Must See Sights and Landmarks in Vancouver Area

"Ending the list of Vancouver’s oldest buildings is the Marine Building whose origin dates back to 1929. More than just a historical structure, Marine Building is the most famous building in Vancouver with its notable Art Deco architecture. This 22-story skyscraper houses a stunning collection of luscious interior decorations within."

"Vancouver's most romantic old-school tower block, and also its best art-deco building, the elegant 22-story Marine Building is a tribute to the city's maritime past. Check out its elaborate exterior of seahorses,..."

"This art deco masterpiece has stood in for some of the most famous buildings in comic book history. Vancouver, British Columbia"

"Scope out the cool architecture (such as that of the Vancouver Public Library), check out the Vancouver Art Gallery or window shop on Robson Street (Vancouver’s version of Rodeo Drive). End your walk at Trees Organic Coffee on the edge of Gastown. It’s a great place to people watch, especially because it’s conveniently located next to an Instagrammable pink street. Not only do you get to watch people take cheesy photos, but you can take some of your own as well."

"Just as New York has its Madison Avenue and London has its Knightsbridge, Vancouver has Robson Street, the best shopping district in British Colombia. Named after a provincial premier, Robson Street has been attracting shoppers like honey draws flies since the late 1800s. Robson Street has more than just fashionable shops and upscale boutiques."

"If you’re after city panorama, then you can’t beat a trip to the top of the lofty Vancouver Lookout. Towering 550 feet above street level, its futuristic viewing deck offers unrivaled 360-degree vistas of the city, surrounding mountains and the sea. Located atop the soaring Harbour Centre skyscraper, the lookout lies in the centre of Downtown Vancouver, just a stone’s throw from the waterfront."

"Vancouver Lookout, constructed in 1977, is the defining feature of Vancouver’s skyline, and its flying saucer design offers sightseers 360-degree views of the city. The lookout lights up at night and becomes a Christmas tree during the holidays. It’s a part of the Harbour Centre, which includes 28 floors of offices."

"Vancouver Lookout offers 360-degree views of Vancouver and beyond. Its observation deck is 169m (553ft) above Vancouver. The lookout’s UFO-shaped design is the main feature of Vancouver’s skyline."

"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."

"Don’t miss the iconic Gastown Steam Clock, where pretty much every tourist has to take a photo (myself included). Continue wandering until you arrive in Chinatown. Vancouver’s Chinatown is quite small compared to many I’ve seen worldwide, but it’s home to the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, which is well worth a visit, time permitting."

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

"The Lion’s Gate Bridge is Vancouver’s most iconic bridge, and the best views of it are from Stanley Park. See it from the Prospect Point Lookout or walk a little bit down Stanley Park Drive to see it straight on like in the photo above!. Fun fact: the Guinness family (yes, the Irish brewing company) built the bridge in 1938!"

"There are multiple ways to get amazing views of Lions Gate Bridge in Vancouver. The Lions Gate Bridge frames the mountain peaks of The Lions in the distance and you’ll find stone lions “protecting” the entrance to the bridge. The Lions Gate Bridge can be viewed from the Sea Wall or from Prospect Point"

"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."

"This sculpture is one of the many attractions along the Stanley Park Sea Wall. This particular statue reminds of the the Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, and from far away she does look like a mermaid!. The Girl in a wet suit statue is located just off shore of the wall and sits just in front of Vancouver Harbour and the North Shore mountains."

"You probably wouldn't think to visit Kerrisdale for authentic sushi but once you know about it, you will keep coming back. This little family-owned restaurant offers a large variety of fresh seafood as well as some other Japanese restaurant staples and it's likely the most affordable place to go to when you are craving the Real Deal. They are currently open for take-out only and there's a bit of a wait for the orders, but trust us when we say this- it's worth it!"

"Kerrisdale’s sushi gem covers all the classics, and their more inventive additions are appetizing and authentic (no deep-fried, cream cheese-stuffed California rolls here). Try the triple salmon roll—with B.C.’s star fish both raw and smoked, plus roe for good measure, and the ume mirugai for a taste of geoduck with tangy plum paste. Pressed (battera) sushi and grilled dishes (like the tuna collar) also shine."

"A spot like this deserves that overused qualification of “hidden gem.” With only seven tables and a sushi bar, this authentic Japanese restaurant fills up quickly. When other Japanese chefs recommend it, you know it’s going to be good. The fresh, high-quality and reasonably priced sushi is worth the wait."

"You can visit this tiny storefront in Downtown Vancouver, or you can try out one of their incredible vegan puddings at one of the local retailers, such as Eternal Abundance or Whole Foods. While the puddings may be free of white sugar, dairy, eggs, soy, gluten, and nuts, these puddings are still smooth and delicious as they’re made out of kabocha squash, coconut milk, and maple syrup. You’re going to want to grab a few to go to enjoy in your hotel or as a snack in between activities."

"A post shared by Vegan Pudding & Co. (@vegan_pudding_co) on Jan 8, 2020 at 1:20pm PST. They say it themselves- they are ‘the one and only vegan custard pudding store’. Wow, we can’t believe that someone would try this idea in the first place, but what’s even crazier is that they’ve been wildly successful."

"There's a cult-like following in Vancouver for this hole-in-the-wall counter serving utterly delicious custard-style puddings made from kabocha squash, coconut milk and flavors including strawberry, chocolate and... Seafood in Yaletown & Granville Island"

"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."

"Vegan Vancouver delivers again with the delightful and delicious Kokomo. Plant-based bowls and smoothies will soothe your soul and why not try the laksa noodles (two thumbs up) and Thai-spiced squash soup?. You’ll waltz out of there full of good vibes."

"The center of Queen Elizabeth Park, Little Mountain, marks the highest point in Vancouver, and its elevated position affords excellent views of the city center and the mountains to the north. Things to do in the park include pitch-and-putt golf, tennis, disc golf, and visiting the extensive outdoor arboretum. If the day is grey and cool, escape to the tropical environment of the Bloedel Conservatory."

"One of the last relatively unchanged areas of dune and wetland along the Kapiti Coast, this undulating 650-hectare beachside park offers swimming, walking, cycling and picnicking opportunities, as well as a tram museum and horse riding outfit. There are three entrances: off Wellington Rd in Paekakariki, at MacKay's Crossing on SH1, and off the Esplanade in Raumati to the north."

"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."

"These Gardens are unique as they are a peaceful oasis within a busy shopping mall, but also draw avid gardeners to learn about plants suitable for their North Shore gardens. There is something of interest for everyone at any time of the year. Learn more about the gardens."

"Vancouver’s Chinatown is quite small compared to many I’ve seen worldwide, but it’s home to the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, which is well worth a visit, time permitting. READ NEXT:The Ultimate Puerto Rico Road Trip"