Covering over 50 acres, VanDusen Botanical Gardens is one of North America’s best botanical gardens. Home to over 7,500 plants from across the world, 65 species of animals, and five lakes, there’s plenty to explore here. You can even explore an Elizabethan maze, learn about flora and fauna in a world-class library, and admire First Nation totem poles.

Located in Stanley Park, Vancouver Aquarium has over 50,000 aquatic animals, and star attractions include sea lions, blacktip reef sharks, penguins, otters, and white-sided dolphins. You can learn about the treasures of the British Colombian coast, Canada’s Arctic regions, and the conservation work done at Vancouver Aquarium.

Just south of downtown Vancouver, you’ll find Granville Island. As home to Granville Island Public Market, artisan workshops, boutique stores, and craft studios, this is a shopper’s paradise. From First Nation art to locally-produced wine, there’s plenty of items to commemorate your trip to Vancouver. Plus, you can take an adorable tugboat ride to get to the island.

Once the western terminus for the Canadian Pacific Railway, Yaletown is now heralded as Vancouver’s coolest neighbourhood. Here you’ll find tons of independent coffee shops, fantastic trendy restaurants, and boutique shops. You can dine at upscale restaurants that overlook the bay or shop for everything from designer clothing to unique souvenirs.

Visit Vancouver’s largest, oldest, and most popular park. Stanley Park covers over 400 acres of West Coast rainforest. Plus, its famous Seawall provides fantastic views of the city. You can admire the First Nation totem poles, cycle on well-preserved paths, and explore the lost lagoon. People of all ages will love Stanley Park.