Vancouver Things to Do

The George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary is a one-hour drive from Vancouver, in the Fraser River estuary on Westham Island. The 740-acre protected area is one of the best bird-watching locations in all of Canada.

Canada‘s largest Chinatown is just a few blocks away from the cobble-stoned Gastown and the busy streets of the downtown area—a great stop if you’re on a bike ride or foodie tour. It’s also a National Historic Site of Canada as of last year.

Climbing up the face of Vancouver‘s Grouse Mountain, a hike called the Grouse Grind, attracts over 100,000 visitors each year. The route is (aside from an all-natural cardio workout) well-marked, steep but doable, and rewarding with sweeping views.

With over so many wineries, Vancouver is a premiere wine destination for grape-hounds all over the world. The Thompson Okanagan region has loads of vineyards to visit and can be explored by car, bike, or professional tour. Nearby award-winners include CedarCreek Estate Winery, Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, and Summerhill Pyramid Winery.

Vancouver’s stunning vistas and laidback lifestyles won hoards of new admirers back in 2010, when the Olympic Winter Games descended on the city and turned the world’s spotlight onto the mountain-lined port town. Constantly topping the ranks as one of the world’s cleanest, most livable cities with a high quality of life, Vancouver’s blend of beachside parks, modern urban landscapes and alpine backdrops certainly make a tranquil setting. Nestled at the foot of the North Shore Mountains, the surrounding countryside and inner city parks offer plenty of outdoor activities, and the cosmopolitan mix of lively cafés, gourmet eateries and vibrant nightlife offer a range of urban entertainment.

The coast of British Columbia, and the waters around Vancouver in particular, are a pretty spectacular place to go ‘flightseeing.’ Taking off and landing on water can be thrilling, and with the right planning and the right attitude, soaring over the mountains and inlets could be the highlight of your whole Vancouver trip. Here are some things to consider when booking a seaplane tour: