Vancouver Vacations

1. Gastown

Every Vancouver getaway should include a trip to Gastown, the city’s oldest neighborhood. As the original settlement of the city, it’s a picture-perfect mix of cobblestone streets, iron streetlights, Victorian houses, contemporary boutiques, and art galleries. Stroll down Water Street for a visit to the Gastown Steam Clock, visit the statue of Gastown’s founder “Gassy” Jack Deighton, or pick up souvenirs at one of the area’s many unique stores. If you’re looking for a special night out, Gastown offers world-class dining experiences and it’s the epicenter of Vancouver’s fabulous cocktail scene.

2. Stanley Park

Stanley Park is Vancouver’s first and largest park, and beloved by residents and visitors alike. This natural green oasis in the middle of the urban landscape of Vancouver provides a peaceful escape among majestic trees and sandy beaches. Take forested paths or the famous Seawall as you explore a natural West Coast rainforest with scenic vistas, historic landmarks, and cultural attractions like Brockton Point’s First Nations totem poles.

3. Granville Island

Once an industrial park full of factories, plants, and sawmills, Granville Island is now the cultural heart of Vancouver just a short tugboat ferry ride across False Creek. This buzzing peninsula is chockfull of funky shops, cozy cafes, and galleries. The main attraction here is the Public Market, featuring a farmers’ market, mouth-watering food stands, and a mix of vendors selling local Vancouver products. Explore on your own or join a food tour for generous tasting, inside tips, and a tasty way to learn more about the market’s history!

4. Mountain Trips

Vancouver is an absolute mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Discover beautiful coastlines, snow-capped peaks, and crystal clear rivers all within striking distance of the city. Want to snowshoe in Whistler? Go skiing on Grouse Mountain? Visit a thousand-year-old fir tree in Hollyburn? For the best view of the vast wilderness at Vancouver’s doorstep, you should consider a seaplane flight for a view of the surrounding mountains from the skies. Our Tourlane Travel Experts will recommend the best mountain trips and activities to enjoy during your Vancouver vacation.

5. Whale Watching

Nothing quite compares to watching a whale launch itself into the air before gracefully diving back into the depths of the ocean. The waters off Vancouver’s coastline, known as the Salish Sea, are known to offer spectacular sightings of marine wildlife like orcas, humpback whales, seals, and even bald eagles. If you’ve always dreamed of seeing whales in their natural environment, this is one of the best places in the world to do it. Less