Vancouver BC Tourism: What to Know Before You Go

Before you visit this magnificent city, it helps to research Vancouver BC tourism information so you can make a “game plan” for what to see.

There are so many things to do in Vancouver you can’t possibly leave it to chance and miss out on something you really want to see.

Vancouver BC tourism is one of the top industries in British Columbia, along with forestry, mining, and technology.

Over 15 million people visit BC every year; the majority of visitors come to see Vancouver, Victoria, the Coast Mountains, and the Rockies.  But even if you never get out of Vancouver during your visit, you will still get a great taste of the beauty of BC.

Vancouver is a coastal town situated on the ocean and nestled against the beautiful coast mountain range.  It’s an urban, modern, clean city that has a sense of openness about it; the skyline is rimmed with mountain peaks in one direction, and bodies of water in almost every direction you look.

It’s one of the few cities in the world where you truly feel as if you are in the midst of nature while in the heart of the city.

From parks to shopping to immersion in nature, there truly is something for everyone!  One of the best ways to see a little bit of everything is to take one of the many Vancouver tours of the city as soon as you arrive.

Tours pick up at almost all of the downtown Vancouver hotels, and are a great way to get a good orientation of the city.  Then, you can choose which areas seem of interest to you, and go back on your own to spend more time.

Another great way to make sure you don’t miss anything is to stop by the Tourism Vancouver office, the official office for all Vancouver BC tourism.  Stop by the Visitor Center to pick up a downtown Vancouver map or chat with a tourism representative, who can guide you in the right direction.

There are, of course, a few Vancouver BC tourism highlights that you can’t miss:

• Stanley Park Vancouver:  Stanley Park is one of the most popular destinations in Vancouver, for tourists and locals alike.  This 1,000-acre park in the heart of the city offers wooded trails, the Vancouver aquarium, a petting zoo, and a 5.5-mile seawall (a paved path for pedestrians, bicyclists, and inline skaters).  Of course, don’t miss the Stanley Park totem poles, one of the most visited attractions in all of Vancouver.

• Capilano Suspension Bridge:  This breathtaking adventure is just minutes from downtown, yet allows you to completely immerse yourself in the natural beauty of BC.  Walk across the 450-foot long bridge that is suspended 230 feet above Capilano River....if you dare!

• Grouse Mountain:  The “Peak of Vancouver” is just minutes outside the city.  After a scenic trip on the skyride aerial tram, you can enjoy hiking trails, a wildlife refuge, lumberjack shows, and awe-inspiring views.

Other “must sees” include the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Gardens, Robson Street shopping, Granville Island, and the Maritime Museum.  With all that Vancouver BC tourism has to offer, you will never be left with nothing to do!

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