Things To Do in Vancouver and Canada
Vancouver is a dynamic, international city surrounded by mountains, ocean, beaches and forest that offers endless activities and experiences. ASEE has partnered with Cantrav Services to provide tours. Please click here, for further details.
Scenic Sights
Popular attractions include the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre where you can experience the British Columbia Coast in wonderful detail. Stroll across the world famous Capilano Suspension Bridge to experience stunning views of the Capilano Canyon or take the Skyride to the top of the Grouse Mountain. Top off the excitement with a visit to Science World and its interactive exhibits or ride the glass walled elevator to see the spectacular 360-degree view from the Lookout! at Harbour Centre.
Cultural Activities
Vancouver is home to some wonderful galleries and museums, including the Vancouver Art Gallery that showcases modern and historical artists, the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia, and the Vancouver Maritime Museum, just minutes away from downtown.
Performing Arts
Vancouver offers everything from innovative comedy theatre and Broadway extravaganzas to Shakespeare on the beach, as well as brilliant performances by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the Vancouver Opera and the Vancouver Cantata Singers.
City of Neighborhoods
Stroll the cobbled streets of historic Gastown or join a sightseeing tour of the third largest Chinatown in North America. Discover Vancouver's many distinctive enclaves, from the Punjabi Market to trendy Yaletown with its designer shops, galleries and popular bistros.
Beautiful Beaches and Gardens
Vancouver offers an incredible variety of beaches, from English Bay to Crescent Beach in White Rock. The city boasts an equally diverse selection of botanical gardens and parks, including Vancouver's treasured Stanley Park.
Shopping
Thanks to Vancouver's ethnic diversity, you can find authentic goods from just about anywhere in the world as well as the traditional shopping delights of designer shops and malls.
Robson Street is the place to be if designer brands are your thing. You'll love the endless selection of fashion boutiques, sidewalk cafes, specialty shops, and coffee shops. Yaletown, renovated industrial warehouses, is home to many of the trendiest places to shop, eat and be seen. Besides the fabulously fresh food at the public market on Granville Island, this heritage area is home to many artisans who blow glass, weave intricate tapestries and throw clay.
Dining
Vancouver's multicultural population is reflected in its incredible variety and quality of cuisine. If you crave it - Vancouver's got it.
To download a list of Downtown Vancouver Restaurants, please click here!
For more dining options in Downtown Vancouver, please click here!
Day Trips (from Vancouver)
Drive the Sea-To-Sky highway to Whistler mountain resort. One of the most scenic drives in Canada. Whistler is a charming ski village, and is always bustling - even in summer. 90 minute drive each way from downtown.
There are two websites that provide information, please click here or here!
Hike on Grouse Mountain or Seymour Mountain. Well marked trails (some guided hikes) only minutes from the city.
For information about Grouse Mountain, please click here!
For more information about Seymour Mountain, please click here!
Visit Victoria, BC via ferry. This would take a full day as each side of the trip involves a 90-minute ferry ride and 30 minutes of driving. However, Victoria is closest thing to England in North America. The downtown is full of beautiful architecture, gardens, shops and restaurants.
For more information, please click here!
Take a helicopter or (if you're brave) seaplane tour right from downtown. This is one of the prettiest coastlines in the world.
For seaplane tour information, please click here!
For helicopter tour information, please click here!
If you like fishing, you can go salmon fishing with an accredited guide.
For more information, please click here!
Vancouver offers dozens of different eco-tours, depending on your interest (e.g. birds, rainforest, etc.)
For more information, please click here!
Trip Extensions (outside of Vancouver)
Victoria (on Vancouver Island). This is an excellent extension for a weekend or short stay. Rent a car, take the ferry and you're there. Many options for almost any tourist.
Whistler Mountain. Great for a one night stay. Top notch hotels and restaurants. Great night life.
For more information, please click here!
Tofino/Pacific Rim National Park. It takes 3-4 hours to get to Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island. It's a quaint town at the edge of a huge, undeveloped nature preserve (UNESCO World Heritage Site). It's quite, wild and a bit isolated - but there are great places to stay including hotels, resorts and cottages. Lots of native art. Go whale-watching in a Zodiac with a native guide. Beach-combing is the best in Canada. Waves are big enough for surfing.
For general information, please click here! For skiing information, please click here!
Tour the Okanagan (interior of BC). This is Canada's best wine country with outstanding tours and cultural festivals. The climate is remarkably different from Vancouver (almost desert). Beautiful lakes and rolling hills. It takes 3-4 hours to drive inland from Vancouver.
For general information, please click here and here!
Banff/Lake Louise. People say the drive from Vancouver to Banff, Alberta (through the Rockies) is the most beautiful drive in North America. It can also be done by luxury train, the Rocky Mountaineer. Banff and Lake Louise are ski resorts, but also spectacular in summer. Lots of hiking opportunities and both cities have former CP Hotels (now operated by Fairmont) and are like "Castles in the Rockies." This would be a 2-3 day trip at the minimum. Don't forget your camera!!
For general information about Banff, please click here!
For information about Rocky Mountaineer, please click here!
To reserve a room at the Fairmont in Banff, please click here!
To reserve a room at the Fairmont Lake Louise, please click here!
