1. Visit Granville Island

Once home to some serious industry (hence its former name, Industrial Island),

Granville Island is now one of the best places for families to experience Vancouver. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Hang out in Stanley Park

Stroll along the sea wall, picnic on the greens, smell the roses...

it doesn't get much better than Vancouver's pride and joy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. People-watch in Vancouver neighbourhoods

How do visitors really get to know the city? By hanging out in neighbourhoods and soaking in the vibes.

Get the dish on all of Vancity's 'hoods.

 

 

 

 

 

4. Hike the Grouse Grind

The famous Grouse Grind hike is a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts.

Your legs might hate you afterward, but the views at the top are incredible.

Walking is free, though many hikers like to pay the $10 for the gondola ride down. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Go Celeb-spotting

Where, oh where do the stars hang out? Playing celeb-spotting is totally free and surprisingly easy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Visit the Christ Church Cathedral

Designed in Gothic Revival style, the church features ceiling beams of Douglas fir,

intricately designed interior arches and a number of stained glass windows - no wonder it's declared a Class A Heritage site.

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Mountain biking in the North Shore

Nothing like getting air and getting dirty to experience the best of Vancouver's North Shore. 

Find the best mountain biking trails.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. Walk around Canada Place

This is simply a great place to relax and watch the cruise ships glide into the city.

Plus, the photo-ops are fantastic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Tour Vancouver's Art

Vancouver's art galleries never cease showcasing some of the most cutting-edge art in the country.

Cost of perusing: free.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. Visit the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

Staying here might cost a pretty penny, but it doesn't cost a cent to check out "the Grand Lady,"

which has become a verifiable tourist destination for its distinctive history and architecture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11. Window shop at Vancouver's best shopping areas

Robson Street, Yaletown, Commercial Drive...the city's shopping neighbourhoodsgive new meaning to "shop 'til you drop."

 

 

 

 

 

12. Hang out at UBC

Is someone in the family getting ready to apply to college? Take a tour of the University of British Columbia -

it's one of the most beautiful campuses in the country.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13. Gaze at the stars at MacMillan Observatory

Right next to the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, the observatory is admission by donation

and offers public viewings on Friday and Saturday evenings.

 

 

 

 

 

14. Take a Scenic Drive

There's no cost for admission to enjoy gorgeous Vancouver scenery.

Take the legendary Sea-to-Sky Highway to get to Whistler and experience glimmering turquoise inlets,

old-growth rainforests and craggy cliffs.

 

 

 

 

 

15. Explore Athletes Village

Vancouver's newest neighbourhood is at the Southeast corner of False Creek, just steps from Science World.

Grab a snack, explore the nearby habitat island, and check out some interesting public art installations.

 

 

 

 

 

16. Richmond Night Market

During the summer, this Chinese night market is free and definitely worth the trip to scope out

(and dig into) fried squid, fish balls and Chinese knick-knacks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17. Play disc golf at Queen Elizabeth Park

Get some friends together and play a round of disc golf, free at Queen Elizabeth Park, one of Vancouver's

most popular recreation areas. The course is located near the Pitch & Putt Golf Course.

If Frisbees aren’t your thing, pick up a tennis racquet and smack the ball around at any of the 18 free courts.

 

 

 

 

 

18. Visit Capilano Salmon Hatchery

It may sound strange, but viewing the salmon runs at the free Capilano Salmon Hatchery taps

you into the majesty of nature and pulls you into the wonderful life cycle of the salmon that come through here.

 

 

 

 

 

19. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park

Not to be confused with the adjacent Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens, which charges $10 admission,

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park provides the public with an opportunity to experience elements

of a traditional Chinese garden — all free of charge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20. Visit Vancouver's free museums

The city's handful of free museums (BC Golf Museum) and learning centres (Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre)

offer a great way to spend the day without spending money.

 

 

 

 

 

 

21. Watch the water at Lonsdale Quay

Perfect for those that want a relaxing afternoon, the quay offers seaside breezes

that make this a perfect picnic spot.

 

 

 

 

 

22. Wander around Lynn Canyon

This is one of Vancouver's most popular free activities. Hit the hiking trail,

and be sure to brave the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge for epic views.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23. Visit the beach

Vancouver's quintessential beach experience presents views of the mountain, water,

downtown core and forest - all absolutely free of charge. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24. Watch the cruise ships go by at Dundarave Pier

Located in West Vancouver, Dundarave Pier is a prime spot to take in iconic views - Lion's Gate and Stanley Park.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25. Tour Vancouver's Olympic venues

For future Olympians and Olympic fans alike, a look at Vancouver's venues from the 2010 Winter Games

is a fun way to commemorate these incredible events.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more activities check out http://www.tourismvancouver.com