Something To Do
"You're gorgeous, baby, you're sophisticated, you live well... Vancouver is Manhattan with mountains. It's a liquid city, a tomorrow city, equal parts India, China, England, France and the Pacific Northwest. It's the cool North American sibling."
– The New York Times
"Vancouver is a city unlike any other. Wherever I look, I see water or mountains -- or both. And everyone looks so healthy."
– The Daily Telegraph (UK)
"Vancouver is one of North America's most under-rated tourist destinations. It is a modern, travel-friendly city with a unique mix of cultures. The relatively mild Pacific Northwest climate and an energetic restaurant and nightlife scene are other features that make this such an attractive city."
– LowFares.com
Stanley Park— Stanley Park is recognized around the globe as one of the great parks of the world! Vancouver's first park and one of the city's main tourist attractions, Stanley Park is an evergreen oasis of 400 hectares (1,000 acres) close to the downtown core. Its natural west coast atmosphere offering a back drop of majestic cedar, hemlock and fir trees embraces visitors and transports them to an environment rich in tranquility. The park abounds in wildlife and its features appeal to the naturalist, the plant lover or one who would do nothing more than relax in beautiful surroundings.
Pitch & Putt and Putting Green— With 18 holes ranging from 40 to 100 yards, this splendid par 3 course is free of hazards and provides an excellent experience for adults and children alike in an unrivalled setting bordered by a magnificent rhododendron garden.
Vancouver Aquarium — Located in Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium is Canada's largest aquarium where you can see over 7000 different species ranging from sea otters to tropical fish and marine life. Check out the beluga whales, try your luck as a mammal trainer and explore colorful and exotic fish from across the globe. Whether your child enjoys a live show, or if they want to become a marine biologist, they are sure to have a blast at the Vancouver Aquarium.
www.vancouver.ca/parks/parks/stanley
www.vancouver.ca/parks/golf/stpp
www.vanaqua.org
Grouse Mountain— Grouse Mountain was named by the first recorded hikers to reach the summit in October 1894. In those days, climbing Grouse Mountain was a three or four day epic journey - there was no bridge across Burrard Inlet and no road to the base. The hardy group of hikers slogged through snow, scrambled over rock and up through the dense forest. Along the way, they hunted a Blue Grouse and honoured the plentiful game bird by calling the Peak "Grouse Mountain".
Grouse Grind — Vancouver's most used trail is renowned for its challenge in requiring physical strength and endurance in order to make it to the top. In less than 3km, the trail climbs more than 850m up the face of Grouse Mountain.
Skyride — If you’re looking for something a little less strenuous, the Skyride is the perfect way to get up Grouse Mountain. High above towering Douglas firs, breathtaking views of the city of Vancouver, sparkling Pacific Ocean, Gulf Islands, and snowy peaks unfold as you journey up the mountainside on North America’s largest aerial tramway system. Whether you're in search of the perfect photo, or a romantic dinner at The Observatory, your adventure begins with the Skyride.
Robson Street— Robson is Vancouver's most famous shopping street set in the heart of downtown Vancouver. In the three block stretch between Burrard and Jervis you will find a commercial mecca which includes premier fashions stores, fine dining, services and all the amenities a tourist or local might need.
Robson-goers may spend their day people watching and sipping coffee on an outdoor patio; they may start off shopping at unique boutique stores before being pampered at a day spa and then relaxing at a hotel. At night, the streets come alive with colorful buskers and performers. Visitors enjoy delicious drinks and fine foods at some of the city's most celebrated restaurants. The street is recognized both on a worldwide level as well as locally as it remains Vancouverites' favorite shopping destination. Robson is undoubtedly the street to see and be seen on.
Vancouver Art Gallery—Located at the corner of Robson and Howe, in Vancouver’s former main courthouse, the 
Vancouver Art Gallery holds over 10,000 works in its collection. It features the work of leaders in the field of contemporary art and Vancouver's internationally renowned artists, as well as the magnificent works of significant historical artists, including the most extensive collection of the work of Canada's beloved Emily Carr.
www.robsonstreet.ca
www.vanartgallery.bc.ca
Chinatown— Vancouver Chinatown tops the list as one of North America's cleanest modern day Chinatowns. Universally appealing to visitors, artists and people of all nationalities, where one can sample world-renowned Chinese delicacies and savor the rich ethnicity of a culture that has surpassed generations. Chinatown fascinates with its' striking collection of designated heritage buildings and tales that unfold the drama and link to the life of early Chinese pioneers.
Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden — This garden was chosen in the top ten overlooked or under-the-radar city gardens listed in the National Geographic book 500 of the World’s Best Hidden Travel Gems. The Garden, which is over 25 years old, recreates Ming Dynasty traditions and balances yin and yang and four main elements: plants, rock, water, and architecture.
www.vancouver-chinatown.com www.vancouverchinesegarden.com
Gastown— Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood, Gastown is the epicentre of the urban revolution. Designated a National Historic Site in 2009, Gastown was established the same year Canada became a nation. Block upon block of grand Victorian buildings hold memories of Gastown's reign as Canada's third-largest city and one of the most cosmopolitan. Today, these Old World aesthetics prove a glorious backdrop for today's urban lifestyle.
Gastown is one of Vancouver's most hip and distinctive shopping and lifestyle neighbourhoods with over 180 shops, restaurants, bars, cafes and clubs. Gastown is the hub of creative talent, independent businesses, award winning bars and restaurants and fashion forward boutiques. Few neighbourhoods offer such a complete Vancouver experience.
Kitsilano Beach— Located on the north end of the Kitsilano neighborhood, Kits beach looks out over the open bay to the North Shore mountains and Stanley Park. On hot summer days the beach is packed with sunbathers and swimmers by the water, volleyball players on the sand, tennis players in the courts, and Frisbee players on the grassy lawn. Families making sand castles, see-and-be-seen hard bodies, flirting teens, quiet sun worshipers--everyone has a spot at Kits Beach. And with a cluster of bars and restaurants just across the street, the beach party can continue into the night.
Yaletown— Vancouver's trendy and upscale renovated warehouse district. This fresh urban neighbourhood is just an easy walk from the centre of downtown Vancouver or a quick ferry ride from Granville Island. Yaletown's converted heritage buildings are home to some of city's top fashion and design shops, as well as cutting edge restaurants and bars. Old loading docks act as giant sidewalks and create a unique setting for wandering, shopping, or lounging at one of the many outdoor patios.
Provence Marinaside — Located in the Yaletown district of downtown Vancouver where Davie Street meets False Creek; Provence Marinaside is a great place to meet your friends on the patio or at the bar. Watch the action in the marina or on the seawall. The award winning food, warm ambiance, and friendly service turns every meal into a special occasion. Fresh local seafood; raw oyster bar; antipasti showcase; extensive wine list; private room; take-out; gourmet picnic baskets. A visit to Provence transports you to the South of France without the jetlag.