Vancouver's Top Experiences for Canadian Travellers

From the city skyline to the coastal rainforest, Vancouver blends big-city buzz with West Coast calm like no other place in the country. For Ontarians looking to explore more of Canada (and skip the U.S. dollar markup), Vancouver offers unforgettable experiences that combine nature, culture, and homegrown hospitality. Whether you’re into food, art, or ocean views, here are some of the most rewarding ways to experience the city—and support Canadian businesses while you’re at it.

Walk Through a Living Rainforest in the City

You don’t need to rent a car or drive for hours to get into the wild. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is just a short (and free) shuttle ride from downtown. Once you’re there, it’s all moss-covered evergreens, cliff walks, and suspension bridges swaying over the canyon. The Treetops Adventure offers a rare chance to walk through the forest canopy, with interpretive signs connecting it all to BC’s natural and Indigenous history.

It’s one of those “only in Vancouver” experiences—coastal rainforest meets Canadian innovation—and it’s 100% worth adding to your list.

Dine on the Best of Canada’s Pacific Coast

Skip the chains and dig into meals made with BC’s freshest ingredients. Vancouver’s food scene reflects the region: creative, diverse, and proudly local. Grab sustainable seafood at Boulevard (recently named Vancouver’s Best Seafood Restaurant), or sip on BC wines and local beer at The Cliff House Restaurant inside Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.

If you’re craving something more casual, walk the Granville Island Public Market. It’s a showcase of Canadian producers, from artisanal cheese and smoked salmon to handmade doughnuts. The best part? You’ll know exactly where your food is from.

Get to Know Vancouver’s Asian Heritage

British Columbia is home to many of Canada’s oldest and most vibrant Asian communities. Vancouver’s Chinatown offers a blend of heritage and innovation, where you can visit the serene Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden or sample handmade dumplings from a third-generation family business.

Looking for a modern take? Hit the Richmond Night Market in the summer, where hundreds of food stalls offer everything from bubble waffles to takoyaki. Or visit iDen & Quanjude, Canada’s only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant, for their world-famous Peking Duck.

Support Canadian Artists and Makers

From Indigenous carvers to sustainable fashion designers, Vancouver’s creative scene is distinctly Canadian. Wander through the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art, pick up handmade ceramics at Granville Island, or browse one of the city’s summer art markets.

If you want to take something home, look for gifts made in BC—coffee beans roasted in East Van, wool blankets from Vancouver Island, or jewellery crafted by Haida, Nisga’a, or Squamish artists. Every purchase tells a story and keeps your travel dollars supporting Canadians.

Catch a Sunset in Stanley Park

Yes, it’s on every must-see list—but for good reason. Stanley Park is a masterpiece of Canadian urban planning. Rent a bike or walk the seawall, explore the totem poles, or sit at Prospect Point with a cone from the ice cream stand and watch the ships pass by. You can even dine at Stanley Park Pavilion, where Canadian history and architecture meet West Coast cuisine.

It’s one of the few places in the country where you can feel far from the city while staying right in it.

Explore Vancouver’s Neighbourhoods Like a Local

Kitsilano for beach vibes. Mount Pleasant for coffee shops and street art. Commercial Drive for Italian delis and indie bookstores. Vancouver’s neighbourhoods each feel like their own small town—and each offers a taste of the city’s multicultural makeup. You won’t find big chain stores in these spots. Instead, you’ll meet shop owners, baristas, artists, and chefs who are proud to call Canada home.

Stay Domestic, Travel Better

At a time when flights to the U.S. cost more than ever and the exchange rate isn’t in our favour, there’s never been a better time to explore Canada. Vancouver offers the kind of rich, rewarding travel experience you might expect from a European city—only it’s closer, easier, and far more aligned with our values. No border hassle. No roaming charges. No wondering if you’re tipping the right amount.

Just good food, great views, and plenty of moments to feel proud of where you're from.

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