Things to do in Vancouver for self travelers

Experience the freedom of exploring Vancouver's Stanley Park at your own pace with this Self-Guided Audio Tour. Aimed at adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, this tour is a wonderful opportunity to discover the park’s majestic Seawall by bike. The story unfolds through the eyes of a local, offering an insider's perspective on the park's history, wildlife, and iconic landmarks. The journey begins at the parking lot near the Stanley Park Information booth and takes you on a counterclockwise loop around the Seawall, concluding near the picturesque Vancouver Rowing Club. Along the way, you'll trace a path that showcases the park’s breathtaking scenery, from Coal Harbour and Deadman’s Island to the Totem Poles and Lions Gate, immersing you in the natural and cultural heritage of the area. Memorable moments include listening to tales of mysterious buried treasures, observing the traditional totem poles, and potentially catching a glimpse of local wildlife. This tour not only offers a chance to learn about Vancouver's rich history but also connects you with the vibrant essence of the city - all while enjoying the fresh ocean breeze on a leisurely bike ride.

Unearth the clandestine past of Vancouver and its sumptuous sugary delights on this audio tour designed for curious minds. Step into a world of heritage, scandal, and indulgence. The tour is crafted for history enthusiasts and sweet-toothed adventurers alike, seeking to connect with the city's rich background and local confectioneries. Setting out from the famous Gastown Steam Clock, travelers will follow a trail winding through Vancouver's bustling streets, culminating at the Sun Tower with its rumored haunts and fascinating history. Along the way, uncover the Marine Building's art deco grandeur, the spooky tales of Waterfront Station, and the whispered secrets beneath the Holy Rosary Cathedral. Pause outside the former courthouse, soak in the opulence of The Orpheum and Hotel Vancouver, and absorb the tranquil spirituality of Christ Church Cathedral. With each step, travelers will engage with the narratives that have shaped Vancouver, narrated through their headphones, as their tastebuds revel in the city's finest sweet creations. The tour ensures a moving experience, where each heritage building serves as a time capsule, and every sweet treat is a moment to treasure. History becomes palatable, and architecture tells the silent stories of Vancouver's yesteryears, leaving visitors with unforgettable impressions of this multifaceted city.

Connect with the incredible at Vancouver Aquarium! Discover over 65,000 amazing animals like rescued sea otters, sea lions, and other aquatic species in Vancouver’s iconic Stanley Park. Explore Canada’s largest aquarium, featuring 120 world-class exhibits, a 4D Theatre experience, interactive displays, daily educational animal programs, and so much more. From the waters of local Canadian habitats to the wonders of the Amazon rainforest, learn about the incredible diversity of the animal kingdom around the world.

Taste adventure in the evergreen treetops with Capilano Suspension Bridge Park tickets. Breathe in the fresh pine-scented air as you cross the eponymous suspension bridge and explore the winding walkways around the rainforest canopy. It's 70 meters high! As you cross, look down and see the Capilano River below, painted green by the dense forest. The bridge can support the weight of 96 full-grown elephants, so you can stride across with confidence! The Capilano Cliffwalk takes you on a cantilevered walkway which hugs the granite cliff high above Capilano Canyon, leading to previously inaccessible parts of the park.

Standing proudly among the North Shore Mountains, the 1,200 meter-tall Grouse Mountain is a year-round wonderland of fantastic outdoor activities. In the summer, enjoy hearty hikes with vast sweeping views, explore a wildlife refuge home to two grizzly bears, and see some lively lumberjack action.

From free-flying tropical birds to exotic plants and flowers, this thriving ecosystem is a world away from Vancouver, only 15 minutes from downtown. Walk among free-flying birds, learn about biodiversity, and soothe your soul in the healing garden. As you wander the lush rainforest in the giant dome, look out for colourful macaws, African parrots, exotic finches, and Chinese pheasants. They're a friendly bunch, and some of them might say hello!

This 55-acre oasis in the heart of Vancouver boasts over 7,500 plant species and bloomin' marvelous varieties of flora from around the world! Get lost in an amazing cedar tree maze, spot robins, sparrows, and butterflies, and count the stone sculptures and fountains. The staff here plot out new self-guided tours all the time, so there's always a new route to explore at VanDusen Botanical Garden.

Standing proudly among the North Shore Mountains, the 1,200 meter-tall Grouse Mountain is a year-round wonderland of fantastic outdoor activities. During the winter, the Peak of Vancouver transforms into a winter wonderland brimming with frosty fun and sparkling light displays. Board the state-of-the-art Skyride or gondola and ascend the mountain in ultimate comfort and soak in awe-inspiring vistas of the snow-covered valleys below.

A ticket to the Vancouver Aquarium is included, making this self-guided audio tour the perfect way to experience one of Canada’s most iconic urban parks. Note that an audio tour inside the Vancouver Aquarium is not provided. Designed for travelers interested in nature, history, and culture, the tour guides you through Stanley Park’s lush forests, scenic waterfront, and significant landmarks, all at your own pace. The journey begins at the Vancouver Aquarium, located at the heart of Stanley Park. From there, the route winds through towering old-growth trees, past the Japanese Canadian War Memorial, the Stanley Park Railway, and the vibrant Rose Garden. The path continues to the Lord Stanley Memorial, the Vancouver Seawall, and historic sites like the HMCS Discovery Cairn, the Nine O’Clock Gun, and the Brockton Point Lighthouse. The tour concludes at the famous Totem Poles, where Indigenous art stands tall against the park’s green backdrop. Along the way, memorable experiences include learning about the region’s First Nations heritage, uncovering stories of wartime sacrifice, and enjoying panoramic views of the city skyline and surrounding mountains. The tour offers a deep connection to Vancouver’s natural and cultural history, with each stop revealing a new layer of the city’s story.