Weekend Wanderings: 5 Things to do in Vancouver, BC

Some of our favorite places in Vancouver. 

There is so much to explore in Vancouver’s many vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, including outdoor activities, walking the city, and delicious places to eat and drink. Here are some of our must-do’s when we visit Vancouver. The US Dollar is still strong, with $1USD = $1.37CAD so it can be an affordable weekend getaway. 

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Skyline as seen from Stanley Park. Photo by Jennifer Liu.

Stanley Park

Designated a national historic site of Canada, Stanley Park is a magnificent green oasis in the midst of the urban landscape of Vancouver downtown. It is centered around the water, with scenic views of the mountains, sky, and nature. There are extensive trails, beaches, wildlife, restaurants, and cultural and historical landmarks.

This is a stop I make almost every visit, especially during the summer and early fall when the weather is nice. It’s perfect for an afternoon stroll or a leisurely bike ride. Rent bikes at Spokes Bicycle Rentals or Bayshore Bike Rentals for less than $10 per hour.

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Granville Island Public Market

Visit Granville Island Public Market for fresh fruit and vegetables, every style of food from grab-and-go deli goods, to a fresh sushi bar and handmade crafts. The outdoor courtyard offers front row seats to live entertainment and views of the marina. There’s plenty to browse around the market too: art shops, restaurants, and antique and gift shops.

You can drive directly over to Granville Island (which is actually a peninsula) or you can take an adorable mini tugboat ferry across the water to the market. The colorful Aquabus is a quick trip that departs every 5 minutes from 6:30 am to 11:00 pm. It’s very touristy and cute and only costs about $5 round trip.

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Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. Photo by Jennifer Liu.

Lynn Canyon Park 

This park features 617 acres of forest with hiking trails and a scenic suspension bridge that is free to the public. You can spend as little as 15 minutes here if you just want to see the bridge. If you want to hike some of the trails and explore, you can spend one to two hours here. 

3663 Park Rd
North Vancouver
BC V7J 3G3 

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Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Photo by Jennifer Liu.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park 

Capilano is a very popular attraction where you can easily spend two to four hours. There are plenty of trails, seven suspended footbridges, and a and cliff walk. There is an entrance fee of $39.95, which is well worth it and dogs are allowed. 

3735 Capilano Road
North Vancouver, BC
V7R 4J1

Fortune tea set. Photo by TWG Tea.
Fortune tea set. Photo by TWG Tea.

TWG Tea

TWG Tea, the finest tea brand in the world and one of the fastest growing luxury brands in history, just expanded with its first North American Tea Salon & Boutique in Vancouver. Situated within the downtown core of the city’s upscale luxury retail hotspot, the new Tea Salon & Boutique carries TWG Tea’s accessory collection, along with exclusive tea blends, and integrates a myriad of signature teas into savoury recipes and exquisite tea-infused patisseries at the forefront of tea gastronomy.

TWG Tea Salon & Boutique is a luxurious tea experience with hundreds of teas to choose from and delicious teatime treats, including French macarons, ice cream, and scones. It’s a fun way to spend the afternoon. 

1070 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 2Y2

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Photo by Forage.

Forage 

Forage serves sustainable family style dishes, connecting diners to local fishers, foragers, and farmers. Pan Bread in a cast iron pan is a delicious and rich starter to share. The Seared Albacore Tuna comes with this amazing hazelnut mushroom ‘soil’ that is one of the most savory and delicious things I’ve eaten in recent memory. 

1300 Robson Street
Vancouver, BC V6E 1C5