Marriott Pinnacle Downtown

VancouverLocal Guide

Vancouver · British Columbia

The
City Compass

Experiences  ·  Nature  ·  Culinary  ·  Culture

20 Destinations
01 — Top Five Experiences

Must-See
Vancouver

Iconic  ·  Outdoor  ·  Historic

Stanley Park
01  ·  Iconic  ·  Outdoor

Stanley Park Seawall & Totem Poles

Vancouver’s largest urban park, and one of the largest urban parks in North America. Great for cycling or walking the famous seawall, stop at the iconic totem poles, and you stay into the evening, hear the 9 O’Clock Gun, a cannon tradition of the harbor for over a century.

~30 min  ·  Transit
Granville Island
02  ·  Waterfront

Granville Island & Public Market

A waterfront district known for fresh local food, art shops, and artist studios. A local tip is to arrive by aquabus from Hornby Street Dock or David Lam Park for a scenic ride across False Creek. It’s one of the best day out activities for visitors wanting to experience Vancouver.

~28 min  ·  Transit
Grouse Mountain
03  ·  Adventure

Grouse Mountain Skyride

West Coast adventure with panoramic views ocean, ocean, and mountains.West Coast adventure with panoramic views over the city, ocean, and mountains. You can get there by transit, no car needed. For a local challenge, you can take the famous Grouse Grind, a steep mountain trail known as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster.”

~45 min  ·  Transit
Capilano Suspension Bridge
04  ·  Rainforest

Capilano Suspension Bridge

One of Vancouver’s must visit outdoor attractions, where you can walk through the rainforest canopies and cliffside pathways. In the evenings, the park often transforms with seasonal light displays. A good tip is that there is a free shuttle from Canada Place that takes visitors directly to the park.

~35 min  ·  Transit
Gastown
05  ·  Historic

Gastown Steam Clock

The historic side of Vancouver, with lots of heritage buildings, boutiques, restaurants, and bars. You can enjoy a self-guided walk along Water Street and stop at the famous Gastown Steam Clock, one of the few functioning steam clocks in the world, known for whistling every quarter hour.

~13 min  ·  Walk
02 — Top Five Nature & Viewpoints

The
Natural City

Hikes  ·  Viewpoints  ·  Gardens

Quarry Rock
01  ·  Scenic Hike

Quarry Rock
& Deep Cove

A scenic forest hike leading to beautiful ocean views in one of the North Shore’s picturesque communities. After the hike, a must stop is Honey’s Doughnuts, a local classic.

~40min  ·  Drive
Cypress Mountain
~22 min  ·  Drive
02  ·  Panorama

Cypress Mountain Lookout

One of the most breathtaking panoramic viewpoints in the region. A local tip: visit near sunset for incredible skyline and island views, and bring a light jacket (it is often cooler there than downtown).

Queen Elizabeth Park
~32 min  ·  Transit
03  ·  Gardens

Queen Elizabeth Park

The city’s highest natural point, visit its beautiful rose garden and one of the best Vancouver skyline viewpoints, in the center of the park there is a tropical dome conservatory with plants and birds, the Bloedel Conservatory.

Lonsdale Quay
~24 min  ·  Transit
04  ·  Skyline

Lonsdale Quay

North Shore spot with a scenic walk, skyline views, and a market with local food vendors and independent shops. You can visit the polygon art gallery and go to and from downtown by taking the Sea Bus.

Pacific Spirit Park
~30 min  ·  Drive
05  ·  Coastal Forest

Pacific Spirit Regional Park

Network of forest trails near UBC where you can also explore nearby beaches, making it a perfect mix of nature, coastline, and quiet break from the city.

03 — Top Five Culinary & Nightlife

Taste &
Nightlife

Dining  ·  Cocktails  ·  Waterfront

Showcase Restaurant & Bar
01  ·  Coal Harbour

Showcase Restaurant & Bar

Start or end your day at our hotel restaurant and bar, with a full Canadian breakfast, plus international lunch and dinner. Unwind with local craft beer, wine or signature cocktails. Happy Hour is available daily from 4PM – 6PM.

~0 min  ·  In Hotel
Miku Waterfront
02  ·  Coal Harbour

Miku Waterfront

A unique Vancouver dining experience on the harborfront, famous for its aburi sushi and great harbor views.

~17 min  ·  Transit
Blue Water Cafe
02  ·  Yaletown

Blue Water Cafe

Located in one of Vancouver’s trendiest neighborhoods, this renowned seafood restaurant offers a dining experience surrounded by Yaletown’s fun atmosphere.

2.4 km  ·  Reservations recommended
Laowai
03  ·  Chinatown

The Keefer Bar

A neighborhood favorite in historic Chinatown, known for inventive cocktails in a moody, apothecary-inspired setting.

~17 min  ·  Transit
Laowai
04  ·  Speakeasy

Laowai

Tucked behind Blnd Tgr, this secret cocktail bar blends exclusivity with Asian-inspired flavors in one of the city’s coolest districts.

~17 min  ·  Transit
04 — Top Five Culture, Art & Gardens

Discover
& Collect

Museums  ·  Art  ·  Botanical

Vancouver Art Gallery
~13 min  ·  Walk
01  ·  Downtown Core

Vancouver Art Gallery

A Vancouver landmark downtown, showcasing major exhibitions and local creativity in a historic building at the heart of the city.

Museum of Anthropology
~40 min  ·  Drive
02  ·  UBC Campus

Museum of Anthropology

Unique and meaningful place featuring extraordinary Indigenous art and cultural collections that reflect the historic identity of this land. You can also explore the beautiful UBC campus.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden
~12 min  ·  Transit
03  ·  Chinatown

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden

A peaceful cultural gem in Chinatown, designed in the Ming Dynasty tradition and offering a quiet escape from the busy downtown.

VanDusen Botanical Garden
~40 min  ·  Transit
04  ·  Shaughnessy

VanDusen Garden

Beautiful botanical oasis with themed gardens, seasonal blooms, and walking paths. They also have a local classic restaurant located in the garden, Shaughnessy Restaurant, great option after exploring the garden.

Bloedel Conservatory
~40 min  ·  Drive
05  ·  Queen Elizabeth Park

Bloedel Conservatory

Hidden tropical sanctuary in Queen Elizabeth Park, where plants and birds create a warm, immersive indoor experience all year round. This activity is also perfect for kids.