Best Arts and Culture Places in West Vancouver

"Located in Vancouver’s former main courthouse, the Vancouver Art Gallery is the largest art museum in Western Canada. Francis Rattenbury designed the neoclassical building in 1905, and it features marble imported from Vermont, Tennessee, and Alaska. In 1980, it became a Canadian National Historic Site."

"Combining blockbuster international shows with selections from its striking contemporary collection, the VAG is a magnet for art fans. There are often three or four different exhibitions on its public levels but... Beach in Downtown & West End"

"The Art gallery at Vancouver will take you to see the power of art. This art gallery is the most interesting and innovative visual art institution. There is no lack of culture in Vancouver."

"Museum of Anthropology at UBC: An informative museum highlighting The First Nations of Canada. Kitsilano Beach: An excellent place to relax with scenic views of Vancouver. You can also swim here when the weather is warm."

"Go to the Museum of Anthropology to find out about the Northwest Coast First Nations people Try some candied salmon - locally caught, hot-smoked salmon glazed with maple syrup"

"An enormous totem pole greets visitors at the entrance to this historical building which has been redesigned to showcase indigenous culture and art. It gives a global platform to tribal artists, and its Fair Trade Gallery features original paintings, jewellery, pottery and wood carvings for sale. But even sleeping in one of the 18 unique suites is a 101 in First Nations folklore; designed by six local artists, each room tells a visual story through installations."

"The massive totem pole jutting out from the peaked roof gives you a hint why Skwachàys Lodge, Canada’s first aboriginal boutique arts hotel, occupies its own niche. Part visitor accommodation and part social housing, the property isn't just a place to stay, but rather a cultural experience unlike any other you’ll find in Vancouver. Skwachàys was once a rundown single-room occupancy hotel, but a CDN$10.5 million renovation gave it a brand-new life."

"Hidden behind the unassuming doors of the Rennie Museum is one of Canada’s largest collections of contemporary art. Opened in 2009, the collection focuses on topics that surround identity, social commentary, injustice and appropriation. Entrance is free but the museum is only open to the public on Saturdays by appointment."

"A private museum that you have to book to get into, but definitely worth the minimal effort required. Make a story out of the exhibition, and take a main page post on the roof, it’s a win-win scenario. Definitely one of the coolest buildings you can check out in Vancouver."

"Make sure to stop off for a drink at Keefer Bar and Fortune Sound Club and check out Rennie Collection at Wing Sang (which offers free entry). You can also visit some of the firm-favourites such as; Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and the Millennium Gate."

"Known previously as the Presentation House Gallery, this North Van gallery is the largest non-profit photographic gallery in Western Canada. Operating since 1981, The Polygon focuses on – but is not limited to – contemporary photography with an emphasis on Canadian work. The gallery itself is a modern and bright 25.000-square-feet (2322-square-metre) building with stunning water views."

"Just steps away from the hotel, North Vancouver’s stunning new waterfront art attraction, The Polygon Gallery, truly offers a one-of-a-kind space to encounter photography and media art. The Polygon is open Wednesday 10:00am to 5:00pm, Thursday 10:00am to 8:00pm, and Friday to Sunday 10:00am to 5:00pm. No appointments required to view the exhibitions."

"A modernist masterpiece that sits on the water in North Van. And, admission is by donation!. Ironically, this is one of two places on this list where Nemesis Coffee will be setting up shop."

"This gallery, in the heart of downtown Vancouver is dedicated to contemporary Indigenous Northwest Coast Art and honours Haida artist, Bill Reid and his contribution to the art world. Bill Reid was a master goldsmith, carver, sculptor and acclaimed writer. The Bill Reid Gallery is a small, intimate museum with exhibits presented with video interviews and insights."

"Photo courtesy of Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art (Facebook). Bill Reid is a national treasure and is known as a very talented Haida master goldsmith, sculptor, writer, carver and spokesman. Though his life ended in 1998, his legacy lives on in the small gallery in downtown Vancouver."

"The oldest building that is still surviving in Vancouver is the Hastings Mill Store. It was once located on the South shore of the Burrard Inlet. Built in 1865 and dedicated to Captain Edward Stamp, Hastings Mill Store was used as a sawmill company under Edward’s possession."

"Queen Elizabeth Park is Vancouver’s highest point, clocking in at 410ft (125m) above sea level. Thanks to its central location, the park has some of the best views of the city’s impressive skyline, with a stunning backdrop of the North Vancouver mountains. The park is a popular picnic spot, with plenty of green space to relax with family or friends."

"Home to the Bloedel Conservatory and Seasons in the Park, Queen Elizabeth Park in the Shaughnessy/Cambie area is a major Vancouver tourist attraction. And for that reason, isn’t my favourite place to photograph. It tends to be very busy through spring, fall and summer, especially on weekends and evenings."

"Queen Elizabeth Park and Gardens: A gorgeous place for a leisurely stroll, particularly during springtime. Cherry blossom hunting: Come to Vancouver in the springtime to catch beautiful blooms all over the city. There’s even a handy map."

"Vancouver's Chinatown has a couple of notable parks to visit. The neighborhood's Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden charges admission, but right next door is the free-entry Dr Sun Yat-Sen Park that echoes the same ancient horticultural ideals. The paid attraction is more ornate and has guided tours, but its freebie sibling includes a similar turtle-rippled lily pond and terracotta-topped perimeter walls."

"Wander around Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Chinatown Head up the Harbour Centre Tower for a final view of the city, harbour and mountains"