Vancouver, British Columbia is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Here are a few Vancouver Landmarks you must visit:
Stanley Park
Vancouver boasts its very own 405 hectare park. Stanley Park is huge and warrants a day trip or two in itself. Keep your eye out for the famous 800 year old tree within the park. During a walk around Stanley Park you may see eagles, herons, several birds species, bats, beavers, coyotes, raccoons, seals and of course squirrels. What’s more, this well kept park offers unlimited spots to make your Instagram photos.
Panoramic Vancouver View from Stanley Park
Stanley Park offers stunning panoramic views of the Vancouver skyline (especially at sunset). Look north and the famous Grouse Mountain will catch your attention.
Totem Poles at Stanley Park
It’s said that the Totem Poles in Stanley Park are Vancouver’s most visited attraction. These original totem poles date back to the 19th century but were not moved here until the 1960’s. Totem poles are unique to northern BC and Canada. Take note of the animals carved into the totem poles, eagle, whale, wolf and frog. Of course, the eagle represents the air, whale the sea. The wolf represents the land and the frog is the link between land and sea.
Hire a Car to Explore Vancouver Landmarks
Vancouver Lookout
Another great place for panoramic Vancouver city views is the Vancouver Lookout. In addition to city views, there’s also a stunning panoramic view of Stanley Park from here. Lastly, Vancouver Lookout also offers eating options whilst you enjoy the 360 degree views.
Granville Island
Granville Island is famous for its market and street food. Additionally, this area of town has plenty of street art as well as an Instagram worthy bridge.
Science World and BC Place Stadium
A visit to BC Place stadium is a must because it’s one of the most modern stadiums in the world. As a matter of fact, the retractable roof is the largest in the world. That’s right, it’s even larger than the roof of Wembley Stadium. It’s not only the roof which is impressive but also the huge screens and other modern features which will take your breath away. I highly recommend you take a tour or better still watch a live game. Nearby, is Science World, a highly recommend tourist attraction in Vancouver as well as an incredibly photogenic building.
Robson Square and Robson Street Shopping
Robson Street is where people dress up and go shopping in Vancouver. It’s the Canadian equivalent of the famous Los Angeles landmark, Rodeo Drive.
Steam Clock and Gastown
An important Vancouver landmark is Gastown and the steam clock. You’ll find lots of touristy shops as well as cool cafes and restaurants in Gastown. Additionally, street art in Gastown is becoming increasingly popular.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge early morning when it’s quiet to take a truly wonderful Instagram photo. What’s more, early morning is when the surrounding wildlife is most active. Get your ticket online in advance to further speed park entry.
Grouse Mountain
Vancouver is famous for its beautiful mountain backdrop. Grouse Mountain is a height of 1231 meters and features North America’s largest aerial tramway known as the Skyride. Alternatively, you can follow a footpath up the mountain. On a clear day Grouse Mountain offers spectacular views over Vancouver. Furthermore, you can also see Mount Rainier if it’s not too misty.
Lions Gate Bridge
Lions Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge which opened in 1938. It’s Vancouver’s answer to the San Francisco landmark, Golden Gate Bridge. However, it’s no where near as photogenic. Photographers must visit at dusk to capture the car trail lights with the mountain range in the background.
Canada Place
Canada Place is a photogenic area which is also a good place to watch cruise ships set off for Alaska. What’s more, it’s the home of Vancouver Convention Centre, Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel as well as Vancouver’s World Trade Centre.
Trips to Victoria, Vancouver Island
Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and it’s possible to visit on a day trip from Vancouver. You can take a seaplane to Victoria from Vancouver harbor which will give you the opportunity to take some great aerial shots of Vancouver, Victoria and the islands in between. You can also photograph these sea planes from places such as Canada Place in Vancouver. Read about the things to do in Vancouver Island and why you should visit.
Road Trips to the Canadian Rockies, Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise
Not far from Vancouver are the Canadian Rockies which offer some of the most beautiful places on earth. Many people hire a car before driving to Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise for several days.
How to Travel from Vancouver to Ketchikan Alaska
Canada Place is a Vancouver landmark I mentioned which also serves as Vancouver cruise port. It’s also a great place to watch the cruise ships and sea planes entering and leaving the harbor. In fact, you’ll soon discover that Vancouver has a very busy harbor! I chose a Princess Alaska cruise to take me on the final leg of my journey from Antarctica to Alaska. The first leg of the journey was an overnight trip to Ketchikan. Immigration for the USA takes place at Canada Place, so you’ll be stamped out of Canada and into the USA before boarding the cruise ship. Make sure you have a valid ESTA for the USA or you won’t be able to board the cruise ship. Enjoy the cruise!
Thanks very informative post. Here in Africa we hardly hear much about Canada being a tourist destination but now I know to look into it.
This looks interesting. I like it how you have said the landscape turns ugly too soon if you go far east. The reflection photograph is cool!
Canada is truly beautiful country and it is definitely on my must-see list. Thanks for this post, I’ve learned new things.
I have always wanted to visit Canada. Vancouver looks like such a pretty destination! Can’t wait to see your pictures from the cruise to AK!
Looks like a great place to visit. I will be there in July!
This post looks interesting. Vancouver is a great place to explore. Hope to visit soon 🙂
I fell in love ever since watching the 2010 Olympics and I’d love to go to Vancouver one day. I like how the waterfront looks and I can see its appeal on photographers! But wow, a final trip by cruise to Alaska, sounds like the best way to explore the coastline!
I am eyeing Canada as one of my top destinations this year. I like taking city shots. I love shooting Mumbai,India especially in night. I am sure I will find Vancouver as exciting to shoot. Some great tips there.
Great post, having visited recently I can say that you are totally right about going east of Gastown. I was shocked! How strange that a beautiful city can change in one block. We found a great cocktail bar in that part of the city though, just scary to wander through. Nice guide.
I love Vancouver and Victoria. Such pretty towns (mostly)! Good to know there are still a few less expensive places to stay.I love the totem poles and all the PNW native art. And starting the day with a run through Stanley Park sounds pretty great,
Vancouver is a foodie paradise!! The museums and shopping along Robson Street are wonderful, and a great way to build up an appetite for the next delightful meal.
Vancouver looks like a great city with so much to do. I especially like places that have a sea or a river. I go crazy taking photos in them. And I would just love to do a cruise from Vancouver to Alaska
I would love to visit Vancouver! It looks like such an awesome city and so beautiful!!
Wow I never knew how much there was to do and see in Vancouver! Stanley Park looks like it would be amazing. Definitely want to plan a visit to this fun and interesting city!
Last time I travelled to Canada a few years ago I only got the chance to visit the East cost, but Vancouver looks amazing! So much to see and do, hopefully for the next time!
I love Vancouver and Capilano! Jasper is still on my list of places to visit – I’ve been to Banff and Lake Louise, one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. I would love to take the cruise from Vancouver to Alaska.
Great overview of Vancouver! Like you I found Stanley Park was an amazing place to get lost in for a few hours, and a photographer’s dream.
I have never been to Canada or Vancouver. It’s helpful information for planning a trip. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve always wanted to stop in Vancouver. It’s funny because I’ve been to Seattle so many times, and it truly isn’t that far away, I just haven’t made it up there yet. My list of Canadian destinations I want to visit just keeps getting longer and longer!
Man, I really want to go to Canada someday, the landscapes are to die for and the people seem so nice !
The cruise sounds fun too, I hope I’ll go someday 😀
I’m Canadian, but haven’t been back to Canada in a long while. It’s clear that needs to change!
Great round up of Vancouver! By the time we got there last year, the Science Museum wasn’t open anymore. I’m not sure if they’re doing renovations. But I loved Vancouver so much. The Capilano Suspension Bridge was really cool!
Couldn’t agree more about Stanley Park. I’ve been twice and had to repeat both Stanley Park and Capilano Suspension Bridge because I liked them so much!
Being from Vancouver Island I’ve explored the area quite a bit over the years but was still curious to see what advice you would give on places to see. I think you did a great job covering all the major things to see and do in Vancouver. We can’t wait to go on an Alaskan cruise.
I wish I had taken the boat over from Olympic National Park to Vancouver Island before going to Vancouver. Vancouver Island looks so beautiful!