Guide to Attractions and Activities in Vancouver
Vancouver is blessed with some of the most ideal geography in the world—beaches, mountains and forests all just a stone’s throw from each other. Here in the city’s core, the urban attractions here are just as epic as the natural ones, and because of the city’s density, it’s easy to explore a great many of them without having to wander too far off the beaten path.
To make planning your Vancouver itinerary a little easier, we’ve profiled a few of our favourite downtown attractions (all within walking distance of our hotel) along with some of the must-see parts of town outside of the downtown core. Feel free to contact our concierge for suggestions on other worthwhile Vancouver attractions and activities. We look forward to welcoming you to this amazing city.
Stanley Park
An oasis of wilderness, beaches and idyllic greenspace in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park is routinely voted best urban park in the world. But there’s much more to do here than just commune with nature. The park is home to the Vancouver Aquarium, the Malkin Bowl Outdoor Theatre, pitch & putt golf course, a number of historic sites and several top-tier restaurants.
15 Minute Walk
SeaWall
Beginning just two blocks from our hotel, this famous waterfront walking and cycling path winds 28km around the downtown peninsula, following the shoreline of False Creek and English Bay all the way to Kitsilano. Popular with fitness buffs and sightseers alike, a stroll along the seawall is one of the best ways to take in the city’s scenery.
3 Minute Walk
Vancouver Aquarium
A collection of more than 50,000 aquatic creatures make Vancouver’s Aquarium the largest in Canada. Located in Stanley Park, the facility features extensive exhibits and displays along with daily dolphin and beluga shows, sea otter feedings, shark dives and “4D” film screenings. You can even book your own personalized Animal Encounters to get up close and personal with some of these amazing creatures.
20 Minute Walk
FlyOver Canada
This immersive flight-simulation ride takes you on an aerial tour of Canada from coast to coast. The state-of-the-art domed screen, ultra-high-definition footage and sensory enhancements like wind, scents and mist, make this the closest thing to actually flying over the vast and varied terrain of this massive country.
10 Minute Walk
Vancouver Art Gallery
The Vancouver Art Gallery’s world-class reputation is well earned, not only for its extensive permanent collection of Canadian art, but also for its rotating exhibitions which showcase art from some of the world’s most renowned collections—everything from Renaissance portraiture to interactive contemporary installations.
10 Minute Walk
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Canada’s first classical Chinese Garden is regarded as one of the top city gardens in the world. Taihu limestone, jade green water, and 150-year-old miniature trees are some of are some of the most eye-catching features of its meticulous arrangements. And it’s not only beautiful, but also structurally remarkable, having been almost entirely constructed using traditional 15th century methods and materials.
20 Minute Walk
Science World
Learning about science is rarely this much fun. Mostly because the exhibits at Science World are entirely interactive, inviting you to experience rather than just look at the principles and phenomena through which our world functions. Fascinating for kids and adults alike, it features extensive themed exhibits, live science demonstrations and screenings in the massive OMNIMAX theatre housed inside its iconic geodesic dome.
30 Minute Walk or 10 Minute Walk + Skytrain
Vancouver Canucks Hockey
Vancouver’s largest and most popular sports franchise, the Vancouver Canucks of the NHL play out of Rogers Arena, in a season that lasts from October to April (longer if they secure a playoff berth). Tickets are a hot commodity around town, and most of the more high profile games sell out, so it’s best to purchase your seats well in advance of game day. Check out our Events Calendar for upcoming games and special sports promotions.
25 Minute Walk
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
“– credit to Bob Frid/Vancouver Whitecaps FC”
Soccer has seen a remarkable resurgence in popularity in Vancouver with the MLS franchise Whitecaps established in 2011. Reasonable ticket prices and a lively fan atmosphere at BC Place make Whitecaps games a worthwhile way to spend a summer night in the city. Click here to book one of our sports packages.
25 Minute Walk
BC Lions Football
With a larger field and only 3 downs, the Canadian Football League is a little different than the big league down south. But it’s no less exciting and here in Vancouver, the hometown BC Lions regularly pack the house at BC Place. Click here to book one of our sports packages.
25 Minute Walk
Concerts
From Tony Bennet to Taylor Swift, Vancouver is a perennial tour stop for the biggest names in music, who usually perform at BC Place or Rogers Arena (both a 25-minute walk from the Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront). You can also catch world-class touring acts at downtown venues like the Vogue, the Orpheum and the Commodore (all in the Granville St. entertainment district, a 20-minute walk from our hotel). Click here to book one of our special event packages.
25 Minute Walk
Pacific Centre
Spanning nearly four city blocks, the Pacific Centre shopping complex is home to the biggest and most high-profile retailers in the city, including Nordstrom, TopShop, Holt Renfrew, H&M and Hudson’s Bay. You’ll find various points of entry along Howe Street and Granville Street between Pender and Robson.
How Far to Walk From the Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront?
10 minutes
Kitsilano
Cross over the Burrard Bridge from downtown and you’ll find yourself in the cozy tree-lined neighbourhood Kitsilano. Once the epicentre of Vancouver’s hippie culture, Kits—as it’s affectionately known—is home to a couple of very popular beaches, along with host of wellness, fitness and new-age oriented restaurants and retailers (including the headquarters of clothing giant Lululemon) localized along West 4th Avenue.
Tell the cab to take you to: 4th and Maple
Commercial Drive
Eclectic, funky, progressive: this is the spirit of Vancouver’s Commercial Drive neighbourhood, a community overflowing with grassroots arts and culture. Diverse in every imaginable way, with unique shops, live music venues, and restaurants from all culinary traditions, there’s enough here to keep an adventurous spirit busy for days.
Tell the cab to take you to: Commercial and 1st
Main Street/Mt. Pleasant
Bastion of all that is hip, Vancouver’s Mt. Pleasant neighbourhood is home to a healthy contingent of craft breweries, independent cafes and understatedly trendy bars and eateries. Just be sure to familiarize yourself with the area’s attractions before you go wandering—some of the best establishments are tucked away in the formerly industrial segments of this up-and-coming neighbourhood.
Tell the cab to take you to: Main and Broadway
South Granville & Shaughnessy
Boutique furniture stores, private art galleries and high-end fashion retailers make South Granville one of Vancouver’s most well-mannered neighbourhoods. But even for those of us without the means to buy a Picasso, it’s a great place to shop, eat and people watch. Wander southeast a few blocks and you’ll find yourself surrounded by the sprawling, century-old mansions and manicured gardens of Shaughnessy, Vancouver’s most exclusive residential neighbourhood and another great place for a stroll.
Tell the cab to take you to: Granville and Broadway
