10,000 different plants on display, visitors can stroll through 110 acres of gardens to see Alpine and Asian treasures, medicinal and culinary plants and the towering trees of a BC coastal native forest. Visit the Shop in the Garden and Plant Centre, specialising in gifts, books, hard-to-find and rare plants and seeds. While you are on the UBC campus, don’t miss Nitobe Memorial Garden, one of the best traditional Japanese gardens in N. America. 6804 S.W. Marine Dr. (at 16th), 604-822-4529.

Get Outside

Ports Alive.
Hungry for adventure? Take an exclusive excursion into Vancouver’s living, working harbour. Up-close and personal. Spend 90 minutes experiencing a variety of sights and sounds including landmarks, historical sites, commercial activity and indigenous plants and animals. Guests explore the Harbour in custom- designed 33-foot vessels equipped with the latest in audiovisual technology, enhancing the experience. These boats are fast and agile, getting us to where the action is in a hurry. Year round. It’s truly a different adventure every time we’re on the water! 604-484-9096.

Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve/Rice Lake Loop
The birthplace of North Shore-style mountain biking (steep, fast and tricked out with jumps), the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve is renowned as some of the “sickest” mountain biking terrain on the planet — so if you’re looking to test your mettle on some classic trails, this is the place to be (check out Darrin Polischuk’s Mountain Biking British Columbia (Yellow Hat Press) for the inside scoop). But if hurtling down a single-track trail and leaping old growth stumps isn’t your idea of a good time, fear not. There are tamer pleasures to be had, including 25 kilometres of hiking trails that vary in length and strenuousness. Anglers can fish for steelhead in the Seymour River or rainbow trout in Rice Lake, which also features a pleasant walk on the surrounding Loop trail. There’s even a paved, 10-kilometre wilderness path that’s ideal for strollers and in-line skaters.
North end of Lillooet Road, North Vancouver | 604-990-0483.

Bloedel Floral Conservatory
The Conservatory’s triodetic dome looks like a prop from a 1960s sci-fi flick but is really habitat for hundreds of tropical, subtropical and desert plant and bird species. If lousy weather’s got you down, head here and talk to the parrots.
Queen Elizabeth Park | 604-257-8584.

Capilano Suspension Bridge
They call it bungee walking and swear it’s strong enough to support a loaded 747, but you’ll still be scared.
3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver | 604-985-7474.

Vandusen Botanical Gardens
Seventy-five hundred plant varieties equals garden paradise— and an Elizabethan hedge maze, too!
5251 Oak Street | 604-878-9274.

George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary
If you can’t remember the last time you saw a red-necked phalarope or Hudsonian godwit, you may be in luck at the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary. The 850-acre wetland provides habitat for over 250 bird species and now attracts 60,000 annual visitors as one of Canada’s top bird-watching sites. The low-lying intertidal marshes feature watchtowers, bird blinds and wheelchair-accessible dikes for easy viewing. Resident ducks and teals rub wingtips with seasonal jet-setters like the lesser snow goose (fresh from breeding grounds in the Russian Arctic) and rarities like the black-crowned night heron. Dogs and bikes should be left behind, but with decent binoculars and some patience you could spot the bird of the year (recent winners: the purple martin and the prothonotory warbler). Pick up some birdseed for the mallards and keep your eyes peeled. First one to spot a gyrfalcon wins.
Westham Island, Delta | 604-946-6980.

Lynn Canyon
This North Vancouver park is 250 hectares of temperate rainforest surrounding Lynn Creek. A local favourite for easy hikes, summer river dips and a lesser known but still no less nerve-wracking suspension bridge.
3663 Park Road, North Vancouver | 604-981-3103.

Grouse Grind/The Skyride
The Grouse Grind is the summer hike of choice for resident masochists, but the view-heavy Skyride is the year-round preference for those who want to do more than gasp once they reach the top (Grouse has a 853 metre elevation gain in only 2.9 km). $29.95 buys an adult round-trip plus admission to various seasonal resort activities.
6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver | 604-984-0661.

English Bay
Bring a blanket and lounge on the grass with your book, or walk the seawall path and see how many dog varieties you can name. Afterwards stop into the Sylvia Hotel for tea or something stronger (1154 Gilford Street, 604-681-9321): the grand dame of heritage hotels in the West End provides the perfect (licensed) resting point with a waterview.
Denman Street at Davie Street.

Vanier Park
On-shore breezes and long fetches of lawn make Vanier Park a kite’s best friend. Pick up a single-line delta (the beginner’s model) at Kites & Puppets on nearby Granville Island (in the Kids Market, 604-685-9877) and put your Charlie Brown phobias to rest.
1000 Chestnut Street | 604-257-8400.

Kitsilano Beach and Pool
Densely populated in summer with distractingly attractive volleyball players, Frisbee flingers and sunbathers. There’s also a giant heated saltwater pool (137 metres) where you can swim a mile in only 11 laps.
2305 Cornwall Avenue | 604-731-0011.

Wreck Beach
One of Canada’s two officially sanctioned nude beaches, Wreck Beach is located below UBC’s hallowed halls of academe. It’s named not for the physiques of the beachgoers but for several sunken barges in the vicinity.
Off Trail 6 along N.W. Marine Drive.

Lighthouse Park
The lighthouse is classic, but the real draw here is the rugged granite point that separates Burrard Inlet from Howe Sound. Possibly the most romantic sunset spot in greater Vancouver.
Beacon Lane off Marine Drive, West Vancouver | 604-925-7275

Stanley Park
When Stanley Park was officially opened in 1888 by Mayor David Oppenheimer, he christened it a place for Vancouver’s 6,000 citizens to “spend some time amid the beauties of nature, away from the busy haunts of men.” Despite the rather drastic increase in population since then, the park retains its wild integrity and offers urban residents and visitors a place to refresh their senses and get their ya-yas out. Over 400 hectares of mixed evergreen forest and open green spaces are bounded by the 8.9-km seawall, an essential experience beloved by local runners, in-line skaters and first-date couples. Circumnavigation by bicycle is allowed as well, but be sure to ride it counterclockwise — the path is narrow, and going against the flow could result in an unexpected swim. Along the way you’ll be treated to occasional sculptures, totem poles, plenty of seabirds, close-ups of the Lions Gate Bridge and, if your timing is right, an ice cream sandwich at the Second Beach concession.
Downtown Vancouver | 604-257-8400.

Architecture

The Marine Building
In an opening-day article published in 1930, the Vancouver Sun described the Marine Building as a great rock “rising from the sea, clinging with sea flora and fauna, tinted in seagreen, touched with gold.” Inside, architect George Nairne intended the 27-metre lobby to resemble a treasure-filled Mayan temple, featuring etched brass renditions of turtles, crabs and sea horses, elevators inlaid with 12 British Columbia hardwoods, and lavish murals celebrating historic voyages of ships like the Golden Hind and the Resolution. Inspired by New York’s Chrysler Building, it was the tallest in the British Empire in its day and originally commanded the entire Coal Harbour waterfront. A $20-million dollar renovation in the ’80s restored its glory, retaining its status as one of the world’s great art déco monuments.
355 Burrard Street.

Simon Fraser University
Concrete has its limitations, but as Arthur Erickson’s first major project (designed with the Acropolis and Italian terraces in mind), SFU’s campus is renowned as a benchmark of integrative architecture.
888 University Drive, Burnaby | 604-291-3111.

Vancouver Public Library
A hundred million buys a lot of critical commentary. Designed by architect Moshe Safdie and completed in 1995, the Vancouver Public Library building was the most expensive public project ever approved by the city. Its Colosseum-like appearance sparked an ongoing local and international scuffle, with many critics sniffing that its striking design was too derivative and, well, too striking, but Vancouverites—mostly— loved it. The ninestorey spiral structure of taupe-hued concrete incorporates 315 arches, as well as an atrium plaza and outdoor amphitheatre-style courtyard that serve as a popular hangout.
350 W. Georgia Street | 604-331-3603.

AIBC Walking Tours
Look up, eh. For $5 and a couple of hours of your time, the Architectural Institute of BC will walk you through the city’s beginnings in Gastown, the industrial lands of Yaletown or the unique storefronts in Chinatown.
100-440 Cambie Street | 604-683-8588.

Provincial Law Courts
Transparency in the legal system was architect Arthur Erickson’s metaphor; the reality is a glass roof that covers more than an acre. Gardens and a waterfall make it even more inviting.
800 Smithe Street | 604-660-8989.

Lions Gate Bridge
Nearing 70, the grand dame of Vancouver bridges still looks like a million bucks, especially since she was decked out with lights (a gift from the Guinness family in 1986) and a $125 million reconstruction effort. From Stanley Park you can walk across to the North Shore for the full experience.

Markets

Robson Street
Technically the shopping district is only three blocks long (featuring big name stores such as Virgin Records (788 Burrard Street), Banana Republic (1098 Robson Street) and BCBG (1080 Robson Street) alongside boutiques like Chachkas (1075 Robson Street) and Plenty (1107 Robson Street), but there’s lots of interesting overspill.

Granville Island
If Stanley Park is Vancouver’s wild heart, Granville Island is a large chunk of its soul. The Market is an excellent place to spend a couple of hours seeking out local gourmet items before treating yourself to the best food-court meal around. Just don’t linger too long watching the seagulls. For some inscrutable reason, the Market and many of the Island’s galleries and stores close every day at 7.
Under the Granville Bridge | 604-666-5784.

Asian Malls
East-meets-West capitalism has been at the heart of Vancouver’s growth for the past 20 years. To see what it looks like up close, check out the staggering display of goods at Asian malls like Parker Place (4830 No. 3 Road, 604-273-0276) and Aberdeen Centre (4400 Hazelbridge Way, 604-273-1234) in Richmond.

Lonsdale Quay
North Vancouver’s answer to Granville Island. Take the SeaBus in Gastown to the market shops and get great views of the Vancouver skyline on the way.
Foot of Lonsdale, North Vancouver | 604-985-6261.

For The Kids

In Vancouver, fair weather calls for outdoor spontaneity: grab a kid’s picnic lunch at Whole Foods Market in West Vancouver and head to Ambleside Beach. The totes include a sandwich on whole wheat or white (ham and cheese, turkey and cheese, or just plain-old cheese for the less adventurous eater), cookie, organic raisins and organic juice box. 925 Main Street, Village at Park Royal, 604-678-0500.

The five-acre Maplewood Farm features pony rides on weekends throughout July and August. The rest of the year kids can pet and feed a menagerie of domestic farm animals and birds. 405 Seymour River Place, North Vancouver, 604-929-5610.

Light streams through the glass roof at the Aquatic Centre, so pack tinted goggles. The pool’s warm waters (82°F/28°C) are popular with toddlers, while a tiny teach pool feels hot-tub warm (92°F/33°C). Or book childcare on Mondays or Wednesdays (9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sept. through June) and head to the lap pool yourself— Vancouver’s only 50-metre lap pool and its best. 1050 Beach Avenue, 604-665-3424.

Granville Island's Kids Market works like a charm for rainy days year-round, while the waterpark and playground perfectly suit sunny days during summer. Bring sunscreen and a modicum of patience for the crowds.

Outdoor swimming pools are open seasonally only in Vancouver so check with Vancouver Parks and Recreation for information (604-257-8400, city.vancouver.bc.ca). Kitsilano Beach Heated Outdoor Pool (2305 Cornwall Ave., 604-731-0011) is the only saltwater pool in Vancouver and can be accessed right off the beach. Second Beach Heated Outdoor Pool in Stanley Park (Stanley Park Drive, 604-257-8371) also features easy beach access since it lies on the picturesque shores of English Bay. Maple Grove Pool (6875 Yew Street, 604-266-9512) lies hidden in the heart of leafy Kerrisdale, and the pool floor graduates from zero depth to 3.5 feet. The surrounding green space is ideal for family picnics; a concession stand offers snacks (and, thoughtfully, swimming diapers) if you come empty-handed.

Rainy days, there’s refuge at The Kerrisdale Play Palace housed inside the Kerrisdale arena. Kids 12 and under have the run of the indoor playground filled with bouncy castles, toddler toys and foosball (open seasonally). 5670 East Blvd., 604-257-8123.

• Spas

Absolute Spa.
Absolute Spa has two downtown spas at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and Century Plaza Hotel and three spas in the Vancouver International Airport. The celebrities’ spa of choice pampers stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Gwyneth Paltrow and Elle Macpherson! West coast signature treatments include “Chocolate Splash Pedicures” and men’s treatments such as Warm Towel Shaves and Sports Massage! Show your room key at Vancouver’s No.1, 21-time-awarded Absolute Spas and receive a FREE gift. Book your Absolute experience at Vancouver’s largest, most luxurious spa. 604-321-4847.

Cabello Salon & Spa
is a luxurious, full-service salon and day spa. Their philosophy is to provide clients with a warm and inviting environment while their professionally trained staff nurtures the inner and outer self back to health. Specializing in relaxation, detoxification and rejuvenation, Cabello features packages for women, men, expectant mothers and teens. Escape the stresses of everyday life and enjoy a therapeutic indulgence today. 3518 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver, 604-267-4247.

Eccotique
is an AVEDA concept spa dedicated to providing the highest quality of service through their professionally trained service providers, amazing guest service, and their beautiful environment. They are dedicated to nurturing their guests’ every need. Some highlights are the Active Men’s Care treatments, the Radiant Facial, which immediately improves skin’s radiance and glow utilizing Tourmaline-charged products. What about a facial while adrift on warm, water-filled pillows or a Creamsicle Scrub to satisfy your craving for a sweet indulgence? Visit eccotique.com for more inspirational and lifestyleinspired experience!

Sacha Spa.
From the moment you enter, you are transported to an oasis where music, decor and treatments blend together to create a unique experience. Travel the world, visiting such destinations as Thailand, Morocco or India, each with its own distinctive offering of sensations and aromas of relaxation. Look and feel better with our body therapies, or choose one of several styles of massage therapy, guided by the healing hands of our skilled staff. 4-4308 Main Street, Whistler. Toll-free: 1-866-368-0888.

SpaEthos.
Voted Vancouver’s No. 1 Spa in 2004 by the Vancouver Courier, SpaEthos is a refined day spa located in the trendy Kitsilano area of Vancouver. Creating a contemplative retreat for guests, SpaEthos reflects natural, earthy elements with unique water features, curving cobble-stoned passageways, beautiful décor and finishing touches. Within this environment, guests can completely relax and enjoy an aromatic steam and unwind by the fire in the Intention Room. Request a relaxation massage, facial or pedicure in the comfort of a treatment room specifically designed for two guests. 2200 West 4th Avenue, 604-733-5007.

Vida Wellness Spas.
Welcome to a new spa experience. At Vida we are dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain balance through both traditional treatments as well as Vida’s signature ayurvedic treatments. With an award-winning West Coast environment that defines serenity, highly skilled therapists and exceptional customer service, any treatment at Vida Wellness Spa will leave a lasting impression. “Top notch… A Luxurious First Class Spa…” Vancouver Fashion Magazine. Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel, The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver, Fairmont Chateau Whistler, 1-800-401-4018.

Zennkai Salon
is known for their amazing prices on all top professional hair products, their creative stylist professionals and their recycling program. They have “Hair Raising Deals”: these product prices will blow you away, and Ethical Pricing, the lowest product prices everyday! Stylists are professionally trained and trendy to provide you with fabulous looking hair. The recycling program allows guests the benefits of returning empty containers of any beauty product in exchange for a MegaBuck coupon, used towards the purchase of a product at any of their locations. zennkai.com

Editor’s choice

Viewpoints
Of course, the Skyride up Grouse Mountain is the classic view over the city, but there are a few other local spots that provide some striking perspectives a little closer to sea level. At Queen Elizabeth Park you’re treated to a 360-degree view of Vancouver among the flowers, and at Prospect Point in Stanley Park (also heartbreak hill in the Vancouver International Half Marathon) a view to the north shore. A few of the to-dine-for views in the city include the Galley at Jericho Sailing Centre (1300 Discovery St., 604-222-1331), offering the best sunsets in town over pints and nachos; on the Sandbar patio on Granville Island (604-669-9030) you’ll be right under the girders of the Granville Street bridge and over False Creek. Best of all, as it cools down in the evenings fleece wraps, heated floors and roaring fireplaces help view-struck guests stick it out a little longer.