Many of the best experiences in Vancouver cost little or nothing. The seawall, a continuous waterfront path of about 22 km, is the city's favourite place to walk, run or cycle, and the 8.8 km loop around Stanley Park is the classic section; cyclists ride anticlockwise around the park. At Canada Place the outdoor promenade is free, and the Heritage Horns sound the first notes of O Canada at noon each day.
Gastown is best explored on foot, with the Steam Clock on Water Street and heritage buildings full of shops, cafés and bars. The Vancouver Lookout, on top of Harbour Centre nearby, gives a 360-degree view of the city and is a good way to get your bearings on the first day. Granville Island Public Market is open daily from 9am to 6pm, with around 50 vendors; arrive by the small Aquabus or False Creek Ferries boats for the full experience, and combine it with lunch outdoors and a look at the island's studios and theatres. Mornings are the calmest time for the market and the seawall, while the Lookout is at its best on a clear day.
5 places · Updated October 27, 2026
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Opened in 1979 in a converted industrial building, Granville Island's indoor Public Market has around 50 vendors selling seafood, produce, baked goods and international food.
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Built for Expo 86 under white fabric sails on Burrard Inlet, Canada Place combines a cruise terminal, convention centre and a public promenade with harbour views.
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Vancouver's first downtown, Gastown is a National Historic Site of heritage buildings, independent shops and bars, with the steam-powered clock on Water Street.
View details — Gastown and the Steam ClockThing to do
On top of Harbour Centre since 1977, the Vancouver Lookout is a 360-degree observation deck 168 metres above downtown, reached by a 40-second glass elevator ride.
View details — Vancouver LookoutThing to do
Vancouver's seawall is a continuous waterfront path of about 22 km from Coal Harbour around Stanley Park and False Creek to Kitsilano, shared by walkers and cyclists.
View details — Vancouver Seawall