Be a Tourist in Your Own Town:
Must-Experience Vancouver Attractions

Not long ago, when COVID-19 was just another unfamiliar acronym, Vancouver welcomed more than 11 million overnight visitors. But, even though we love showing off our beautiful city—brimming with nature, and culture, and food, and fun—we tend to avoid the very places that helped make Vancouver famous around the world (think: crowds).

Well, not this year.

In 2021, with borders and bubbles tight, the city isn’t seeing the same influx of visitors. Which means: locals can finally indulge their inner tourist and explore their own beloved backyard—safely and sensibly—and feel like a VIP as we fall in love with Vancouver all over again.

Whether you’re looking for family fun or date-worthy diversions, there’s an activity with your name on it. There’s never been a better time. All attractions are observing strict health and safety protocols such as timed entries, physical distancing, mandatory masks, and cashless transactions; see their individual websites for details.

Here are some top picks to get you started, and check out Tourism Vancouver, Stay Vancouver, and Vancouver Attractions for great deals on things to do and places to stay.

Note: This story (originally published in July, 2020) was updated specifically for the unique travel circumstances of 2021. Information is accurate at the time of publication; we recommend you contact businesses directly to confirm availability and familiarize yourself with their COVID policies.

Grouse Mountain, The Peak of Vancouver

Grouse Mountain, The Peak of Vancouver: There’s a reason—many good reasons in fact—that tourists flock to this mountain. The gondola ride is dramatic, rising 1,100 metres in eight minutes and offering stunning panoramic views of Vancouver and beyond. Reserve your Skyride time in advance and make sure you buy enough parking at the bottom because there’s a lot happening up top besides the jaw-dropping scenery: a bear sanctuary, ranger talks, mountaintop hiking (with physical distancing protocols in place), a Kids Tree Canopy Adventure, dining patios, and zipline adventures, to name a few favourites.

Science World

Science World: This iconic attraction is filled with exhibits on the wonders of science and nature that inspire learning for all ages. Don’t miss the Arctic Voices,  an immersive experience about the people, ecology, and wildlife of the Arctic. Walk-up tickets are subject to availability and it is highly recommended that you book your visit in advance.

Granville Island

Granville Island: This culinary, artistic, and cultural hub is home to more than 300 businesses. The Public Market offers a rich variety of take-out options for a picnic at the waterfront, or everything you need to make an impressive dinner at home. The local artists galleries and retail shops here make Granville Island a unique and much-loved destination.

Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art

Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art: This small downtown space—named for the creator of the famous Jade Canoe sculpture at YVR and the new artwork on Canada’s $2 coin—is the only public gallery dedicated to contemporary Indigenous art of the Northwest Coast. Until September 6, 2021 visitors can see To Speak With a Golden Voice, an exhibition about Bill Reid’s extraordinary life and legacy, curated by Gwaai Edenshaw, considered to be Reid’s last apprentice. This is a perfect complement to the better-known Museum of Anthropology (above). Thursday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., July 16 to September 6, gallery access is reserved for the elderly and vulnerable, and first responders.

Harbour Air Flightseeing Tour

Harbour Air flightseeing tour: Treat yourself to a thrilling change of perspective while staying safe and close to home. The excitement of taking off from and landing on the water adds to the fun. Tours range from 10-minute flights to daytrip adventure packages, all departing daily from their downtown Vancouver location.