Things to do in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Vancouver is a coastal city and major seaport, located on the mainland of southwestern British Columbia, Canada. It is named after Captain George Vancouver, a British explorer.

Vancouver is consistently ranked one of the three most livable cities in the world.

Things to do in Vancouver:
Vancouver has an endless supply of attractions and things to see and do. It doesn't matter what time of day or what time of year - whether you want to be indoors or out, active or a spectator, spend a lot of money or none at all - Vancouver has it all! Even tours can be arranged to se the city or the national parks. It’s an unbelievable city.

VanDusen Botanical Garden a living museum of plant collections from around the world, this spectacular 55-acre botanical garden is beautiful in every season. Highlights: Spring - Rhododendron and Laburnum Walks, ornamental cherry trees; Summer - Perennial and Water Lily Gardens; Autumn - brilliant autumn colour display; Winter - witch hazels, viburnums, hellebores. The Garden is home to 65 species of birds. Free parking, convenient access by public transportation, wheelchair accessible. Gift shop and restaurant

Vancouver Maritime Museum Immerse yourself in history and discover rich maritime traditions of the Pacific Coast. Step back in time to 1944 on board St Roch, Canada’s celebrated RCMP schooner. Young at heart can explore Alcan Children’s Maritime Discovery Centre and visit historic vessels in Heritage Harbour. Minutes from downtown at south end of Burrard Street Bridge close to Granville Island.

IMAX Theatre at Canada Place IMAX® puts you in the picture like no other motion picture format can. By using the largest film frame in the movie industry, IMAX® captures breathtaking images of unsurpassed size and impact. The images are projected on to our five storey tall screen, accompanied by six channel IMAX® Digital Sound, bringing you the ultimate film experience. Open daily for afternoon and evening features.

M&M Salmon Fishing Charters our well-experienced and friendly fishing guides have been providing memorable half and full day fishing adventures since 1987. Our boats are well maintained and equipped with modern fish finding equipment to provide a comfortable, enjoyable and successful trip. Pick up is also available from Downtown Vancouver hotels.

Vancouver Art Gallery a world-class art encounter located in the heart of downtown Vancouver. The Vancouver Art Gallery showcases contemporary and historical art from around the world. Current exhibitions include Roy Arden - one of Canada’s most respected artists who's work has significantly contributed to Vancouver’s reputation as an important centre for contemporary photographic art, a winter 'must-see' Georgia O'Keeffe: Nature and Abstraction – featuring stunning paintings by one of America's most legendary figures of twentieth century art and Emily Carr and the Group of Seven – featuring fantastic landscapes by some of Canada’s most iconic painters

Vancouver Museum Overlooking spectacular English Bay, the Vancouver Museum holds an eclectic collection of this city’s rich cultural heritage. Permanent exhibits tell Vancouver’s stories from the early 1900s to the late ‘70s complemented by groundbreaking feature exhibits.

Ballet BC Since its inception in 1986, Ballet British Columbia has made its mark as an internationally respected dance company. Bold, innovative and sophisticated, the company has a unique, signature style that separates it from its contemporary counterparts around the world.

Giggle Dam Dinner Theatre. The Giggle Dam is the lower mainland’s ONLY high energy, insanely interactive, slightly cheeky and truly hilarious Theatre Adventure! DAM ticket price includes a terrific 4-course meal and a whole evening of outrageous music and DAM laughter! Undeniably the most insanely fun theatre restaurant ever and an incredible value.

Science World British Columbia-Seedy Science
November 10 – February 29
Seeds, like people, have many interesting facets to their complex biology. Travel, chemistry, medicine and industry are part of the stories of the ornamental seeds in this exhibition, supported by The Nature Trust of British Columbia.

Vancouver TheatreSports League Someone is trying to sabotage Christmas! Vancouver TheatreSports League presents 24th: Christmas Eve of Destruction, Wednesday through Saturday at the New Revue Stage on Granville Island. This holiday season, the North Pole will be at DEFCON Red & Green! And there is only one agent that is elf enough to save Christmas.

Vancouver Aquarium Come to face-to-fin with over 70,000 animals including beluga whales, Steller sea lions, dolphins, seals and more! Enjoy the dolphin and whale shows, sea otter feeds, and shark dives. Free-roaming animals abound in our popular Amazon Gallery and are sure to stop by our newest gallery that's full of interactive exhibits and children's play learning area. For a unique hands-on adventure, ask about our Animal Encounters program. Open 365 days of the year.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden In the heart of downtown Vancouver, Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden is the first authentic classical Chinese garden ever built outside of China. It is a feast for the senses and the mind and is acclaimed for providing peace, tranquility and a harmonious delight for the nature lover, cultural tourist, and sightseeing visitor. Within this paradise, enjoy a cup of complimentary tea, a guided tour and our Chinese garden gift shop; an experience in itself. Open year round.

Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k Join us in Vancouver for one of the most scenic half-marathons in the Pacific Northwest. A beautiful course along the shores of the Pacific Ocean - a net downhill course, spectacular views and a cool breeze at your back. In the 8 years of the event, its great reputation and quality have made it one of the largest half-marathon's in British Columbia.

Vancouver Lookout at Harbour Centre The Vancouver Lookout is the BEST FIRST STOP, with a fantastic 360-degree view of Vancouver and the majestic North Shore Mountains. On the deck there are informative displays. Admission tickets are valid throughout the day and evening.
Mid-October - April: 9am-9pm, May - Mid-October: 8:30am-10: 30pm.

University Golf Club Situated among the towering trees of Pacific Spirit Park just minutes from downtown Vancouver, the University Golf Club has been a golf landmark and the public's choice since 1929. A playable course for golfers of every level, facility includes the 18-hole championship course, Driving Range, Private Teaching Area, Restaurant, Golf & Fashion Shop, Banquet, Meeting and Reception Facilities

H.R. MacMillan Space Centre Have a blast at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre! Travel through space in the Virtual Voyages™ simulator, enjoy multimedia shows and demonstrations in the Planetarium and Ground Station Canada theatres, and explore the universe with hands-on exhibits, computer simulations and artifacts in the Cosmic Courtyard. Open year round.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Naturally thrilling since 1889, Capilano Suspension Bridge is breathtakingly suspended 450 feet (135m) across and 230 feet (70m) above Capilano River. Cross over to Treetops Adventure and walk from one magnificent Douglas fir to another via a series of seven elevated suspension bridges, some reaching as high as 100 feet (30m) above the forest floor. A complete West Coast experience just minutes from Downtown

BMO Canadian Figure Skating Championships Approximately 250 of Canada's best skaters are headed to Vancouver to compete in the 2008 BMO Canadian Figure Skating Championships January 16-20 at the Pacific National Exhibition. The results at this event will determine who will represent Canada at the next ISU World Figure Skating Championships, ISU Four Continents Championships and ISU World Junior Championships

Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival Every June through September, Bard on the Beach professional Shakespeare Festival brings to life the magic of Shakespeare’s great plays. The Festival site is located on the waterfront in Vancouver’s Vanier Park, adjacent to the downtown core. Staged in two open-ended performance tents, the productions are set against a spectacular natural backdrop of mountains, sea and city

Prince of Whales Whale Watching The only Whale Watching Company now connecting Vancouver and Victoria Harbours! Daily 4-hour whale watching cruises onboard the 62ft Ocean Magic Whale watching express cruiser. Complimentary hot beverages! In Victoria, try our zodiac-style boats for a fantastic fun-filled fresh-air experience! It’s a Blast!

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