If you're planning a trip to the West Coast (which many are right now thanks to Taylor Swift's upcoming visit), then it's worth planning out some of the best things to do in Vancouver, so you make sure you're making it worthwhile.
Vancouver is one of the most beautiful places in the country, with a sparkling ocean on one side and mountains around it, the city is a picturesque retreat any time of the year. Although the rainy season is at its peak, there's still loads to do in the city.
If you're planning a trip to Vancouver you'll want to make sure every minute counts, because there's a lot to fit into a visit here.
If you only have a short amount of time on the West Coast or just want to start off a longer vacation strong — here's how to make 24 hours in Vancouver absolutely unforgettable.
Visit the Vancouver Christmas Market
If you're visiting soon then you can't miss out on the Vancouver Christmas Market — the annual European-style market on the waterfront that brings some serious cheer to the city.
There's festive food, German-style stands, live music, and loads of goodies to buy. It's a super fun way to experience the city and get in the holiday mood. The market runs from November 13 to December 24, so plan accordingly!
Get out on the water
What sets Vancouver apart from other major Canadian cities is its proximity to the ocean and the West Coast scenery that comes with it. Flip your perspective and get a view of the city from the water, and you won't be disappointed. Depending on the amount of adrenaline you want on your trip, and your budget, there are a few options to make this happen.
Harbour Air has seaplane tours of the city so you can get a birds-eye look at it all. Their 20-minute flight is $160 per person and gives you a view of Stanley Park, the North Shore Mountains, and everything in between. Although pricey, it's a pretty unforgettable experience.
If you're trying to stick to a budget though, you can still get out on the water. Hop on the Aquabus from Yaletown to Granville Island for about $6, and you'll get a taste of the boating life. Plus you can then check out Granville Island after, which is a popular tourist stop.
There are also kayak and paddle board rental spots near the beaches, which also make for a fun afternoon activity if it's nice enough out.
Go for a seawall walk
Make sure to wake up bright and early, because it's time for a jam-packed day of exploring the city.
Grab a coffee from one of the many shops downtown and head to the seawall, which is a pathway along the ocean — a big portion of it wrapping around the scenic Stanley Park. Depending on how early you managed to get out of bed you could walk a long stretch of the wall, or opt for a shorter stroll, making sure to pop into Stanley Park.
If you're feeling extra adventurous then hop on a scooter and zip around the seawall, or rent a bike from one of the many places downtown.
However you take on the waterfront path you'll get a look at the lush greenery in the park, the sparkling ocean views, the mountains beyond, and beautiful beaches along the way.
Grab brunch at Medina Cafe
After a bit of activity, you'll have probably worked up an appetite, which is the perfect way to go into Media Cafe. This spot is busy, so make sure to book a reservation ahead of time because you're not going to want to miss out on the legendary brunch menu here. Take your pick of their mouthwatering plates, but trying the Liège Style Waffles is a must here.
If this spot is booked up Jam Cafe is another go-to brunch spot in the city, but prepare yourself for the line that comes with its popularity.
Eat Tacofino on Kits Beach
Tacofino has locations all around the city and is a must-try for visitors. You can grab some of their delicious tacos for lunch from their Kitsilano neighbourhood location, and walk on over to the nearby beach.
This is a popular and beautiful beach in the city and the perfect spot for a lunchtime picnic. The easily accessible beaches are another thing that sets the city apart, and even in the off-season, it's worth a visit.
Grab dinner and walk the cobblestone streets of Gastown
The Gastown Steam Clock might be a somewhat underwhelming tourist attraction, but it's still worth visiting this area.
With cobblestone roads and romantic street lighting, there's a European vibe here that makes for a fun date night vibe. There are also a bunch of tasty restaurants and fun cocktail bars here to check out. For incredible Lebanese food check out Nuba in Gastown.
Not too far away is The Keefer Bar, which is an award-winning cocktail spot in Chinatown and the perfect place to cheers to your vacation.
Watch the sunset from Lighthouse Park
One of the best parts about visiting the city is the incredible views and nature. Lighthouse Park puts this on full display, with a lookout that screams West Coast. You get the ocean and mountains all in one, and it's a short walk through a beautiful park to get it. It's located in West Vancouver, but worth the trip over the Lions Gate Bridge.
It's tough to pack Vancouver into one day because there's a whole lot to see and do in the West Coast city, but this is a pretty good start. Keep tabs on Narcity's coverage of things to do in Vancouver if you're planning a trip any time soon, so you can compile your backlist activities.
Happy travels!
This article has been updated since its original publication date in April 2024.
A display of camping and outdoor gear at Decathlon's Vancouver store. 
A display of kayaks, paddleboards and snorkels at Decathlon's Vancouver store. 
The shoe department at Decathlon's Vancouver store. 