An insider’s guide to fun adventures in Vancouver
I was recently asked about what I do with visitors from out of town and I thought I’d share my favourites here as well. These range from free through to the rather pricey renting of seadoos. There are many tourist websites so I focused on lesser known activities or where a slight tweak can make something more fun, such as taking a water taxi to Granville Island instead of driving. It’s still definitely worth doing the standard activities like the walking the seawall, exploring Stanley Park, and the many events but no twists for these come to mind.
I’ve lived in Metro Vancouver nearly my entire life and I still enjoy wandering these shops. Adding a layer of fun is taking a water taxi (Aquabus or False Creek Ferries) from downtown for the views of downtown and to be part of the bustling False Creek water traffic. It also avoids having to circle around looking for a parking spot on Granville Island.
A super unique and higher budget activity is renting seadoos from Granville Island and burning around the massive tankers in the bay or around the small islands alongside the Sea-to-Sky highway. It was a bright sunny day when we did it and the water was completely calm. They also rent kayaks but I much prefer kayaking in Deep Cove as it’s far more scenic and has less boat traffic.
This is an easy trip to immerse yourself in nature without wandering too far from civilization. We arrive early to get parking and then enjoy a coffee. Some people swear by the donuts at Honey’s Donuts but I find them oily and prefer Cartem’s donuts in Vancouver. Then we either rent a kayak to explore the naturally beautiful seashore or take the leisurely hike/walk to Quarry Rock to be amongst the trees and take in the view at the end. Deep Cove Kayak can set you up with a kayak or other water sports rental while the trail to Quarry Rock is free. When kayaking… remember to put sunscreen on the inside and top of your thighs!
The Capilano Suspension Bridge is the most well known suspension bridge and it has a network of bridges as well as restaurants and shops. It also offers a bus from downtown. With all of this comes a high entrance fee. I prefer to take people to Lynn Valley Park, which also has a suspension bridge, more walking trails, and lacks the touristy feel. On the way back to downtown, you could have lunch at the Shipyards (see below).
Just before Squamish is the newest local gondola. The drive up the Sea-to-Sky highway is gorgeous as it’s nestled along the mountains with views out to the water. The gondola makes a steep climb to reach its perch to expansive views that’ll give your guests a great sense of the natural beauty of BC. There’re a series of short trials at the top that you can explore and you can have lunch on their patio. It’s a little costly. .. especially if you add in lunch and drinks at the top. A free alternative is popping up to the roadside lookout on Cypress Mountain. This offers views of the water and Vancouver.
Release your inner nerd and enjoy this budget-friendly botanical garden. Few locals even know it’s there, let alone that it has a super fun skywalk through the tree canopy. You can also walk the trails in Pacific Spirit Park.
They’re really improved the public space around Lonsdale Quay and have made it much more enjoyable to wander around. You’ll find a public market, restaurants, and cafes. You can also visit the by-donation Polygon Gallery while over there. I recommend taking the Seabus from Coal Harbour as it’s scenic, unique, and easy.
Hop the skytrain out to the Richmond night market to wander the food stalls. Prepare to keep your wallet ready and it’s not for those that don’t like crowds.
If your visitors are sporty (or you just want to tire them out), you can hit the Grouse grind. Essentially walking up the side of the mountain. Not for the faint of heart and, yes, the folks in business casual quickly figure out that they misjudged the required effort. Some time ago the trail became one way so the return trip is now via the gondola so bring a way to buy a ticket.
I hope this leads to some fun! Let me know if you have a fun adventure to add to the list.
As always, I welcome your questions and comments.
All the best,
Jason Hutchison
604.314.7138 [email protected]