As one of the world’s most livable cities, Vancouver blends urban sophistication with breathtaking natural beauty. From thrilling wildlife encounters to serene gardens and hidden local gems, here are the top 10 must-do activities for 2025, curated for families, couples, and solo explorers alike.
Whale Watching: Dance with Ocean Giants 🐋
Highlights: Vancouver is a premier destination for spotting orcas, humpbacks, and gray whales. Summer (May–October) offers the best chances to witness these majestic creatures, especially around Victoria and Tofino. Opt for a guided boat tour or a kayaking adventure in Johnstone Strait for an intimate experience.
Pro Tip: Combine whale watching with a visit to Tofino, a surf paradise with storm-watching hotspots in winter.
Recommended Activities You Can Book on Viator:
Vancouver Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos (From CA$246.99 per person)
Whale-Watching Tour from Vancouver (From CA$191.25 per person)
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: Rainforest Thrills 🌿
Highlights: Walk across the 137-meter-long bridge suspended 70 meters above Capilano River, then explore the Treetops Adventure (elevated walkways) and Cliffwalk (glass-paneled cliffside paths).
Seasonal Magic: Visit during November–January for the Canyon Lights Festival, where the park transforms into a glowing wonderland.
Recommended Activities You Can Book on Viator:
Vancouver City Sightseeing Tour: Capilano Suspension Bridge & Vancouver Lookout (From CA$175.84 per person)
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park Ticket (From CA$78.70 per person), if you just want to go there yourself, this is the ticket to the park.
Butchart Gardens: A Floral Wonderland 🌸
Highlights: This 55-acre UNESCO site features themed gardens, including the Sunken Garden (a reclaimed limestone quarry) and the Japanese Garden. Spring brings 250,000 tulips, while winter dazzles with festive light displays.
Don’t Miss: Afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel in nearby Victoria.
Recommended Activities You Can Book on Viator:
Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Trip from Vancouver (From CA$288.75 per person)
The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle (From CA$50.00 per person)
Vancouver to Victoria Seaplane Day Trip & Bus to Butchart Gardens (From CA$731.29 per person)
Stanley Park: An Urban Wilderness Escape 🚴
Highlights: Bike the 8.8-km Seawall for panoramic views of mountains and ocean. Discover hidden trails like Beaver Lake’s wetlands or marvel at the iconic totem poles.
Best Time: October for autumn foliage or April for cherry blossoms.
Recommended Activities You Can Book on Viator:
Vancouver City Sightseeing Tour: Granville Island & Stanley Park (From CA$83.69 per person)
Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tour (From CA$65.00 per person)
Vancouver City Sightseeing Tour: Capilano Suspension Bridge & Vancouver Lookout (From CA$175.84 per person)
Gastown Steam Clock: Step into History ⏳
Highlights: The world’s first steam-powered clock, located in Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood, chimes every 15 minutes. Explore cobblestone streets lined with boutiques, galleries, and cafés.
Nearby: Pair your visit with a stroll to Canada Place for FlyOver Canada, a 4D flight simulation over iconic landscapes.
Recommended Activities You Can Book on Viator:
Experience Gastown Vancouver’s Elite Walking Food Tour (From CA$134.00 per person)
Canada Place, Queen Elizabeth 1-day City Tour in Vancouver (From CA$90.16 per person)
Granville Island: Art, Food, and Markets 🎨
Highlights: Wander through the Public Market for fresh seafood and artisanal treats. Visit artist studios, catch live performances, or take a summer whale-watching cruise from the island’s docks.
Local Favorite: Saturday farmers’ market for organic produce.
Recommended Activities You Can Book on Viator:
Vancouver City Sightseeing Tour: Granville Island & Stanley Park (From CA$83.69 per person)
Granville Island Market VIP Walking Food Tour (From CA$155.99 per person)
Chemainus: Canada’s Open-Air Gallery 🎭
Highlights: Known as “The City of Murals,” Chemainus boasts 38+ giant outdoor artworks depicting local history. July–September’s Mural Festival adds live painting and street performances.
DIY Tour: Grab a map from the visitor center for a self-guided walk.
Recommended Activities You Can Book on Viator:
Vancouver City Sightseeing Tour: Granville Island & Stanley Park (From CA$83.69 per person)
Vancouver Lookout: Dinner in the Clouds 🌃
Highlights: Dine 168 meters above the city at the revolving Top of Vancouver restaurant. Sunset offers golden views of the skyline, mountains, and ocean.
Upgrade: Pair with a visit to Science World’s geodesic dome.
Recommended Activities You Can Book on Viator:
Vancouver Lookout Admission Ticket (From CA$19.00 per person)
Science World Ticket (From CA$35.75 per person)
Local Secrets: Beaches & Forests 🌊
- Horseshoe Bay: Free sunset views over ferries and coastal mountains.
Recommended Activities: Whistler Sightseeing Tour from Vancouver: See Horseshoe Bay and Shannon Falls (From CA$249.99 per person) - Jericho Beach: Spot wild rabbits at this serene West Side escape.
Recommended Activities: Vancouver City and Seals Scenic Boat Tour by Vancouver Water Adventures (From CA$89.00 per person) - Greenheart Canopy Walkway: Walk 310 meters through UBC Botanical Garden’s treetops.
- Lynn Canyon Park: A free alternative to Capilano, with suspension bridges and waterfalls.
Recommended Activities: Mesmerizing Nature Walk in Lynn Canyon Park (From CA$165.00 per person)
Vancouver in 2025 promises unforgettable moments, whether you’re sipping tea in a century-old garden or kayaking alongside whales. Start planning—adventure awaits! 🌟