Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Downtown Vancouver

"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."

"We could write a stand alone article just on the best spots to take photographs in Stanley Park, Canada’s first, largest, and most iconic urban park. It’s size rivals that of the Vancouver downtown core and offers a much needed path into nature in the bustling city. Whether you have a quick moment to drive around the perimeter, or if you get a half day to wander the trails in the interior, you’ll soon realize why they don’t call it the jewel of Vancouver for nothing."

"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."

"The Dr. Sun yat-sen classical Chinese garden is the heart of Vancouver. This place reflects the cultural heritage and histories of Chinatown. The garden is at the heart of Chinatown."

"Situated in the heart of Vancouver, Queen Elizabeth Park is also the highest point in the city, boasting spectacular views of the downtown skyline. It's one of the best parks in Vancouver for gardens, and the free quarry gardens are in bloom virtually year-round and are truly spectacular. The park is also home to the "dancing fountains" (at its top), the Queen Elizabeth Pitch & Putt, and lots of open, green spaces for playing ball or just laying on the soft grass."

"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."

"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."

"Jacques Cousteau has said that Vancouver has some of the best underwater wildlife in the world, the only problem is that the waters off the coast can be rather chilly. Not interested in putting on a dry suit and submerging yourself under the frigid waters?. No problem, the Vancouver Aquarium has solved that problem and brought some of British Columbia's most interesting sea creatures inside to inspire and educate visitors."

"A collection of more than 50,000 aquatic creatures make Vancouver’s Aquarium the largest in Canada. Located in Stanley Park, the facility features extensive exhibits and displays along with daily dolphin and beluga shows, sea otter feedings, shark dives and “4D” film screenings. You can even book your own personalized Animal Encounters to get up close and personal with some of these amazing creatures."

"I’ve been told the Vancouver Aquarium is pretty impressive as well although that would require entering before the building’s 5pm closing time."

"Situated in the hipster Mount Pleasant neighborhood, this little green oasis was originally called Guelph Park but the name was changed in 2014. Back in 1991, a sculpture called Reclining Figure was erected and locals began referring to him as a 'chill dude'. In 2012 local artist Viktor Briestensky erected a Dude Chilling Park sign that looked identical to the official Vancouver Parks Board's sign."

"But "Dude Chilling Park," as it's known—yes, really—is without a doubt one of the most talked-about parks in Vancouver. In 1991, "Reclining Figure," a statue by Michael Dennis, was given a home in this East Van park. Though abstract, the figure—a dude—evoked the image of a person laying on his side, relaxing and, well, chilling."

"It’s in the name, and even if you go just to take a picture with the sign, Dude Chilling Park near Main Street is definitely the place to sit back, relax and unwind. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Indish Food Truck (@indishfoodtruck)"

"Often referred to as the 'Venice Beach of Vancouver', Kitsilano Beach Park is the city’s hub for summer action. Known to locals as Kits Beach, this scenic strip of sand is ideal for aquaphiles, with the longest swimming pool in Canada, a gradual-entry outdoor saltwater pool that runs for 137m beside the ocean. It's heated, and there are slides for smaller tots."

"Your first stop will be Capilano Suspension Bridge Park where you’ll take the swaying bridge across the canyon, before getting a taste of Vancouver’s temperate rainforest on the Treetops Adventure. A short stop further is the Capilano River Hatchery where you can see salmon jumping their way up the fish ladder to swim upstream, and then take an easy hike along the surrounding trails. Your final stop is Grouse Mountain – the Skyride gondola whisks you to the peak where you’ll find plenty of adventures waiting for you!. In the summer, visit the orphaned grizzly bears, Grinder and Coola, hike the trails, and go ziplining!"

"Learn about the ‘Capilano Tramps' from the 1900s, the original tourists to the park Dare to do the Cliffwalk, a labyrinth of cantilevered bridges, stairs and platforms 33 metres above the forest floor"

"A great stopping point in False Creek between Olympic Village and Granville Island, this is a place to take in the marine and mountain views while dodging dogs. Although the playground spaces are undergoing a renovation, the sea wall here is much improved with separate bike and pedestrian paths. Few people walk the small forested trail area farther away from the water and an oft-overlooked highlight is the lagoon, a great locale for watching and photographing herons, Canada geese and ducks."

"Located on the False Creek waterfront with views to downtown Vancouver and the North Shore Mountains, the 17.6-acre Charleson Park bridges the gap between an urban environment (you’re looking north at a forest of high-rise towers) and a calculatedly placid setting. The meandering paths next to the lagoon are a stress-reducing stroll. Take the upper pathway toward a grove and you’ll eventually come across a waterfall; a small treasure, but worth it."

"Charleson Park in False Creek has stunning views of the downtown Vancouver skyline as a background to its family-friendly park (and nearby off-leash dog park) — which will certainly put a smile on any face. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Susana BC (@starsandink)"

"In the West End, visitors and residents alike will find the restored heritage house that is the Roedde House Museum. Constructed in 1893 for the city’s first bookbinder, Gustav Roedde, and his family, the late Victorian home has 11 rooms that reflect their everyday life, with period pieces (including some from the Roedde family) and artefacts, some of which guests may carefully handle. The museum also hosts various events throughout the year."

"Take a trip back in time at 1415 Barclay Street's Roedde House Museum at the 19th century home of Vancouver's first bookbinder, Gustav Roedde. the Roedde House Preservation Society has carefully restored the house to create an accurate portrayal of late Victorian family life in the West End. Shopping in Vancouver"

"For a glimpse of what the West End looked like before the apartment blocks, visit this handsome 1893 Queen Anne–style mansion, now a lovingly preserved museum. Designed by infamous architect Francis Rattenbury,... Top ChoiceGardens in Fairview & South Granville"

"In Vanier Park near Burrard Bridge, the Museum of Vancouver is a large institution devoted to all things Vancouver. It covers the city history from the first Coast Salish communities to Japantown, Kitsilano hippie days, and urban development. Other worthwhile museums and centers are within a short walk, including the HR MacMillan Space Centre with its planetarium, an observatory, and the waterfront Maritime Museum, where splendid views capture English Bay with the North Shore mountains beyond."

"This Vancouver museum includes a life-size replica of a trading post, a 19th-century Canadian Pacific Railway passenger car, and an authentic dugout canoe in its many exhibits that document the history and evolution of Vancouver. The Orientation Gallery is a multi-layered timeline that uses artifacts to depict the growth and development of the region from pre-history to the heritage and culture of the First Nations to present day. A similar timeline is made with toys in a children's display."

"The Museum of Vancouver’s mission is to “inspire a deeper understanding of Vancouver through stories, objects and shared experiences.” It achieves this through exhibits on the city’s history, plus a First Nations art and artefacts collection."

"Location: 12 Water Street, VancouverCategory: Casual dining, comfort foodDescription: A boisterous restaurant in Gastown that features an exciting plant-based menu. Highlights include the extensive french fry menu, the sweet-chili cauliflower appetizers, and the (strong) innovative cocktails to make it a memorable meal.Website: www.meetonmain.com"

"Ever.I love Kim Chi, so the k-town poutine was one of the best things I’ve ever tasted. The burger was also good, very Smokey and delicious,..."

"Location: 436 Richards Street, Vancouver (Gastown)Category: Raw / VeganDescription: Vegan restaurant that focuses on offering raw food, but with an extensive Ukrainian menu and high tea. Lots of salads, soups, entrees, and baked goods to choose from in a funky location in Gastown.Website: https://indigoagecafe.com"

"The kind of woodsy subterranean cave a health-minded hobbit would enjoy, this small vegan and raw-food restaurant has legions of local fans. Snag a table (peak-time reservations recommended) and dive into hearty,... Canadian in Yaletown & Granville Island"

"WildTale is the seafaring sibling of the Flying Pig, and, similarly, has outposts in Yaletown and Olympic Village. This very west coast-style spot offers the perfect array of seafood-centric fare for after work Happy Hour with girlfriends or colleagues, or an ideal place to take your parents to dinner. Address: 1079 Mainland Street"

"A post shared by WildTale (@wildtale) on Mar 22, 2019 at 2:49pm PDT. With two locations in both Yaletown and Olympic Village, there’s double the reason to head here from happy hour and enjoy some amazing selections from the sea that will leave you satisfied. Address: 1079 Mainland Street, VancouverPhone: 604-428-9211"

"Sushi in Vancouver is du rigeur, and this happy place on Main Street offers a vast number of specialty rolls that range from the Paparazzi roll (spicy tuna with tuna tataki and onion) to the Jumpin Dessert Roll (cream cheese, fresh fruit and pop rocks). Dine in or take away."