What are some fun things to do in Vancouver, BC?

Question

I'm planning a trip for next winter to Vancouver and I'm looking for some advice from locals or people who have been there. What are some fun things to do?

Things I'm considering include a Canucks game, boarding at Whistler, and also exploring the night life (I'll be 20 when I venture up there). I'd like to hear some specific places, whether it be a museum or a night club give me some names if you have some insight please.

Also, if you were a tourist visiting Vancouver could you tell me what hotel you stayed at and your opinion of it...I've got a list of some hotels I'm considering (Le Soleil, Renaissance Harbourside, Westin Bayshore, and then also the Sheraton, Marriot, or Hampton Inn's).

Any and all input/advice is appreciated and 10 points is up for grabs for whoever offers up the most helpful information chalked full of details :-). Help make this a great trip. Thanks!

Answer 1

I live in the Vancouver area and here are some of the fun things we like to do: going to pubs and restaurants; going to sporting events like the Canucks, BC Lions, etc.; shopping on Granville Island, Robson Street, West Fourth Ave, South Granville Street, Gastown, etc.; walking on the seawall around Stanley Park (should be re-opened by next winter); visiting the U.B.C. Museum of Anthropology; visiting the latest exhibit at the Science World in False Creek; taking a tram ride up Grouse Mountain (on a clear day) and enjoying a panoramic view of Vancouver and the Gulf Islands in the distance; catching a movie at the CN IMAX Theatre at Canada Place; watching the beluga whales at the Vancouver Aquarium; etc. Check this out: http://www.vancouverattractions.com/

The Westin Bayshore is situated along the water (Burrard Inlet) so I would recommend that one if you can get a room with a view of the North Shore mountains. You won't be disappointed.

The nightlife in Vancouver? It has greatly improved over the years. Definitely check out the places along Granville Street. This street has a lot of pubs, restaurants and nightclubs. A good place to look: http://www.granvillestreet.com/

Also think about boarding at one of our local mountains on the North Shore - check out Seymour Mountain, Grouse Mountain, and Cypress Bowl. This year we have had such a cold winter and a terrific snowfall that we are all still in a state of shock.

Answer 2

I am a lifetime resident of Vancouver and I think Petra M has given you some great info as far as things to do and places to see while you're staying downtown. I don't think I could add too much more to what she's shared with you. However, I would like to mention that hotel accomodation in downtown Vancouver is very expensive these days. If it's in your budget I would definitely recommend the Westin Bayshore. I've stayed there a few times myself on weekend getaways downtown and it's my personal favorite downtown hotel (fabulous location and views), but the last time I checked, in Sept., the rates were up over $300 a night. I am sure rates will be lower in winter though as it's low season. If some of the really upscale downtown hotels don't fit your budget I would like to suggest an alternative hotel to check out if you're interested: www.sylviahotel.com. The Sylvia Hotel is one of Vancouver's best kept secrets. It is a very old, charming character hotel that also offers a fabulous location on English Bay, great views, and more budget friendly rates. It is within walking distance of Stanley Park and the seawall, downtown with all the restaurants, shopping and nightlife. It is also where you can catch the little ferry boats across False Creek to Granville Island (where great shops, restaurants and theaters are located), Science World, Vanier Park with Planetarium and Vancouver Maritime Museum. The location of the Sylvia Hotel Is also a fairly quick cab ride to Kitsilano (another great trendy shopping and dining beach area of Vancouver) You're also not that far from UBC and the famous Museum of Anthropology either. So wherever you choose to stay, and whatever you do, I know you will enjoy your visit to our beautiful city. Hopefully it won't rain too much, but even if it does, it's still a great place!

Answer 3

Hiya there,

I used to live in Vancouver for a short year. I miss it already. Skiing is nice there if you are into that. A friend of mine went to a bed and breakfast that was more affordable and yet very nice because it was more like renting a temporary home. Sorry, I don't recall which one it was, and that was more than five years ago anyway.

Take the subway transit and visit places like Burnaby for the mall and Richmond for the shore. I remember there are so many really good gelato and icecream places where even the cone is made hot and fresh for you. The fish and chips are really good by there, too. And there's a great little boat trip you can take across the bay to the North side, where there's a great farmer's market and interesting shopping to be done. Don't forget to go to the Granville Island area for the beer, music, and shopping.

I used to go to the Film School there, and it was good times.

Answer 4

With its mountain background and downtown beaches, Vancouver has got the rightly acquired reputation of being one of the very wonderful cities on the planet, with hotelbye you will have the chance to see this amazing city. One of many places you will need to see in Vancouver may be the Downtown Vancouver. Downtown Vancouver is brilliantly located on a peninsula in the Strait of Georgia bounded to the south by the delta of the Fraser River and to the north by a heavy fiord hitting far inland. Here you can also see the frequently snow-covered ranges of the Coast Mountains. Stanley Park is one of the very visited parks. Is a lavish Peninsula Park of enormous trees adjoining to Downtown Vancouver. A smooth seawall way encircles the natural space, and many guests take the time to investigate on foot or by bicycle. Inland, the park presents a lot of things to complete, and visitors may invest a full day discovering attractions including the totem rods at Brockton Point to the west coast sea living at the Vancouver Aquarium. Spectacular views are a normal through the park.

Answer 5

I've only visited Vancouver once(loved it by the way), but some of the things I would recommend is the Tram up to the top of Grouse Mountain...breathtaking views of Vancouver and the Pacific. Also, Stanley Park was nice.

I would recommend the Renaissance Harbourside, it was the nicest hotel I have ever stayed at!!!

Answer 6

Please visit White Rock. It's a very nice community. I love that place. Also go to Steveston in Richmond. That area has an old school charm to it. Shop along granville and broadway. So much better to shop there than robson street in my opinion. Commercial drive is another area you can check out. Visit the Vancouver Public library in downtown. I just like the architecture of that building.

Too bad you're not coming in the summer. Summer is definately the best time to visit Vancouver. Winter is the worst, because it's usually very depressing. Hopefully there won't be as many storms the next winter as we had this winter.

Answer 7

The best Downtown Hotel is The Four Seasons on West Georgia Street.
Shopping on Granville Island is fun.
However, the best Museum is in Victoria - the beautiful City on Vancouver Island.

Answer 8

Good fishing