Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Bowen Island

"Stanley Park is a glorious 1,000 acre (400ha) public park at the northernmost tip of downtown Vancouver. As well as views of the beautiful Burrard Inlet and English Bay, you can find beaches, walking trails, local wildlife, and Canada’s largest aquarium. Walk or cycle the 3.4mi (8.8km) sea wall that loops around the coastline, soaking up incredible views of the northern mountains and the Lions Gate Bridge."

"Vancouver’s Chinatown is home to the first Ming Dynasty-styled garden built outside of China, with 52 craftsmen coming from Suzhou, China, to ensure the authenticity of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Named in honor of the first president of the Republic of China, the garden takes visitors back to 15th century China, though it was built only in the mid 1980s. The garden’s rocks that were imported from Suzhou, plants, water and architecture blend into an oasis of serenity in this bustling city."

"You can also visit some of the firm-favourites such as; Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and the Millennium Gate."

"Right next to the garden you can find the enormous Queen Elizabeth Park which attracts both locals and tourists alike. Centered around Little Mountain, the highest point in the city, it boasts breathtaking views over Vancouver and has loads of lovely green spaces and fun outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Besides walking, jogging, and cycling around its scenic confines, you can play pitch-and-putt golf or tennis, with countless playing fields and sports facilities."

"Having the highest point in the city, it is worth the trip to enjoy the view of both the mountains and the Vancouver skyline. Queen Elizabeth Park, a former quarry, has dancing fountains that delight spectators both day and night, plenty of green spaces, tennis courts, the Queen Elizabeth Pitch and Putt , and an off-leash dog area. Queen Elizabeth Park is also home to The Bloedel Conservatory, which has 500 tropical plants and over one hundred exotic birds."

"Pack up a picnic and be sure to smell and see the beautiful flowers at Queen Elizabeth Park. With gorgeous views and lots of space, it’ll be your own piece of park paradise. View this post on Instagram"

"The tours stop at many of Vancouver’s most popular sites, including Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium and Granville Island, as well as neighbourhoods like Chinatown and Gastown. Continue your orientation of the city with a Sea Vancouver tour of the city’s harbour by Zodiac, or head to FlyOver Canada, a 4D flight simulation that will have you soaring above our country’s astounding natural landscape. Spend the rest of the afternoon on the city’s famous shopping strip, Robson Street, or familiarize yourself with the works of British Columbia’s best known artist, Emily Carr, at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Finish off the day with dinner at a restaurant with a view of Vancouver’s majestic mountains."

"Halfway along Water Street, the oddly popular Steam Clock is a tourist magnet that lures the cameras with its tooting steam whistle. Built in 1977, the clock's mechanism is actually driven by electricity; only the pipes on top are steam fueled (reveal that to the patiently waiting tourists and you might cause a riot). It sounds every 15 minutes and marks each hour with little whistling symphonies."

"A working steam clock, one of only a few in the world, located in Vancouver's Victorian Gastown. Vancouver, British Columbia"

"Gastown, named after 'Gassy' Jack Deighton - a Yorkshire seaman, steamboat captain and barman who opened the area's first saloon in 1867 - Gastown is where Vancouver began. A self-guided walk will reveal the area's colourful history."

"George Wainborn Park in Yaletown brings together Vancouver’s beautiful nature and it’s urban architecture in close proximity, delivering space to lounge around and bring a picnic, juxtaposed against the hustle and bustle of the city. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Won Kang (@urbansketcherwest)"

"The chill, tropical vibes are flowing at Kokomo, a new plant-based eatery in Chinatown that serves smoothies, acai bowls, lunch bowls, and Cocowhip. Their open-air concept (thanks to a roll-up garage door) makes this counter-service eatery the place to be during summertime, and their food might be some of the most delicious plant-based cuisine in town. Try the hemp caesar (sunflower seed dressing, topped with marinated chickpeas) and a cup of Cocowhip (Australian soft-serve made with coconut water)."

"If you need a break from all the comfort food, try Kokomo for lighter, healthier fare. Specializing in delicious and colourful bowls of goodness, the All-Day Brekkie Macro Bowl is a winner, as is their Golden Laksa Noodles Bowl. They also offer delicious vegan soft serve with various toppings, smoothies, cold brew, and coconut yogurt."

"Location: 2961 Broadway, VancouverCategory: BurgersDescription: If you’re on Broadway doing some shopping, stop into the Tera V Burger for a satisfying meat-free burger with a side of baked fries."

"Came here after years since i didnt like the burger when i came last time but i saw they might be under new management and had veggie nuggets and thought..."

"The Juice Truck was one of Vancouver's cold-pressed juice pioneers, hitting the street with their reddish-pink truck and selection of juices and fresh smoothies. They've managed to remain a dominant force in the juice and plant-based eating game in town, with multiple store fronts and a best-selling book."

"This might be the freshest and healthiest food truck around. Grab a delicious, cold-pressed juice or smoothie all made from the best organic ingredients around."

"Gastown's iconic food truck serving smoothies, cold-pressed juice and a smaller selection of lunch items, like salads and light snacks."

"2342 Granville Street Vancouver, BC V6H 3G3 604 738 1077WEBSITE | MAP. The gallery showcases and promotes established and emerging Canadian talents"

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Just because Vancouver is surrounded by some of the world’s most stunning natural beauty doesn’t mean you should come to expect nothing beautiful indoors too. The city’s Art Gallery, located in downtown Vancouver, is home to over 10,000 art pieces, ranging from Canadian and British paintings to the photographic works of artists like Ansel Adams and Henri Cartier-Bresson. Guided tours are always available, but for something both interactive and slightly different, try to make it for a FUSE event, where DJ’s and artists perform throughout the galleries from 8 pm to 1 am."

"Founded in 1931, the permanent collection of the gallery consists of 11.000 artworks including over 200 works by Emily Carr, The Group of Seven, Jeff Wall, Harry Callahan and Marc Chagall. The gallery hosts regular touring exhibits and lectures, it is home to a gift shop and a cute cafe. On Tuesday evenings from 5 to 9 pm admission is by donation."

"The Vancouver Art Gallery is a small but mighty gallery filled with cool exhibits that switch up every so often. Grab some clean shots with the art deco-style interior, or snap some photos of the artwork. It’s located in downtown Vancouver, and Tuesday evenings are pay-what-you-can by donation!"

"On June 13, 1886, there was the Great Vancouver Fire, which took many buildings with it. The Hastings Mill Store was left untouched, leaving it to be Vancouver's oldest building. It wasn't originally at this location, but was built in Gastown and was saved from demolition and put on a barge to it's current location."

"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."