If you’re visiting Vancouver for the first time, get ready to fall hard for the mix of nature, culture, and coast. This city does a lot with a little. Compact and walkable, but packed with big experiences. Whether you’re flying in from Seattle or making it part of your West Coast road trip, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your first visit.
Start Downtown, but Don’t Stay There
Downtown Vancouver is the obvious home base. You’ll find world-class hotels, buzzing restaurants, and quick access to the waterfront. But don’t let it be your only stop. The real charm lives in the neighbourhoods. Walkable clusters like Mount Pleasant, Commercial Drive, and Kitsilano, each with its own identity.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park Is Worth The Hype
Yes, it’s popular for a reason. The suspension bridge itself is breathtaking, but the surrounding park offers so much more, like the cliffwalks, treetop adventures, and interpretive Indigenous art displays. It’s also an ideal introduction to the area’s rainforest ecosystem, with accessible trails and epic photo ops.
Get Outside (Even If You Don’t Usually)
Vancouverites are famously outdoorsy, but you don’t need to be an ultra-marathoner to fit in. Walk the Stanley Park Seawall, take a guided e-bike tour, rent a kayak in False Creek, or take a short hike in Pacific Spirit Park. The combination of mountain and ocean views will spoil you for other cities.
Hit the Markets and Neighbourhood Haunts
Skip the chain restaurants and head to Granville Island Public Market, where you’ll find local produce, fresh seafood, and artisan goods. From there, hop on an Aquabus to explore Olympic Village or the quirky independent shops of Main Street.
Leave Room for Culture
Vancouver’s creative side is underrated. The Museum of Anthropology, Vancouver Art Gallery, and Bill Reid Gallery offer a deeper look into Indigenous art and history. For something more casual, catch a show at the Rio Theatre or an outdoor movie night at Sunset Beach.
Transit Is Easy, Take Advantage
The SkyTrain is clean, fast, and easy to navigate, and most of the city’s highlights are within reach by transit or foot. No need for a rental car unless you’re heading up the Sea-to-Sky Highway for a day trip to Squamish or Whistler.
Pack Layers and Be Ready for Rain
Even in summer, mornings and evenings can be cool. Fall and spring bring rain, but also fewer crowds and vibrant foliage. Bring comfortable walking shoes—Stanley Park and Capilano aren’t flip-flop territory.
Talk to Locals
People here are friendly, and asking for a coffee rec or neighbourhood tip can lead to gold. Many of Vancouver’s best finds aren’t in guidebooks, and a local’s suggestion can steer you somewhere unforgettable.
Your first trip to Vancouver is unlikely to be your last. Whether you’re sipping coffee by the ocean, crossing a rainforest canopy at Capilano, or biking through Stanley Park, the city has a way of staying with you. Come curious, stay flexible, and let Vancouver work its magic.
